You had me with “no cell phones”. That had to have been an amazing trip. Welcome back.

Barbara Swaffords last blog post..FEFF — Feeling The Joy

It’s such a blessing to be able to spend quality time like this with family. That’s a beautiful photo! I remember the last time I saw stars so bright, I was on a plane, by the window seat … the cabin lights were off and we were flying in the night sky and I was awe-struck. I can imagine how beautiful the “vastness of this universe” must have been when you’re on that boat — even more so when the pace is much slower, and when you’re surrounded by nature and family.

Irene | Light Beckonss last blog post..Breaking Inertia

@FitMom — REI is such a fun store to visit, if I just had more $$$!! And a climbing wall to boot…

@Annette — Being away from civilization was wonderful and refreshing to the soul. Sounds like you had a great opportunity to do this as a child, and that is great as well. I bet it really created some special childhood memories for you!

@Urban Panther — A small cabin cruiser, now that sounds like a sweet ride out on the water! I find the water very calming usually, and that does help to put everything into perspective.

@Ribeezie — It was a much needed break, and now it’s good to be back. What was really nice was that we had no interruptions while rafting, and that really was one of the great parts of the whole time.

@Rebecca — It was so nice to really be away from everything. I really came back refreshed, and I think it was because of this. Thank you for the wonderful comments about my family! And this was us after four days out on the water and without showers!

@Mark — Thanks, it really was a cool trip!

@Bamboo Forest — Thanks!

@Chris — Thanks so much for your comments! The river sure can nurture us, and for me, it was a refreshing experience for my soul. And, it also just ended up great a great time to re-connect with everyone in my family.

@Robin — The stars can be amazing when you see them in total darkness. It’s something I don’t experience where I live because of the glow of city lights, and that’s what made it so powerful for me.

@Rachel — Thanks! It was an awesome trip, one we’ll remember forever.

@Linda — Well, thank you. Our two older kids like to regularly compare their height to the mom since their both very close to her height. She usually humors them and plays along! I’ve got height on everyone yet, but we’ll see if that lasts or not.
National parks are lots of fun, and great memories. Sounds like you’ve enjoyed several together as a family, and that’s awesome!

@Evelyn — It sure was grand! And the sky was just so awesome and big and vast. It really was amazing to me. Thanks for the compliments on my family — they get their great looks from their mother!

It is so nice of you to share that photo, so we can now put a face to your name! Please tell your wife that I am also vertically-challenged and our son towers over both me and my husband.

When Robbie was younger, we took several family vacations to national parks. Did lots of hiking, but not boating. Best.vacations.ever. Nothing like being in nature with the ones you love!

You sound very refreshed. Welcome back to the blogosphere!

You are poet and a romantic, I’m glad that I have the opportunity to follow you and your family through your journey of life.

The river nurtures many lives and it seems that the river managed to refreshed your collective spirits.

you have a lovely family. it was nice to finally put a face to the lanceman.…

best,
rebecca