Contrary to some of our family's and friends' worst fears, this isn't about running away from adult life and living in a van by the river.  Well, OK, it is.  But in a good way.  About four years ago we started talking about taking an extended sabbatical and traveling the world.  We had been dating six months or so and both of us chalked it up to the type of wishes and daydreams couples talk about at the beginning of a relationship. But as the months passed, the dream of wandering the world together didn't disapate and neither did our relationship. We decided to start saving for the trip in earnest. 

Meanwhile, Eric started a graduate program at the University of Washington while working full time and I took on a new job opportunity.  We set our date of departure for the fall after Eric's graduation, but then decided we wanted to get married before we took off on our trip.  So last summer Eric finished his Master's program, I sold my house and started a new position at work, we bought the van, picked it up in Fresno and then got married at the end of August.  We have spent the last year recuperating from all the chaos and socking away our money for the trip.

Our mission, and we definitely accept it, is to wander the highways, byways and off-roadways of the Northern Hemisphere . . . as a start.  Our companions on this grand adventure will include Hank the van and our Golden Retriever, Bruce.  We hope you enjoy the descriptions of our travels as our journey unfolds.  And we hope that our tales may inspire you to make your own adventures, wherever they may lead you.

- Sarah