|
|
Hmm . . . That was an interesting trip! Monte Pindo: a haunted mountain, excommunicated by the Catholic Church! We had a blast. Whodathunk Cindy and I would find each other -- two Minnesotans living in the wilds of Washington, DC, fighting off rogue politicians and avoiding the swamp. But somehow it happened: she, an analyst working for the Census Bureau, and me, a retired Navy officer working as a contractor. Both with an itch for the out of doors, an enhanced sense of wanderlust, and two legs rarin' to walk the world. We've been traveling pretty much since the day we met. Certainly to more local environs, like the White Mountains, Maine, Quebec; and also to more distant climes.
We've still got places to go, and we'd love to take you along, if you're interested!
We've still got places to go, and we'd love to take you along, if you're interested!
Who We Are
Cindy
I have always been a little idealistic. I believe in following one’s dreams. When I was younger, my dreams appeared quite simple. I wanted happiness. I wanted to help people. I wanted financial independence. I wanted a partner and family one day to share love. We would hold hands even when we were old. Dreams tend to evolve, and as I got older, I envisioned more detail - that my partner and I would volunteer in the community, be active outdoors, live in a lake home and have a huge garden.
It appeared that once I got the first 3 parts of my dreams in order, I met Gary, and he is what made the rest come true. Over time, we talked a lot about our dreams together. What eventually surfaced is that he had some dreams, too – and it was his turn to experience them with me. He realized that traveling abroad for an indefinite time was his dream, and that we should retire together. To fulfill this, we imagined it, prioritized what was important, obtained our friends and family’s acceptance, and made it so. We sold our home, car, gave away some material things, and stored the rest. It was time to take on this dream! As you view the pictures in this blog, I think you may find there are patterns, or recurring themes, such as: beautiful scenic views (we looked for mystical), outdoor activities, and our expressions of our happiness.
It appeared that once I got the first 3 parts of my dreams in order, I met Gary, and he is what made the rest come true. Over time, we talked a lot about our dreams together. What eventually surfaced is that he had some dreams, too – and it was his turn to experience them with me. He realized that traveling abroad for an indefinite time was his dream, and that we should retire together. To fulfill this, we imagined it, prioritized what was important, obtained our friends and family’s acceptance, and made it so. We sold our home, car, gave away some material things, and stored the rest. It was time to take on this dream! As you view the pictures in this blog, I think you may find there are patterns, or recurring themes, such as: beautiful scenic views (we looked for mystical), outdoor activities, and our expressions of our happiness.
Gary
I've been somebody who gets lost in other climes, other locales, since I was a wee tad. When I was a toddler, I taxed my poor mother's patience running (toddling) off on my own. And I know I taxed my dad's patience when, at age 19, I up and enlisted in the Navy. But I always had a burning curiosity for what was around the next corner, what that next hill might show. I've been a hiker and a kayaker for decades, following my nose to new forests, distant shores. And once I met Cindy, I had the perfect partner to explore the world at large. I had never thought much about dreams and ambitions; I've generally felt that life as it's lived is the best and brightest dream one can have. But when Cindy challenged me to express what my ultimate dream might be, the answer came to me right away: to spend life full time with my best friend and partner, investigating lands and cultures, planting our boots on new soil, absorbing what the world has to offer.