The Wild

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 it is tradition to reflect upon the past year, and to make some type of plan or resolution to improve upon or continue the successes of the past year. The most common resolutions I hear are to get in better shape, to eat healthier, or to make changes that will improve our health and wellness, or increase overall satisfaction with life.

Like most people I have a few extra pounds I could shed or transform into lean muscle, but overall my health is pretty good. In 2023 I made one of the largest changes possible, and moved to a new city, far from my traditional home. This change has been a work in progress for more than seven years, and is the fruition of a multitude of changes that were implemented over that time.

I am truly happy with my choices, and I am very busy with the continuing work that is required when making such a major life change. That said, I have a broad range of interests, and while I could rest on my laurels for a while, I feel that perhaps I should also keep an eye towards the path less traveled.

To date my blog here has focused on horticulture, arboriculture, adventure, and the outdoors. The one significant part of my life that is not yet represented here is international travel. It is an activity that I am very passionate about, and which I have significant experience in. Thus far I have not been able to integrate travel with the other subjects presented here, but I think that may change in the new year.

My specific experience with travel is in the realm of budget (adventure) travel. It has long been my habit to seek out novel experiences that allow me some insight into the culture and life of local people in some of the less frequented parts of the world. And of course, this is all done with a mind to minimalism, the environment, and a leave no trace approach.

My travel philosophy has long been:Take only memories, leave only friends!

With that I will bid you a Happy New Year! Here is to a 2024 full of life, love and adventure. See you in the wild my friends! Peace!