Hello Blog Readers,

So as stated in my previous blog entry, several developments have arisen both as to the travel itinerary and my personal life.  As these events have transpired, I’m reminded more and more that, in spite of what some hipster idealist might preach, it’s money that makes this world go round and it’s money that decides how far you get to go in life.  And no, this is not me announcing that I’m cutting the summer road-trip short (although the responsible side of me is saying that I probably should make that announcement as recent unanticipated expenses on the vehicle and home front have left me financially drained).  Rather, I’m pointing out the obvious:  There is a reason not that many people actually get to break out of their life routines to journey to distant lands.  It is expensive to travel.  However, you need to do it anyways.  You need to take risks.  You need to have adventures.  You need to make sure that you spend as much of your life as possible pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and taking in new experiences and new perspectives.  It is the only way to live a life without regret.  It is the only way to find out who you really are in this world and to know what you can and cannot achieve.

The one caveat to the advice is this:  Don’t just travel to travel.  Don’t do it to escape your career for a few weeks or to slop around in luxury and gluttony that you then post onto Facebook in an attempt to make others envious.  Travel to really learn something about yourself; to find an inner courage, skill, or strength that you never knew existed.  Then, when you return from your journey, zealously use that newfound ability to make your home a better place.  Just as your travels should cause a transformation within you, make sure that your travels end up also causing a similar transformation within your community.  It could be as simple as inspiring another to get out and see what he or she always wanted to see in the world, or it could be as major as learning some new trade or skill in a foreign land which you then turn into a business in your hometown. Whatever it is, make sure it helps those around you grow.  Don’t hoard the treasures you gain from traveling.  Share them.

Okay, that got more philosophical than I had anticipated.  Returning to reality now to make some announcements.  First, in the spirit of expanding horizons and challenging one’s self, a job opportunity recently came my way which I accepted.  Following my Canadian trip, I will not be returning to my current job, but rather returning to work at my former firm, which has practice emphases in general civil defense litigation, business planning, religious nonprofits, and public agency law.  If there’s anything I miss about the firm, it’s working alongside people – trying to protect people’s names, keep businesses and nonprofits helping others, and solving the big social problems that face governments on a day-to-day basis.  It’s going to be great getting back into that routine, and with the current drought facing the State of California, I relish the challenge of working alongside counties, cities, and districts in meeting the water needs of the people.

Of course, with the job change comes some schedule changes with respect to the travels – I actually have more time now for my summer trip.  And I’m adding a detour.  See, my sister  just graduated from high school and will be starting at my alma mater, UCSB, in the fall.  So, before I head up north to Canada, I’m going to head south to Santa Barbara to show my sister around the area.  As a result, my second announcement.  My updated itinerary is as follows:

July 18thish through July 22nd:  Santa Barbara, California

July 25 : Drive to La Grande, Oregon.  Spend night at Timmy’s parents’ place.

July 26 : Enjoy La Grande for the day/possibly go hiking with a guide who sounds pretty awesome/Drive to Wallowa Lake, Oregon

July 27 : Wallowa Lake, Oregon

July 28 : Drive to Tacoma, Washington.  Spend night with Patrick’s parents or some connection of Patrick’s.  Make sure to shower before heading into the woods for the week.  :-p

July 29 : Drive into Canada!  Set up camp in Glacier NP.

July 30 : Glacier NP – Hike Perley Rock Trail and/or the Glacier Crest Trail.  Camp.

July 31 : Kootenay NP – Floe Lake and the Rockwall.  Camp.

August 1 : Hike out of Kootenay.  Camp at Lake Louise.

August 2 : Hike Lake Louise, Plain of the Six Glaciers.  Camp at Johnston Canyon.

August 3 : Hike Johnston Canyon/Ink Pots early; drive north to Saskatchewan Glacier and hike that…end day driving down to Calgary and crashing at the posh Hotel Elan where I have arranged a 2 bedroom apartment suite.

August 4 : Drive to Bozeman, Montana.  Back in the States!  Bozeman!!!

August 5 : Palisade Falls; Drive to Salt Lake City, Utah

August 6  – August 7:

Wasatch Range – Mt. Olympus, Lake Blanche, Brighton Lake Trail System (Lake Mary, Catherine, etc.), Secret Lake

August 8 : Drive home.

As you can see, the trip’s getting increasingly epic.  Also, I’m appreciating this blog more and more because it’s the sole source of my itinerary.

So, what’s the final announcement?  Well, I don’t really have one.  But, if you read my last blog, I really am all about this girl I met recently.  And her documentary filmmaking.  Hopefully we have another adventure together soon.  😉

Cheers,

Rob