little detour

November 8, 2015 - We made it!  As we were driving up to the house we were giddy with excitement - couldn’t believe we live HERE!  Within the first couple of days, we were greeted with a light snow (soon melted) and two very lovable doggies - Jed and Althea.  We are excited to explore the area and see what Nevada and California have to offer - let’s do this!  

November 4-6, 2015 - We made it to Salt Lake!  Neill’s cousin Nick was our gracious host.  Neill was able to score an awesome deal on a “new” pair of skis and boots for the upcoming Tahoe season - thanks to Nick!!  It was starting to look like winter in the mountains!  Nick took us on a little hike where we realized we were NOT used to high elevation - what should have been a simple hike was a bit rough!  Overall, a nice visit in Salt Lake - onward we go!

October 30 - November 7, 2015:  On the road again!  We left the midwest to drive the 25+ hours to our new home in Washoe Valley, NV - stopping at places we missed while traveling the first go around.  This time, we are taking a more direct route - anxious to see our new home and start the new gig.  In the past couple of days, we checked out Omaha, NE (we were both pleasantly surprised) and then on to Colorado.  Since Colorado is bustling with breweries, we did our own little tour.  We also briefly checked out Rocky Mountain National Park (as you can see in the pictures).  We enjoyed the park until our car was broken into at a trailhead.  Thankfully, not much was taken out of our car but a new passenger window was needed.  With this being said, we had to get on the move again - fix the window and head out.  Next stop:  Salt Lake City, UT.

October 2015 - Well, we mentioned that we were moving to Nevada! Not knowing what jobs we want to land for our future, we decided to go a different route.  While exploring the states, we met another traveling couple - the difference was they have been traveling for years!!  After asking them several questions we got to the point of “HOW?!” They told us all about a publication where people look for “Caretakers” to watch over properties (and do other odd jobs, depending on the situation).  While abroad, we found one in the Tahoe area and quickly applied.  Long story short, we got the gig!  We will be loading up our car and driving out west at the end of the month.  In the meantime, we are visiting family, friends, and spending quality time in New Buffalo, MI.  Not sure when we will ever be back to the cottage - have to soak it all in.  

We have about a month back home in the midwest before we move out west to Washoe Valley, NV (near Lake Tahoe).  More details coming soon, promise.  

The next day we left our cabin in the woods and back on the road we went - towards Vermont.  We camped for the night in National Forest, which we had all to ourselves - wildflowers and all.

After the hike, we treated ourselves to some beer at Sea Dog Brewing Company, the way we always like to end a day of hiking.

We then started our journey back to Chicago - but first, we wanted to check out New Hampshire once again.  We found an “enchanting rustic mountain cabin” on AirBnb in the town of Tamworth, NH.  We took our time getting to our little getaway and stopped at some view points along the way.  

A trip to Acadia National Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Bass Harbor Light House at sunset. What a spectacular place to watch the day end.  

Once we got back to our car, the rain just about stopped - go figure.  There was NO way we were going to camp again, so a hotel it was!  We drove to Acadia National Park where we found a hotel to stay for the night.  After showering, laying out every article of wet clothing, tent, shoes, and camping gear, we went into town to get our daily fix of lobster.  It was worth every bite.  

After a long day of travel and hiking, we called it an early night and settled into our cozy shelter...once we zipped up the tent, the rain started.....and did not stop the entire night.  

After being back in the states, we appreciate the clean, organized trail systems that are available to us.  We are lucky to have managed land set aside for public outdoor use - especially when the users respect the land and leave no trace.  

September 8, 2015 - Still going strong and enjoying the coast of Maine.  Not only did we eat more lobster today, but we also took advantage of the beautiful weather to walk along the shore.  Over the past few days, we have enjoyed hanging out with good company, drinking beers, and exploring the area.  

September 6, 2015 - When in Maine, eat lobster - lots of it! Since our arrival we have indulged in lobster in multiple forms: bisque, stew, stuffed, steamed, rolls etc.  On this fine summer day, we had it grilled.  Alex, Tim, and Neill spoiled us with a New England feast and a whole lot of wine + beer. We also cannot forget the intense game of badminton we played.  Another fun day with the Beurskens crew.

The day was a success - A beautiful ceremony with touching “I do’s” - a reception with great food, drinks, dancing, speeches (Neill was quite the comedian) - an after party to indulge a little more - but most of all, we were surrounded by great company.  We had fun catching up with the Beurskens’ family while celebrating Stu and Sarah.  It was a nice transition back into the states.  We even got to show off our custom suit/dress made especially for us in Vietnam.  Remember that?!

On the road again! This time to celebrate #teambeurskens.  After arriving in Chicago, we headed down to Bloomington to pick up Neill’s car to make our way out east for Stu and Sarah’s wedding in Ogunquit, ME.  Roadtripping is nothing new to us but, this time, we were in a bit of a time crunch.  In a matter of two days, we were in 8 different states safely making it to Maine (our first time in MAINE!).  We, of course, had to stop at a few New England breweries that were “on the way” to take in our surroundings.  Let the festivities begin!

August 30, 2015 - KUL -> TPE -> LAX -> ORD Peace out.