Summer ‘06
This summer has been one of a kind for me. I have never packed so much into such a short amount of time in my life. I have been on more adventures, seen more sights, met more people, had more adventures, and accomplished more life goals this summer than in any summer previous. It is amazing to me all the opportunity I’ve been afforded. I have truly been blessed, because this is something I love but I am not a wealthy man by any stretch of the imagination, so I’ll accept the experience gratefully. 
Pretty much I feel like I haven’t wasted a second and it’s a great experience. It’s been interesting though, as my loyalty to friends has offered me much of my opportunity. I’ve been to a buddies father’s funeral in Idaho, I attended weddings in Ontario and Tennessee, I’ve returned to Ukraine to fulfill a cavalier promise I made long ago, not fully understanding the cost and accessability of such an accomplishment. But in my effort to be a good person and friend, I have seen more opportunity in life come my way. I would in no way pat my own pack for being such a good friend, but the addage is true that once you forget yourself, you find yourself. I never thought that I would be able to sit on top of a mountain in Ukraine in the most perfect atmosphere you can imagine, with a light mist and a chill in the air, the grass was so green and the villages looked so vintage and pristine. I sat at a cafe in Austria eating pastries, then stood at the bar with hundreds of others watching goals be scored during the world cup, those were some true soccer fans. I’ve mountain biked some epic trails with some epic fellas. I’ve done an easter egg hunt in the desert of New Mexico and while there eated some “real” mexican food. I’ve sat with my family during the most rushed hours of the summer and loved what a great family I have. I’ve eaten at Wisconsins famous Paul Bunyan Cook Shanty and been as full as I can ever remember being on the one of a kind buttermilk donuts. I have been to the northern tip of provinces in Canada and portaged canoes and equipment, I’ve camped on lakes that were our own, on islands that we claimed and seen shooting stars from what seemed a point of view that was closer than I’d ever experienced. I’ve talked long enough with some of the best of friends that all the problems in the world should be fixed. I really can’t describe my appreciation for the things i’ve done and the people i’ve seen. All in all, 17 states (19 if you include provinces) have been visited, 4 countries have been explored, hundreds of hours of sleep have been lost, countless friends have been made, and relationships strengthened. I’m at 13 gig of pictures taken and more still on the camera in a meager attempt to document the adventures and now I am on the airplane to Hawaii, state #18 if you are counting. I am preparing to settle down for a year of school again. This will be the longest I’ve lasted in any one place for two years if it works, But in all my travels, I’m excited to settle into a place. Unpack my suitcase, totally unpack my suitcase, do some internet shopping and have a real address to ship it to, I do look forward to that. I think I’m ready to take it easy for a bit, though I know me, and can forsee my feet moving even if their tied to a stake planted in Laie Hawaii for a while. If they do, I’ll let you know.
Pretty much, I love my life, wouldn’t trade it for anything, and have never felt more grateful. Thanks to everyone who took part in my adventures, I look forward to doing it again next year.
Enjoy,
Al
were is the video of me and you eating tabasco sause, from lawrence kansas?
Uh, you’re my hero. I’m going to start living vicariously through you. Seriously, that was one heck of a summer. It makes for some good reading.
Party on Garth.