“But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”

― Jack Kerouac.

DECEMBER 2022

Year One Reflections

Light rain in Tucson just now. Wintering here…

I've decided to try and put down some random thoughts just to share my experience. Something is better than nothing. After a year minus a month or two visiting family, getting repairs and vehicle registration , etc. I am embracing the experience and learning to appreciate the once in a lifetime adventure. No regrets.

It's difficult to explain the feeling. Having a solo journey and drifting with weather and what has become seeking wilderness in America, it's been life-changing.

Of course turning down the anxiety factor by getting more organized and knowing a little more what to expect is slowly making a difference and I can catch my breath.

After taking a month or two it’s been a time to digest what I am looking at, a sort of slowing down and speeding up all at the same time. Push the adventure envelope and push the downtime, rest time, contemplation, time, time. Season 1 felt rushed even though each segment was amazing in its own right. But it didn't feel sustainable, and as I start out Season 2 following a similar path to places I've been, the idea of newness with the familiar seems comforting. But, it is far too easy to compare experiences- doing so dilutes each iteration. Seeing family and friends with their own challenges and the opportunity to rest before heading out has given me space to reevaluate how I want to experience this new year. And take less for granted. Everything is new- seeing it takes work, practice and an appreciation for pondering.

Season 1 sample of portraits along the way...