Chatfield State Park, CO

After saying our good-byes and dropping Lolo off at the airport, I was once again a solo traveler.

I had no plans at this point, and wasn't really sure what I should do next. Between the mixed feelings of Lolo and the boys' departure, and the lack of a restful sleep at the Flying J, I didn't think I was capable of making any major decisions. In fact, I didn't even want any minor decisions, so I pointed the RV to the nearest Walmart and settled down for an attempt at a few hours sleep.

Between the morning sun, and the rumbling of diesel trucks any sleep I achieved was fitful at best.

I was torn. I could head down to the desert southwest and once again enjoy some of the most incredibly beautiful natural attractions in the world.... Or, as Lolo had mentioned, if I started back east within a few days I would still be able to help Andrew and Lolo move into Andrew's new apartment in New Haven. I knew they could do it without me,,, but also that there would be quite a few issues where my presence would be appreciated.

I split the difference, and found Chatfield State Park a few hours south where I would rest and regroup. The park was fine, but unfortunately I have no photos. (All photos from this point on were lost when I inadvertently synchronized the photos with the home server in the wrong direction. By the time I found out, even the previous backups were overwritten. Since then I've changed my backup methodology.)

After a few days rest I realized I had reached that point in the trip where there were no really compelling choices. To continue onto the Grand Canyon, or Lake Powell as a solo traveler would only have stirred up the "ghosts" of the previous trips there I had shared with my family. Anything I could do by myself at this point would pale in comparison.

Also Lolo had continued to "hint" that it might be nice if I could help with Andrew's move into New Haven.

It was not without considerable ambivalence that I once again pointed our Lazy Daze east, and headed back to my role as a responsible spouse and father.