Realizing that I have been moving solidly with a plan and a hard schedule for the last six weeks (not allowing myself any days “off” with little sleep), I decided to take a duff week to re-organize, take care of a few random items, plan for the next few months and most importantly, relax a little.

I found a nice balance of kayak surfing in the morning then posting up in the Aurora Photos headquarters at a real desk for the afternoon.  I would be lying if I didn’t say it was kind of nice to have a schedule, routine and amenities, but after a few days and one crazy encounter, I was itching to get on the road again. 

This “encounter” unfolded one night as an older, grandfatherly type of figure interrupted my photo editing session by tapping on the window next to my face.  I actually couldn’t see who was outside (because of the amount of light my monitor was putting off inside the van) and fearing the worst, I was mentally and physically prepared for anything.

Well, almost anything.

I flung the door open and was surprised to find a small older man standing in front of me.  I apologized for the aggressive flinging door and asked, “Can I help you?”

Bad idea.

He went through a bit of small talk first, then finally came out with it and asked if I was up for “messing around.”  Yep, you heard it here folks.  I thought I had seen a lot in my time on the road, but that was a first.

After exclaiming “Absolutely Not!” in surprise, the man bolted in embarrassment and I packed up and drove away in record time.

I am typically pretty cautious about editing at night in urban areas, but I just got on a roll and kept going.  Hindsight is always 20/20, but I knew better.  Yikes.

Following that, I spent two days working my way to Burlington, Vermont in hopes of some shooting and technology free time.  Unfortunately, the weather was tough on the beautiful fall landscape imagery I had envisioned, so it ended up just being a relaxing drive ending in a nice reunion.

I have been in Burlington all week hanging out with family and getting ready for my brother’s wedding on Saturday.  This is probably all very stressful for everyone else, but for me it is refreshing.  I almost never get to see family members (and it’s even more rare to have us all together), so whether we are rushing around or not, it is just nice to be with everyone.  Funny part is, I should be stressing over my Best Man’s speech and a few other things, but instead I am updating this blog.

I guess it’s time to join the madness.

(Below is a very cool feature on a fellow traveling photographer Brett Holman's website)

(As close as I could get to Mt. Washington.  El Guapo was not allowed up because I carry propane.)

(A Fall hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.)

(Family fun time at the Ben & Jerry's factory.)

            Believe it or not, driving is not my favorite thing to do.  I live a mobile lifestyle so that I can always be growing, always be creating and always be in “it”.  And by “it”, I mean the adventure.  This is my adventure and being on the road has become a metaphor for my life. 

Just like driving takes you from one location to another, it can also take you from your present to your future.  Every time I point El Guapo (the van) into a new direction, I feel the power and freedom of literally driving toward my future.  I never know what lies ahead, and as much planning and prepping as I try to accomplish, the road always brings something different, something unknown, something special.

It has been more than two weeks since my last update and there are no images accompanying this post.  I hope that speaks to the hectic nature of the time that has passed, and if not, the fact that El Guapo and I are in Portland, Maine instead of Seattle, Washington should do the trick.  It was a long drive (and not one that I would undertake without solid reasons for doing so) but it has brought many great things.

I have visited and worked closely with old (and awesome) friends, met with some inspiring characters, made new friends, received feedback on my work, eaten a lot of good food and attended the Aurora Photographer’s Meeting.  It is all the product of a pretty tight schedule with less sleep than I would prefer, but I wouldn’t change it if I could.

Ahead lies a new week and a new stretch of road, and though I’m not the biggest fan of driving, I like where it takes me, so I can’t wait.