Here we are, the 2025 New Year, with January 1 a day to both reflect and look ahead to the wonderful possibilities in front of us. OK, there are the not-so wonderful possibilities too. I don’t really talk politics here, though I did get my new passport just in case, but many wonderful possibilities shine brightly just waiting for us to embrace them!
Reflecting, we had some great trips together in 2024 so let’s take a look. Then we’ll sneak peek at what 2025 will bring.
Ahh, there is nothing like a walk in the wilderness, so remember to slow down and look around!
Last January we visited Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The rock formations, the colors, the petroglyphs. Gorgeous!
Of course last March we had to visit the Sandhill Cranes again in Monte Vista, Colorado.
Could not miss heading to Utah in April. We drove along scenic UT-12 with some time in Bryce Canyon National Park (more to come) but mostly to explore Cottonwood Canyon Road.
An August birthday trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This was a first-time visit to Steamboat where we visited Fish Creek Falls but had an unexpectedly amazing visit to Dumont Lake about 40 minutes southeast.
The the trip I most looked forward to, Glacier National Park in Montana for two weeks mid September. Aside from the thousands of people and traffic jams, I do love Glacier. Well, I just hope all these people will stand up for our public lands in the months ahead, it is vital!
National Monuments and Forests are first on the list, handing them over to oil and mining companies if we don’t fight back. Utah is high on the list to shrink public lands. Some reasons may sound reasonable, but what is proposed and what actually happens are often very different. Be watchful, especially in your own area where you tend to know the truth before the rest of us.
Please pay attention, please stand up for our public lands. There are many great organizations that will fight back and we can support their efforts by donating, signing letters to our Congress representatives, and even activist activities if that is your thing. However it happens, people MUST stand up against this outrageous, disastrous land grab!
OK, OK, out of the politics and back to Glacier.
Then a different kind of adventure. I went to see my brother and his wife in December. Love you guys and thanks again!
We strolled around (and over) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In addition we adventured to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, to partake in the annual Candlelight Christmas Evening tour. No, we did not see much damage from Hurricane Helene, mostly because areas devastated were totally blocked off, closed to all except those working on recovery. Did see major road work and many downed trees on our journey to the Biltmore, but the estate itself was not badly damaged and the mansion was not impacted. Be sure to take a look at these very different “wilderness” walks if you haven’t already.
Of course we also saw lovely places in both Colorado and Colorado Springs. From wildflowers to red rocks to autumn colors, to a troll!
Now to 2025 plans. This will be a year of change, new adventures, and some beloved revisits.
The biggest news? I’m moving back to Montana late Aug/Sept. As seems to be the cry of so many people from so many different places across the country, my current home area is being inundated with massive developments, homes/condos/apartments. By me quite a few are empty, but even being half full means so many more people therefore lots more vehicles on roads that can’t handle the volume. EE-gads I’m overwhelmed.
Then again, I’m a farm girl at heart. Grew up on a farm, yes, in New Jersey. It is officially the Garden State for a reason. Used to be many farms north to south–mostly all truck farms (veggies). Need more open space because it is quickly disappearing here. Besides, I love Montana’s mountains, waterfalls, and hikes. Onward . . .
Before that, we have adventures! In February, first time for me, going to New Mexico to visit Chaco National Historic Park, Bandelier National Monument, and Santa Fe.
In March going back to see the Sandhill Cranes. That is a non-negotiable trip living so close (and loving cranes). Once in Montana it will add another 10+ hours to the trip. Hmmm . . .
In May and June will be taking two trips to Utah and one to the San Juan Mountains and Grand Mesa in Colorado. What will we do in Utah? Thought you’d never ask. One trip will be exploring the entire amazing far southeast corner of the state including Monument Valley. On the second trip we’ll explore both Cedar Breaks National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park. This will be my third trip to Bryce and I have never written you a blog. You’ll have at least one this time for sure!
In July will be visiting a couple fave Colorado towns, day trips and overnights. For my birthday in August will be spending time in a fave place in Montana, Swan Valley up near Glacier.
Then back home to the icky part of moving–packing. Well, it is all part of the process of “getting outta Dodge”, so will keep you posted.
I hope you explore places near where you live in 2025, have adventures in places you are hoping to visit, and have some dreams come true as well. Thank you for coming along and walking the wilderness with me over the last years my friend!
