Moving to the West sparked a desire within me to take an epic road trip through the Western US National Parks and attractions. I dreamed of experiencing an authentic camping and hiking adventure, and even though I had no time or money, I still held onto that dream.
One day, while working at a coffee shop in Denver, I took advantage of a lull to draft an itinerary for a trip to places I had never been. That moment fueled my passion, and I held onto the idea for three years.
Finally, I had the opportunity to pursue a variant of that itinerary, and my dream journey became a reality.
As I hit the open road, I realized that this journey would redefine my understanding of adventure, belonging, and home. Every mile I traveled wasn’t just a step closer to a destination, it was a chance to discover myself and connect with others.
The dream came to fruition when I was awarded permits for Half Dome – an iconic, terrifying 18-mile hike in Yosemite National Park. I had the choice to drive there on the route I knew and traveled multiple times for my former job, or I could embark on a two-week, 3,800-mile adventure that would give me the chance to see friends, experience several National Parks I had never seen, and take me on a life-changing journey. I chose the latter.
From the peaks of the Grand Tetons to the shores of crystal-clear alpine lakes, from the bustling streets of new-to-me cities to the solitude of the wilderness, every moment was a part of my journey. I took in the breathtaking views and the natural beauty of each place I visited. The vastness of the American West and the diversity of its landscapes took my breath away.
I planned my trip with a balance of spontaneity and structure. I set off from Arizona to Kanab, Utah, under the rain-soaked skies, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. I had mapped out each stop from Ogden to Butte, Missoula to Spokane, finding a balance between the excitement of the unknown and the comfort of a plan.
That first night camping beneath the stars in Grand Teton National Park, I felt an energy and excitement of what was to come on this crazy trip I had just begun. As I navigated the trails, my fear of bears turned into camaraderie with fellow hikers. I started to realize that home is not confined to four walls, but extends to the connections we forge along the way.
From the Bavarian-themed beauty of Leavenworth to the serene snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier, I finally understood that home is not a place, but a feeling found in the present moment. Whether sharing stories with strangers in a coffee shop or conquering Half Dome with friends by my side, each experience added a layer to my journey.
Even as I weathered a literal hurricane in Indio, California, I was able to find solace in the warmth of a hotel room and the knowledge that home is wherever I am. As I headed back toward familiar territory, I finally understood that I shoudn’t be chasing a destination, because this trip was all about the journey in between.
This road trip was more than just a series of places to see and activities to check off my list. It was a journey of self-discovery and the realization that the best memories are made in the unplanned moments. It showed me that home is a feeling of connection to yourseld and transcends geographical boundaries. As I returned to the familiar comforts of home, I carried with me these lessons learned and the memories, friendships, and sights of our beautiful world.
In the end, this road trip was not just a chapter in my life but the beginning of a new way of living – a celebration of the beauty found in the fleeting moments of being alive. The willingness to go with the flow when your adventure doesn’t go exactly as planned, the conversations with strangers along the way- all living their own unique stories you were able to be a character in for a moment. It put me on the path of following my heart, set off a career change and a big move, and led me to where I am, and who I am now.
