Because who doesn't want new adventures?
To mark the arrival of yet another birthday, I decided to pack up the bare essentials (coffee and chocolate chip cookies) and road trip out to The Grand Tetons from northbay CA. Benji, my ever faithful adopted travel companion might've looked dubious when we first started out, but adapted quickly to the new routine.
To keep things as simple as possible, my dad rented me a car as my birthday gift (amazing!) and I made sure it was big enough to sleep in the back of it. This little cooking set up has served me exceptionally well over the years. #coffeefirst
I've had many questions regarding the Why I do these trips. This would be the second annual official birthday road trip and the one previously I had along a human companion which in hindsight, wasn't the greatest idea. Lesson learned. Listen to that gut instinct. I've actually spent an unusual amount of time in my early 20's roughing it out of my car. What started out as a journey formed from anguish and confusion has turned into a soulful quest to affirm my place in the now. I do this for me.
There was very little actual planning in terms of where I was going, how I was getting there, and places to stop at. I had a general destination, enough cash for gas and food, packed a batch of fresh baked #glutenfree cookies, and basic first aid supplies. As far as I was concerned, I was traveling in ultimate luxury.
Laziest co-pilot there ever was. #pendletoneverything
“Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.” John Muir
I felt campsite 10 was befitting seeing as how my little Benji is also 10years old. Though he may be little, he has the heart of a lion.
On the day of my birthday I made the spontaneous decision to ditch my original campground destination and re route to where a the sign pointed ---> Banbury Hot Springs Idaho. Thoughts regarding this change were simple. "I could really use a good soak right about now." Yes, I recognize I might be one of the most ridiculous "rubbertramps" loving minimalism but also demanding life's little luxuries. If life gives you natural hot springs...
Good to know I can still make fire with very little on hand!
This campsite was where I spent the last hours in my year of age 28. I absolutely loved that there was zero cell reception and FINALLY could feel myself relax being off the grid. As the sun set, the stars began there glittering dance, and the fire flickered in front of me...I reflected.
Thoughts mostly circled on the many life paths presented to all of us as we make our ways around the sun. Im not interested anymore in wasting time wondering about what could've been. It happened. I'm still (miraculously) here and very much present. One particular life event burns forever in my heart. I think of her daily. That night I allowed my emotions to flow freely and under the Idaho night sky.
"Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible in us be found."
I try not to think too hard about the forever open ended questions such as "where are you going next?" what is your 5yr plan? If life has taught me anything it is I am far from being in control over my destiny. The best I've managed is to simply allow myself to be drawn where my heart takes me. For some reason, my heart has taken me deep into northern CA where internet slows, people wear a lot of plaid, and community is the driving force.
When taking stock of my age of 28, it was overwhelmingly positive. I've made the decision to build up my ANMT private practice, sold my first professional oil painting out of state, dove into a new method of artistic expression with my pen doodles (credit to M. Sewell for helping me see the value in what I do), decided to take legal action to ensure my personal safety against stalking #metoo , and had the incredible fortune to find myself holding the hand of the most remarkable man before embarking on this solo road trip. #howdidigetsolucky That night, I faced my first real elemental challenge. Cold. Apparently, I was slightly unprepared for the temperature drop in Idaho...thankfully Benji is quite fat and fluffy. I stuffed him into my sleeping bag, wrapped my green wool coat over my head, and fell asleep happy.
First order of business as a 29yr old: check into airbnb
Surprise showers. I was reminded of how much i love the rain. Everything smells so different.
Within the National Parks there are strict rules regarding where you can and cannot go with a dog. I managed to see an unmarked paved path off the main tourist drag and took it. It eventually opened up to a trail and it seemed as good a place as any to take Benji for a stroll. #theroadlesstraveled
