Today’s tidbit: “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” ― Barry Finlay
I love this quote… you can relate to it literally and figuratively, both of which seem appropriate since I have been traveling and reflecting a lot lately.

I couldn’t stay put and less than a month after returning home from Australia I found myself on another plane, this time domestic, heading across the country to Colorado. Allie and Brian bought their first townhouse and moved to Denver in June, starting residency (still can’t believe they’re doctors!). With crazy hours and rotations, Allie said our birthday week would actually be a pretty good time to come visit… so that’s what I did, bought a ticket and went. Just go. Sammy wasn’t too happy, but fortunately when I was in Australia he stayed with my mom and while in Colorado with my dad. Grateful I have wonderful family who can watch him, I know he’s in good hands and don’t worry. I ended up going to Denver for 10 amazing days. I will be sharing part 2, evenings out + birthday celebrations soon but for now, exploring this city + breathtaking hiking adventures. Enjoy.

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Today’s tidbit: “There’s nothing wrong with enjoying looking at the surface of the ocean itself, except that when you finally see what goes on underwater, you realize that you’ve been missing the whole point of the ocean…” ― Dave Barry

Monkey Mia with the wild dolphins really was a mystical world and amazing experience (Monkey Mia post). Continuing on our road trip, our next stop was Carnarvon. We were there three nights total, two in the beginning and one on the way back to Perth at the end. Carnarvon was a cute town with a laid back and friendly way of life (which was really all of WA I think), with attractions both in and outside of town. Blowholes and Point Quobba, where I snorkeled for the first time in Australia, along with colorful sunsets were really spectacular sights. (videos at the end)

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Today’s tidbit: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ― Mae West

Taking a quick break from Australia posts to squeeze in this Sprinkling/shower held for Lindsey last Saturday. Remember Lindsey & Bill’s family session from back in December? She is not only a talented designer but one of the most thoughtful people I know, look up to, and consider a real friend… grateful for our friendship. Lindsey had a beautiful baby shower when she was pregnant with Blake, who is now almost 3 years old. I can’t believe it! With a second on the way now, Melissa (who was a Graphic Design major at GMU also) had a Sprinkling for Lindsey & Bill. She was a wonderful host and everything was beautiful. Lindsey asked if I would capture the event and of course I was honored and happy to do it.

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Today’s tidbit: “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” ― Hilaire Belloc

After a wonderful few days in Kalbarri we continued on our road trip. In the heart of Western Australia’s Shark Bay, Monkey Mia is a place where you can experience the mystical world of wild dolphin and is a popular escape for visitors from around the world with its crystal clear waters, pristine white shell beaches and daily visitation of the dolphin. Everything was peaceful and perfect.

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Today’s tidbit: “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.” ― Erol Ozan

Continuing with the start of road trip adventures along the WA coast, here’s more of Kalbarri. We were there four nights total, two in the beginning and two on the way back to Perth at the end. Earlier this week I shared the drive to Kalbarri along with the accommodation, evenings on the beach and sunset pictures (Jurien Bay + Kalbarri post). During the day we took advantage of the many spectacular lookouts + exploring Kalbarri National Park.

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Today’s tidbit: “It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.” ― Bern Williams

Last week I shared the first of many AU posts, starting with a few days in Perth (read more). The next 16 days we did a road trip up north. Since everything is opposite there, it’s winter now and going north is warmer. The first week was planned/booked but I loved the spontaneity of the trip, booking as we went along/deciding on how long to stay. Getting to most destinations the drive was only a few hours but some were 6+ hours. I love road trips and didn’t mind it at all, that’s part of the adventure and there was plenty to see + fun stops/detours along the way. Of course, I was also lucky and had Chris as my chauffeur, since driving on the other side of the car and road would have been interesting (although I got used to it). Most of the places we went were new to him also though, so it was neat to explore together.

Here is the start of road trip adventures exploring Western Australia (WA), heading up north along the coast.

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Today’s tidbit: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu

Do you remember my reflection post and AU announcement from June? I had shared some things I’ve learned and come to terms with, and after my latest trip I couldn’t agree more with those thoughts. It comes down to the what if’s or the right now, and I’m choosing the right now. In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

As I said in the announcement, Australia is a place I have dreamt about for as long as I can remember. I decided to turn that dream into a reality, following my heart, taking a risk and going on my longest and furthest international trip yet… and what an amazing adventure it was! I’m excited to start sharing my trip to Perth & Western Australia, starting with my flights and first full day in AU!

Sneak peek image: Los Angeles > Melbourne on the huge Airbus A380

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Today’s tidbit: “A horse gallops with its lungs, perseveres with its heart, and wins with its character.” ― Frederico Tesio

After 5+ weeks of traveling I am back home, with my new MacBook Pro (old one died the day I returned from AU). While I was in gone my mom, who lives in upstate New York, watched Sammy for me. After an incredible 4+ weeks in AU I flew straight to NY and stayed for a week, visiting with family and trying to adjust being back in the US.

It was opening day at the track this past weekend, which worked out perfectly since I got a rental car and drove back to Maryland on Monday. When I was younger, I used to go to Albany, NY almost every summer to visit my grandparents and we’d go to the track. Saratoga Springs is a lovely area. As I’ve gotten older I have mixed feelings about racing… it shows the athleticism and beauty of the horses, and really anything horse related I love to be around, but I also know the abuse that goes into it, from training to what happens to many race horses (rescue links at the end).

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Today’s tidbit: “The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” ― Barbara Kingsolver

I’m excited to announce that I will be leaving Sunday to head on my longest and furthest international trip yet… Australia!! It is a place I have dreamt about for as long as I can remember and I’m ready to turn that dream into a reality and wonderful adventure.

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Today’s tidbit: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett

In April I finished my last South Africa post and in May I shared my Western Caribbean cruise. What amazing adventures! I could not agree more with today’s tidbit. 2013 was, and 2014 has been, full of big changes and challenges that forced me to grow, learn to let go and move on. Since coming back from SA I haven’t felt like myself. I’ve been in between, not content. Craving something more, something new. When I came back many friends and family said I’m not the same. I wasn’t sure how to take it but after a few months to reflect I realize I shouldn’t think of it like a bad thing, whether that’s how it was intended or not. I think it’s good I’m not the same as when I left. I saw, felt, experienced and learned so much in those few weeks, how could I not change? It was my first real international experience (aside from Germany and India when I was in elementary school). You come face to face with things that in an instant change the way you think. Change what you value and your priorities. Change your ideas of living and what it can be. It changes you. And change is not easy but it is good, and necessary.

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” — Miriam Beard

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