March 22, 2015

Well today we said goodbye to my parents and again it was another emotionally taxing morning. How do you say goodbye to the people that mean the most in your life? Do you say thank you for everything you've done for me? See ya later? or just a simple I love you. I love you seems to little. 

I get that I will see them again and I get that 6 months (or however long we're gone) isn't that long in the grand scheme of things, but still, it's the idea that we are no longer in the same country as them, let alone the same part of the world. We hugged, said some words, mom started crying and that started a chain reaction. Next to cry was sarah, (my sister) and then me.. I was trying hard to cover it up, as I'm the one who MADE this decision I can't be the one to cry, I'm not sad... or am I? I guess, like every decision we make always has two sides; there is never a right or wrong answer in life, but the decision you make must be the decision you MAKE the right one. (if that makes any sense...) We never know what life is going to throw us and when we make a decision we have to do our very best to always see the best in it, as no decision is ever perfect. I'm not saying i'm upset with our decision, in fact it is just the opposite, and am thrilled about the adventure that is in front of us-- but that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier.

I got a bit off topic there, but what i am trying to say is-- Mom and Dad, I love you. I can't wait to see you again and I thank you for all your caring and loving support you have always given me to be myself, grow up strong and always see the best and bright side of things. YOu have given me the spark of adventure that I have today and because of things that OUR family did growing up I am a lover of the outdoors, of nature, and of the unknown. I love you.

On The Road

March 18, 2015

We have constantly been on the go and have finally found a place to relax for a bit and do some internetting. You wouldn't think finding wifi would be a difficult task but when your trying to spend as little as possible (camping/ cooking dinners/ the occasional beer during sunset) wifi becomes exceedingly difficult to come by being that every place that offers it comes with a price-- hotel room, coffee, breakfast. Anyways, we are now relaxing in a beautiful lodge in Jackson-- I think we might even buy a beer later! Who knew how exciting having a beer at a bar would be.

The first few days of our road trip have been incredible to say the least. Here is a brief overview of our journey thus far...

After staying in Seattle an extra 2 days, Brandon was finally able to get me out of the city. We were in fact "homeless" at this point and I guess we couldn't invade Mel's apartment too much longer. We started off for Missoula, MT and drove a solid 7 hours before arriving at an old Sorority Sister's home. We caught up for a few hours had some local brews and went on with our adventure. Luckily her husband is an avid fisherman as well and was able to recommend a great fishing spot. While there were quite a few other fishermen on the water the next day, it was nice to get out in the sun and fish. It's been a while since we have been able to do that! By late day we were tired and burnt, and it was time for some grub (peanut butter and jelly), we felt it was best to save as much as possible being that we are unemployed now. We drove to Salmon, ID that night and found the most serene camp sight. We were completely on our own and had a 360 degree vista of the mountains. We cracked a beer enjoyed the views and boiled our freeze dried soup-- I wouldn't say it was delicious, but it would do.

The next morning we woke up bright and early and fixed a strong french press (with seattle coffee that we freshly ground before we left) and I have to say, what a great way to start off the morning; cool mountain breeze, sunshine, delicious coffee, and family- I wouldn't have it any other way. We cleaned up our camp and headed out for a hike. Destination: Gold Bug Hot Springs. This was no ordinary hike I tell you. It was the most glorious destination after a beautiful 3 mile hike. There are no words to describe the peacefulness that we felt once we arrived. Not a soul was up there; just us, our pup Kelty, and of course an extra french press we packed. We strip down, hop in the natural hot springs and enjoy a relaxing soak in tranquility. Almost 2 hours later we decided we were pruned up enough and we dry off and make our way back down. Just in time for the next people to arrive... and the next... and the next. We timed it perfectly! By the time we left there had to have been over 20 people making their way up to the springs. The early bird definitely got the worm in this case!

While our soak was amazing, the day was not yet over so we headed to West Yellow Stone and found an old fishing spot that we used to love when we were living in Colorado. We fished until dark and headed back into town for some live music and dancing. Needless to say we passed out when our heads finally hit the pillow

Getting up the following morning was a little more difficult that other days. After 3 straight days of oatmeal in the morning, pb&j for lunch, and soup for dinner we were feeling extremely malnourished. i'm talkin' constant hunger. We splurged (!) on breakfast this morning had had eggs and hashbrowns and toast. while it was so yummy, i think my stomach must have shrunk because one egg and a half piece of toast in i was full. oh well, my belly was full and both of us were happy. Off to fishing we go!

Letting Go Of Seattle

March 12, 2015

Leaving Seattle was a much more difficult task than I had anticipated. We have been living in Seattle for 3 years (almost to the day!) and have made some amazing bonds with friends, work life, and the city. I always thought my heart would bring us back to Colorado, but the more I thought about leaving Seattle the sadder I became. Seattle has more to offer than we ever expected; the pure walkability to everything out our front door was amazing- groceries, bars, parks, and of course my best friend, no Mel I haven't forgotten about you. The thought of leaving you was what was the hardest part about leaving home. You have become my family and the one I can go to for anything. You get me, and my annoying quirks and you somehow still put up with me in all my glory. You will forever be in my heart, and don't worry, I of Course will not forget about you. :) Please don't forget about me <3 (I'm crying as I write this post.)

LEAVING THE LIFE OF LUXURY

Where to begin... Brandon and I have made a life changing decision to leave our jobs and set off to travel the world. But it's not as simple as that. For the last year Brandon and I have been contemplating an adventure like this but never thought it would happen. Who actually quits their job, leaves their home and sets off to the unknown with no agenda, no plan, and a not much travel experience. Well, us, that's who. Since Brandon and I can remember we have always been the adventurous type-- leaving on the weekends to find new places we hadn't explored yet, finding new hikes, fishing spots, and trying new food. We live for the uniqueness this amazing country has to offer. But there's more, more places to see, more cultures to immerse ourselves in and more adventures to be had. So our plan began to form.

Brandon and I had an epiphany when we came home from a trip to Belize. We met village people who were the nicest, most caring and thoughtful people we had ever met. We met travelers who were doing the same as we are now, and we thought, why can't we do that?!

We bought books, looked at maps, and began to save. Every conversation we had, now revolved around our excitement to travel. Could this happen? We felt the more we talked about it the more likely it was to happen, however we still didn't think that it was ACTUALLY something we -- two successful people who are involved in their career, working their way up, and making a good living-- would do. Seattle was good to us.

So the time came, our plan was thought out, but there was never a good time, we were scared to leave, we were happy with our jobs, and with seattle, things actually couldn't have been better. I was happier than I had ever been-- life was good, perfect in fact.

That's how we knew it was time. We are happy, we are comfortable, we have been through alot together, and we always make the best of it. I know I am going on a bit of a rant, but to try to fully explain why we have decided to travel is something that not all will understand. We aren't looking to escape our everyday life- we're looking to enhance our lives, to see things from a different perspective and grow from it.

We are leaving the life of luxury and couldn't be more excited about it.