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Greetings readers! As you may have noticed, I haven't posted anything since early September. Unfortunately, I haven't done any traveling of note since then. While I have witnessed some glorious fall colors around my home state this fall, family busyness and the ever-rising financial onslaught of $150 weekly groceries and $200 car insurance rate increases have tamped down any larger travel plans I may have had.
Rather than despair, I've resorted to the mental gymnastics required during times without travel:
Be thankful for the collection of incredible travels I have had over the years - and as recently as this August - a long-awaited return to Quebec City that was indescribably satisfying.
Absorb and appreciate the beauty that can be found around the bend in the beautiful state I call home. Case in point: on October 28, Alyse and I visited the little-known but delightful Northwood Meadows State Park.
Realize that I will travel again before I know it!
As I write this from my dining room table on November 5, 2023, I'd like to share a few pieces of personal news you may find interesting:
On October 19, I stepped out of my comfort zone and participated in an author event at the Rye (NH) Public Library. I discussed the 2017 road trip I took with my dad along the 43rd parallel, and my book, entitled Given Latitude. Despite the book being published in 2019, it was the first time I'd ever gotten up in front of a crowd to discuss it. I'm extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity and wouldn't count out doing it again at another library if given the chance.
October also saw my debut as a contributor to American Road magazine. This fulfills a lifetime dream of seeing my name in print in a publication of national distribution. My first piece is a teeny weenie (pun intended) summary of a news item in which a hot dog statue was stolen in West Virginia. While the subject matter seems laughably insignificant, I'm hopeful that other articles I've already written will appear in future issues of the magazine. It's published quarterly and can be found at Barnes & Noble and other bookstores if you care to check it out!
September marked three years since I started this blog - this is actually my 60th post. It's been quite a journey thus far, and if you're still here reading this today, I am extremely grateful! To be totally honest, to pour my heart out in this digital realm, only to garner 15 or 20 views can be quite demoralizing. However, I still have thoughts and musings to share, so even if one person reads and is positively affected by my writing, I will consider it a success. Quality over quantity, right?
Finally, as you know I'm a big fan of commemorating travel anniversaries. This week is a big one for me: 23 years since my first overseas travel experience in Portugal, Spain, and France. If you've never seen my three-part reflection on this life-altering trip, I'd be honored if you'd care to read (or re-read) about these experiences that turbocharged my natural affinity for travel.
Reflections on my other international trips (Italy, Peru, Iceland) can be found here: Travel Blog | Arrivals, Departures, and Musings (adam-travels.com)
Until next time, I sincerely appreciate everyone who's stuck with me thus far. While there are no major travels on the immediate horizon, I can assure you my travel musings will continue into 2024!