3 Nights in a Van Conclusion!

Well, the time has come to wrap this series up! I think I’ve milked it,
but I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey.
It’s quite obvious the delight and reverence we feel
while hanging out with nature in all her glory.
And I’m surprised with how much writing inspiration came my way.
Several poems are waiting in the wings to be polished.
But they’ll have their time in the spotlight down the road.
Thanks again for following the series.
I truly hope you’ve left with meaningful takeaways.
If you’ve missed any parts, you can click on each one below:
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
And now for the conclusion…

A Fun Mix of Limericks!

Packing at home

There once was a van named Clay
That delightfully came our way
Time for outdoors
Adventuring in store

Exploring, relaxing, and water play!

Leisure comes first on vacation
Unplug without hesitation
Get inspired to write
If inclined, recite
Embrace the vital sensation!

From web, Silt Management Supplies LLC

Straw wattles lay around the curve
An interesting sight to observe
No silt in streams
A brilliant means
Macro invertebrates preserved!

What a view to embrace upon waking
New memories in the making
First sip of coffee
Not fancy or frothy
A moment beyond breathtaking!

A family of feathered friends
Swims in sync around the bend
Paddling in sunshine
An imperfect line
Our best wishes to them we send!

We hopped from stone to stone
Smooth granite to call our own
Gray landscape for rest
No thoughts to protest
Ready for a reflective zone.

Lake reveals rough waters today
No kayaks or paddle boards at play
Wind changes plan
Grateful for van
Inside our shelter we will stay!

A lovely day whispers its farewell
Casting over us a wondrous spell

A sunset sighs
Splendor for the eyes

Bringing to a close my show and tell!

โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

โ€œI could not be a poet without the natural world. Someone else could. But not me. For me the door to the woods is the door to the temple.โ€ ~ Mary Oliver


80 thoughts on “3 Nights in a Van Conclusion!

  1. Loved your journey through pictures and verse Lauren, and that Lake so beautiful and clear water..
    And your little van cosy to give shelter when the weather turned a little… ๐Ÿ™‚ Enjoy your Autumn Lauren… Much love to you.. โค xx โค

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Sue, and I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this series. It was fun to do! Now you know why that lake is special to us. We’re thinking of buying a van, but we’ll probably rent again to be sure and to find out the features we’d like to have. ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s been hot the last few days, a much too hot summer, so I’m ready for the next season. Much love to you, my friend! ๐Ÿงกโค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿš

  2. Matt's avatar Matt

    Honey, What a wonderful series!!

    itโ€™s almost like being there again!

    canโ€™t wait to do it again!

    LU M

  3. I really enjoyed this series, Lauren. That locale looks a little like heaven to me. I can only imagine how rejuvenating it must have been for you. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us, and the Mary Oliver quote speaks what my heart feels. ๐Ÿ˜Š

    1. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this series, Mike. I know you would love this lake because of your love for quiet and nature. Thanks for following the posts. I always appreciate your support and wonderful feedback. And Mary Oliver is one of my favorites. I feel like each poem resonates with me. Hugs, my friend

  4. The lake is so clear. Brings back some memories. We used to fish on a lake like that. I’m a horrible fishermen but it was always cool getting out on the lake. Love trips like that that bring on the inspiration and ideas. You’ve taught me a new word too. I never knew that “straw wattle” was the term to use to describe the erosion control device. Wattle is a much better word than how I used to describe it. “Thingy” doesn’t really work all that well. Ha, ha.

    1. You would love this lake, Brian. It’s so peaceful and beautiful. Regarding fishing, isn’t there a saying that goes something like this: “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” So who cares if you catch any? It’s the time you spent with whomever in that moment that matters. So, you’re right, it’s just cool being there.
      I’m glad you enjoyed the posts and I appreciate you following the series. And you crack me up! “Thingy” doesn’t really work all that well! LOL I never knew what they were called either until we saw many and my husband told me. Then, of course, I had to write a poem about straw wattles! I mean, why not? ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks again! ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ˜

  5. Ms. National Geographic Explorer, you rocked these travels and you basked in nothing but inspiration from every corner of your journey Lauren. ๐Ÿ“ธ You certainly worked the heck out of ole Clay. He may need some new tires eh??? ๐Ÿšโ›บ๐Ÿš Thanks for sharing your travels my friend.

    1. Kym, I am LOL right now! You crack me up! I am nowhere near being a NGE, but it sure would be fun. I think I would’ve had to have started much younger though ๐Ÿ™‚ Anyway, fortunately, Clay was only a 2023 with 1400 miles on him before the trip, so he was and still is young and energetic! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿš๐Ÿš
      All joking aside, I appreciate you following along, my friend, and I’m happy you enjoyed the journey. Big hugs! xoxo

      1. Lauren, I am living vicariously through you and Clay; and like Willie Nelson, you’re on the road again, just can’t wait to get on that road again! ๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽธ๐ŸŽต Happy trails to you my dear! ๐Ÿš Much love! ๐Ÿ’–

  6. That is one heck of a gorgeous lake, Lauren.

    I enjoyed these limericks (always fun) and think they are a great way to wrap the series.

    I’ll be reading backwards, 4 next.

    I look forward to yor polised poems in the future.

    xo๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚xo

    1. You would love this lake, Resa. It’s so beautiful and without the tourists. People go there to camp, relax – to simply be. I’m working on those poems and several other pieces at the same time, not to mention, my children’s book. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for your wonderful words! ๐Ÿงก๐ŸŒป๐Ÿงก๐ŸŒป๐Ÿงก

  7. I always enjoy your limericks, Lauren. What a fun way to wrap up the storytelling about your beloved adventure! I hope you are having a good long weekend. โ˜€๏ธ

    1. Thanks so much, Steve! I’m glad you enjoyed these limericks and thought they were a good way to end the series. It’s been a good weekend with home projects in progress. New roof over summer (stressful but glad it’s done), and now new fences done. More checkmarks down the never-ending list. ๐Ÿ™‚ But it’s all good. We don’t like to travel on holiday weekends anyway, and a week from today, we fly to TN to visit our daughter and SIL. Can’t wait! Okay, I’ll stop talking now. ๐Ÿ˜ Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

  8. Beautiful Wrap up, Lauren with great poems and so many with that stunning picture of you and of course natures playground! So happy you were so inspired and had a great time!!! Thanks for sharing!๐Ÿฉท

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Cindy, and I’m happy you enjoyed the series. Now my hubby wants to buy a van! ๐Ÿ™‚ There are many options out there in vans and trailers, so we are in the research mode. Thanks for following along, my friend. ๐Ÿฅฐโค๏ธ

    1. Thanks, Diana! I thought limericks would make a fun conclusion, so I’m glad you enjoyed these. My hubby wants to buy a van now, but we’re researching all the options, and there are many between vans and trailers. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks also for following along! Hugs and hope you’re having a nice Labor Day. ๐Ÿงก

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