Limbo

 I am finally settling back in at work. My mind still often wanders to the mountains and wishing I were still there. I am starting to plan my trip to Big Bend next year. Campsite has been reserved for several months now, and I've been doing a bit more Alltrails research on the hikes I want to do. The two big hikes are really close to the campground. There are a number of trails in that area, but I think a few of them may be too challenging or too long. My daughter had planned on going with me but it is looking like she won't be able to make it as her lease is up just a few weeks after the trip and she really wants to move somewhere new. She works remote so as long as she has reliable fast internet she can go just about anywhere. I am also looking at options for Colorado next Autumn. As much as I loved where we camped this year I would like to explore new areas. I'd love to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, but by late September there aren't many options for camping. I may see if I can get something, if not I will have some other options on the table. 

I have stepped back my work-out schedule for the month. Just easy home workouts and of course my morning yoga. I am still waiting for cooler weather to get out on the local trails, but summer does not want to loosen it's grip on the weather. I am so tired of it getting into the 90's every day. We may get some relief in another week, I'll just need it to stick around through a weekend. 

I also need to get my volunteer position confirmed for Nepal. I just need to get a few questions answered so I can confirm my timeline to be there. The Visa is issued for 90 days max, but an extension can be acquired after arrival. I can probably keep my time there under the 90 days, but it depends on the Dashain holiday period and how that impacts the teaching schedule. It could possibly be a 2 week school break, but I think the monastery school doesn't shut down. The Volunteer director recommended I trek the EBC during it, but I really don't want to go then as it is peak season and the trails and teahouses are crowded. I wouldn't mind hiking to Pikey Peak, but it would be a 4 day trek at most. I prefer to do EBC at the end of my trip so I don't have to rush. I'll just have to see how it all plays out.

15 more months until I retire. It sounds like a 15 year jail sentence to me right now. I had hoped my vacation would re-energize me, but instead I feel trapped even more. I am so ready for the next chapter in my life. To be free of schedules and deadlines. I want to travel, go hiking, or just be lazy on any given day. I feel like I am in limbo right now. My plans feel like dreams, will I really get to fulfill them?

15 more months. Please tell me I can do it.