#8 COMMUNITY... AND, PREPPING & PLANNING

 COMMUNITY  ♡

I'm reflecting on how much life has changed since we first moved to the river valley.

It was October of 2008. At that point, we had been married for 3 years (together for five) and had survived some really rough patches in our marriage. Moving to Southwest Washington was the start of a new chapter in our adventure book. I had taken a year leave from teaching & Steve was starting a new position within his company. 

Within a couple weeks of living here, we adopted Titus from the local shelter- and 9 months later, Alex was born. I remember meeting a few people here and there those first few years, but did not really feeling a part of any community. 

See, we live about 8 miles upriver from our local town. It's a 13 minute drive to the gas station/grocery store. Gorgeous river valley with mountain views. Just what we love, yet you can become isolated very easily. And, 8 years ago, I was definitely that. Home alone while Steve worked and unsure about how to meet local upriver folks.  

Well, 2 kids, 2 dogs, and nearly 9 years later, I finally do feel "part of" this beautiful place. We have some amazing local friends. We ski/ride, play, support each other, and I find myself super inspired and encouraged to reach for my dreams. I feel very lucky to have a village here ♡ and can say that I will miss my girlfriends as we travel, but know we will be able to connect again right where we left off. Love that! ♡

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PLANNING & PREPPING

 

The last few days have been all about prepping. 

Thinking of details & backwards planning. 

Lists, lists, lists!

Clothes to pack, 

gear to bring, 

organization... 

my brain is  

ON!

 We had new dog tags made for Titus and Willow

Willow 

would go home with anyone... 

Titus 

would most likely be a nervous wreck if he were 

to get lost

And, the Adventure Mobile is home!

 I thought it was too big when Steve first talked about wanting a 31 footer, but now see that it is just right for us.

Sleeps 8

2 separate table areas

Bunk beds

Bathroom/Shower

Lots of storage

&

the dogs and kids LOVE it! 

(detailed tour later when we hit the road)

The first night it was home, the kids were super hyper and excited to test it out. Sierra snuggled up in her sleeping bag and watch a movie above the cab.

Someone else I know was pretty excited too!

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We have a full 4 days ahead before we hit the road

M u s t     g o    t o     s l e e p  ♡