If you’ve read any of my posts since we’ve returned from Norway, you know that both Sharon and I developed a serious crush on that country. The historically good weather and amazing scenery were big factors of course, but so was the culture. It was so appealing to see so many people doing the right thing, the decent thing, just because that’s what you do as part of a community. We actually felt a bit guilty for bagging on our home turf as much as we did. At the hotel on our last night, I recall Sharon saying, “We’re going to have to fall in love with Flagstaff again.”
It has now been almost 4 months since we returned home from across the pond. While my feelings for Norway haven’t changed, I think I’ve fallen in love with Flagstaff again. A few weeks ago, friends from work met up for an off trail hike in the Grand Canyon. We hit the trail early on a Saturday, missed the south rim crowds, and within a few hours were enjoying the views from a seldom visited location within the park.
Afterwards, we sat on the rim and enjoyed a celebratory libation. As we looked out over the expanse, recounting our adventure – we all shared the same thought. The Grand Canyon is a “bucket list” item for many people. No doubt many of the people sharing our view at the overlook were on a “trip of a lifetime.” Yet, because we live in Flagstaff, we were able to cruise up to the Canyon for the day and have an amazing adventure. Hard not to love that about living in Flagstaff.
The next weekend we joined the throngs downtown Flagstaff during the “First Friday Artwalk.” After some tasty pizza at Il Rosso, we met with several friends at Mother Road Brewery. As usual, the place was full of happy people enjoying a pleasantly warm evening. Next morning I was staring at a list of home repair projects longer than my arm. We decided to do the responsible thing, seize the carp and head to Sedona for a hike instead. Forty-five minutes after pulling out of the driveway, after a lovely drive through world class scenery in Oak Creek Canyon, we arrived at our trail head. We spent a beautiful morning enjoying the incomparable views of the Sedona area.
Yes – there are certainly things about Flagstaff that irritate. Entitled dog owners who refuse to believe leash laws on the trails apply to them. NAU threatening to swallow Flagstaff whole. Traffic on Milton stupid busy all year ’round now, not just on busy summer and winter weekends. But you know what – I still love Flagstaff. I love that I can run and bike year round on trails right from our door step or within a short drive. I love that I can ski on Friday afternoon after work, whitewater kayak on Saturday and rock climb on Sunday…which we did in March a few years ago. I love that every time we walk around downtown, we meet friends from work, or church, or from Sharon’s running group, or old neighbors, or from shared adventures. 
I love that I can look out our living room window to see a 12,633′ mountain surrounded by our little corner of the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world. I love that within a half day’s drive we can be mountain biking in Moab, boogie boarding in San Diego, or lost in the San Juan mountains of Colorado.
Don’t worry Norway! What we had was more than just a summer fling…it was love. But we also love our mountain home. Now that I think about it, there are quite a few places that I love. Maybe we don’t have to be ‘monogamous’ when it comes to places we love. Maybe Crosby, Stills and Nash had it right when they sang, “If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with.” Maybe one of the secrets to happiness is to be able to love wherever you find yourself. Right now – I love Flagstaff! So, if you happen to be in our neighborhood, we would love to share what we love. And I hope you love wherever you’re at as well. Next summer when we start traveling, it would be fun to visit, to see what you love about your home town.
Glad that you are in your “Happy Place”!
Thanks. And I like to think that with the right attitude – anyplace can be our “happy place.”