I call this one "Going Down!"
I am sure that Ken got many more great shots during the time we spent on the beach at sunset. And the beach was mostly empty with the majority of the guests at the parks.
As you can see in this picture, we had the beach to ourselves during this time. This was the last week that the parks were open, so they had an earlier than normal closing time of 8:00pm. So after that time the pools and hot tubs were jammed with people. This suited us just fine, since by 8:00pm we were quite happy to be relaxing in our room or on the wonderful screened in balcony. We spent some time on the beach during the morning, when all but a few people were in the park. The weather, though sunny, was not very warm. We had been told that Lake Erie was shallow and the warmest of the Great Lakes. However, thanks to rainy weather and very cold temperatures the lake was COLD! Even the pools were not really warm enough to be comfortable. The hot tubs were great and we enjoyed the indoor pool and hot tub when the wind was cold. There were many sitting areas scattered around between the pools and the walkways to the parks and the beach. We found a great place to relax in one of these areas when the outdoor pools and beach were too cold and the indoor pool area was too hot. It was secluded enough to be out of the wind, and had another amazing feature...
Even on the balcony of our 5th floor room we would see hundreds of monarchs flying around. Apparently they were especially attracted to these flowering bushes that lined the walkway. When someone walked by there would be a cloud of butterflies rising from the bushes. It was memorizing to watch the play of the butterflies against the plants and the building. It was a great way to spend several hours.
It is good to reflect at the end of a trip, to remember the really great things and to discard some of the not so good things. Those hotel surveys sure make you take stock of your trip, don't they? A conclusion of this recap for both Ken and I was that we would not go back to Cedar Point. We were glad we tried it, but we would look for a different beach on our next trip. We were extremely glad that we visited the Flight 93 - 9/11 memorial park. It is in such an out of the way place that we might never get back to that area. While we finally made it to Cooks Forest, we did not get to tube or kayak on the Clarion River. The last two times we tried to visit, the park was flooded! This time it was cold and the river was very low. Still, thankful to finally see another place that was important to Ken from his childhood. I got to visit an old friend and see a new (to me) city. Ken got to revisit an old childhood home. Yes, lots of positives from this vacation.
I think all travel is beneficial. It helps you to see from other people's perspective. You get to encounter all kinds of new people along the way. We got to try out lots of new to us places to eat. I recently saw a video about a 57 women with early onset Alzheimer. Her biggest regret was that she would never be able to travel - something that she had been putting off for her entire life. When her son heard this, he decided to make her dream come true, and arranged several international trips with her. She was able to see the places she had dreamed about. How often do we make the mistake of putting off something, even if it seems like a good reason? I know I have certainly been guilty of doing that. I am so thankful that Ken and I have made travel a priority during these years - while we are still young enough to enjoy the journey. It is, however, really good to be home!
I began these blogs about our vacation talking about running into September. And here we are, in September. Last week was cold and rainy and certainly felt like fall. Today, however is 82 and sunny. Still, it is clear that the season change is upon us. We saw more than one tree that had begun to change color. The kids are all back to school. Yep, soon enough we will be pulling out those winter coats. I can't image living in a place that never had a change of season. I really enjoy marking the time by the season changes. Before I know it, September will be gone.
Yes, time is going by and it is easy to put off those trips, those visits with family, or just that coffee with a friend. I don't want to have a list of regrets in the years ahead. Instead I want to have scrapbooks full of pictures of great adventures and the faces of all my loved ones. I want to have memories of times spent laughing and talking with family and friends. I want to have tons of hugs that will warm my heart.
I am so thankful today. Just sitting in my own little chair, reflecting back on the last couple of weeks. I am feeling very happy and very blessed. It is so good to stop and reflect as the seasons change. It is good to add to your thankful journal all of those memories. And it is good to look ahead to the next season. Yes, life goes on!
Jesus, thank you so much for this beautiful creation. Holy Spirit give us courage to keep on seeking new adventures. Jesus thank you for butterflies and the reminder that you will totally transform us into new creations! Give us gentle nudges when we start putting off those things that will bring us joy. Keep our eyes turned to you, Jesus. Thank you for family and friends and home. Amen
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