Waiting

Adventure is waiting. It's patient too. Every morning when I leave the house I see it sitting there in the garage. Adventure is right there. It's waiting. In math when something IS another thing they are equal. So when we say 5 is 3+2 then 3+2 is 5. They are equal. However, adventure is waiting but waiting isn't adventure. 
Waiting is sometimes one of the hardest things to do. Like when you arrive on time but the bus or train is late. Or when you are in a hurry to be on time to catch the movie but your friend is slow getting ready. Or worse yet, you are waiting to hear that a friend who just had heart surgery made it through without complications. Or a friend goes into labor and you wait anxiously to hear the news that a healthy baby has been delivered and both mom and the baby are doing well. Or you wait in traffic because there is no other way and the highway is bumper to bumper, guardrail to guardrail and the ambulance and the tow truck are behind you. Waiting sucks. Waiting in the waiting room at the doctor's office for the doctor to call you in only to be seated in a small exam room only to wait some more. At least the waiting room has magazines and sometimes there's a TV or other people to watch. The exam room only has a few medical posters and pamphlets about Lymes disease or depression for you to read. 
Waiting is sometimes agonizing. It's frustrating. Waiting for your grades to be posted. Waiting for your alarm to go off in the morning even though you've been up tossing and turning for hours last night. Yet there in the garage adventure waits patiently. It smiles and sings terrible 80s songs to you softly each day, "I'll be right here waiting for you." "And I wait, without you, with or without you." 
Waiting for adventure can fill us with anticipation. Sometimes we get anxious about the unlikely, the improbable. Yet we waste our energy in such a way. What if we break down? What if the weather is bad along the way? What if when we get there, Wally World is closed for repairs? 
Other times we wait and focus our energy on the possibilities. The places we will go, the people we will see, the fun we will have and the exciting and unexpected twists and turns that await us when the time finally arrives for us to embark.
Will it be San Diego, or Calgary? The Tetons again or Lake Superior? When do we make it to Alaska? Mexico? Newfoundland? Will we get to try surfing again? Where will we go and what will we do? Phish is playing a festival in August? Can we swing it? 
Then we start planning out the upgrades and repairs. What's on the top of the list? Canvas and Sway Bar. Check. Next we save up and buy the front air conditioning unit... ordered and delivered. Then the parts sit and they wait too. 
As the days go by and the seconds tick passed you find yourself doing pretrip inspections and gathering your gear. You go through the list... sleeping bag, hammock, pillows, clothing, trekking poles, hiking shoes, toiletries etc. Then one day you realize that adventure isn't waiting... because Adventure IS HERE! In the words of the great Sam Rosen, "The waiting is over! The waiting is over!"

Flying by the seat of your pants

So much has changed and much still remains the same. I m riding solo again, but I hardly ever feel alone anyway. I find Wilson makes a good travel companion. I end up using him as a sounding board for my ideas and often I do find that he agrees with me. OK, so I talk to myself pretty often, but, I m also not afraid to chat it up with the people I meet. Sometimes it feels right to do so and other times I'd rather not interject. Today had a more isolated feel to it and I didn't feel much like talking to the people around me. The other day though I was talking excitedly with pretty much all of the folks that I met. Sometimes its the situation but sometimes it's just me.
This trip has been impromptu and I' m flying by the seat of my pants again which is also familiar. We often don't know where we are going until we  get there. Today, for example we ended up in Fundy National Park in New Brunswick accidentally on purpose. After I arrived at the gates to the park I remembered I wanted to go here, but was driving absent mindedly along the coast after visiting the Hopewell Rocks. The other day after leaving Kouchibougoc, (another national park here in NB) I found myself waffling about heading out to PEI or down to Halifax in Nova Scotia. I stopped at a small provincial Park and that gave me a view of the island and the Confederation bridge. I spoke to the ranger there and she informed me that there was a light house and a visitor center right at the foot of the bridge. I took a ride down to the visitor center and spoke with some folks about PEI and they helped convince me to go over the bridge. (I was waffling about going since I didn't know anything about the island and what to expect if I went there and the bridge costs $46.50 Canadian for a round trip.) I still didn't have much clue what I was going to do on PEI until I spoke with this very pleasant young lady at the visitor center on the other side. Not knowing what's on the path ahead of me is part of the fun for sure.
We discussed light houses and beaches and the National Park on the North shore. Then, right when I was leaving I saw this photo on one of the brochures she handed me. "Where do I find that?" I asked excitedly.
I found the object called the tea cup at what I believed to near low tide. I had to wade through some water around a point on the beach but I only got in to about my thighs. I m not sure if there is a better time to visit the object but the late afternoon sky was beautiful and the water felt incredible.
Wilson and I have been finding our new groove and cruising along and keeping up with traffic has been splendid to say the least. A huge difference in the adventure is the speed and the power of the Subaru conversion. Needless to say, this adventure hasn't been without it's challenges. Sure, we dont have to stay right and allow the others to pass on the big hills which is great, but I am occasionally reminded that I still drive a Vanagon. Last Sunday, on the day we kicked off the adventure, my shifter linkage decided to separate itself. There is a roll pin that somehow worked it's way out and when I came to a stop about 20 minutes from my first destination of Monson Maine, my gear shifter went limp. When I tried to find first gear, I had nothing. I was able to roll down the small hill we were on and we coasted to a safe spot. Then, right there on the side of the road it was time to break out the tool kit once again. After about 30 minutes of toiling under Wilson's nose, I was able to identify and  solve the  problem. On the bright side, I was able to fix it, I had the correct tools that I needed for the job, and the sun was shining the whole time.
Having no real plans makes accepting invitations easier. As fate would have it, my friends who had no idea I was on my way, were planning a rafting trip down the Kennebec River the day after I arrived. We had a great day on the water and ate great food and the water wasn't too too cold.
A few days later, when we arrived in Cavendish NP, a friendly fox came out to say hello. Then as I was standing there wondering if maybe he had rabies or something, another fox came plodding along behind him. Apparently the foxes on the island have become desensitized to humans. They reminded me of the Long Horn sheep we saw last year in Jasper. I spoke to the ranger and he informed me that people have fed the foxes both incidentally and on purpose which has lead to the current situation. Anyway, we discussed camping and there was a great little campsite available along a 20 foot cliff overlooking the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. I fell asleep on the top bunk and slept incredibly until the wind picked up. The waves that crashed against the shore in a rhythmic song put me right to sleep. It was unfortunate that the wind started ruffling the canvass but I just hopped downstairs closed the loft and fell back asleep in the master bedroom.
A few days ago I left a small piece of my heart on Prince Edward Island and headed further east. I didn't know how far I would drive into the night and I was unsure if I was going to Halifax to see the city and it's downtown area or if I was going up to the northern most section of the Nova Scotia known as Cape Breton. I posted a few photos of my adventure on the internet at a rest area while I ate some snacks at a gas station. While I was sitting there a man and his wife who were parked next to me started checking out Wilson and they sparked up a conversation. It turns out he has an 82 westy at home and we chatted vans for a bit.  Then I mentioned that I wasn't sure where I was headed next and they convinced me to go to Cape Breton to see the highlands. That night I threw in the towel around 9 pm in the city of Truro where we stayed the night in another familiar place, a Walmart parking lot.
I posted some more photos of our entry into NS and a fellow AT Hiker from the class of Oh Ten, commented. It turns out he lives in Nova Scotia and was going hiking with his wife up in the highlands the next day. He sent me a link to the place they were headed to and extended an invitation.
I did the math and crunched some numbers. How far is it to the parking lot? How long is the hike? How much food do I have? How much food will I need? Do I have all of the necessary gear in my van? Do I have enough money? Where can I buy supplies if I need them? Etc... I could be there by 2, it's a 9 kilometer hike, it doesn't look too strenuous, and if he picked it, it's gotta be good, right? Sure!
After a smooth ride up to and through the Park along the "world famous Cabot Trail", (I never heard of it) we came to a halt at the end of a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
It took me about 15 minutes to pack my things, gear up, and get ready for the adventure. Just as I was closing the rear hatch, a nice young couple emerged from the woods. We spoke of the trail, the people they met along the way and they told me there were wild horses in the cove!
I have to admit I'm not in the greatest shape of my life, but I felt confident that I could tackle the trail in just a few hours time. There were a few steep climbs and a couple of incredible viewpoints along the way but none of that prepared me for the completely amazing place we would spend the night.
The trail winds up and down and over a few creeks then back up and out into a clearing. Then it heads down across a stream and back up into the woods before it takes you back out into a larger clearing that overlooks this incredible cove. Theres a giant low lying area with a river running through it. The river meets the Gulf along a rocky shoreline and the waves crash melodically against it. There was a period of time that evening where a front was moving through and the wind picked up and a slight drizzle came down from the sky, but it pushed through and we didn't skip a beat.
Hook, his wife, and their dog Dusty greeted me as I came trotting down the final stretch shouting with joy. We sat up talking excitedly and we drank a few cans of beer and a couple glasses of wine. Hook built a nice fire while I attempted to string my hammock along the edge of this cliff. I gave it a good college try but fell short in the end. The lesson here is to always have a plan B. In a few minutes I had my tarp strung over a large piece of driftwood and my air mattress was blown up with my sleeping bag resting comfortably upon it.
When we retired for the night it was still rather overcast but there were a few stars peeking out from behind the clouds. I often sleep restlessly on my air mattress even though it keeps me plenty warm enough, it just doesn't have the level of comfort I need to really get a great nights sleep. Anyway, around 4 am I found myself tossing and turning a bit and I decided to peer up at the sky. It was brilliant! There are probably only a handful of night skies that I've witnessed that have been more incredible. Utah near moab, western and northern Maine, Wyoming, Montana and California in Yosemite come to mind, but damn it was awesome! The moon wasn't quite new but it has been waning for a while.
The thing about adventure is that you never really know what's next. If it's touring an island checking out lighthouses, or swimming in temperate waters, or exploring the highlands or the coastline, or hiking through vast forests or even chasing the occasional waterfall, you really have to keep an open mind and accept what path is chosen and enjoy it as it comes. I met some great people and I shared some great adventures with some old friends. All it takes is an adventurous spirit, a week or so and little gas money. Stay safe out there and if your pants want to go flying, sit down and hold on.

We were, uh, Converted!

Captains log- Stardate 95084.91. We have ignition! After months of anxious worry. After hours and hours and more hours of work. After many arguments with my brother about what to do and when to do it and how to do it; after solving several challenges and locating the correct parts to complete the job. After pulling and transplanting two engines. After waiting for parts and building and rebuilding. We were able to hear the gentle rumble of Wilson's new, um, ... Heart? Lungs? Digestive system? If we say the engine is his digestive system whereby the cylinders are the stomach and the intake is the mouth, and the tailpipe... Well, I guess we were listening  to the sound of Wilson's steady stream of... farts.  Seems to translate pretty well really. Who knows? I wanted to call it a heart transplant but it just doesn't correlate the same way. He also had a brain (computer) transplant and maybe the muscles (transmission) of his muscular skeleton system have been upgraded as well? He is sort of like one of those little Fiats that took the blue pill.
Nonetheless, today was a day of epic proportions. Greatness. Greatness has been accomplished! Another Herculean task has been accomplished. Setting out to do something whereby goals have been set and steps have been taken to achieve said goals. This project was conceived many years ago and I now lie in the bed of said dreams. No seriously, I m lying in the bed in the back of the van while I'm writing this. I am truly blessed. It is incredible to have such a loving family. I know I'm a pain in the ass, but without the love and support of my family and my friends I wouldn't be the sarcastic, hard working son of a bitch that I am. One thing I do know: If I set my mind to doing something, even if or maybe especially if it takes months or even years, I will eventually complete the task. (What about that book you started writing?... Shut up you haters, I m writing a blog now.)
My mind is already beginning to spin in ways that I ve had trouble with for the past few months. Reigning in my travel thoughts will be next. Focusing on where to go and what to do and for how long will be my next big project. Have I an outline in my head? Not so much because it's really more of a brainstorm right now. Ideas have been pouring in for a few months but there hasn't been a solid way to organize them. Not knowing how long it would take... Not knowing. Just the uncertainty of it all. I suppose we really never do actually know. When it comes down to it, we really just don't know... So... What's next?!
Well, tomorrow the sun will shine and as long as the earth keeps spinning, it will continue to shine on us all. From the shorelines of Sydney, to the mountains of Colorado, to the deserts of Arizona and muggy mosquito ridden depths of this here Florida garage, and to all of you, the supporters of the great dreams of the world, we offer you this: A Heartfelt Thank You! We couldn't have done it without you.
Thanks to the great folks at Rocky Mountain Westy, Mike, Joe and Mark, Todd over at Subarugears, and Ray with RSFab, Aaron and the crew at our local AutoZone, and the man behind the wrenches himself, my dear brother Numpse. Thank you! Thank you, thank you all. It has been an honor and I am grateful.
Soon we shall set sail for great adventures! Let's consider the possibilities... Canada? The north east? What about the solar eclipse? Time will tell. Today is today. Tomorrow will have enough worries of its own. Time for some shakedown trips! Woohoo!!!! See you on the road!

Pre-conversion thoughts

Life off the road has plenty of perks, but lately I find myself considering the value of having a flush toilet and hot running water available during the mornings and even through the nights. I consider the value of the warmth that living in a home provides. I even find myself acknowledging the stream of income that provides not only for the basic needs of food and shelter, but also the upgrades and repairs.
During the winter days, while touring the local towns,  delivering heating oil, the very liquid that leads to the warmth and comfort for the homes in the area, I find myself staring out the windows. Sometimes I stare blankly, other times, day dreams fill my mind. In the years past I was able to visualize touring the country. I could see myself behind the wheel and exploring our nation's parks and visiting with my friends. This year however, these dreams are not quite as vivid. They are stifled by the worry of funds and the factor of time.
You see, Wilson is about to undergo a major overhaul. As these words are written, two thousand miles away, a Subaru engine is being rebuilt and readied for transplantation. The Legacy's 5 speed transmission will soon undergo a transformation as well. Subarugears will be installed in the transmission allowing for the final drive to spin in the opposite direction. (This is important because a Subaru has its engine in the front and a Volkswagen has its engine in the back, so when installing both a subaru engine and its transmission in the rear of your van you would end up having 5 gears to go backwards and one to creep forward.) In the shop where the conversion will take place there is also a pile of parts from Rocky Mountain Westy, waiting patiently for our arrival.
All of this is exciting, but there is also a different nervousness and an anxiousness that I haven't had in the past few years. Why am I so worried? Well, the conversion, will take time and patience. I am optimistic that we will tackle the project with all the gumption we can muster, but I also know that the wheels of a project of this magnitude will have to turn slowly and steadily. (Slow and steady is something that I learned as a Vanagon owner for sure.) We must also anticipate that there will be a few hangups even though we are offered telephone support and a how to guide that is provided by the conversion parts supplier. Having thumbed through the booklet a few times but not studying in depth, it seems to be rather straight forward. YouTube has also proven to be another great resource and we have watched several videos on the subject. Since I find learning for me has always been audio-visual, I actually think it's one of the best resources out there.
So, what is my point? Well, I am focused on the process now more so than the result. As the winter makes way for spring I do find myself day dreaming of the time that will be spent behind the wheel. On my way south, I'll be cruising in the slow lane as in years past. The music will be playing and large trucks will drive by my open driver's side window, drowning out the sweet melodies as they do. I'll be smelling the roses and enjoying the moments as they come. Each passing truck might be the last one that passes us while we don't have much choice. When I'm creeping along up the big mountain passes in 3rd gear doing 45, I'm going to savor each climb. There is a joy that comes with the territory, ownership has it's privileges for sure. Have I enjoyed the slow lane? Of course I have! Will I continue to drive in it as I traverse this great land? Of course I will. But knowing I can climb these mountains and keep up with traffic is going to be a game changer. Knowing we can head West to where the speed limit is posted as 80 and not fear for our lives in the Texas panhandle where big rigs will pass you on the shoulder if you're​ in their way, will ease my mind some. Do I prefer the blue roads? Of course I do. Do I enjoy cruising along the blue ridge parkway at 45? Absolutely! Will I continue to do so? Of course. The conversion isn't intended to change my driving style, it's intended to make our travels both safer and more suited to today's highways when taking them is appropriate. I remain in optimism. Vanagon ownership is a labor of love, and I love it. See you on the other side!!

Entrusted

Sometimes we sugar coat our words or say them in a way that makes something sound more sympathetic, more understandable, and less harsh. When someone reaches the latter stages of their life we say they are enjoying the "winter years" and we say that people "pass away" when they die. 
A friend of mine died. He was not quite in his winter years. He lived a life that was cut short. When someone outlives the human life expectancy of 80 years or so and they are taken by death we usually see it as "they are in a better place" and if they were suffering from a painful and terrible illness or disease, we say "at least they aren't in pain anymore" and "they are no longer suffering". 
My friend was suffering. He was a gruff man who called things the way he saw them. He didn't hold back. He had cancer and he fought it for his life. After he won a few battles, it battled back and after a couple of years, it eventually killed him. 

A visit with Mala at the VA

His death was actually quite beautiful though. His loved ones gathered around him and stayed with him in his home and they kept vigil over him. They played great music for him and they relayed messages to him when he was coherent enough to understand. Some of his last words to his friends were to turn on your love light and let it shine. 

Mala and Tucker

I knew this man for only a couple of years, but his impact and the stories he shared, his courage in life and in death and his love light that shined brightly, influenced me and touched my heart.  
In life, Mala, a man who I am honored to call my friend, had one of the greatest friends a man could ever have; his dog Tucker. Tucker was a hiking dog, a companion, and was said to have been part human. When Tucker died a few years ago, Mala had him cremated, and his ashes were close at hand that day. 

Best friends on Katahdin

After he passed away in a very loving environment with incense burning and music playing, his hand held by a dear friend, his wish was to also be cremated. His ashes were then mixed with his dogs ashes as had been his request. Most of these ashes were then to be spread on the Appalachian Trail, near a rock across from Roan Mountain in Tennessee. 
A small contingent of his friends were tasked with finding "Russell Rock" to carry out these last wishes. Five of us set out with Mala's new best friend, his dog Little Man, in search of this rock with very little information to go by. Needless to say we shared stories and an adventure but we came up short of our goal. It felt a lot like a Vanagoonie adventure out there wandering around, going up and down the trail in search for enigmatic spot that he requested. I was thankful at the time to be able to share the adventure regardless of the outcome. I pictured Mala laughing at us while he sent us out on a somewhat "wild goose chase".

Littleman

That day, in the parking lot something unexpected happened. I was not ready for the mission that was bestowed upon me. I was blindsided and taken back by it, really. I was entrusted with a small urn. One of twelve. When I was asked to shoulder the burden, to carry out a task, one that I saw fit for my friends' ashes, I felt unworthy. Why was I chosen? How was I even on the short list? I did not know. 
I welled up with emotion. The urn was heavy in my hand. "What am I supposed to do with this?" I thought to myself...
Since that time I have come to realize that I am finding ways to spend good quality time with my friend. Before he died, I had encouraged him by saying, "When you get better, we'll take a bike ride together." He was fond of cycling. I was sad when news of his passing had reached me. I lamented that we wouldn't be able to go for that ride. However, it turns out, since I have been blessed with this mission, we went for a bike ride in Grand Teton National Park. 

Grand Teton National Park

                 
We also toured the country in my little Vanagon and we saw  many incredible places. I have since scattered their ashes in countless places of beauty. They rest in both of America's oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, various rivers, on mountain tops, and at a variety of scenic lookouts. They are watching, looking out if you will, at Mount Rainier and Mount Katahdin. 

Abol Bridge

They are in Arches, Canyonlands,  Yellowstone, Crater lake, Jasper, Lake Louise, and on the PCT in Yosemite and in Manning Park. The list is actually incredibly long and to be quite honest, I have lost count and I have also lost track. I don't think he would mind though. I know that when I spread his ashes each and every time I did so with intent. I did it with purpose and made sure that we were in a place of meaning and a place of majesty. Being entrusted with this mission has not only made my heart warm, it has also made my life brighter. It turns out, that turning on my Love Light was exactly what he did. Thank you Mala. Thank you. 

Adventure: The Cost

Being able to travel the world for an entire summer in a tiny house on wheels has been a boon for which I am eternally grateful. Having an incredible co-pilot to help plot the course, research destinations, and to share in the experiences has also been something for which I am exceptionally thankful. In life it is not often the case where we find ourselves "having the cake and eating it to." (Which is a weird saying because if I have cake, trust me, I'm eating it.) 

Yet this journey across the continent has been exactly that. I have always wanted to travel and see the world. My first thoughts as a growing man were to be an educator, because let's face it, having summers off is awesome! When I left teaching though, I didn't know how else I would ever be able to enjoy a seasonal lifestyle again. It was by chance that I came upon the seasonal gig by which I am now employed, and though it is not a glamorous endeavor and I have little love for the actual work, I do love the lifestyle it provides. Who else has the freedom and the means to travel as though they are retired for several months a year. Most folks at best are given a few holidays and 2 weeks of paid vacation if they earn it. Maybe they have a few sick days, but if they use them they get chastised for it, and if they don't, those sick days never seem to have any value at all and just keep piling up, year after year. This past summer's adventure was not the first of its kind, and I am hopeful that it won't be the last. 

After driving over 14,000 miles in 81 days, having the opportunity to bask in the desert sun in southern Utah (with a man-made lake by our side)

Wilson enjoying the Utah sun at Ken's Lake

and "swim" in the Pacific ocean off the coast of northern California;

Freezing in the Pacific Ocean

after swimming in mirrored glacial lakes in Jasper NP in Alberta Canada,

and hiking among the beauty and serenity of vast mountain ranges and incredible natural beauty in 18 National Parks in our hemisphere,

Yosemite

being high above the clouds on the tallest mountains and walking through giant chasms 200 feet below the surface of the earth;

Mammoth Cave KY

after hours spent watching boiling water spew forth from deep chambers in the Earth's crust, 

Castle Geyser

and several nights staring up at the uncountable stars in deep and dark skies including one watching the Perseid meteor shower while snuggled under a blanket;

Wilson wearing his pajamas, Coastal Oregon

after having floated in some of the saltiest water found on earth, after scorching the skin off of our feet on the sand and wafting thousands of bugs away in order to get there;

Trekking to the Great Salt Lake

after having been able to float serenely in the (then) gentle and surprisingly temperate water of the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area),

Lake Superior

and after soaking in several natural hot springs in 2 different countries;

Spencer Hot Springs in Nevada

after having visited with friends and family from all over the place, and after having braved an entire night in the humidity of southern Louisiana inside a tiny space with two tiny oscillating fans with sweat dripping from our entire bodies; after having our faithful machine blow a hose (which we were somehow able to MacGyver and get safely back to town) at the base of a majestic mountain known as Edith Cavell, 

Mt Edith Cavell, Jasper NP

after playing on mirrored beaches with waves crashing while the sky exploded with colors,

Neptune Beach on the Oregon Coast

and after countless stories being written in the sands of time; 

Scorching heat and hot sand at Pine Tree Arch (Arches NP)

after all of this, I feel pretty confident in saying that though there is a cost, it is always worth it.

Half Dome at Sunset with Vernal and Nevada Falls (Yosemite NP)

We've heard the eerie sound of loons calling out in the darkness, we've heard the sound of ocean waves crashing on the shores while we napped happily in the back of the bus, 

Northern California Beach

we've felt the intense heat of the desert sun, we've seen the Milky Way smeared across the darkest skies, 

Milky Way Galaxy as seen from Canyonlands NP, Utah

we've seen the sun set 3 times in one night, (behind different mountains as we drove west) and we've heard eagles screaming, owls hooting, and wolves howling. 

Golden Eagle in Flight (Colorado)

We've heard the rain on our roof and the roaring and thundering of a variety of North American waterfalls.

Bridal Veil Falls Yosemite NP

We've listened to streams that splash and brooks that babble and we've washed out the sound of idling trucks with a sound machine app to get some much needed sleep in truck stops and parking lots. We saw things that were living and those that have died, mostly they were all on the roadside. We saw bison and elk, pronghorns and eagles, bears (both black and brown) and a fox. 

Momma Grizzly Bear and Baby playing in the stream. (Waterton Lakes NP)

We saw free range domestics like horses and cows, donkeys and llamas, but we also saw mule deer and even a coyote too. We've laughed and we've cried. We got angry and mad, made up and felt sad. We dealt with road rage and stared out of the windows and dreamed. We listened to music and debated politics as well as religion, became frustrated and screamed, but at the end of the day it was love that kept us moving forward. We had goals and deadlines and we surpassed them both. An adventure of this magnitude can only be described as epic, or "once in a lifetime". It was incredible. 

So what does an adventure like this really cost? I'll tell you plainly; limited social life, limited spending, increased winter earnings, and a couple of broken hearts. Living the dream is not all sunshine and rainbows. It is often cheap dinners and oatmeal breakfast. It is winters spent working long hours including weekends, Friday nights asleep on the couch by 9 and living with your parents. It is heart ache. It is crying out in emotional pain. Tears dripping down our faces. My heart aches today because many miles away, sleeps a beautiful young lady; my copilot, my navigator, my love. We sleep alone at night not knowing when or if we'll see each other again. And even so I say this, dare to dream. Dare to go. Adventure is waiting and it is worth the cost. 

Wilson watching the sunset and waiting for Great Fountain to erupt.