We spent a week in Oregon traveling around and checking it out because we thought we might want to move here for a bit after leaving AZ. We loved it and got to see some of the endless beauty there. We flew into Portland (spent a couple of days there) and then drove around for the week. We went to the coast and stayed in a yurt on the beach, then onto Hood River. We camped a night here and wished we could live there. From there we drove south and stayed overnight in a little town called (???). Next we spent a few days in Bend (great town) and visited Charlotte and Aaron. We also got to see and catch up with Christy. Who knows? Maybe someday we will live there.
In December, we traveled to Amsterdam and Switzerland to celebrate my 40th birthday :) We spent nearly 2 weeks there (mostly in Switzerland) and traveled around using the awesome rail system.
Amsterdam was AMAZING and so pretty and we saw for ourselves how much people love their bicycles.
The great Matterhorn was ever-present in our time at Zermatt. We went snow boarding and got to "dip" into Italy for a few minutes to catch the lift back up:) After Zermatt, our next stop was a tiny little town called Les Crosets (very near Champery and France). Went stayed at an amazing hotel and spent a few more days snow boarding and seeing the sights. Over all, the boarding wasn't that great because of the lack of snow and the presence of tons of ice. Although the day we departed Les Crosets there was a foot of fresh powder on the ground with no sign of the white stuff letting up :( Next time we'll go in the Spring when the snow is better. It was a FANTASTIC trip, but way too expensive for our taste.
My brother Chris was stationed in South Korea for a year and we took the opportunity to visit. We flew into Seoul and spent a few days exploring the very modern and fast-paced city with delicious food and crazy markets.
After Seoul, we traveled to the local vacation destination, Jeju Island, and spent a couple days touring around. This place has the highest mtn. in South Korea (Hallasan and they ski there in the winter). We stayed in fishing village and enjoyed more great food from the sea.
In June, my niece and nephew (Tara and Matt) graduated from high school, so we traveled to Salt Lake City and enjoyed a weekend with the family.
We even participated in the "Dirty Dash" (a mud run) as a family. This is obviously the before picture :)
Oh yeah, almost forgot, in June I resigned my teaching position in Chinle. After 15 years of teaching special education, I was ready for a break. We were also thinking about moving and we were planning our African adventure, so it turned out to be a good time not to be "constrained" by a job:) We were able to spend the summer enjoying different outings and events with friends and family. We spent a weekend backpacking in the Gila Wilderness, enjoyed another Telluride Bluegrass Festival, climbed our first 14ers in CO in preparation for trekking Kili, traveled to PA for the Karwaki family reunion, enjoyed a few weekends in the Chuskas with the Clydes, and attended Tim's Brewfest (damn Gina, that's delicious!) in ABQ. Julie also participated (and kicked major ass) in lots of trail running events including [Mt. Taylor Quad, Jemez Mountain, Shiprock, Moab Tri, Leadville, and WATER IS LIFE ULTRA!!!! (that's 31 miles)]. Julie's running events allowed us weekends to explore and discover places we might not have otherwise gotten to in our waning time in the Southwest. Thanks Baby!
Now comes September and one of our biggest and most exciting adventures yet. We joined our friends Allison, Sarah, John, Andra, Rhonda, and Kameron on a 3 1/2 week Tanzanian trip that included trekking Africa's highest peak, 3 days on safari, and 7 days at the beach in Zanzibar. Other highlights were the all the wonderful and welcoming people we met along the way, Stone Town, and all the places we were able to stay (Mbahe Farm and Village, Ngorongoro Farm House, Tarangerie Safari Lodge, Zanzibar Coffee House, and the Shooting Star Lodge).
We trekked the Lemosho Route for 8 days and we ALL reached the summit together without casualties and only a few aches and pains. WAY TO GO TEAM DAVIS!!!
Then we moved to Alaska:)
Julie on the ferry
Our extensive port stop schedule
It was all smooth sailing, until some big waves on the last day
A regular siting of a moose at the park
Some happy and warn out puppies after a week and a half of traveling to Alaska
Our new view from the living room
Although we are still waiting for all of our belongings to arrive from Arizona, things are going well so far. We took advantage of Julie not working the first week and explored Anchorage a bit. We found an awesome theatre/pub called Bear Tooth, went to the Anchorage Museum, took the dogs to Kinkaid Park (only a mile from home and daily moose sitings), went to the library, hiked some trails in Hillside, found some great and not so great restaurants, and dinner with some new friends (a connection through Julie's sister). Julie started working this week at ANMC (Alaska Native Medical Center). She likes it so far and is getting used to all the newness of it and is enjoying not being in charge. I started my teacher certification paperwork, so I hope that all goes smoothly and soon enough I will be back to work. Until then, I'm spending most of my time getting stuff done at home and hanging out with the pups :) Adios!
3 comments:
Amazing! As always, envious of your many travels. So glad you shared your adventures!
You guys are so awesome!!!!!!! Loved reading your catch up post! So amazing! We miss you guys. xoxo
Very happy you decided to update - you definitely had lots of fun pics to share. You look like you have had many fun adventures- good luck with Alaska - I am sure the advertures there are just beginning.
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