“It’s So Pretty I Could Puke!”

The title of this is a direct quote from a fellow travel nurse’s husband in regards to how pretty the fall colors are out here in New England. I thought it was very appropriate as all I have been doing the last week and a half is chasing color. Also, it’s hilarious. Or it was funny when he was shouting it in the car while driving down the Kancamagus Highway. And with that, we begin..

I just finished reading The Alchemist last week. Perhaps now one of my favorite books I have ever read. A quote that I had  marked from the novel goes as follows: “You dream about your sheep and the Pyramids, but you’re different from me, because you want to realize your dreams. I just want to dream about Mecca…I’m afraid it will all be a disappointment so I prefer to just dream about it.” A merchant says this to Santiago (the main character) while he was trying to explain why he himself was not making his dream a reality.

I really identified with this quote because more often than not I have a very difficult time understanding why people carry on complaining about something they do not like about their life instead of doing something to change it. I think, after also reading about half of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, that this is a fault of mine. Nonetheless, I feel bad for those who do not change things they would like to or those who only dream about what they could make a reality. I guess this is my life thought for today. I was watching CNN last night and they were doing a show on the impact Anthony Bourdain had on the world. Tony (I feel I have invested enough of my life into his shows that I can call him that) used a quote during one of his episodes saying “certainty is the enemy of growth.” I have never understood this more than I do now after traveling the last ten months and learning SO MUCH. I have never been more uncomfortable or tried so many new things but I have also never learned as much as I have this past year. I plan on continuing to push my limits and wander outside my comfort zone for as long as life allows. I HIGHLY recommend allowing yourself to be uncomfortable and learn something new. A comfort zone is great but there is a lot to take in from the world out there 🙂

Back to the fun stuff! Last Monday I ventured out to the White Mountains with Michelle and her husband, Roger. Michelle is another travel nurse I met at work. Ironically, she worked on the same exact unit I worked on in Montana. Turns out as she left Montana I arrived, so we just swapped spots. Small world.

The Kancamagus Highway here in New Hampshire is THE SPOT to drive during peak colors in the mountains. The day we drove it was fairly foggy and misty but we were all kind of excited about this because the drama factor increased with the color of the leaves against the fog. The highway is a 35 mile stretch of uninterrupted beauty. Seriously though, it is actually worth all the hype. We made quite a few photo pit stops along the way and then at the end of the highway we did a nice little hike along what used to be an old logging railroad. It was a beautiful hike that followed a river and ended at a waterfall. We had a really great day together and were all excited to be able to witness peak foliage in the mountains.

The following day I decided to solo trek back to the mountains. It was a beautiful day and the sun was showing it’s face. The whole reason I decided on New England for this time of year was to see the foliage so I am chasing it as much as time allows! As I had posted on my instagram photo, I also set out that day with the intention of summiting my first 4,000 footer here in New Hampshire. New England has a whole slew of check lists that involve “peak bagging.” There is no way I will accomplish all 48 peaks over 4,000 feet in the time I am here but I thought it would be fun to say I did a few. I started with the smallest of the 4s, Mount Tecumseh. I may have mentioned this before but the hikes out here are no joke. You want to be in shape? Come out to the Whites and hike or trail run. These trails are quite rugged and so. many. boulders. you have to climb over and around. In addition, the hikes are straight up with no switchbacks. Mount Tecumseh is 2,200 feet of elevation gain and most of that is in the last mile and a half or so. I reached the summit, which was in a complete fog but I bagged the peak nonetheless. By the time I reached the summit I was cold, wet and full of dirt. The top was foggy, misty and literally no view but I sat there on top of a rock and ate my apple and soaked up the Christmas tree smells! I refuse to not enjoy the climb! I had the peak all to myself which is always my favorite, so peaceful. Afterwards I hurried back down so I could enjoy the view I had half way which is the photo I posted on IG. Always a good day when out in the woods and hills.

Saturday, I met up with Casey my friend from Billings who is completing a travel assignment just up in Vermont. We went for a hike to a smaller peak but the views were insane. I also posted a photo of that. It had been rainy earlier that day so the clouds were pretty dramatic against the mountains. Beautiful. Post hike we went to a local brewery in Lincoln, a cute little mountain town. We had to have our standard post hike beer and meal.

Overall a really solid week of outdoor adventures. Friday I am meeting up with Casey again and hopefully doing some whale watching and more exploring. Then I won’t really be doing much until I head to Montana at the end of next week! I AM SO EXCITED I COULD CRY. Let’s be honest, I have cried. 🙂

I am currently listening to opera music whilst watching the Brewers hopefully win this game. What a life I lead. Photos below.

Cheers!