For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while may have noticed that I have taken vacation right around the changing of the seasons. I was on a cruise in the Caribbean with a friend on the first day of spring and I was in the Bahamas with my family on the first day of summer. Well, I may be a day late, but today I hopped in my car and drove East. All the way through Pennsylvania to the Poconos. I found a destination spa to escape to and I am here on my own. Something I have to own up to, I am a spa girl. Since 2007 when I first discovered destination spas I have been hooked. For the past five years I have gone to Lake Austin Spa in Austin, Texas. I still have plans to go back again next year hopefully. This year it was tough to work in. Finding the Lodge at Woodloch here in the Poconos was a treat. The drive took me six and a half hours, which is equal to or less than the travel time to fly to Austin door to door. I might add, life is much better in 6.0 – as in iOS. Siri and iMaps told me where to turn, how far to go and kept revising my ETA.
Getting away on my own at least once a year is something I crave. Despite being single with no kids, I rarely have time to myself to decompress. This is my time. While I am very outgoing, I recharge best in solitude. Signs of an extrovert with a strong introvert undercurrent. Beginning with my drive, I enjoyed the time alone. It wasn’t until I had been on the road for a little over an hour and Siri told me I was to stay on interstate 80 for 239 miles did I let a friend know I had time to chat. Side note – Siri is good to text while driving, but I still try to limit it. Fortunately my friend called and she and I talked for a while. We both are entertaining ideas of moving more and more toward a vegetarian lifestyle. She is also a triathlete and we are learning more about endurance athletes, protein, and still being vegetarian. After talking a while we said farewell and I was back to my drive and scenery. One more call came in from a friend and we talked a bit about my running and his cycling and the time this week I will have to train, relax and unwind. Then I hit the mountains and lost the call. So maybe an hour of my six and a half hour drive was filled with conversation. The rest of the time I took in the sights and spent time in my thoughts.
The sights – Pennsylvania is already showing its fall colors earlier than Ohio. I also enjoyed the rolling hills. Much of Ohio driving is flat, only the eastern area, starting about where I live, has significant hills. Here are my sights.
I had clouds, rain, sun, and rain while the sun shined. I also saw the most beautiful rainbow. I was deep in thought when Train (one of my favorite bands) came on the radio singing Calling All Angels. Just as I heard “I need a sign, to let me know you’re here” the rainbow appeared across the sky. My sign, God and my angels are here. Here is my rainbow.
This will be a good week, I know. Time to unwind, appreciate all I have in my life, and know I am not alone while I am here on my own. Talking today with dear friends, texting with my sister and a few other friends after I arrived – a few reminders of the many loved ones in my life. So this week I will be sharing my spa experience. I took today as a rest day after running 18 miles yesterday. And what a day it has been. Tonight I am writing while I sit outside by the fire pit. What a great way to end such a good day. Yes, I can say I seized the day today.
So far, it is! I thought of you when I passed the Pittsburgh signs!
Thank you! So far it is gloriously peaceful!
That sounds amazing! I would love to escape on my own.
Thanks! It is amazing. We should find one sometime to meet at!
Oh my gosh, that would be amazing. I’ll totally be googling that tonight!
I love the Poconos! Have fun.
Thank you! Talk about hills! It is beautiful here.