End of an Era - Farewell to Fairhope

Fairhope, AL is currently my favorite sunset spot in the continental United States. I'm grateful for tonight's sunset because it appears it will be the last that I see for some time due to an unexpected transition associated with my "day job" that will likely have far less travel to Alabama.

This evening, Fairhope proved that she'd saved the best for last. Spectacular.

Fishing Partner at Sunset - Fairhope, AL

Getting this close to a Great Blue Heron proved to be a unique experience for me this far. This guy seemed intent on stalking the dock and waiting on handouts from the fisherman at the end of the pier. He was fearless around humans, and that characteristic is pretty rare in these normally skittish predators. Bearing witness to this type of magnificent stateliness gives me hope that the direction of the universal momentum propels me along the path that's meant for me.

The sun settled, and although the sky started cloudy and dark earlier in the evening, the final coda was one of the best that I've ever seen.

End of an Era - Fairhope, AL

I'm going to miss Fairhope. It is difficult to imagine that the gift of presence in this magical area can be easily replaced, but I remain optimistic. The spectacular nature of my final evening hear fills me with the warmth of confidence that the universe knows what I need and is pulling me inexorably down the path it has chosen for me to follow.

I'm even less sure what tomorrow will hold, but the signs keep pointing toward a future filled with adventure and wonder. For that, I'm profoundly grateful.

Self-Reflections

I've been granted the opportunity recently to take some time for self-reflection. It's been a truly enriching experience. My walking has ramped up to near pre-broken foot levels, I'm trying out some new photography techniques, and I've met a number of really interesting and loving people over the last six weeks.

I-565 Sentinel, Huntsville, AL (f/20, 13.00s, 39.00mm, ISO 100)

As an example, before yesterday, I've personally witnessed only two occasions of raw courage wrapped in selfless sacrifice with a dose of truth in order to help someone else. Yesterday, I saw the third example of just that behavior and it was stunning. That kind of thing re-opens the mind to the reality that love is more powerful than fear, and in spite of the risks, it's worth it.

I'm grateful for this period of self-reflection, and I'm looking forward to the attempt at bringing it back to the grind of the workaday world. Tomorrow will bring what it does, and I'm looking forward to the unfolding.

Rory's Back in Town

I'm happy to report that Rory Conlan is still breathing and walking. Although he hasn't (yet) followed up on his promise of more to follow on these pages, we did lash up this weekend for a series of long training walks in Huntsville, AL.

Monte Sano State Park Overlook - Huntsville, AL

I'm happy to report that the weather's been spectacular, and we've gotten in some credible distance over the last couple of days.

Alligator Gar - Aldridge Creek - Huntsville, AL

We even saw quite a few fish today including several good size large mouth bass, two alligator gar, and some sunfish/bream.

It's been quite enjoyable to get out on the trail with Rory, but we both have some work to do conditioning wise in the lead up to the N2N-TCP.

I'm not sure what tomorrow may hold, but I know it's time to get back to work.  Eleven months to go until stepping out.