The Year in Review

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!