It Doesn't Last Forever

Time.  Where does it go?  Sometimes I reflect back to when I quit my job to tour around the country to "find myself."  That was four years ago!  Sometimes it feels like just yesterday I headed out with "Trailie" and other days it feels like that trip was a long time ago.  Regardless, it doesn't last forever.

I adopted Max almost three years ago.  I found him at a farmer's market and adopted him through a rescue organization.  He's my best friend for life and I can't imagine being on the road without him.  Today, Women's Adventure Magazine reposted an article I wrote on the past three years and it got me thinking about the beginning and how I felt at the time.  The first year really was a blur and the past two years in a tent is what I remember most.  I adopted Max and about a month later, we hit the road together.  I was looking back at the photos from my point and shoot camera from that year and found a photo of Max on the first day out.  I paired it with a photo I took of him last year and this is what living on the road looks like for a dog.

Each time I look at it, I crack up.  Max had no idea what was in store for him.  He's circled the country for two years and now he's about to embark on another year of road travel.  However, I think he will enjoy the van much more.  

We are leaving for a trial run of campy in the next day so we'll see how that goes.  I will be sure to take lots of photos and share them with you here. I look forward to it!  If you would like to read the story in Women's Adventure Magazine, click HERE

North Lake Tahoe

To beat the heat, I took a drive to the big lake nearby.  I wasn't the only one thinking the same thing.  As I approached Kings Beach, the parking lot was full but I managed to grab a spot.  This was my first time on the North end of the lake and it was beautiful.  There were so many people out enjoying the day, swimming in the water, playing with their kids.  It's a perfect family vacation destination.

There is something about Lake Tahoe.  The redwoods grow near the water and even though you hear motor boats all around, you know you are still in the forest.

I walked along the shore, observing everyone on vacation having a good time and snapping pictures along the way.  I have to admit that this was the first time I felt lonely.  Don't get me wrong, I love being on the road, seeing the sights and meeting interesting people but sometimes when you are in such a beautiful place, it would be nice to spend the moment with someone you know.

That feeling got me thinking.  For the past three years, I've spent about a year being on the
road, traveling to various places.  Once I quit my job, I was off and running.  Since then, I have never really grounded myself where I live and consequently, some friends are constantly surprised to see me in town.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised at their reaction since I am traveling a lot, but it does sadden me a bit.  All of this uprooting makes it difficult to nurture relationships or grow seeds with new ones since I can't spend the time it takes with people to be in their lives while I am out, wandering about.  I do have a few friends where it doesn't matter how much time goes by when I do see them, but I am not in contact with them on a daily basis.  So, seeing people together having fun on a beach makes me a tad nostalgic of the times where I stayed home long enough for friends to invite me to such gatherings.

Yet once again, I choose to make the road my home for now.  I love to travel with Max, but sometimes it takes some planning, depending on the weather.  It was too hot to take him on this day trip, so he stayed at the cabin while I toured around the lake.  There weren't many dogs out and I am not sure if they are allowed on the beach, but they should be.  I am glad I took the trip to see the lake.  Lake Tahoe is truly a beautiful place. Now it's time to look at a map and figure out where to go next.  Thank you to those of you who take the time to read about my journeys.

A Few Days In A Cabin In The Woods

I am fortunate enough to have a friend that worked really hard to restore an old cabin in the woods and now Max and I get to enjoy it for a few days.  I love being in the forest.  It is so peaceful and gives me an urge to live like this full time.  The problem I have with it is that I have a hard time relaxing.  I am used to being on the go and moving constantly so sitting still takes some practice.

The cabin doesn't have electricity or water so it's like camping in a tent with a hard shell.  I have books and magazines but when the power was low on my computer and phone, panic started to set in.  It sounds crazy, I know.  To some, bliss is hanging out alone and reading a book.  I find it hard to sit still enough to enjoy it but I am trying.  I keep thinking of "what's next" and what I need to do to work on the projects I have in mind.  It's a good time to plan what I want to accomplish on this trip and perhaps plan a little more on where I will be headed next.  I still don't really know since I try and just plan it day by day.

I took Max on some walks in the forest, took a few pictures and kept imagining that a bear would come up to the house and have tea with us.  If not a bear, I would see sasquatch hunched over, running by.  I suppose it's a good thing I have my imagination to keep me company here when there is not a soul around. I keep my camera close by just in case those things actually happen.

So, the next stop is a mystery, but I like it that way.