The Adventure Begins

Week one and the outdoors have become my bedroom. We started in a campground in Ashland, Oregon for a few nights, then to Lake Shasta for a night, and then up and away into the giant Redwoods. We climbed some big trees that towered out of my view range. We rested on fallen logs that could have been thousands of years old. We clapped loudly around corners to avoid surprise run-ins with black bears.

A week ago I was working, attending class, and rushing to the bank before it closed; my days were scheduled away to errands and duties that have since ceased to exist. The rough feel of summer dirt has become increasingly more comfortable with each sleep. My tiny thermarest, two-man tent, and pillow of t-shirts are becoming some of life's greatest luxuries. The fresh air, and over heated morning sunshine are better than any cup of coffee I have ever had when it comes to waking up. Babbling streams, and raindrops on nylon tents are the sounds of my dreams. Aimless wandering through woods, through meadows, or through small, northern california towns are on each day's to-do-list. Cliff bars, and blackberries from the roadside serve as a meal. On the hot days we have stopped at rivers for a swim, sometimes three times over just to free ourselves up from the 100 plus weather. It is all a part of the flow; each activity a special piece of the experience. Feeling content is as simple as starting the day, starting the hike, starting the drive, starting the adventure all over again one day at a time.