In late September, Michael underwent radioactive iodine treatment and subsequent isolation to treat the remaining thyroid cancer. Now, we get to wait until next April, when scans and lab work will reveal the effectiveness of the treatment. 

This has been a tough year and it has taken its toll. So, we decided that it was time for regaining stamina and enthusiasm. We began this process by taking a road trip to one of our favorite places – Ouray,Colorado.

On the way to Ouray, we spent a night in the Jemez Mountains in Northern New Mexico. Then we braved the perilous “Million Dollar Highway” from Durango to Ouray. After 3 days in Ouray, we visited Native American ruins at Hovenweep National Monument in Utah. Then we were rained on, snowed on, and welcomed at the Indian Flea Market in Gallup, New Mexico.

It was a good trip, and a great escape from the medical issues. Thank you all for your support and encouragement.

Clear Creek Campground in the Jemez Mountains

A short video of this yearling mule deer is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRlEesAzF8U

On the road to Durango

On the Million Dollar Highway

Ridgway State Park

In Ouray

The Cimarron Range, viewed from Ridgway State Park

San Juan Mountains, from Dallas Divide Pass

Sunset over the Ridgway Reservoir

Moonrise at Ridgway

Cabin in the Woods

The Castle Ruins at Hovenweep

Mike on the Holly Ruins Trail

Rabbit

Prairie Rattlesnake

On the road south of Shiprock, NM

Red Rock Park - Church Rock, NM

And then it rained, and then it snowed