Adventure Journal — vagabond

Our oldest attends Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. So we've had the opportunity to visit this small city several times over the last couple of years. Every time we go I end up searching Zillow looking for a house to buy. I really like this town. Spokane is being discovered. Sort of like Bend, OR 25 years ago. Wonderful 4 season climate, lots of outdoor activities and a growing foodie scene. We've visited fall, winter and spring...I guess the only time I haven't been there is summer since my kid is usually home. Here are some of my favorite spots...

Just over a year ago, I wrote a list in my journal: What I want to be when I grow up. (Granted I'm over 40, but I've still rarely feel “grown up.” That usually only happens when I have to do something like taxes or insurance.)  Here are some of the occupations that are on my list: fabric designer farmer artist vintage sales writer traveler house flipper overseas development Slightly random, I know. But there are trends: creating beauty and living adventure-fully. I not sure what or when or how or even if, I could attempt any of these. But, I'll keep exploring some...

It is absolutely freeing to turn out of the driveway with all my necessities in the back of the truck and an open road in front of me. The imagination takes over as the miles roll by. I wonder where that road goes? I wonder what it would be like to live in that house? How far do they have to go for groceries? How do I get to that creek? Would anyone miss me if I didn’t show up and just kept driving? Wow, that’s a lot of fireweed! What am I gonna name this camper? Throughout the twisty...

As we progressed towards Camper Day, I convinced Pat that we should take the pickup. He was more in the "We'll-just-drive-over-and-take-a-look-and-then-decide" mode. His biggest concern was that the camper wouldn’t fit the truck or that we wouldn't be able to attach it to the pickup safely. I, on the other hand, was feeling a time crunch. I had just a 3 hour window between celebrating our youngest's birthday, 2 recruiting trips, OHSET practice, and drama performances. There was no need drive back and forth... After all, it was MY camper! Having always been more backpacker than RVers, we had to educate...

Our oldest is finishing up her high school and associates degree at the local community college and is looking to continue her education at a four year university. One of the top two schools was located way back in Virginia. Not even 3 weeks after returning from Nepal, Kjiersten and I boarded a flight from PDX to Washington DC. Pro travelers by now, we packed just a carry on. The two of us  could travel fast and light.. I had almost the same exact clothes that I had taken to Nepal: basics that layered well and coordinated. Lots of teal and...