Day Four

Monday morning I left the Praxel's and drove the five gorgeous hours to Big Fork, Montana where I am staying in some staff housing at Flathead Lake Lodge owned by the Averill family. I am staying in a dorm/boat house type of building with my college buddy Mark. There is a kayak downstairs which I plan to steal soon and spend the remainder of the morning on, after a short bike ride to the gas station to get some caffeine of course. I think God spends his free time in Montana.

The lesson of the Billy Goat: To all of Montana you may just be billy goat eating trash on the side of the road. But to a Southern Californian you are the most fascinating of God's creatures and I will "bah" at you until you pay attention to me so I can take your photo. Value is relative.

Day Three

Well it was another rough day in Spokane... Today I spent the majority of day lounging at the Praxel's lake cabin affectionately nicknamed the Butterfly, a place full of family history, uniqueness, and character. My Sunday started with Kaarin's nieces Ella and Maddy jumping on my bed begging to go swimming in the lake, church for me in it's own unique way. We waited out a storm and full stomachs and eventually got in the water where Maddy at 5 was able to swim over 70 feet all by herself. Just the day before she was only willing to go about 6 feet. We celebrated the joy of her accomplishment. In all of the grandness of the world, Maddy's swim was grandly insignificant, but to her she was on top of the world. Her excitement and determination was amazingly refreshing and I felt true joy in watching her kick her small legs, coughing and swallowing water all the way across.

Here are Maddy and Ella with Billy the Bass which was delightfully entertaining. *WARNING* This video might just cute you to death.

Day Two

Today I spent the day in Spokane with Kaarin's family. Before lunch, Kaarin's Grandma Dorie and I ran across a bridge that goes over the raging Spokane River. Notice I was on the left to protect her from any splashing. She's 87 but runs like a champ. Lunch was at Anthony's and now we're all going out to the lake house to spend the rest of the weekend. So far this trip is proving to be very comfortable.

Day One

Hi Friends,

A few months ago, I made a decision based on a childhood dream of driving the United States, I report the completion and success of day one as I land in Spokane. I find myself in an exciting time of transition and adventure, looking to the future with big questions. I have literally packed up my life into the bed of my truck, set it in fifth, and have shucked responsibility to invite fresh perspective. I doubt life's questions will be solved or that I will plan out my life, but this is a time for self discovery and finding inspiration. I invite you to check out the blog regularly. I can't promise postings each day or perfect grammar, but I will do my best to keep you all updated. Here's to adventure!

Happy Trails,
Kelly

Today's picture is the Washington sunset reflected off the tonneau cover on my truck bed.