Bygone Days

Jax and I went for a long walk this afternoon to some of our favorite places in Montrose. We started at the dog park, and then hiked up along the rim, which looks down over the Montrose valley below….

Some of you may recognize the amphitheater in the distance. I took pictures here the first week that I was in town. Revisiting these places now brings back to mind how I felt upon initially arriving here. Excited, hopeful, and also homesick. ‘It’s only 13 weeks,’ I kept telling myself. Afterward, I took Jax to Freddy’s for a fresh vanilla custard cone. It brought to mind our three days in Grand Junction, and our long walks along the dry river bed, which usually ended in a Wendy’s frosty for him. He’s been such a sport, and I am so grateful once again for having him here with me.

I can tell he is homesick, and most likely missing Dean. I can’t wait to see his reaction when we drive up that hill on Carlton Creek Road (… assuming we make it up that hill. I hear it is covered with snow and ice 😂)! And as always, if there is snow nearby, he goes to lie down in it. Probably his one remnant of a memory from home besides Dean.

Jax’s gaze is fixed on the white stuff😂.

There are so many mixed emotions with my upcoming departure, but the most prevalent is my anticipation to be home once again. I will forever count this time in my life as a season of growth, new friendships and amazing experiences, all of which will be forever etched in my heart and mind. I hope to return with Dean this summer, and Melarvie’s if they are up for it, so they too can experience the beautiful, enchanting Western Slope 💕.