There’s something magical about a crisp fall Friday – the kind that invites you to slow down, savor the season, and maybe even try something new. Our latest weekend getaway had all the ingredients for a memorable adventure: scenic camping, a dash of art history, and a few unexpected twists.

We arrived at Site 28 shortly before 2 p.m. on a ideal fall Friday. The weather was so delightful that we decided to end our workday outdoors under the pavilion, soaking in the crisp air and golden light. As sunset approached, we tested out our new e-scooters, taking them for a spin around the camping loop. The fun ended abruptly when Cliff collided with our truck, earning a few bruises, some road rash, and a slightly dented ego. Date Night dinner was followed by the crackle of a campfire under starlit skies. As we reflected on the day, we were reminded: adventure often comes with a few bumps.

Saturday began with our usual rituals: watching CBS Saturday Morning, enjoying coffee and cocktails, and planning for the week ahead – before we headed to Fort Worth for lunch at Benito’s, where we enjoyed authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas. Fueled by nostalgia, we decided to check on our former homes to see how they had changed in the 20 years since we occupied them. The first, a historic bungalow, now has a contemporary addition that nearly doubles its size. Although a few historic elements remain, such as the period fireplace surround, clawfoot tub, and built-in bookcases, little else reminds us of the cozy charmer we once shared. Our second home offered a sweeter surprise: the current occupant invited us inside for a look around! Aside from new flooring, it felt like stepping back in time.

The highlight of the day was the Myth & Marble exhibition at the Kimbell Art Museum, featuring 58 Roman masterpieces from the Torlonia Collection. The works on display represent only a fraction of the Torlonia Collection of more than 600. The most interesting aspect of the exhibition was the revelation that collectors who wanted “complete” artworks to adorn their villas and estates would hire artists to “restore” ancient objects to their own taste, leading the artists and professional restorers to re-carve, add new components to, clean, or even rework ancient sculptures. It was a fascinating glimpse of how art evolves with time. Call it Photoshopping in marble. After exploring the marbles, we wandered through the Kimbell’s permanent collection, admiring works by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Gauguin, Monet, and Mondrian.

On the way back to Cloud 9, we stopped at Home Depot for campfire tongs and left with a new pre-lit Christmas tree. One of the most daunting tasks with our old tree was adding lights during setup, so this upgrade promises to make decorating significantly easier. After watching the evening news, we turned our attention to the final episode of The American Revolution, Ken Burns’ excellent 250th birthday present to the nation. Meanwhile, Chef Cliff prepared pork chops with steamed broccolini and charros beans. To end our evening, we headed outside to enjoy a campfire, which we mostly did until Jon got stung on the hand by a wasp. His physical reaction to stings is just short of anaphylaxis, so a quick dose of some outdated Benadryl and application of hydrocortisone cream were deployed to keep things under control.

From scooter spills to artistic masterpieces, this weekend reminded us that beauty is often found in contrasts. The quiet crackle of a campfire juxtaposed by the grandeur of ancient art, the comfort of familiar places that lead to the surprise of change – we set out expecting a simple escape, but what we found was a reminder that every journey, no matter how small, carries its own lessons: resilience in the face of mishaps, gratitude for the past, and the wonder of stories that endure. Travel isn’t just about the places where we go, it’s about the stories that unfold along the way. And sometimes, those stories include a little pain, a lot of laughter, and memories worth sharing.