These are the happy faces of 2 ginger creatures who just wrapped an 8 month stint adventuring in the natural world. We’re staying in a rented mansion on stilts in Bull Mountain for the week to cleanse the palate, then I take possession of my new house in Portland one week from today.

Feeling grateful, relieved, excited, and for the first time in ages, really REALLY comfortable.

We’re back, babies! 🖤

As this van life adventure comes to an end on Sunday, after exactly 8 consecutive months of living on the road, I’ve been thinking a lot about this experience, why I decided to do it to begin with, and the comedy of errors that has ensued since the moment we set out on our maiden voyage a hundred years ago.

There are no words for how excited I am to be moving into my beautiful new home in Portland’s West Hills, but right now I’m also just remembering that I did this whole thing for a reason. Smart or not, every action I took, each investment I made, was mine, and on purpose. I did it because even pretty things and money had become meaningless to me — and I realize this part isn’t super relatable, but the let-down of finally having shitloads of money and STILL being miserable is unlike any disappointment I’ve experienced. It hit me in my heart.

I knew I needed to re-transform my life somehow, and the goal of this great outdoor journey was to tour the states and recalibrate. I felt like nature had the answers for me, and while it’s no secret the road here has taken several expensive, unexpected turns, I ultimately AM transformed, and everything matters again, so…I guess it worked.

I’m happy. Good things are happening. See you soon. 🖤