Reflections...

I am German...you know

....and so 2012 is coming to a close....The Mayan Calendar closed out...the Earth didn't spin out of control into the Sun.... and this morning I witnessed the sun rising over a hill top ...we WILL have Christmas.... 2013 is around the corner......life is good. What a year it was for me personally...seems like I was gone more than I was home.....if memory serves me correctly I went in the Spring to the Hill Country to do some Bluebonnet photo Ops....wanted to head north to Oklahoma but severe weather stopped that idea..ended up going East to the Giddings area....had to cut the trip short...but it was still a great adventure...met some other photo buffs trying to get that perfect Bluebonnet shot...

Horst kelly Photographer

Next was the long awaited trip to the Northwest....which I did instead of a Canada/Alaska trip...Finally launched at the close of July, and didn't return till the end of Sept....but what a memorable trip that was...the places I saw, the people I met, the things I learned especially about myself...Thank you Rob...and experiences and memories I have, that... I can't find the words to adequately describe ....and God willing it won't be the last time I venture to that area....

Horst Kelly Photographer

Then came was a short trip to Charleston SC for the promotion of my Navy SIL....what a fun time that was...short but quality time...the a trip to Kansas City for Thanksgiving....got to go the the Plaza and see the Christmas lights.....no sooner did I get back to the Homestead, then I hitched up Ms Casita and headed off to Southwest Texas to Big Bend....

Horst Kelly Photographer

.....a short trip, but a trip that provided me a great deal of knowledge on Boondocking, the capabilities of the Casita in a cold weather environment...and how to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of you...besides the obvious...(thanks Barney)....

It was also a year of making new friends, both face to face, and on Blogs and Camper Forums....all with a common thread/interest: a zest for life, adventure, seeing firsthand this GREAT Country and its People, and having that  "Gypsy or Nomad" spirit....what a great time it was to share my own adventures with others and also to read those journeys that our kindled group was embarking on.

I feel very fortunate to be able to
 live my dreams...not worry what tomorrow might bring.....and am surrounded by the most supportive group of friends, family, and especially my wife.....I think Rob and I are the only two folks who have spouses that are so supportive of these journeys.....or maybe they need those breaks from us to rejuvenate themselves(haha).....I don't know what the New Year and Father Time will have  in store for this old nomad....but whatever he gives me I will take, smile, and venture to a new sunset & sunrise.....

Horst Kelly photographer

As I write this  I started thinking about the Jimmy Buffet & Martina McBride song..."Trip around the Sun"...I couldn't articulate my feeling any better than that song...so that's how I will close todays blog...For your listening pleasure.... Happy Trails, Horst sends