Coast to Coast

There is something primitive and vital about getting lost. It strips us down to survival mode, basic drives, anxiety and wonder. Wandering foreign lands demands the trust that will find our way in a place where wayposts are subtle or unfamiliar. The truth is that I travel because it is exciting; excitement ranging from fun, adventure, joy… to fear, uncertainty & heart-expanding surprises.

In two days I embark upon a journey. Geographically, my destination takes me farther from comfort and home than I’ve ever reached in my 42 years. My companions: my dear friend Laurel and my divine guide, whom I choose to affectionately call “goddie.” Together we set out to traverse the kingdom of England, from the Cumbrian coast of the Irish Sea 191 miles east to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. We will bring our maps and compass, some treats and clothing layers, and our willingness to be guided through changing terrain for anything from 8 to 22 miles per day over two weeks’ time. In the pubs and inns we visit, we will dine on rich English breakfasts and consume cream tea in volumes. We will find other travelers along the way, share stories, relate with (or sometimes just tolerate) them. We will find each other and beauty under myriad conditions. We will probably feel physical pain and possibly emotional discomfort and certainly spiritual growth. We will be re-introduced to our true nature and know ourselves more deeply.

Well, that’s how I predict it will go. But you know what they say, “Make your plans, hear God laugh.”

I invite you to join us on our walkabout. Read this journal, send us love and protection. Enjoy the images captured here with my other travel partner, a wildly purple Olympus PEN E-PMI with 14-150mm zoom.

See you on the trail!

In gratitude,

Joan