Anna here. Driving to Carlsbad, NM

I used to love blogging. I journaled when I was younger, and then started writing my thoughts down online sometime when MySpace started. I was probably a MySpace star honestly, but perhaps that profile should never be unearthed for fear of the sad and depressing things a female teenager might divulge. 

I love writing so much, that I seriously chronicled my travels, relationships, and revelations in two different blogs over that past 5 years. 

But now for some reason when I think about writing it makes me shudder. Perhaps it is the thought that I am sharing this space with someone else. 

I'll try to be better. 

We spent the last 3 days in Austin, and it was great. I was able to meet up with an old friend, Sean, who was an original influence on my traveling habits. He was a Spanish major, who traveled pretty extensively, decided to be in a band to travel some more and play some sweet tunes, but has since left the band to pursue his amazing artistic talents. Paintings, jewelry, it's all amazing. Check out his etsy store and Instagram. 

Nick and I were able to check out his sweet collection and now each have brand new amazing necklaces and I also got a bracelet. Now we'll look good no matter how little we shower. 

We visited a state park and walked around downtown. It was mostly amazing because Dave lives in a great place in a great neighborhood with a really comfy couch. 

But now on to Carlsbad, NM. Let the adventures begin! 

Post yoga smoothies

Solo walk with Jackson

Bling from Sean

Snuggles under the tree

Smushed in the car 

Wind turbines in western Texas 

Relaxing in Austin

Nick here....

After a very fun and exhausting wedding in Dallas for Dave and Elizabeth, we landed in Austin! First time for me:) We had planned on heading to Big Bend Ranch State Park, but cold front is heading in dropping the temperatures into the 20s/30s. Although we were pumped about seeing big bend, I didn't want Anna and Jackson to suffer in the cold ;) So rather than tent camping in the cold we opted for Dave and Elizabeth's apartment while they are on their honeymoon!

We got here yesterday and headed down to the Barton springs near downtown (http://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool). This is a cool naturally spring fed area of the river that has recently drawn 800000 visitors a year. They have built up some platforms on the edge of the pool, which makes it very easy and fun for all ages. It's still only around 70 degrees, but still nearly took my breath away when I slowly stepped down the later. I definitely suggest checking it out if you are in Austin, and best part it's free!

We then hung out with Jackson in Zilker park and met the famous Regal Begal (https://www.facebook.com/myregalbeagle/) named Sid and his owner. He took a couple pictures of Jackson to post on his page zilkerbark, but have not seen the post yet. Jackson had been playing soccer and football, so his drool at that point may not have been what he was looking for.

Today we went a much needed donation yoga class at Black Swan Yoga. We both felt much better, and got a juice from a sweet place called the Juice Joint. Later in the day (after a few episodes of criminal minds, which is one of the unimportant things we both miss) we headed to McKinney State Park (http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls) about 20 minutes outside the city. It had a very cool rock outcropping and some great swimming holes. They had recently had a flood, so some of the area was closed off. You could see some of the remnants from that flood and a bad 2013 flood up in the trees. Pictures posted below. Spending 1 more day in Austin and then headed to Carlsbad!

Big Thicket National Preserve

After camping in southern La, we stayed for two of Nicks friends before leaving Louisiana. First, we stayed with Winn and Julie, hung out with their 2 yr old, and ate yummy southern gumbo. 

On Monday we drove to Lafeyette and stayed with North and Becca. I unloaded the groceries, played Mancala with a 5 yr old, slept under 7 blankets, finally showered, and had grilled salmon and asparagus. Don't worry, I won at mancala. Nick was able to catch up with an old friend and learn more about the best ways to become a teacher. Jackson got several "piggy back rides*" from their dog Brocks. We left early Tuesday morning for Big Thicket in eastern Texas. 

Big Thicket was once over 3.5 million acres large. We chose to do some solo back country camping. The park ranger gave us some suggestions of trails that we could go on and camp off of. As long as we were 200 feet from the trail and 100 feet from water we could set up camp. We found a good spot about half a mile along the trail that was already pretty clear from previous campers. We built a fire and set up camp.

Soon after it was dark we heard coyotes howling. Needless to say, I started crying and we immediately decided that Jackson would be sleeping in the tent. The worst decision of the night was sleeping on the ground because we didn't feel like carrying the blow up mattress in. (We've been doing a good job glamping instead of just camping).

We really packed enough to last us at least a week...

Wednesday morning we were still alive. We rebuilt the fire, cooked a killer breakfast of French press coffe, leftovers and eggs (we don't have any pictures, because the phones kept dying). We went on a long walk on the Turkey Creek Trail, found running water to purify, and somehow walked faster than all the massive mosquitoes. 

Our goal has been to stay awake, or at least outside the tent until at least 8pm every night. That is so much harder done than said. The sun sets around 5 and your body naturally starts to slow down when it's dark outside. I fell asleep sitting up at the fire the first night and almost did the second night as well... At about 7pm. 

We packed up our camp after a much better nights sleep this morning. We had walked back to the car to get the blow up mattress, so our backs were happier, and the only noises keeping us up were some rowdy owls which I will gladly take over coyotes. We packed up the car by 9:30, went for another small hike through some cool cypress trees, and then headed to Dallas. 

We are finally at the Airbnb that we had reserved months ago and will be sleeping in a warm bed tonight. The wedding that sparked this whole trip is coming up in two days. It's crazy how time flies. 

I'm happy to say that I feel much better about this whole journey and no longer want to just throw in the towel and head home. It's an exciting adventure and so far we've had some really interesting obstacles thrown out way, but we've braved them pretty well! 

*piggy back rides = vigorous humping

From Anna's Instagram - December 8th

MWe braved the cold, rain, and wind in Florida. Drove through wildlife preserves and past countless oil refineries in southern Louisiana to the mouth of the Mississippi. Rode a ferry that magically was free. Woke up in a tent covered in soaking wet dew that dripped down our necks as we snuggled in sleeping bags. Watched magicians, brass bands, and street dancers perform in one of the dirtiest, smelliest, crazy, dog friendly, happenin', busy, beautiful cities called New Orleans. Did yoga at a random state park with some of the most wonderful grass and cypress trees.

Crossing the Texas boarder now.

Made it to New Orleans!

The sun finally came out for us!!

St. Bernard and a Ferry Across the Mississippi!

Anna here...

So after a few days in rainy, cold Florida and a night in a fabulous super 8, we are at Saint Bernard State Park in Louisiana. Our first night was great. We arrived with plenty of daylight to completely set up camp, make dinner, and walk around the park. One nice thing we've noticed is that since it is off season there are very few people around. There are a few RVers which makes us not feel alone, but barely any tent campers or even day park users. It was quiet last night, with owls, coyotes, a possum, and lots of other hawks, vultures, and various birds making for a sweet soundscape. 

We woke up absolutely freezing in the middle of the night, and after getting our sleeping bags from the car and convincing Jackson to tuck in with us we were finally able to get some sleep. We woke up with drips of cold water falling on our faces from the condensation that collected along the tent. How do we get away from the cold and the wet?!?! 

Luckily now it's sunny and warm outside. A beautiful day for adventuring. We're waiting in line for the Belle Chasse Ferry to take us to the west side of the Mississippi River (http://plaqueminesparish.com/ferry/) so we can go get as close to the point where the Mississippi empties out into the Gulf as possible!!

Day 1 & 2.......RAIN, WIND, and COLD

Nick here...

We headed south on Tuesday to Indian Pass in Apalachicola to get out of the cold, but it just came with us. We got there Tuesday late afternoon in enough time to set up camp and cook some dinner. When we woke up we had just enough time for some coffee, and then the rain came for most of the day. As we are still figuring out our set-up, we had to adjust some tarps in the rain ( so much fun!). Needless to say, our first day was not the start we were hoping for, but we sucked it up for another night. Although the staff was very friendly and bathrooms clean, I would not recommend tent camping at Indian Pass. Because of the weather we did not get to explore very much, but found some spots or check out when we go back like the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/stjoseph_buffer/pub/SJB_Buffer_Preserve_brochure.pdf) The redeeming part of the last couple of days were the delicious meals we cooked with the fresh veggies we got from Aunt Mary and Uncle Chris's garden in Birmingham. A good meal goes a long way on a cold night!!! 

Now we are in a hotel in Biloxi because it is 40 degrees and windy out. Guess we needed to ease into the camping a little more😉 Tomorrow we head just south of New Orleans for a couple nights and take the drive to see where the Mississippi runs out into the gulf. 

Charging our solar powered lanterns and stretching my lower extremities. Crossing over the Alabama-Florida state line. 

Let's see how many different environments the crab painting can make it in :) Thank goodness for great people who thought of the best things to give us before we left. 

Heading Out!

We are finally all packed up and heading out of Chattanooga. The last week has been insane.  We packed up our Charleston Apartment into a moving truck and left for Chattanooga last Tuesday. Wednesday we reloaded 85% of our belongings into Nick's amazing brothers house. Thursday involved Nick being ridiculously sick, napping most of the day, and then making it to a glorious Thanksgiving dinner just in time.  We visited family members and friends, and I almost have everyone in the family figured out, but I'm still pretty confused between best friends, cousins, or both. There are way to many Boehms!

These last few weeks have been so overwhelming. Jackson got incredibly sick and needed to stay in the Vet for almost a week. He had kidney failure and pneumonia, and is still not at 100%. I have been extremely stressed out and have bickered more with Nick than in the entire year we've been together. Whew, stress and anxiety can really get to you. Makes you act a little crazy... You know?

But we made it. Today we start the journey south.

To be continued

We made it!

After 8 hours of driving we're here!! We've got everything set up and Jackson is in heaven. How does he not get cold lying in the rain? I know other dogs that would be whimpering to come inside, but there he is, basking in the glory of his wet hill, looking down at his people.

Our 4 hour trip turned into an 8 hour adventure. With a 100% chance of rain in the forecast, we decided to fore-go our original plans of Jones Gap. You got it, we wimped out. 

Yup, and here we are at the Lake House in Spring City, Tennessee instead of Cleveland, South Carolina . The closer we got, the more we realized that sitting in 100% chance of rain for two days was not our imagined camping experience. However, we didn't want to totally waste the opportunity to try out our stuff, so we decided to set up our camping gear outside the house to test out what it would be like. Which turned out ideal, because it's windy, cold, and raining excessively. We can go in the house to warm up, drink hot chocolate all day, and still poop on a toilet. 

What would you do in the rain for two days if you were camping outside with no real shelter?? I'm sure it will happen eventually!!

Our First Camping Trip

Left the house at 7am to embark on our first expedition. We loaded up the cargo carrier, put the bikes on the back, fit the cooler inside along with Jacksons bed.

We're headed to Jones Gap State Park. We packed extra stuff to see how much would fit when we're driving cross country and we wanted to practice packing it up before we set out for multiple months. 

Within the first 45 minutes we had to make a quick stop to fix the bikes which were bouncing around on the trunk. 

We picked a nice camping spot along side a river and although it might rain for the whole time were there, it will be great practice of equipment and patience for later. 

So far we have figured out that we each need our own tasks while packing in order to actually get things done. We like to look over each other's shoulders and chime in even when it's unwanted (I think I get that from my dad). 

The rain has already started and were not even past Columbia. 2.5 hours of driving to go.

Leaping Into The Unknown

As we get closer to our departure date lots of things start to go through my mind. Should we sell one of our cars? What else do we need to buy? Do we have enough money saved up? How can we make or save money while traveling? Is this even realistic for us to do?...
If we are not careful these thoughts will start to consume us (more me than Anna, as I tend to be the more anxious one).

A Surprise Lake House Visit

Charleston was flooded. They predicted a category 4 hurricane would blast us from the ocean, but luckily it diverted itself back out to the East. However, the rain could not contain itself.

It's All Coming Together

With a departure date of December 1st, it is all coming together. First, we are headed down to Florida to stay at Indian Pass Campground for a few days to start off our trip. Sleeping in a tent on the edge of a secluded barrier island sounds like a fantastic way to relax and unwind after working so much all fall. Next will be Saint Bernards State Park in Louisiana so we can travel down to where the Mississippi empties out into the Gulf. Big Thicket National Park in Texas will be our final camping destination before heading to DALLAS, Texas (not Austin like Nick had originally thought) for a fun wedding! We have already secured a sweet Air B&B just outside of Dallas and found someone to watch Jackson while we are at the wedding as well! The first two weeks of this amazing adventure are really coming together wonderfully. We are really excited about the rest, but you'll have to wait to find out why! More to come soon.

The Adventure begins in 65 days or less!!

How long does planning take?

Planning takes as long as you let it.  We have chosen to plan out a few different camping spots and the necessary stops that we need to make a long the way. All we know for sure is that we want to go to Baja, Mexico and we have a wedding in Austin, Texas on December 12th that sparked the idea for this trip all together. We will see where it takes us!

-Anna