58 Days Away

Let me just say, I truly didn’t think I would last this long! 58 days away from home. That may not seem like a lot to some, but for me… someone who went to college an hour and a half away from my hometown, an only child and an only grandchild of a small family, and someone who was never really shipped-off to summer camp … 58 days away is crazy and quite an accomplishment! It baffles me that I spent an entire month in Australia, two whole weeks in Hawaii, and I’m rounding-out my second island on an 18-day adventure in New Zealand. It’s still so surreal, especially since I spent the last 11 years in little ol’ Waco, Texas. But, that’s what this past seven months has been about … expanding my horizons, challenging my norms, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

My comfort zone. I’ve struggled with that phrase on this particular trip, especially in terms of my photography. Many of my photos are of beautiful landscapes. I’ve been lucky enough to traverse stunning islands and gorgeous parts of this planet, and it’s hard not to photograph things that move you to tears. But I sometimes get discouraged thinking, I’m not trying hard enough or I’m not branching out or stepping outside of my comfort zone with my photography … and then I remember, 58 days away. I did 36 on the road by myself across America. I flew to Scotland after quitting my job, packing up my apartment, and leaving my comfortable lifestyle (and salary) behind. So maybe the end of my comfort zone isn’t necessarily about photographing homeless people in the back alleys of Auckland … maybe for me, right now, it’s about pushing forward each day and living in the moment of this adventure. Of making it to day 67 and not coming home at day 35. Continuing on with a smile on my face as a white, American, 38-year-old female, exploring the world alone – hiking through cities, renting cars in different countries, driving on the left for thousands of kilometers, finding a new place to sleep and eat every one of those 58 days, and putting myself out there 8,000 miles away.

So, maybe this is more of a note of encouragement to myself … and a quick check in with my blog after 4 weeks … to say, keep going, you’re doing it! The great state of Texas, delicious mouthwatering Mexican food, and your adorable fuzzy pups are waiting for you whenever you’re ready. But for now … finish strong and keep going. Do it for those who can’t.

A typical morning for me! Not always leaving from a hotel, but always rolling my clothes, stuffing my bags, grabbing coffee, and out the door to another destination!

I’m at my happiest when I’m traveling and surrounded by beautiful landscapes and breathtaking nature!

Lots of flights along my adventure, this one was definitely one of the best! Thank you, Air New Zealand!

What a wonderful and unexpected discovery in Australia …sea turtle hatchlings! I love unexpected happiness along the journey.

A quick visit to Hobbiton to see who I can find!

Great Barrier Reef water! I can’t believe water like this exist in so many places in the South Pacific!

Heading out for a fun day of snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef! I have my seasick patch on and I’m ready to go!

A typical field in the beautiful southern island of New Zealand, and I am happy!

Apparently, this is what I look like when I take most of my photos… and sometimes the unexpected selfie is taken!

Sun, sand, and surf in January! What a different way to spend my “winter” months!

I have been so blessed this year to get what I want!

Can’t let a little downpour get you down! Thank goodness for rain gear and fun finds!

All kinds of accommodations on the road… Looks like it’s time for a cheap hostile!

Reached the southern end of New Zealand south island! This is likely the farthest south I will ever travel!

After hiking two hours across a barren, brittle lava field in Hawaii… I found the real stuff! What a great experience!