Vacation was excellent! I do not get out much, but when I do, I feel as if I enjoy it more than those who travel regularly. The simplicity of my travel allows me to enjoy it more intimately than those who travel more elaborately and put more effort into enjoying what they should probably just enjoy more effortlessly. Anyway, I went to the Pacific Northwest for two weeks, returned for two weeks, and went to the Southwest for two weeks. Actually though, my trip to the Pacific Northwest was limited to Western Oregon and Western Washington, and my trip to the Southwest was limited to the area between Los Angeles and Phoenix. Regardless, it was excellent, and I encountered several climates and ecosystems that are very different from what I am accustomed to. I drove through dense rainforests dominated by massive Douglas firs as well as sparsely forested deserts dominated by sporadic saguaro cacti. Winters are much cooler in some regions than here. Summers are much warmer in some regions than here. It was all so fascinating. I encountered so much vegetation that I would like to grow here, and brought a bit of it back, but can not grow everything that I find intriguing within other regions. However, as excellent as it all was, it also reminds me that I prefer to be here, within the climates and ecosystems that I am most comfortable with. Winters do not get too cool. Summers do not get too warm. I may not be able to grow all the cultivars of apples that prefer a bit more chill in Washington, or all the cacti that prefer more arid warmth in Arizona, but realistically, even if I could work in the garden constantly, I could not possibly grow everything that performs well here.
Tony Tomeo 
I would love to travel through rainforests with Douglas firs. Or see a desert. I think it would be amazing and frustrating as I would not be able to export any plants to bring home with me! LOL! Anyway, glad you enjoyed your travels Tony.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are likely many species that you would NOT want though. Douglas fir and saguaro grow very large! Cacti need space to avoid offending anyone, and even then, they may not be much fun to work with.
LikeLike
We had a Douglas fir in our last garden, and yes, it was huge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find travel, however short or long, to energise me. But it also does make me appreciate home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Goodness, your travel is extreme! There are a few places that I would like to get to eventually, but they are nothing like going across Australia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes but that was when we were younger 🤭
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even now, some of your trips are extreme. Heck, you ride the elevator farther than I have been since I got back from Arizona.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good to get away and see where others live. You really saw some extreme ecosystems in those few weeks — some of the finest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, but I live and work with some of the finest also. I would like to go to New England eventually, and perhaps after retirement, get a temp job to help with the sugaring season.
LikeLike