The End of this Phase

Tomorrow, we're heading home. It's been a while since we left, over 6 weeks since we headed west.  We've seen some stuff... We've also seen some shit. People in this country can be amazing or down right awful, but it's been a wild trip for sure. 

Austin-wise, I think we'll need to come back post COVID. While we used Denver mostly as a base to go hiking and exploring, it seems like the jam in Austin is more social, so I think we're not really getting the whole sense is this place. I'll tell you though, it is NOT flat. I went for a bike ride and damn! Those were some hills. 

Most of our time was spent trying out different Texas meat specialties: bbq, tacos, etc. We also got some rather solid sushi with friends this week, which was a nice change of pace from all the red meat! And the girls got to play with discuss chickens (live ones) while the adults played catch up. 

I am looking forward to getting home, but this trip has helped us all learn a lot:

- that we need seasons, not just heat

- that we like being near the coast, but that the any city is pretty much as good as the next

- that the girls LOVE playgrounds and swings and sand, like a lot

- that the girls can be pretty resilient in the face of long car rides and can keep themselves occupied for hours by cutting up paper into tiny shapes

- that the things we are dissatisfied about our house/home location are more clear and simple

- that we want to spend as much time as we can outdoors

Lots of good lessons, lots of time bonding as a family unit, and of course, lots of miles and new states under our belts. 

Wouldn't trade it for anything, and look forward to doing it again someday!