I am fully aware of how precious and golden this time in our lives is. We arrived home on Tuesday, and each successive day brings a more profound bliss. Looking back on the trip, the five months surpassed my hopes for adventure and learning. We've returned more fully alive than when we left. I feel revitalized, as does my writing and sense of purpose.
Samwise and Emily have fallen into that same relaxed state of mind now that we are not packed into Clarence for hours on end. They are more playful while at the same time being thoughtful. This morning by the river, the three of us sat on a bank looking down at the swirling mountain waters while listening to birdsong for half an hour. Not one of us wanted to leave.
We waded across the icy Ellis River to the cross-country ski trails and once again walked for two hours without seeing another person. We did, however, encounter a mother bear and her two young cubs. All three climbed a maple tree, and mother hissed at us until I ass…
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