travels

Music: The Del McCoury Band: The Company We Keep (2005)

I've been back home for almost a week, but have had a little trouble finding the time to brag about my adventures in the Pacific Northwest (pesky papers to grade, course prep, textbook writing . . . cooking). I flew into Vancouver, had a vexed train ride to Tacoma, a lovely conference in Puget Sound, and returned to Vancouver for a few days of tourism. I cannot think of a more lovely place to spend July than in the Pacific Northwest, except maybe Portland or Brunswick Maine. Ok, and my trip to Boulder last summer also rocked my world. Let's just say that my eyes are opened to where I'm going to build my summer cabin when I make my millions: Vancouver? Boulder? Brunswick? I cannot decide. Rest assured the summer cabin will not be in Arizona.

Sometimes it's difficult to enjoy yourself (completely) when you know, in the back of your head, that you have a pile of work awaiting your return. I had a lot of fun in Vancouver, but the day after my return I also was greeted with an inbox of expectations. I am hoping that, perhaps, I can work toward a clean desk next summer. Then, perhaps, my dream of some kind of hiking and writing retreat in the hills of Montana can come true.

Nevertheless, instead of writing about my lovely trip, I'll let the photos tell the story. I did have a lovely time!