Thursday, June 12th, was the night of my art show at the Belmont, put on by RAWartists. It was such a great night, I really do have the most amazing friends and family that I can even imagine. They give so much support and so much love that my heart is over filling with inspiration and joy. They all have made this decision to drop everything and set across the western US so easy. Even my job at Deep Eddy Vodka supported my decision to go on this trip and routed me on. What great people!
It is now Wednesday June 18th, and I have come so far from last weekend- it was pretty intense. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I sold or gave away pretty much everything I own except some clothes, photos, camera stuff, and just things that most girls have- trinkets that I have aquired over travels or received as gifts. On Saturday all of my furniture was out of the house, the empty feeling was great, knowing that I wasn't attached to those things anymore. I also went to Cabelas and got some great camping gear- I'm pretty pumped to put to the test. I have moved so many times in my life that Ive pretty much got it down pat, but on Saturday, there was about 20 minutes there that I was kind of freaking out. How am I going to get this in my car? I thought I just gave so much away! There were clothes everywhere, and random shit that you wonder where the hell it came from. Trash, trash, trash! I just started throwing things away. And as of right now, pretty much everything I own is in my car (all the actual important things). I have clothes for all seasons, camera gear, food, a tent, survival /camping needs, Deep Eddy Vodka, toiletries, a long board, 5 pairs of shoes, a solar panel, sparklers (for light writing of course), and a hammock. There may be a few more things.. but that pretty much covers it!
It is now one day before I head out on this journey. I am getting so anxious. I have traveled to many parts of the world, but I mostly stayed at hostels or friends along the way. For this trip, I am straight up camping. I mean, life straw, gogirl, food-in-tree-at-night kind of camping. I couldn't be more excited, but I keep telling people what I'm doing... and it sounds all great in my head and it's easy to say, but when I really think about what Im doing, I think, "Oh, shit... I am about to be camping miles into the forest away from any people- by.my.self. Okay, just breath... one step at a time. This is about to happen.
My first stop is the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. I hear it is beautiful and it is near White Sands. Two birds with one stone! I will leave Friday morning at about 7am.. I was shooting for 6, but odds are most likely 7. I should arrive around 3 pm. That will give me plenty of time to find a great spot. Did you know that you can camp for free in any National Forest? Just park your car and start walking with all your gear, find a spot that suits you and bingo, bango-- you have a home for the night.
I am pretty excited to see where the paths will take me.
I will try and post as much as I can with whatever internet I have- so stay posted! Thanks all, for your time and your support!
