My husband and I have taken many nice autumn vacations in September and October. Some of these autumn trips have been to Colorado, the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, San Francisco, and a Rhine River cruise. And, of course, we’ve also made trips to see family in Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
It’s a nice time for empty-nesters like us to travel—kids are back in school, but winter weather is not yet bad. Though in October 1993, we did end up in a blizzard at the Grand Canyon that sent us heading back to Phoenix a day early.
I was looking for photographs of one of these trips to feature in this post, and I came across photographs of our Stanford Law School 30th Reunion in October 2009. My husband and I met at Stanford in 1976, were married in 1977 during our second year of law school, and graduated in June 1979. Prior to this 2009 reunion, we’d been back to Stanford and San Francisco once or twice, generally with kids in tow. This trip, however, we were empty-nesters, and we took some extra time to revisit old haunts and see new sights.
We’d gone on an early date to Point Reyes National Seashore, and one afternoon we drove there.
We’d never been to the Muir Woods National Monument, so we went there and took a short hike.
And we also hiked to the Dish above the Stanford campus with friends. The Dish is a satellite dish set on a hilltop that was a regular running destination for my husband and classmates. I was not—and am not—a runner, and I had only walked to the top a couple of times. And I only walked in 2009 also.
And, of course, we went into San Francisco, where we spent time at the Presidio and viewing the Golden Gate Bridge.
I hope there are more autumn travels in our future. After all, we are still empty-nesters.
Where have you traveled in the autumn?
Theresa, I’ve seen “the dish” high above the Stanford campus many times, but never knew that there was a hiking path to it. In my father’s retirement he probably walked to the Dish many times. He used to walk from my parent’s apartment east or west, but always ending up at a local restaurant for brunch. This is where he read the newspaper from page to page, checked on his investments, and enjoyed being addressed at “Mr. Lester.” Happy memories there too. 🙂
Pam, it’s a good hike, but hilly. Glad this post sparked some happy memories. Theresa
I love the scenic photos. A few years ago while living in Georgia, a friend and I took an October trip through the Smoky mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina. Absolutely stunning fall foliage.
Cindy, I’ve never seen the Smokies in the fall, but Vermont fall foliage is spectacular. Theresa
I used to live and work on the Presidio of San Francisco when it was still a military installation. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth, IMO.
I’ve lived in California for 36 years now and still never been to the Muir Woods. I need to do that.
Sharon, the Muir Woods were really beautiful. And peaceful. You should go! Theresa