One thing that I love about traveling by myself is the flexibility that I have to make decisions and to change things.
When I was planning my trip, my first goal was simply to get to the east coast and to see where I’d want to go from there and if I wanted to keep going. The answer is a resounding “YES!” I’m having the time of my life and enjoying most every aspect of this trip. Even the hard days where I’m tearing up while biking on the side of the road make me feel stronger and reflective.
When people would ask me what I planned to do in the winter, I would always say that I was going to go south and find a place to work in Florida or New Orleans and to stay for a month or so to try and replenish my coffers a bit. I hoped to do a kind of modified perimeter of the United States. I’ve changed my mind about that.
When I was getting ready to leave New York City the second time, I realized that the holidays were coming up and that I really wanted to go home, at least for Thanksgiving. This year I have so much for which I am truly thankful, that I want to spend the holiday in a traditional manner. I started looking at flights to get me home for the holidays.
I contemplated putting my stuff in storage down in Atlanta or Orlando and returning to continue from there, but then I started thinking that if I do want to stop for a month, I’d be better off doing that where I know people and where I definitely have a place to stay.
Just now, I purchased a one-way flight from Orlando, FL to Seattle. This is the first fixed date I’ve put on my trip. November 16 will find me back in what will likely be the chilly, dark and damp Northwest. It will also place me with my family and in the land where I grew up.
This will also let me try out living and working in Washington State. I’m planning to stay through the New Year. I’m signing up for some booking services and hope to work as much as possible while there. I’ll also be available to create and delver centerpieces and twisted decorations for Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you know of any events where balloons my be needed in the Northwest, please let me know!
Fortunately, I have another month of biking to look forward to as I head to Orlando. I’m also hoping to do a January bike tour down the California coast, if anyone is interested in joining me.
I have a lot of blog post ideas kicking around my head and half composed. I’m grateful to everyone for the amazing support I’ve received and all of the amazing hospitality which has profoundly humbled me. Hopefully, within the next few days I can articulate some of that into words.
In the meantime, I hope to see anyone in the Western Washington area. I may be looking for a temporary room up in the Seattle area, so if anyone knows any leads, let me know! Also, if anyone wants to try out some bike touring or winter camping, let me know! I really hope to be more social than I was back in May.
So, there’s what’s next! Wish me good fortune for my next month of on-bike adventures!
Glad you are doing well. I LOVE your turkey & the rest of the critters.
I have a friend with five, turning six year old twins. They would be delighted to have balloons again.
Too bad you are not headed to Miami. I can’t go to Orlando cause I’ve got work those days. But Congrats. You’re about to accomplish somethimg I’ve always wanted to do. Maybe we will run into each other at twist n shout or somethig. again, congrats.