Searching for Serenity

I sat cross-legged, focusing on my breathing. Breath in. Breath out. My online yoga coach gently guided the practice and then said “search for your serenity”. My mind immediately jumped to one year ago, a time when the entire world was spiraling as a global pandemic began killing hundreds of thousands. As incongruous as it seems, my memories of April 2020 are some of the most peaceful and serene of any in the last few years. The exact image that brought me peace; remembering the pure contentment on Aspen’s face as we watched the sunset over the bay.

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Eating in the Time of Take-Out

Anyone who follows us on our blog or social media knows it’s not new news that we are huge foodies. Every day at some point discussions fall to food and we reminisce of steaming bowls of breakfast noodles in Asia, luxurious butter chicken in India, pizza in Italy and, of course, endless Mexican street tacos.

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Landing in Lincoln City

Let’s face it. 2020 has been HARD. So very hard. It’s no secret to anyone and we have also not been totally spared experiencing a couple of months of unemployment, myself being very sick for several weeks, and worst of all the loss of Aspen.

“Lean into curiosity” ~ Pena Choldren

In spite of it all, we consider ourselves beyond blessed in a year that has adversely affected so many people around the world. 

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In Honor of an Adventure Dog

The rain increased as I stumbled along the path, tripping over tree roots. Confused, I realized I’d made a wrong turn somewhere along the way and turned to correct the path when I saw a group of men approaching in the ever-darkening Guatemalan evening. I continued forward while trying to project confidence with Aspen glued to my side. I uttered a greeting as we passed the group and received long stares in response before their gaze turned to the large black dog at my side. I hurried her along the path and arrived safely at the villa shortly after, my nerves totally shot. The saying goes “Who saved Who?” in the world of dog adoptions but in that instance, I was absolutely certain it was she who saved me. 

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Adventure in the time of Covid

What does adventure mean to you? Is it a weekend away to a new destination? Perhaps adventure to you means just pushing boundaries beyond your normal comfort zone. We have always gotten an incredible high from waking up in a new country or location with no idea how the day would play out. 2020 is not that year.

The official definition of adventure even adds in a bit of danger.

ad·ven·ture/

an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. Especially the exploration of unknown territory.

During these last few months of time spent close to home, we have found ourselves endlessly discussing past adventures while craving for our own next big adventure. We’ve scoured the pages of this blog reliving the countries and continents we’ve explored and missing all those we’ve met along the way.

Recently a friend shared this quote: “Now is not the time to lament what we can not do, but embrace what we can do”. So true in this year of disruption on so many levels.

While BIG plans are in the works with more info to come about later, we have managed to have a few short trips up and down the Oregon coast. While the unusual and dangerous elements may have been missing, there is no question that this scenic route is one of the most spectacular we’ve ever driven.

Meanderings both north and south delivered on stunning vistas, magnificent empty beaches where masks and social distancing were unnecessary discussions, along with some damn good seafood.

Saturday we leave for our next mini-vacation with a two-week jaunt through Central Oregon hanging for a few days each in several of our favorite campgrounds and enjoy days of leisure. The only things on the agenda are sleeping in, days spent on the lake, and lots of R&R.

I suspect I’ll even read a book, or five. The majority of our time will be out of touch, fully unconnected from the chaos and dysfunction that is 2020.

New adventures await and one day our plans will again include international travel and far-flung locales. One day we will hug our friends close and enjoy group outings.

For now, we relish our time together. For now, we are grateful daily that our sweet baby girl is still with us and smiling daily. For now, we appreciate that we work in one of the few travel industry jobs that is actually thriving. For now, we take one day at a time dreaming of adventures to come.

Cruising the Beaches of Baja

Baja is a special place featuring just over 1900 miles of coastline, one of the main draws for travelers. Intrepid adventurers with 4WD can easily camp for months on remote beaches and rarely pay for a night’s stay.

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Back to Baja

The light rising over the bay bathed us in light, but it was the waves that had woken me. Not crashing onto the beach but like a whisper. Similar to belly breathing in Yoga with a long deep inhale culminating in a soft exhale. Thus began another day in paradise. This is life on the Baja.

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Countdown to Another Baja Amigo’s Caravan

Our itchy feet are soon to be rewarded as our compass once again heads southward. The last seven months is the longest we’ve stayed in any one spot for the last four years and we are feeling it! Luckily, having negotiated a 59-day leave of absence each winter allows us to stay in touch with the wanderlust that is core to our true selves.

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8 Asian Islands to Explore for an Unforgettable Holiday

When it comes to exploring Asian destinations, a lot of people think of big countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and so on. However, there’s a lot of untapped potential in the islands that surround these locations. Dotted around the waters of Asia are dozens of exotic islands that are just waiting to be discovered, so we’re going to list eight of our favorites that you should definitely consider visiting for an unforgettable holiday.

silhouette of arc surrounded by body of water

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/gvc0PL77hxU (CC0)

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Aspen Update ~ Coping with an Aging Furbaby

Aging. It is inevitable and challenging in any form. Many of you are aware that Aspen is on the decline. While she is still mostly smiling and enjoying her day’s life has most decidedly slowed down. Way down. Daily doses of Dasuquin with MSM and Rimadyl coupled with twice-monthly Adequan injections are keeping our baby girl as comfortable as possible.

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