Archives for March 2015

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Apparently I’m only interested in places that start with a C… I’ve had a bunch of questions about where I’m going, what I’m doing, and where I’ll actually be living after Tango and I leave Kentucky next month. There is one long answer because I’m actually going a bunch of places… or at least that’s the plan. It could change, but here’s what I’ve got sketched out in my mind (and on my spreadsheets) at the moment:

1. California… by way of Texas. 

I will leave here mid April to head out to San Diego to put my things in storage, since that’s where I will end up after my road trip. My good friend, Karley, last seen here, is getting married to her sweet fiance in their backyard in Austin, TX so I’m gonna go there first. It’s not entirely “on the way” but it’s only a 300 mile difference. So I’ll stop a night in Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, since that’s the halfway point, then make a stop in Dallas to see a couple friends (plus, I’ve never been to Dallas, unless you count the airport), then head down to Austin for their nuptials. I’m hoping to catch Sara on either side of the city since our past blate attempts have never played out, so we’ll see on that one. After I leave Austin, I’ll make the long haul to Tucson, Arizona, (since camping alone on the border doesn’t sound like the safest thing to do)  to check out Saguara National Park. From there it’s a short 5 – 6 hour drive to San Diego.

I used to live right up the hill from San Elijo State Beach. I’d always wanted to camp there as it’s  right on the cliff on the beach but it never made sense to pay $35 to camp literally down the street from my place so I never did. Plus the campsites fill up fast and you have to reserve a spot well in advance, which I’ve already done!! So we’ve got 2 nights there.

I have to head up to San Fran for a 6 day training at TRX Headquarters so Tango is going to stay with my awesome friend, Danielle while I knock that out. I’ll come back down to San Diego just in time for my U-Box to arrive and I’ll toss everything in storage and we’ll head to our home for the month of May…

2. Colorado! And surrounding areas

I’d been debating on moving to Denver, which is where this whole idea started. I’d always wanted to live there, I have quite a few buddies there, and it’s gorgeous! But San Diego was home for 4 years and I’ve just been feeling it pulling on me a lot for the past year so I ultimately chose it. I still wanted to spend a significant chunk of this trip in Colorado though so I will be cruising all around the state and using Denver as home base. I want to see Boulder, Breckingridge, Aspen, etc. Half the state of Colorado is pretty much all state parks so I plan on checking out as much of them as possible. Hopefully I can wrangle some climbing partners along the way and I’ve got a little side trip to Santa Fe, NM I’d like to sneak in there as well. I’ll have the whole month to wander so we’ll see how long gas money stays around… It’ll go by quickly but I’ll be pretty excited about my next section of the trip though:

3. Canada!! 

My man-friend and I do a pretty good job of making sure that we never go more than 4 weeks between our visits, but we’re usually confined to 3-5 day visits because of work. This time though I’ll finally be able to go stay with him for most of the month of June! He’ll be working, but I’ve got several work projects I’ve needed to start hammering away at so that’s what I’ll be focusing on while I’m there. The good thing is that during the summer, that part of Canada stays light outside until around 10pm. So even after a full day’s work, you’ve still got time to go climbing, head out for a bike ride, or just hang out outside. I have a feeling that month will go by a lot faster than I want it to, but onward!

4. And ending up back to San Diego

Although it will be hard to leave my man-friend, after all that time on the road I’m fairly sure I’ll be dying to get a paycheck and and to not live out of a suitcase. I’ll cruise back to San Diego via the western route (maybe… by that time I may be looking to save those extra 5 hours and go straight south) either the last week of June or the first week of July. I’ll get my things out of storage and move them into an apartment. I’m looking forward to getting back to teaching fitness classes and seeing some of my old clients and class attendees. Hopefully an 80s Friday will be in the cards for July! I’ll be super broke but the great thing about San Diego that I learned when I moved there the first time (when I was 21 years old, a week out of college, and with $200 to my name after I paid rent) the beach is FREE and you can spend as much time there as you want! I’ve been dreaming of getting to eat one of Ann’s famously delicious meals while shooting the breeze with her and Ted on their patio. And hitting up the Whistlestop for game night with Brian, going for a hike or climb with Brenna and Danielle, and drinking coffee and laughing with Julie. Saturday brunch at Colleen’s and the french toast… all me goodness!  I can’t wait to see ALL my buds there, experience regular Taco Tuesdays and happy hour margaritas, and carne asada nachos from the many available taco stands around the city. There’s a good chance I’ll gain 10 lbs the first month I’m back, but Barry’s Bootcamp will take care of that in a jiff. I’ll also get back to taking dance classes on a weekly basis. Culture Shock and APA both have plenty of daily open classes to choose from so I plan on getting my “Adult Jazz/Contemporary” and “Advanced Tap” on as quickly as possible. Ryan, I hope you’re ready!

It’s all still 4 weeks away, and all subject to change a wee bit, but there it is! The plan!

Will you be on any of my stops along the way?