Yellowstone National Park is off the itinerary. Graphic photos of the destruction of roads caused by flooding, and stories of trapped tourists settle that question. Destinations such as Yellowstone are rightly beloved for their majestic beauty, and yet for this trip, such locales are not a priority. I’m in search of something quieter, more personal, experiences that bring me closer to the ultimate source of faith and love.

Being hosted by small business owners at the farms, wineries, and breweries holds promise for making many new friends. Traveling 4-5 hours in the afternoons, we’ll take the mornings and evenings to socialize, stretch, read and write.

My well-traveled cousin Marty tells me that you can’t enter Zion in your car. Visitors must park outside of the park and take a tram into the park. Guess we’ll just see Zion from the road around the park. I’ve no interest in leaving Cleo and Nova in the RV for more time than it takes to hit the grocery. They are in many ways the focus of the journey.

I get emotional when I think about how Cleo came into my life. Jeremy had just moved out and was beginning his life as a young adult. We were empty nesters. She was five months when the city dog catcher found her wandering the streets of Spring Hill, Florida. When no one came to claim her, Furever Friendz rescued her. A volunteer foster dog mom named Jackie brought Cleo into her home and gave her de-worming medicine and vaccines.

Religious Faith

A lasting mark of my early religious training is an altruistic orientation, a lifelong attraction to making the world better. I’ve raised money for many worthy causes, so it wasn’t much of a stretch to see the trip as another chance to do so by asking for donations for the rescue that brought Cleo to me. See my interview with Furever Friendz founder and CEO, “Debra to the Rescue.”

I don’t have any argument with people who find inspiration and living skills from the traditional faith systems. Best if everyone keeps a live and let live vibe when it comes to personal faith choices. These days, I’m getting more specific about describing my spiritual experience. Giving and receiving love is what we all need more of. In Joni Mitchell’s words, we are stardust, billion-year-old carbon….”

Astrology

A few years ago I became interested in astrology. I find it a helpful tool. Like the I-Ching readings I enjoy from time to time, astrology lends useful techniques for framing and describing life experiences. This month Jupiter and Neptune are meeting up in Pisces. This is a once-in-a-lifetime astrological event. Having these two planets meet up in the sign of Pisces is really special. The last time these two planets met in Pisces was 1856; the next time will be in 2188. Pisces is a sensitive and psychic water sign. Neptune is the planet of dreams, spirituality, intuition, and illusions. This conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune takes place during the Aries season. The Aries archetype brings a “do something” energy.

I’m feeling the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime astrological event, faith that I’m an expression of a loving and benevolent cosmic force. Now is the time to sow seeds – the time to trust my intuition and open my heart. This is the month to plan a solo road trip across the country.

This summer journey – RV traveling with pups, will most certainly bring some challenges. There will be roads washed out from flooding. But with faith, keeping friends close, keeping informed, and helpful planetary alignments, we should do fine. I hope you’ll cheer us along the 9,000-mile journey!

Adopt Don’t Shop when it comes to adding a dog family member. We invite you to donate to the Spring Hill rescue where we found Cleo, Furever Friendz. Grateful if you’d mention Cleo when you make a donation…Thank you!