My Nomad Journey: Weeks 28 to 31

I did it again! Got so caught up in my nomad life that I didn’t write or post. So here’s the latest updates from the last month! It has been a really busy month with a lot of motion and a number of large work commitments coming to completion. At the time of writing this, I’m feeling really good about what I’ve accomplished over the past month (and year, overall). Read on for the details!

Here’s what I did:

For the first 2 weeks of June, my friend graciously let me use her lake house as a place to stay while I did some major work projects and prepared for my upcoming trip to Miami for work and visits. I was extremely grateful for this time and her generosity. Although I was staying at a beautiful lake and property in the countryside of NY, it rained almost the entire two weeks I was there! If it wasn’t raining, it was steaming – complete with bugs and mud. It was challenging to get out and enjoy the nature that surrounded me. However, it was probably a good thing. I was able to really burrow in and focus. I had a number of design/development projects, along with classes I was teaching online and my client calls. The weather helped me stay focused on my important deadlines and the volume of work that needed to be completed. I was able to get everything done that I needed to!!!

On the weekends, I did get out and explore some of the local towns. Despite the rain, I was able to walk the streets of Coxsackie, Catskill, and Hudson, New York. I also drove to Albany one weekend to do some exploring there. Although I had traveled there many times in the past for work, I had never had the time to drive around the neighborhoods and explore what is really IN Albany. Although it was mostly driving, I learned a little bit more about the city and the people there. I had some good food in these towns, but nothing especially unique or exciting – not because there isn’t anything, but because I didn’t go looking. Being vegetarian, sober and on a budget means that I find pleasure in simpler meals and experiences. I enjoyed everything I had, though!

When my friend and her husband returned to the lake house at the end of the second week, we were able to spend a little time on the last Friday afternoon getting out and enjoying the first sunny, warm day since they had left for the City. We took the kayaks out on the lake for a short time, then went to one of the towns and had snacks/drinks on the rooftop of a small hotel there. It was lovely to see something special and spend time catching up. After, we went to a unique restaurant in town and had dinner while a cover band played music from the decades.

For the last week of June, I needed to be in Miami for a client engagement. I decided to fly from Albany instead of NYC. Easier for many reasons and I was already there. Also, it would be easier to continue my journey onward to Maine from there. I used an app (Way) to find cheap parking for the 10 days I would be gone. I was able to park at a hotel just off airport property. This was a difference of $10+ a day!!! I flew to Miami and stayed with a friend there. Since I had other client commitments (virtual) on other days during the week, I flew in on the weekend so I could get settled. I did my virtual work on Monday, presented on-site for my Miami client on Tuesday/Wednesday, then worked remote on other client projects Thursday/Friday. My friend and I were able to grab dinner a few nights and celebrate her birthday on Miami Beach on Friday night. We walked the boardwalk, had a vegan dinner and then drove to a neighborhood spot in Upper Buena Vista for ice cream and a live band under an outdoor palapa. This band was doing a cover of Alanis Morissette, which brought back memories from my younger days.

That weekend, we drove up to Boynton Beach and handed me off to some other friends. We shared a great lunch before my Miami friend continued on to other commitments. My Boynton friends and I relaxed around the house, went out for some meals and ended the weekend with a trip to the beach. It was just what I needed – after the week of presentations, classes, and design deadlines, being able to watch movies, eat ice cream and then spend an evening sitting on the sand and watching the water was like medicine. I also enjoyed the deep conversations with all of my friends in south Florida. It was great to catch up with all of them again. Also, this trip represented a milestone, as there were at least three large work projects that all came to a conclusion by the time I left Miami. What a huge accomplishment and relief! I was ready for some rest. The trip to Maine was going to be a bit of a vacation for me.

On Tuesday, I flew back to Albany. I was so excited for the week ahead, I didn’t sleep at all the night before my flight. Between reading in bed, scrolling socials, updating todo lists and calendars, creative thoughts popping in, and more – I never fell asleep! So I flew about 5 hours (2 legs) from Palm Beach airport to Albany, picked up my car, got a car wash and tire check, picked up lunch and drove to Concord, New Hampshire. It was a LONG day! Once I checked into my hotel, I went to downtown Concord to explore and walk around. This was my way of splitting the drive over to Maine and an opportunity to see another city I had never visited before. The drive between Albany and Concord was beautiful. The weather was good (hot, though). I drove through mountains and hills. Many of the routes I took through this part of the Northeast was off-interstate. I was able to see more of the local scenery this way. After eating, showering and settling in, I slept like a baby.

The next day I loaded back up again and drove to Lewiston, Maine. At this time of year, it is “high season” in the Northeast and Maine, in particular. Summer is when the tourists flood in for the ocean, camping, lakes, cabins, hiking, etc. etc. So the prices in Maine are at their highest this time of year. In order to find an affordable place, I chose a cheap motel in Lewiston. It is close enough proximity that I was able to drive to all of the main population centers within a few hours. So one day, I explored the local towns of Lewiston/Auburn. The next day, I drove to Bangor (with a stop in Augusta to have my tires rotated) and then on to Bar Harbor. The next day I drove to Portland and spent the day there. My last day, I drove to Brunswick and then to Bailey and Orr’s Islands, where they jut out into the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.

Lewiston, Augusta and Bangor are cities with small populations and don’t have large economies. They have restored downtown areas that attract tourists. Many of these towns were founded in the 1700s, so they are old by US standards. I enjoyed walking around the downtowns and exploring the adjacent neighborhoods. It was fun to look up the histories and what industries supported these towns at their settling. A lot of timber and paper industry, as well as fishing, etc. Bar Harbor is on the coast and is a very popular tourist town. The drive to get to Bar Harbor was beautiful, as you drive out onto an island and see lots of forests, hills and seaports. While I did not drive into Acadia National Park, I was able to see some of the hills/mountains in it from a distance. After searching for parking in Bar Harbor for a long time, I was able to get out and walk around, have lunch and enjoy some of the parks and people watching. Once in the town, it felt like any other tourist town in California or other coastal towns. Very cute and busy, but lots of souvenir shops and people crowding every possible space. I did enjoy the views into the Gulf. There were many sailboats, islands and just beautiful scenery! It reminded me a great deal of the Pacific Northwest.

Portland was a very cool city. I really enjoyed being there. I had planned to only spend a few hours exploring in the afternoon, but ended up spending 10 hours there! I parked downtown at a meter with a 2 hour maximum. This was after trying a parking lot and leaving, because 2 hours there was going to be $28 !!!! NOPE! I walked around the central city, which was really pretty hip and busy. This had a big-city vibe that was great to me! I grabbed some food, coffee and walked among various districts with shops and vendors and more. I was amazed at how busy the city was and it really reminded me a lot of Portland Oregon, combined with Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver. The city center, historic districts with shops/food, and the harbor – all markers of a destination city. I wanted to walk through the 2 neighborhoods that flank the city center: East End and West End. These neighborhoods have historic homes, tree lined streets, cafes and shops and lots of charm. I really enjoy these environments. When I found out that parking was not being enforced on the July 4th holiday, I just kept walking! I ended up moving my car to the East End neighborhood for the afternoon, just to give me some new area to walk in. It was then that I noticed that they were setting up for 4th of July fireworks and festivities. Then island on the east has a long public lawn on a hillside that overlooks the bay and boats and islands. It’s just beautiful. Victorian homes stand above it – many of them guest rentals and Bed & Breakfast Inns. The city was setting up for the fireworks and people were camping on the lawn. There were food trucks and music and so much going on. I ended up staying until the fireworks at 9:15pm. By then, there were thousands of people on the lawn, streets and all along that end of the island. The fireworks were impressive and it was a lot of fun to be in the middle of all that activity. And then I was done! I was ready to be away from the crowds before they got rowdy. I drove back to Lewiston, showered and slept like a baby. I loved Portland so much that I’ve decided to come back again next summer. If I can find an affordable place, I would like to stay IN the city for a few weeks. Work from there, explore from there, and maybe just relax there.

The last day in Maine, I went to Brunswick, a small town on the coast, not far from Lewiston and Portland. This town has a university and a young vibe. Their downtown is several blocks of shops and food. I walked around there, had a nice lunch and then drove out to Bailey and Orr’s Islands. The land on the Maine coast to the north is mostly rocky promontories and outcroppings, with some islands and flat areas for towns and people. The drive out to Lands End at the end of this promontory was beautiful. It was everything you see on TV and read about. Tiny villages, inns, cabins, boats, and narrow winding roads. Also, the temperatures dropped by 10 degrees as I drove further out into the Gulf. I got to Lands End and walked around, took pictures, and sat in solitude for a bit. I walked through the gift shop and bought some soap. (I don’t really buy souvenirs – where will I put them??) On the drive back, I stopped for a snack and some iced tea. There, I took care of some messages and updating my calendars, etc. I also decided to go to the movies that evening, just so I wouldn’t sit in my motel. So, the final act of my stay in Maine was to watch the new Jurassic Park movie. Then I packed, showered and got ready for my departure the next morning.

Lastly, today, I loaded the car and drove from Lewiston Maine to Burlington Vermont. I took my time and stopped in St. Johnsbury Vermont for lunch and then walked around the state capitol in Montpelier Vermont for some photos and some carrot cake and a coffee. This drive was another one that took me along back highways through the north of New Hampshire and Vermont. I was not far from the Canada border and noticed the signs, people speaking French and the Canadian influence in the stores and such. It was another HOT day here – 93º by the time I arrived in Burlington. I checked into my motel, unpacked and am now taking care of some work business, travel planning and finally catching up with this post!

Here’s what I learned:

I did a lot of observing where I traveled and my reactions to it. While at the lake house in upstate NY, I noticed my own feelings about my deadlines, the work I was doing and how I felt about being in a more remote location. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the quiet and the nature. On the other hand, I noticed how much I enjoy being in more populated settings. I also noticed this through Vermont, New Hampshire and in Maine. While I really enjoyed the small towns and the people, I don’t think I could live that remote for a long period of time. I also noticed the difference in people from more rural areas versus more urban areas. From how laid back they are, to other variables. People were friendly and I also saw a lot more poverty. In the mountains, in the small towns and along the highways and roadways. I noticed how much people are struggling with money. Houses in disrepair. Cluttered yards and properties. I saw things that are often associated with the deep south, but people are experiencing hardships all over where I have visited so far. But… In each of these communities where it was obvious that there wasn’t a lot of financial prosperity, there were always churches in really fine condition. Some of them historical “monuments” and some of them modern day constructions. But all of them clean, well-maintained and looking far better/nicer than the homes of the people who attended them.

I also did a lot of observing of myself over the past month. I’m continuing to work with my coach on my limiting beliefs and anxieties. I’ve been able to do a lot of practicing around staying in the present moment and setting aside panic. I’ve always had a tendency to worry about the future, having enough, and security. Doing this nomad journey gives me opportunities to really lean into my freedom, adventure and exploration. But it also can feed into my doubts and uncertainties about the future, where I will live, how I will keep this going, financial matters and so much more. I’ve learned that much of what happens is just the inner dialogue itself. I’ve been practicing catching myself in the act and just interrupting it. When I start to worry, I realize it’s usually because I’m in the future. I have to stop the chatter. While I may not actually solve any problems, I am able to stay grounded in what I’m doing right now and trust that I will be able to solve the problem when the time is right. This has helped me so much (on a moment-by-moment basis) and has made the last month much easier for me to stay focused on what I’m doing.

I’ve enjoyed seeing the fruits of my work labor. I’m really proud of some of the things I’ve created and accomplished. I’m working with my coach and myself to challenge new opportunities for the future. This is also a limiting belief that I’m working to overcome. I’m sure I’ll report more on this in the future.

I’ve been practicing gratitude over this past month. I’ve been so grateful for the friends who have housed me and their companionship. I’ve been grateful for the work opportunities and the income that has provided me. I’ve been grateful for this beautiful summer time here in the northeast and the opportunity to travel to all these places I’ve never been too. I’ve been grateful for all those moments on the road when I have a sense deep, deep down (and overwhelming feeling, at times) that I’m doing something really right for me. It feels so strange and crazy and awesome, all at the same time!

Here’s what’s next:

This week I will work from the road in Burlington, Vermont and Buffalo, New York. I’ll end the week driving to Cleveland, Ohio to visit some friends there and do some catching up with them.

For the next two weeks, I’ll move into the midwest. I still have some feelers out to people I know there to catch up.

At the end of the month, I’ll park my car near an airport and fly to Orlando for a work gig. I’m thinking maybe Omaha as my airport. We will see – I need to get that flight booked!

Early August, I want to drive through North and South Dakota, only because I’ve never been there.

From there, I will drive to Denver for another work gig and some visits with friends there.

After that, I will work my way back to Sacramento for several weeks of “home” stuff, doctor appointments and some other work gigs.

And that brings this latest post to a close. As you can see, it was a LOT of activity! This is one of my excuses for not posting all this time – I was busy! And when I wasn’t, I just wanted to soak in what I was experiencing. I wish you a happy Summer, wherever this finds you and invite you to reach out and connect. Let me know how you’re doing!

As always, please interact with this post. I love getting your questions, your thoughts, and your comments. I’ll reply when I’m able.

Please enjoy yourselves in this week ahead and look for another update from me about the adventures of the journey. Be well my friends!

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