October 17, 2025
Happy Friday, Reader!
Every now and then, the road gives you a gentle nudge to slow down, maybe park awhile and reconnect with friends. That is what this week brought us in Goessel, Kansas. It's great to be able to get off work, walk outside to the camp chairs and share stories!
Those stories have reminded me how much has happened this year! I feel a "Best of" series may be in order for November. There has been so much to be grateful for this year and there's no better time than the unofficial gratitude month to share our favorite moments.
What are some of the "favorites" you would like to know?
Framed Moments: Fall Reflections
Fall was just beginning to show it's colors at the Indian Lakes Campground in Indiana. I loved the reflections in this pond I found one morning on a walk. I shot it with my iPhone 16 pro and edited it in Luminar NEO to bring out the fall beauty.
The Scenic Side...Slow Roads & Small Moments
The last few weeks have moved at both a snails pace and the speed of light. I feel like I was just in Pennsylvania yesterday but we have made our way to West Virginia, then through Ohio and Indiana, and into Kansas.
We were thrilled to sneak in a motorcycle ride through the Flint Hills and enjoy the unique landscape of the Midwest. The rode the 48 mile stretch of the Flint Hills Scenic Byway on Hwy 177. One of our stops was in Cottonwood Falls to see the historic Chase County Courthouse.
We rode by the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (Kansas version) and I caught myself scanning the landscape for one of the majestic bison roaming the plains. No luck on that day but I did have some luck a few years ago!
The wind was pretty fierce but it was a perfect afternoon of riding and relaxing with friends. We even found a fantastic new Mexican restaurant to check out. It was delicious and a perfect way to end the afternoon!
Reflections from the Road
Sometimes the best adventures happen when we pause long enough to soak in the view, reconnect with old friends, and simply be. This week reminded me that slowing down doesn't mean standing still, it means being present where your wheels have landed.
I love the big adventures we have had but I also love the slower moments between the destinations. That's when I have time to reflect and appreciate all the opportunities we have had and the amazing people we meet on our travels.
Every mile we travel brings something new, but it is the people along the way who make this journey meaningful. I'm grateful for the friendships, the open roads and this amazing country we live in.
Until next week!