Judy Grillo
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The Year in Review

11/10/2015

12 Comments

 
While I have not landed at my "end point" for the year, I have returned to the starting point of the journey that began January 4th. So, it seems right to recap as I regroup before visiting friends and family for the holiday season. 

I did take the time to look back (and yes, had forgotten a few stops!), but I won't replay what's come and gone. That said, my Virgo self is forcing me to  "account for" where I've been for 10 months!

So, since leaving South Carolina, I've ...
  • Driven over 14,000 miles 
  • Visited 18 states (passing through does not count) 
  • Biked 3,405 miles (yes, I'm behind on my annual goal!) 
  • Had just 2 bike flats (both within a mile of a shop!) 
  • Hiked 297 miles, give or take 
  • Enjoyed 11 National Parks, 10 immensely
  • Camped in 5 state parks, 1 county, 2 private & a few national forests
  • Slept in 12 hostel dorms 
  • Treated myself to a private room, 6 times 
  • Eaten more than 250 peanut butter & banana sandwiches 
  • Read 36 novels & memoirs
  • Stayed the longest in Austin, Texas (12 weeks) 
  • Traveled just one area in both directions (the stunning, Southern Utah) 
  • Sung nearly every favorite song I know from the '60s and '70s. 
  • Visited family, friends & met people from all over the world (unlimited #)
  • Gained a new perspective on the USA and the people who live/visit here 
  • Found what "feels like home" wherever I am -- the post office, the library, a 7-11 coffee, NPR on the car radio, and pedaling my Jamis! 

While I've been feeling frozen in place these past 2 weeks, I realize that I may never pass this way again, either. So, stay tuned as I continue on with eyes wide open, and begin plotting my nomadness of 2016! 
12 Comments
Anne-Marie
11/13/2015 10:37:16 am

An impressive list, indeed. The "250 PB/B sandwiches" is a stand-out!
The Austin IRS job seems so long ago. A phenomenal 10 months of accomplishments while the rest of us get to play armchair tourist.

Reply
Judy
11/14/2015 05:51:41 pm

AMG ... yes, there were days of intense hiking where 3 pb & b sandwiches were NOT out of the question! I'm so glad I did this blog as yes, how long ago was the initial inauguration of my tent in Florida? Excited to start planning the next possibilities!

Reply
Karen
11/13/2015 02:44:36 pm

Wow! That long list really shows me how fast this year has gone! I swear it was about two months ago that you were throwing your bike, gently of course, in the back of your car and waving goodbye.... Would love to hear a full length take on this new perspective of the USA, especially as the rest of us sit through these "wonderful" debates ;o) . Can't wait for your 2016 travels!

Reply
Judy
11/14/2015 05:55:14 pm

Karen, Indeed it does not seem that long ago that I was handing over the keys to the new happy homeowner! I am SO happy that I am ignoring politics while getting to play at some of the greatest spots to be found on the planet! 2016 getting penciled. Will email soon.

Reply
Fred
11/15/2015 07:40:55 pm

That sure sounds like a year well spent! Hope the next one is as rich~

Reply
Judy
11/18/2015 11:51:54 am

Thanks for following! Trying to continue the year with the eyes of a tourist with no plans to "adapt" in 2016!

Reply
Donna
11/16/2015 06:58:11 am

Wow ! those are some impressive stats indeed~ but most remarkable must be the countless experiences they brought. Can't imagine what you 're planning next!

Reply
Judy
11/18/2015 11:53:03 am

Donna,
Honestly ... trying to digest this year with this blog & a journal I kept while hungry to start putting the plans in place for the next one! Oh so many options! j

Reply
Ed Condon
11/17/2015 07:17:41 pm

J love the detailed stats; very incredible. The novels read was my wow. Thinking about unique 2016 trip over 2015 is going to be a challenge.

Reply
Judy
11/18/2015 11:56:58 am

Ed ... funny what people are honing in on! I am actually a dozen books ahead of last year (always a big reader) and I give thanks to my tent without electricity for that! 2016 looking partly sensible (read: earn some money!) and partly international (just kicking tires on that now)!

Reply
karan
11/23/2015 11:40:36 am

Hey there Judy, This is a first!!! We meet in the bathroom at cades cove campground :)))))) Was so nice to meet you and listen to your travels. Glad your safe and have plans for next year. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving xxxoooo

Reply
Judy
11/28/2015 05:57:39 pm

Karan, What a surprise to hear from you! I'm stunned that you remembered how to find me! It was so great to chat with you during our time in the gorgeous fall Smoky Mountains. Had a nice holiday & hope you did, too. Stay in touch! Judy

Reply



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