Cliche or not, I would like to jump on the bandwagon (albeit a few days too late) and tell you what I am most thankful for this year. Well, besides the obvious thankfulness for surviving my blood clots in my lungs, that is.
I am most thankful for y'all.
This summer while we traversed the country as professional backpackers, we spent 51 nights (out of roughly 150 nights) at friends' houses. This does not include the countless times we cruised through town, called up friends and family at the 11th hour to tell them we were there and they opened their doors for a shower, flushing/non-public toilet, home-cooked meals, snacks for the road, Internet usage, fresh towels, laundry, dishwasher, electricity, fresh water, companionship, ... the list goes on and on. I tried to take a picture of everyone we saw this summer and mostly succeeded (although they are so small in the mosaic you probably can't even tell if your picture is missing anyway). For those we missed in person, we know you would have offered us whatever hospitality possible and we thank you for following our adventures while we were on tour.
Of course our vagabond lifestyle and the amazing hospitality of others continues for now, at least through the winter. The hope is we will continue this lifestyle through the spring, summer and fall, but that is TBD. And if we do go back out on tour, you better believe we'll be knocking on your doors and expect you to cancel any plans you thought you had. But know of our eternal gratitude.
Oh, one last thing. If someone could please do us a favor and move to the middle of Nebraska, that would do wonders for our cross-country trips. If you prefer, Iowa would be fine too. Thanks in advance!Labels: Backpacker, Reflections, Road Trips, Speaking Events
