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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    His name is Mitchell

    21 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    We loved Glamp Camp and were sad to leave Sylvia! I cleaned up and then headed for a final soak in the big tub and a shower, before check out. Sue came to dip her toes. I was thinking that I would offer a yoga class, but then found out that the owner is a Kundalini yoga teacher and co-hosting a retreat over the weekend. It would have been so cool to stay and participate!
    Andrea had go to prep for the retreat and I chatted with Robert. I bought a long sleeve shirt from him and then talked to him about the prism in the washroom/ shower area. I told him about mom and asked if I could buy it, but he gave it to me instead 🤍!
    We left the camp and went towards Passion Pie…. But got distracted by a Jeep pulling up behind us and seemingly video taping us. We decided to go to the other side of the street and look at the gallery. When we went in, we saw the camper we stayed in and both of us bought prints of the original art. Then off to walk around a few shops and to the Riverbend for another hot springs soak.
    We went to El Foro for some temallies for Sue and sitting outside we chatted with a family beside us. Soon and older gentleman, who talked a mile a minute, came along to speak to the other family about purchasing property. Then he offer to give us a tour around. I said sure, and Sue was less enthused. Mitchell Brown, aged 77, came back to the restaurant and took us on an adventure that included driving through the Rio Grande to cross the river, visiting his apartment behind a gallery and going to Elephant Butte. Although the photo of Sue and I looks lovely, her first words (when out of Michell’s earshot) were “I’m going to murder you.” She has since forgiven me for taking her on an unplanned joy ride.
    We left Truth or Consequences (there is an s), and headed to Albuquerque. We checked into Fairfield Inn shortly after 6pm and didn’t leave. Sue had bought a metal bird, a blanket and the art print that all had to be packed up. It was a left over Walmart snacks evening.    En savoir plus

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    Sylvia

    20 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Two years ago today mom passed. It was beautiful to see all the prisms and yesterday I worked at a table and an hour later came back and there was a little booklet between the planters that Sue pointed out (called Letting Go). I read it today over coffee.
    We went for a walk and had some crepes and coffee at Passion Cafe, walked about town and explored some of the stores. Meet a man at Junkology who was having a tough time trying to find land for his RV / converted airplane fuselage. Then back to the compound for a soak (while Sue read). We headed to Walmart in the evening to pick up food… and try on Christmas sweaters #peopleofwalmart. Back for salad and charcuterie, then an evening soak before our head hit the pillow in our RV named Sylvia. www.hotspringsglampcamp.com    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    Hot Air Ballon

    19 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ ☀️ 5 °C

    A quick sleep in a rather dingy room at La Quinta and off for a 50min drive to Coors Blvd (empty parking lot) for a hot air balloon ride. First a quick pee in the gated dumpster. Then I got to help with filling the ballon, and 5 in total, including pilot Murray got in and up we went. There was a lot of fog over the Rio Grande which is unusual. We float down close to the water and then to a different landing site. We were in the air 50min in total. We had a smooth landing and helped pack up the chute.
    Back to the launch site for some mimosas and the history of hot air ballooning. The pilot was great (a former police chief in Albuquerque), who ended up buying World Balloons during Covid. A company that started in 1973.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    La Quinta

    18 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    Woke up, had a nice chat with Eric… made a couple cup of delicious coffee and continued to feed the fire for a few hours while hanging out with the dogs.
    Once Leslie and Sue were up I chatted with them for quite awhile, then we packed up, did laundry and left sweet Bella and Oteil!!
    We intended to go to Oje Cailante Spa on the way to Santa Fe but left to late. Decided to take the route alongside the Rio Grande. We stopped a few times to hike down to the water. Then we went to the Catholic Pilgrim site in Santuario de Chimayo, NM.
    Finally arrived in New Mexico, did some window shopping and Sue bought a blanket. Then stopped at a authentic Mexican Restaurant for supper before finding our hotel. La Quinta (by Wyndham) was a big disappointment here compared to my stay in Nevada. We waited awhile for a staff to arrive and check us in (in the meantime I tried), the room was on the third (and highest) floor and was barely clean. We are leaving in the early morning for Albuquerque.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    Will we see Julia?

    17 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    Today was a work day and I made breakfast and coffe, and made my way to the study for several hours. One of the house owners (Eric) arrived home and today was looking after the dogs. Sadly we leave this beautiful property tomorrow.
    Apparently Julia Robert’s lives in this area and frequently goes to the shops and restaurants. Once done work, Sue and I headed to Toas to explore the shops and and headed to ACEQ restaurant for supper. The fried brussel sprouts with pickled onion, pine nuts, bacon and a balsamic sauce was amazing!! No Julie sightings 😕
    Returned to our place…. A long drive on a dark dirt road at night. We had a fire in the room and lots of cuddles with the dogs before bed.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    A girl named Sue

    16 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    Great day! It started with a 1.5hr hike in the rain, with the dogs, in Carson National forest. It was only intended to be 45min, but I got lost (and had forgotten cell phone back at the house). Slight panic but it all worked out! I made a delicious breakfast on my return!
    Off to Santa Fe at noon to pick up Sue, who was taking the rail runner from Albuquerque. Arrived just as she was getting off at 2:30pm. We decided to take the road back to Toas that crosses the Rio Grande, but took a detour first to hike in Bandelier National Monument. Beautiful views and interesting history!
    Quick stop to see the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and then tried to make it back to Turly Mills before dark as it is a 4mile climb up a mountain on dirt roads.
    The dogs greeted Sue and I with joy! Made a quick super, and Sue provided the wine. A nice soak in the hot tub (with a surprise visit from Bella, who can open doors and found her way out to us.... and a terrify scream from Sue 😆), to end our evening.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur
    1

    Toas

    15 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Lots of walking and exploring Carson National Forest. The property borders the forest and mountains are all around me. The morning consistent of two big walks with the dogs and some yoga in the beautiful home studio.
    I headed into Toas to catch the Farmers Market and found some delicious gluten free sweet potato bread. Then made my way to the Toas Wilderness shop where I browsed all things outdoorsy and bought another pair of Darn Tough socks to add to my collection.

    A visit to world cup coffee and then was on my way to explore Manby hot springs. Unfortunately the bridge to get there is under construction. Luckily there is a hot tub at the place I am staying. So took an evening dip there instead.

    Another dog walk, a delicious super made with garden fresh vegetables and that was my day.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    Relax

    14 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Woke up (Bella slept with me) and took the dogs for a walk at 8am. Back to make some pancakes and a big americano to start the day. Sat outside with pen and paper in hand, writing poetry and to-do lists.
    Another walk at noon and explored the other arroyos (dry riverbed) on the property. Watered all the plants in the courtyards and green house.
    Back to work a little more, but the wifi dropped so I headed for the hot tub. A nice long soak was good for the soul!
    Showered, dressed, super and another walk for the dogs. My post covid cough, and being at 7,300 feet has me carrying a puffer -- walks are slower than my normal pace.
    The sun was setting when we returned. I feed the pups super and retreated to my room. I watch the Earthing documentary.... Being barefoot is something I instinctively do, so it was great to hear the science behind it.
    One more squirt for my fur friends and off to sleepy time.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur
    1

    Dog Sitting

    13 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Started the day with an early morning walk with Bella, Oteil and their owner Leslie, before she left for California. Had a large breakfast, hung out with the dogs, explored the property and relaxed on the veranda. In the afternoon I headed to Sol Food Market to pick up some groceries and back to the house.
    At supper time I took the dogs for a long walk into Carson National Forest. Enjoyed a big salad with many things (lettuce, cucumber and tomato) from the garden.
    Finally I took a long soak in the hot tub.... Watching the milky way and even saw a falling star.
    Another early night to bed and this time Bella is accompanying me.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Voyageur

    Doa Arroyos

    12 octobre 2022, États Unis ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Let's just call it the day with no sleep! On Tuesday evening, when I was supposed to be packing, I was processing earlier news. Since I had to leave at 3am for the airport, and my mind would not settle, sleep was evaded.
    My new friends from Sri Lanka woke early and drove me to the airport. YQM > YYZ was uneventful and as usual the custom line was long. I have been approved for Nexus since August but the card has not yet arrived. I mentioned to the guard I was Nexus approved (but didn't have the card) and she sent me directly to thecounter.
    YYZ > DEN had a seat between me and the other passenger, so I could stretch but still no sleep. Long layover in Denver (it is a massive airport), so I took the time to get a nice shoe shine for my Blunstones and explore the airport.
    DEN > ABQ was a short flight and my head kept falling as I was tired. Booked my Uber before the plane was even at the gate (the benefit of travelling with carry on only) and off to the rental car place. Travelling Tip: It is usually always cheap to rent outside the airport and just get a ride to the rental company (or Turo). I have a Equinox till Halloween -- rental prices are still ridiculous and it will be the biggest expense of the trip. I needed a 4x4 or AWD according to the people I am staying with.
    I was worried about driving 3.5hrs with no sleep, but I made it just before dark. I am in a remote location north of Toas, NM looking after 2 beautiful dogs and a gorgeous house for the next 6 days.
    Leslie made me an amazing dinner and we are outside in the courtyard, by the fireplace -- then off to La La land at 9pm (midnight east coast time). Looking forward to exploring the property tomorrow!    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Travel Day

    12 avril 2022, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Home Sweet Home!
    Long travel day but it went smoothly, and luggage arrived in Moncton too. Dad picked me up and another trip in the books.
    Travel feeds my soul, allows be to be the absolute best, most authentic version of myself. It feeds my curiosity and nurtures my intuition and fuels my sense of adventure. Grateful to Melanie and Andrey for making this post-Covid trip so memorable!En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Arizona Hot Springs and Virgin

    11 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Final day! Was up early to start work and hop on a zoom call. Then packed up, checked out, argued over stopping to eat and then to the Arizona hot springs on the other side of Hoover Dam. Words cannot describe the beauty. It was a 3mile hike in to a series of 4 hot springs…. Down a ladder and a short hike further brought you to the freezing cold Colorado River (where Andrey swam…. Not I). A quick soak in the springs, one last stop for a jet boil coffee and then hike back to the car. On the way back we were greeted at the top of a boulder by two golden retrievers….. felt so good to hug and play with them. This is the first trip Hailey won’t be waiting for me when I arrive home.
    We dropped the car back off at Budget rental and got a Lyft to Virgin Hotel (formerly Hard Rock). I wanted a quiet hotel without a casino but it wasn’t the case and check in was arduous as was the 1/2 mile walk to opal tower. However, the room was really nice and great for plane watching. We walked across the street for some quick Mexican food and then back to the hotel to pack. Tomorrow is back to New Brunswick for me!    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Valley of Fire & Westin

    10 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Another lazy day of wondering around the hotel, trying to rent SUP boards with no success as they were $25 and only allowed in the cove due to the rowing races on the lake. Underwhelmed with the hotel as the inside handle to bathroom door broke and the sink clogged. Finally decided to visit Valley of Fire. There were lots of small interesting hikes and red sand that reminded me of PEI. Andrey was surprised to hear about the red sand on the island. Beautiful rock formations and even did yoga on one. Stopped on the way back to eat fish heads and have one final fire. We stopped on a well walked donkey (Burro) path and could hear them in the distance but still no sightings. Quick pit stop to the grocery for snacks and back to the hotel.En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Red Rocks and Lake Las Legas

    9 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Woke up to the sunrise but then feel asleep again. The weather got really warm as the sun came up. We eat the remaining food up and had our last open fire coffee. Then off for a hike to the top of the hill (Mountains, distances and elevations are really deceiving). A couple hours later we were at the top and could see Las Vegas in one direction and a spec (our tent and car) in the other. A few scraps alone the way and back down to clear the campsite and drive back down the dirt road (it took 45 min).
    We headed to Sprouts (grocery store) to grab more ice for the fish. Andrey dried a bunch on the Yucca trees yesterday and still has some in the cooler. Sprouts has lots of great GF food. I wanted to buy a sample of it all.
    We went to Red Rocks and climbed around on the formations. It is a 13 mile, one way, zigzag drive. A keep was passing others who were slowing taking in the scenery…. So I did the same and the funnest part of Red Rock was zooming along the road in my little Hyundai Accent.
    We got to Westin around 6:30pm and checked in. Room was ok but had a really strong perfume smell. I called the desk and they said It was just a spray they us and it will go away soon. We decided to explore the property (which is beautiful) and rest out ping pong skills. Back to the room but it still had the scent so we moved to another. The staff are great but the hotel is old, the wifi is down, they are out of coffee and the bathroom door handle broke from the inside. Hmmm…. Maybe the desert is better then a 5star?!?    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Desert Wildlife Refuge

    8 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Woke up at Dave Deacon Campground on the Kirch Wildlife Reserve. Spent some time cleaning the van and packing up as it had to be returned in the afternoon. After coffee and Andrey doing stuff to the fish, we headed back to hot creek to see it in the daylight. Still amazing and discovered it had a whole cave system underneath. The water was warm and incredibly clear. Went for another swim and long walk back to the van. Long drive to Las Vegas today. Pit stop at Pahranagat National Wildlife reserve where we cooked up breakfast and coffee and got on the road again. Lots of tension on the drive as not everything was packed up and put away and a car hadn’t been rented. Found one for $85USD/night and stopped to let me rent it and Andrey drop the van off. When I went to pick him up, tensions increased as something obviously happened at drop off. We still had to pick up camping gear at REI for an unknown destination (to me).
    We stopped at a grocery store out of town, dealt with the tension and finally proceeded to our destination — Desert National Wildlife Reserve. After 5miles on a dirt road, we finally found a place to camp. A bit creepy and scary as the terrain was so different. We put up the tent, got the fire going and had fish, salad and asparagus for super. The evening was warmer then all the others and the fire felt great.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Fly Fishing

    7 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Morning started with coffee and breakfast at the hotel and then off to find a needle to dig the splinter out. Andrey prepped the fish and row from yesterday and I tried again to get my licenses. Finally I reached someone by phone and went to visit Rowena at Nevada Department of Wildlife. It was tougher to get a fishing license then passport!
    We returned to Comins and Andrey was the talk of the Lake as he caught one fish after the next while everyone else around weren’t getting any. He mainly caught and released but we left with 6, 2 caught by me! After awhile I finally got the hang of casting the line and drawing fish in. Fun day!!
    We headed to Kirch Wildlife Reserve, and Hot Creek campground. We made a pit stop and then off to the hot springs. Turns out it is more a warm creek, but amazing none the less! We swam among the fish and loud giant frogs, and watched the stars for over an hour before heading back to the campground. No time for a campfire, so after some clean up and snacks… called it a night.    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Fishing

    6 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 -3 °C

    The sound of donkeys woke me up several times during the night as it was a regular watering hole. Up early and into the hot springs. I had alone time for about 15 min before others people drove up and asked to enter. Sitting in the springs with two naked strangers was interesting.
    Another delicious breakfast, cleaned the van and left the springs. We went to Eureka and walked into a store that said Cafe… and the guy said the brothel and grow op aren’t here anymore… this is an antique store. Must really be looking like a hippie to get that welcome. Found a great coffee shop across the street and then on our way. But not so fast….. or at least that is what Sheriff Jesse said when he pulled me over for speeding. Thankfully my Canadian charm avoided a ticket…. But Andrey didn’t find it as assuming as I did.
    Next two stops…. Fishing. Andrey fly fishes and we stopped at Illipah Reservoir and he caught two brown trout (I reeled on in). We stopped in Ely to try and get a fishing listen for me but being Canadian didn’t work in my favor this time. So Andrey went to Comins Lake and I stayed in the van and had the generator on while Andrey caught two rainbow trout. It is -5degrees tonight (second one below zero, so we decided to stay in a hotel (with electricity)… LaQuinta. First order of business is trying to remove whatever is lodged in my big toe and then a dip in the hottub and to a warm large bed!!    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Nevada

    5 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    Stayed in a real bed (Miners Cabin) with no electricity. I have been having trouble sleeping in the van as my hips get really sore from having to curl up (downside to being tall). Breakfast was served to the building and even got a gluten free muffin. Had a lazy morning and left at 11am. First stop was an old mining town of Tonopah. We wondered around an old mine and visited the Clown Motel. The housekeeper (Laurie from Louisiana) was sweet and showed us a bunch of the room. Not a place I would be eager to stay. Then onto a the south twin hike at Homboldt-Toiyabe National forest and final destination for the night is Spenser hot springs. Meet Gwen (a field biologist) in the springs and we had a great chat. Andrey cooked up a delicious leftover meal and brought it over to the springs so all three of us could enjoy.En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Inn at Benton Hot Springs

    4 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    We stayed at Pine Creek. Andrey made a big fire, coffee and breakfast and then we headed to hike the canyon (and passed several climbers along the way). Once back at the van I used up the fruit and granola to make a make shift crumb. Washed up at the freezing cold river and made our way to Bishop (where we visited Sal at the Hardware Store …. As I took a turn to fast in the van and busted a drawer). Then to Benton Hot Springs. We stayed in the Miners Cabin. No electricity but took advantage of the hot springs twice in the evening . Before and after super. Decided to head to this canyon (which I later learned are full of rattle snakes and mountain lions) to climb rocks, watch the sunset and cook lamb over the fire.En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Convict Lake and Sierra Mountain

    3 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    It was a COLD night and a lazy morning. Some yogurt, berries and granola, and coffee over the fire. We headed out to Hot Creek geological site. Sulphur hot springs (boiling) that were baby blue and trout fishing all in one river. And I saw a rather large King snake!
    Off to Lake Convict and made it half way (into the mountain pass) to lake Mildred. Then to Pine Creek for another cold night…. But most incredible campsite. They just keep getting better!!    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur
    1

    Sierra Ridge Climb

    2 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Woke up, looked out the window at the gorgeous sunrise … took a photo… and back to sleep for an hour. Got up and moving and then went to wake Andrey. He made a big breakfast and coffee, and I did yoga. Then we headed up into the mountains for the next 7 hours. I had to take many, many breaks, and along the way found a strange looking “rock” which Andrey was concerned was radioactive. We finally reached a ridge and took a longer break before finding our way back down. We still had to cross a creek and walk quite sways to the van. Luckily I had learned to use a walking stick by then.
    Back at the van we packed up some firewood and heading out to find some water and visit hot springs 2hrs away. We made a quick pit stop in Bishop for some water, whiskey and kielbasa.
    Unfortunately, the hot springs were packed (and the roads were scary)…. We back tracked and found a spot on a side road. We had a nice fire, cooked up some potatoes, onions, peppers and sausage for a late supper and then some tea. It was snowing out as we tried to find a place to stay and it is dropping down to zero tonight. Brrrrr…    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Death Valley

    1 avril 2022, États Unis ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    First night in the van and slept pretty well. Up at the crack of dawn to a roaring fire and some coffee. Then to Tecopah Hot Springs (pre 7am before it gets busy). After a soak and a swim, on the road towards Death Valley. Pulled over at Salsbury pass to make breakfast but it was to wind so decided on snacks and continue driving. After a bit we stopped and hiked toward a hill that quickly became more difficult than expected.
    We then went for a walk on the salt flats and continue to Artist Drive. Beautiful hike into the canyons where we stopped for a shaded rest. Lots of switchbacks eventually lead us to the Sand Dunes and then a brief stop at Rainbow Canyon before finally gassing up again in Lone Pine.
    Camp tonight is on Turtle Creek Trail near Alabama hills, below the Sierra Mountain Range. Managed to fix a lose screw that was preventing the door from sliding properly. Then onto supper… salmon and sweet potatoes and tea over the campfire. While cooking we did lots of stretching. The fire is almost out and the stars are amazing. Big hiking day tomorrow!    En savoir plus

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  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Voyageur

    Travel Day

    31 mars 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Up early to pack, do yoga on the deck one final time and then off to the airport. Southwest was delayed leaving Miami and then again in Dallas. Made it to Las Vegas at 7:30pm, quick stop at Whole Foods and we were on our way to Tecopah. Stayed at a remote spot at the base of a hill. Andrey started a fire and I organized the van and unpacked. We caught up and marvelled at the beauty of the night sky.En savoir plus

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