Reset search
Amy and Pat TaylorAmy and Pat Taylor
Edit route
Amy and Pat Taylor

Amy and Pat Taylor

📍 United States Read more🇺🇸Charlotte
FollowMessageStatistics
    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerColorado 2025

      Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Pk

      June 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

      We were very happy to get to visit this National Park. Of course we got our stamp in our passport book, and a sticker for our camper fridge. This is one of the less visited National Parks because it is a little out of the way. It is mostly a scenic rim drive with short hikes at each of the overlooks out to the edge. You can go down into the canyon, and the beautiful Gunnison River is down there, but honestly...only crazy people would hike that, lol!! It was very beautiful and we are so glad we took the time to explore it. We spoke to a volunteer, Jerry, at one of the overlooks. I asked him if there were dragons at Dragon overlook. He Proceeded to show us a picture that he had taken last year. Evidently, under certain conditions and on a certain day and at a certain time of the day, the sun rising through a cleft in the rock reflects on the rock opposite it, and appears to be Dragon fire ! They call it the Dragons tongue. Ironically, it's not at Dragon overlook. It was beautiful!

      Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining Wilderness be destroyed... We simply need that wild country available to us, even if we never do more than drive to its Edge and look in. For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, A part of the geography of Hope.
      .... Wallace Stegner, "The Sound of Mountain Water"      Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerColorado 2025

      Ouray Day 2

      June 23 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

      We were trying to pack in a hike, a bike ride, and a scenic ride on the Million Dollar Highway.

      The Sutton Mine Trail

      This trail was advertised as a moderate hike with all the work in the first half mile.  This was our first day of thin air (8,800 ft elevation hiking up to 9,000 ft), we were sucking for air.  In that "first half mile," it seemed as though we took 2 miles of steps of narrow trails and multiple switchbacks.  

      Once we got past the switchbacks, the trail got easier, and we were able to enjoy the views as we hiked.  One of the challenges with hiking is that you have to watch your step (consistently looking down) and try to enjoy the views as you walk.  This hike shared a variety of views with us.  We looked out over a valley and onto the opposing mountain face with the Million Dollar Highway stapled to its edge.  

      This trail leads to the Old Sutton Mine with its preserved mining buildings.  We were not as interested in the mining buildings, so we stopped when we got to the Bear Creek Overlook.  It's about 2.4 miles.  As is always the case, a picture is worth a thousand words, but neither the picture nor the thousand words capture the emotion one feels.  I was so grateful to share this view with My Lovely.  It made my heart thump.  It made me feel a closeness and a specific gratefulness of having her share this with me.  We held each other closely as we tried to take it all in.

      Camp Bird Road

      We wanted to get a bike ride in.  With a bike ride, we cover more ground with less effort.  And we see more. 

      The Camp Bird Road is steep incline on a “paved” road, but the road is covered in cinder and rock.  Even with our fat tires, it wasn't particularly safe, and the incline was tough even with the ebikes.  We abandoned the ride after just a couple of miles.  But there were some stunning views that made you envy the people who own houses right on the river.

      Cascade Falls

      With the Million Dollar Highway closed due to a fire in the area and a shortened bike ride on Camp Bird Road, we had time to take in Cascade Falls.  You can actually see the falls as you drive through town.  There is almost no hike to get to the base of the falls (maybe 500 yards from the parking lot).  After the earlier hike, the thin air and the ride, our legs were burning a little, we decided to take it in from the rivers edge just short of the base.

      The time came to relax and recuperate, but we had one last view to get in.  There is an overlook of the lake and valley below and the opposing mountains just a short walk from our campsite.  We took that in until we got a surprise call from Jacob.

      Jacob is now at tech school in Biloxi, MS.  His first impressions were great!!  Better climate, better food, more freedom, and only 1 roommate.  He told us of his plans to be a “White Rope” (a leadership role - Chaplin type of position), and he talked about the study program.  Jacob seems to be thriving.      Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerAirforce Graduation

      Ouray Day 1

      Jun 22–25 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

      Finally!!! COLORADO!!!  

      Colorado may be the most beautiful state in the union.  Especially if you are a fan of the mountains as is My Lovely.  Everywhere you look, you see astonishing views.  Natural landscapes of evergreens and aspens, river rock and wild flowers,  granite mountain faces and patches of snow.

      You know you have entered Colorado when you put down your book (or whatever else you are using as a distraction) and stare out the window.   It is gorgeous everywhere you look.

      Ouray Colorado is where we picked up our original trip plan.

      When Jacob got into the Airforce, his graduation overlapped our Colorado trip.   We had to cancel the first week of the trip.  We caught up to the original plan with the last 2 days of the Ouray stop   So we tried to do about 3 days' worth of stuff in the 2 days.

      The town of Ouray is an old town.  Somewhat western and somewhat Victorian.  Quaint and bustling with tourism.

      Box Canon 

      The Box Canon Gorge is a prime attraction here.  It was originally a mine that never produced much.  The Mine was eventually sold, and now the town owns it.  A river runs through a gorge here, and the gorge is fascinating.  It was an easy hike up and down.  As you climb the trail, you get what you get everywhere in Colorado - Mountainscapes, roaring riverview, fabulous trees, and the sounds of nature.  

      The terminal point of the hike is in the gorge itself.  The river unloads into a massive crevice with a massive force.   2.75 million horsepower. (The same as 25 jet engines).  And this is a relatively small river.

      The water comes down in a slot similar to a halfpipe.  It is a massive shute if water.  Exciting and wonderous nature.  It crashes down and sprays a mist.

      We finished the night with a movie in the camper.  Inspired by our stop in Roswell, we watched the movie ‘Roswell'.  It was a relaxing way to spend the evening.

      A GOOD DAY!      Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerColorado 2025
      1We always love it when the camper levels easily!1211111I took this picture from the roof of the camper whilevI was up there cleaning the solar panels.2

      Ridgeway State Park

      June 22 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

      These pictures were all taken in Ridgeway State Park just north of Ouray CO. It was a beautiful, peaceful Park with a reservoir and mountains all around. The stars at night were just brilliant. Truly diamonds in the sky. A lovely stay...would definitely stay here again!Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerColorado 2025
      12

      The Long Ride

      June 22 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 72 °F

      Drive Days TX & NM

      Graduation was sweet.  A lump in the throat, the heart swelled an extra 10% and life to live.  It is now time to roll down the road to the next adventure.

      The next adventure is a drive.  A looooot of a drive.  Roughly 17 hours over the next 2 days, out of Texas, through New Mexico (with a stop over) and on to Durango Colorado.

      As I write this, we have packed up from our overnight at Brantly State Park (206 miles southeast of Albuquerque).

      In the past, the “Boring Drive Days” have been anything but.  We have enjoyed the scenery, our time together, our music, experiencing things together for the first time.

      I think My Lovely feels the extra beat in her heart when she gets to point out something she notices on the horizon or something hiding in the bushes just off the side of the road.

      I am able to share the love in my heart when I get sappy over a beautiful barn, or share something from my past - a memory inspired by something we are experiencing now..

      We look for some oddball roadside attractions so that we can enjoy a slice of Americana, as well as get a break from the drive.  Just part of the adventure. 

      This is all to say that our drives have been very enjoyable parts of our trips - but this one, not as much.

      [I am writing as we drive.  Updating as we go along]

      We have had things to share for sure.  After leaving San Antonio, My Lovely pointed out the beautiful hills in Texas.  They weren't mountains but more like rolling ridges.  And yes, part of America's beauty.  But then we got into oil country.  Miles and miles of oil fields.  Boring oil fields.  Brown and drab green fields with oil pumps and pipelines.  We drove through several stretches where the crossroads were 35 to 40 miles apart, and almost nothing in between except hot, dry fields.  Then, the thing that I don't understand - an orchard.  Fruit trees.  We did come across several orchards (not sure but it looked like apple trees).  It was like finding a burst of fruit in the middle of your cornflakes.

      We saw RV parks for the workers.  Rows of metal roof shelters to park RVs under - a field of hundreds - out in the middle of nowhere.  And hotels built out of shipping containers - also by the 100s.

      We stopped at a state park which was a stretch of land near a lake (dammed reservoir) with no appealing features except a stopping point with water, electric and picnic tables.  It was 97 degrees, direct sun and the Air conditioner could not keep up until sundown.  There was nothing to do but stop over for the night.  Truly a forgettable place.  I am forgetting as fast as I can.

      We thought we were going to get out of New Mexico without a good stop, but just then, we decide to stop in Roswell.  The UFO Museum.  It was a good stop.  A nice diversion and a walk around.  A little bit of entertainment and a topic of conversation as we drive away.

      The Drive took us through Alberque and to that point, it was not as good as some of the others.  But they can't all be great.  

      And I'm still with My Lovely, so that makes everything better.  

      After Alberque the views changed.  Out with the boring and in with the rock formations,  the greenery, the mountain shapes and the varied colors came alive.  While the greenery was not as lush as our part of the world, it lost its “dull yuk”.

      We crossed into Colorado and began to ascend.  The current temp is 77 degrees at 6900 ft.  We are sitting outside facing a sun setting over the range.  The breeze is slightly wafting our hair as My Lovely comments on the smell of Colorado.  And says she needs a sweater.  A nice change from not being able to hide from the heat.

      We have arrived.      Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerColorado 2025

      Such a Kind Heart

      June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 86 °F

      We stopped in Roswell, NM. We were driving through on the way from San Antonio TX to Durango CO and we decided to stop and stretch our legs at the UFO museum. We didn't have a lot of time because we still had hours to drive and we had to arrive at our campground before dark. As we were walking away from our camper in the parking lot, we noticed a boy, about 10 years old, pushing his mini bike across the parking lot. As we were walking past him, Pat asked the boy's if he needed help. He replied that his chain kept coming off. Pat told him we had tools in the truck that he could use. So we walked the few feet back and Pat gave him the tools he needed. He knew what to do. Pat noticed he needed a lock washer. He was also missing the fuel cap. My sweet man gave him some money and told him where the nearest auto parts place was. The boy then tried to start his bike and it wouldn't start. Pat showed him how to adjust the choke and it started right up. He thanked Pat and Pat asked him to do him a favor...one day, pass on the kindness....we told him to be safe and sent him on his way. This is just one of the many ways that my sweet man looks out for others. He consciously looks for ways to help. It makes me love and respect him all the more.Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerAirforce Graduation

      Two Months in 3 Days

      June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 75 °F

      Two Months in Three Days

      We had not seen him in nearly 2 months. The Airforce allows a call every 14 (or so) days and some of those calls are only seconds long.  Nothing more than a few minutes.  

      Of course, we had letters, but one can only pack in so much to a letter.  So, we arrive for graduation, six of us trying to get a piece of him before he heads off to his next stop - tech school. Jacob gracefully and prideful took it all in stride. 

      3 days.  Actually, parts of 3 days.  They still have responsibilities, inspections, and a curfew. We were lucky, due to a holiday, we got an extra part of a day.  In most cases, it is 2 days, a total of about 13 hours.  We got to meet some of his friends, and because of the extra time, we got to spend some time with them too.

      We listen to the stories and ask the questions.  We absorb the moments. We witness the pride.  Not just with our airman, you would have to be blind not to see each and every one of them standing up straight, head held high - yes ma'am, no sir.  Every thread in the right place.  Each rule and regulation respected.  I looked around, watching the families of the ither airmen. Everyone's expressions looked the same.

      Growth and Change

      Stark change hits you over the head.  Subtle change tickles your senses.  I am not sure how to describe the changes I saw in Jacob.  They were both bold and nuanced.

      Jacob The Sponge

      Jacob has always been the one that can do anything he wants.  He sucks up information better than anyone I have ever seen - anyone!  And when he is interested in something, he blows your mind.  But with this, my mind was blown to another stratosphere.  BMT is physical, mental, emotional, stressful, and memorization.  And Jacob excelled.

      Then there is teamwork. 

      “Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.”

      I had 3 people who told me “without him, I could not have gotten through this”.  

      One of those who said this was Conner Chin.  In a matter of minutes with Conner, you realize that without a doubt, he is brilliant, but they worked together and leaned on each other to get through.

      I also noticed a respect for the MTIs (maybe not Sgt Beaty).  There was a reverence in his voice when Jacob spoke of them.  He always used their complete titles (which I'm sure is a regulation, but he was very consistent).  Jacob recognized their human side even though they were pressing hard.  He recognized the blue braid that signified their accomplishments (top 10%).  This is respect

      The most remarkable thing I saw, the most awesome story, the thing that impressed me the most was Jacob and Elliott Alston.  Alston had a leadership role.  A responsibility that took some if his time away from his RLA responsibilities and his study time.  Jacob policed Alstons area and help him pass inspection, allowing him time to study.  This surpasses everything.

      During BMT, Jacob did a fabulous job of writing letters to us.  The letters came with a bit of fanfare.  I would announce in a loud, bold voice “You've Got Mail!”, and My Lovely would read the letters. 

      There was little time for writing, so we were truly impressed that he wrote as much as he did.  

      When his letters were about his accomplishments and excitement, proud momma was happy.  With despair, she suffered a bit and prayed more, but she lived with each of his letters.  

      Sam perked up with each letter as well.  It was a double whammy for Sam.  He was hearing from his brother, whom he truly missed (he downplayed this, but it was undeniable), and he got to hear about airforce life.

      So, in our letters to Jacob, we had asked us to include in his letters to us a list of short phrases to serve as reminders for when we got here.  This worked out well.  Many of the phrases sounded like episode titles for a sitcom (“14 walruses and a trench coat”).  It is safe to say that there wasn't a dull moment.  

      Sgt Beaty

      The overwhelming story was about Sgt. Beaty and his overzealous squeaky voice. 

      Alston

      In Jacob's letters, he mentioned his buddy Alston several times.  Elliott seems to be a truly great guy.  We truly hope that the friendship endures.  Their paths are not likely to cross again unless they put an effort into making it happen.  Jacob will serve alongside many new faces, but 20 years from now, he will look back at his career and see that this was the most trying time.  A time he weathered with Alston.

      The Texas heat is real.  I’m sure it wiped them out.  Lack of time and extreme demands.  Reveille, study, PT, inspections, stresssssss, lack of sleep, punishment for other people's mistakes, excellence as the only standard, OH and did I mention the Texas HEAT.

      I truly expect t that this has changed his life.  I asked him first thing if he felt the experience as a badge of honor.  He said something to the effect of “No, I'm just glad it is over and am ready to be somewhere else”.  Connor Chin said he never wants to come back to Texas.

      We are incredibly proud of him.  There are truly no words.  My Lovely is amazing.   I don't know how she weather's it so calmly.  I see her heart leaping out of her chest, but I had to work hard to hold back the tears many times - especially every time I prayed.      Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerAirforce Graduation
      1

      Graduation Day 2

      June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

      Day 2 of Graduation was supposed to be a beautiful Parade and ceremony. Both days were very early. We got there about 6am for seats and parking. The ceremonies started at 9:00. On this day, shortly after the flights started entering the field, a very strong smell of natural gas came over the field. Within minutes they cancelled the ceremony and evacuated everyone. Military base, potential for chemical attack....it turned out to be a leak of the chemical that is put into natural gas to give it a smell. Supposed to be non-toxic. Don't know where the leak was from. Needless to say we were all terribly disappointed. They all worked so hard and then didn't get the chance to show what they had learned. Jacob took it in stride though. We were so thankful that we had 3 days to spend with him. We ate a lot, listened to many stories from training, met and spent some time wit his best friends. Met Cassie's parents and generally just enjoyed being together.Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerAirman Jacob W. Beck
      1
      1

      Jacob Air Force Graduation

      June 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

      Proud just does not express it. Seeing Jacob after 7 1/2 weeks.... my heart wanted to burst.
      Meet Airman Jacob W Beck . We are so crazy proud of him and all the hard work he has put in throughout BMT (Basic Training). He worked hard and graduated with Honors (no easy feat!) He also earned the Sharpshooter ribbon for excellence in marksmanship...her got a perfect score! Best of all, he formed some wonderful new friendships; really at this point, they seem more like brothers already. He is excited to move on to Tech school. He will be going to Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS. His job is in IT which he is very excited about. He has always loved computers so it seems a great fit. He plans to make a career in the Air Force and also to work toward a Bachelor's degree, and maybe even officer training school after that. He is obviously thriving and happy. It does this momma's heart good to see it. We say our "see you soon's" in a little bit and he will leave before dawn tomorrow. My prayers go with him. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Read more

    • Amy and Pat TaylorTravelerAirforce Graduation
      2

      Graduation Day 1

      June 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

      Day 1 of graduation was the Airman’s Run and the coin ceremony where they officially become Airmen. The attached video is Jacob's flight 458. Sorry about all the screaming! We could not find him...we thought " did he change so much we don't recognize him??" After the Tap Out, which we all did together (they have to stand at attention until someone taps them out) he explained that he actually didn't do the run or the march because there was a graduate on crutches that couldn't participate. They ALWAYS have to have a Wingman. Because Jacob graduated with Honors he was given the wingman assignment. He said, with honor comes duty. As soon as the ceremony was over and parents started onto the quad, he was able to "sneak" out to his flight before we got there! So we were able to Tap him out.Read more

    Get your own travel profile

    Free

    QR code

    FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android

    • 2025© FindPenguins
    • Home
    • About us
    • Group Tracking
    • Press
    • Terms
    • Privacy Policy & Cookies
    • Help Center
    • Legal notice