January 8, 2023
We are getting ready to make our first major adventure since or trip to Pakistan in 2019 and the beginning of the pandemic. in early 2020 Covid appeared on the world stage and caused us and along with others to put our lives on hold. We had planned to visit the Congo and revisit Botswana and Namibia. We also hoped to start touring South America: in particular, Brazil, the Amazon and Patagonia. Instead, we hunkered down and stayed in our own back yard.
Among other things, we sold our beloved airplane after 46 years of wonderful flying, I had left knee replacement surgery, Mark had right shoulder replacement surgery and I developed macular degeneration in both eyes. Meanwhile, I continued to walk every day with the local “street walkers” as we call ourselves. We had great conversations while walking, regardless of the weather.
We closed escrow on a Lake Tahoe house in Kings Beach in November 2019. When we occupied the property, we soon realized it needed work and lots of it. With no opportunity to travel and a house needing repairs, we jumped in and began what became a major remodel project. Here you can see our first experience of stormy weather in the back yard. The waves splashed on our windows with each storm through the winter of 2020-2021.
This is the house as it looked when we purchased it
By March of 2020 we were working with an architect, a designer and a contractor and became so engrossed that we did not think about Covid. Our crew did not think much about it either. The time flew by, the work unfolded, and the house was rejuvenated. Here we are installing a new hot tub on the roof. We finally moved into the finished house in October of 2022, just as Covid was winding down. The timing could not have been more perfect for us. As for catching the virus, we each had a mild version of it in July 2020. Below is the finished living room and dining area, the view from the upstairs bedroom, our first Christmas in the house with Mark’s mother and sister and the boat dock in the summertime.
Half way through the remodel, we took a vacation to New England to see the fall colors. It was my first time in New England and the colors were spectacular. Both of us love lobster and we took every opportunity to eat the crustaceans. We visited Boston for a week and took in the historical sights. Then we headed north visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum and Dr Seuss’s sculpture garden. When you look at our house photos you may notice a few Dr Seuss pieces. We really enjoy the color and fun in his work. The Rockwell classics are so numerous I could not help including several.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Further north and west we visited the Stowe ski resort, where the color was over the top. Then we stayed at Mt Washington, hiked in the local hills and took a train to the top of the Mountain. Lovely all the way.
Near the end of the remodel, we went on another vacation. This time to Tahiti for 10 days. We had a super time enjoying water sports and relaxing. Actually finished reading a few books.
Now we are ready to travel again. We have selected South America as our first destination. Beginning on February 2, 2023 we plan to visit Torres del Paine in Chili and Moreno Glacier Park in Argentina, two Patagonian Parks for several days each. (Look for the green stars on the map below.) We will fly to Buenos Aires for a couple of days, then on to Uruguay for several days in that country. We fly home from Montevideo, Uruguay on February 20, 2023. Hopefully, I can still document and post our travels. I’ve developed macular degeneration in both eyes and had my left knee replaced. Will I manage the rigors of hiking in Patagonia? We shall see.
Adventures with Julia 
Comments
Hi Julia,
Thanks for sending your agenda, I always enjoy reading your travel blog.
We’ll be exploring Alaska this summer via trains, boats, airplanes and our feet.
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div>We’re enjoying our new place. Lots to do and fix which is wh
Glad to hear from you. Have fun in Alaska. Meanwhile, I thought you moved to get away from so much house work. Sounds like you are back at it again.
Happy travels, again! I love your trips and narratives! Happy New Year!
Your adventures sound amazing. Enjoy every minute of your excursions. I look forward to read all about your trip.
ENJOY!
Love, Jackie
Great Pictures — looking forward to your next adventure.
Looking forward to hearing about it. When do you leave? Bt
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Always enjoy reading your travels and adventures. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Keep well and enjoy every moment.
Denise
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div dir=”ltr”>Look forward to your adventures. We went to Paris
Bravo!! keep up the wonderful travels and enjoy all you can!
In Peace,
Suzie Daggett (530) 913-9592 facebook.com/SuzieDaggett
So exciting!!! How did you select those places for ur upcoming trip?
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Beth
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We have wanted to visit Patagonia for a long time. It is summer there so seems like now isithe time to go. Uruguay us also an other country on my bucket list. Want to visit more countries in So America too. Thanks for following along. Julia
Will you plan/research these trips
We plan and research our travels a lot, with help from our travel agent. We have a couple agents we use and have found them to be perfect for our kind of travel. THEy even remember from trip to trip. Let me know if you wan a referral.
Yes, would love a referral.
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Beth
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Glad you are free to begin your travels again. Love Lynn Ray
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As always, fun reading your blog Julia.
Hi Julia,
Just want you to know that I received you blog.
Julie Z.
I smile as I send this.. I am not much older but say with a happy face. âGp kitds goð
Go you two, have happy safe journeys. I love you more than you can imagine. Lynn Ray
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My nephew is currently hiking in Argentina & Chili. He is now at Torres del Paine, Nathaniel Park getting ready to hike the Grey Glacier. Have a great time on your trip, Madelyn DiMugno