Recently, I found my old blog that I started in 2006 when I moved away from my hometown to earn my Masters degree. What memories it brought back from my time in Michigan and Alaska. Turns out, I also reviewed restaurants and outdoor activities so I guess I have been at this for a while. My husband and I also had a blog with videos during our three week road trip across America before moving to the UK. This blog was in no way perfect and made me realize I should take the pressure off myself to create epic blog posts on a weekly basis. This is my side gig after all, so I cannot expect it to be at the same level as a full-time content creator.
Since the last time I posted, I am feeling a bit more relaxed now that the conference at work is over (it went well!) and the move to our new house (finally!). Now, we are trying to decorate, organize and unpack all at the same time. We stripped the bedroom wallpaper and an interior designer came over to review our choices. We have arranged for electricians and decorators, as well as finalized all the colors and fabrics. We had wanted it to be completed before Christmas, but like many big projects, it has seen some delays.
In other suburban life news, James bought a car. We went with a Skoda Octavia as we have hired this make/model for our camping trips and always managed to fill it up with our toys and Maple. James is keen to go on many weekend adventures with his bike and I hope he is able to in the new year. Although I don’t think we needed it quite yet, it was a great deal (one owner vehicle with super low miles). We have already been using it to leave town for an early Christmas away as we will not be together for Christmas this year.
My big news is that I am headed to Buenos Aires and Antarctica in December with Intrepid Travel. In August 2020, Intrepid had a huge sale on their trips. We were stuck home and not spending much, so I figured YOLO. Antarctica, along with Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands, have been on my bucket list for a long time (I am a marine biologist after all). Originally, I booked a WWF affiliated whale cruise for February 2021, which was postponed to February 2022. Then February 2023, which conflicted with the Tokyo Marathon (postponed from March 2020). I couldn’t be in two places at once, so luckily I was able to nab a spot on this Christmas and New Years trip.
Things are starting to feel real now as I start to pack and get all the paperwork in order. It will be 28 degrees C in Buenos Aires and cold in Antarctica (currently around 0 degrees C in Rothera at the British Antarctic Territory but I am not going exactly there). From what I understand, it will be quite warm on the ship so two wardrobes will be needed. I have been blessed to have several brands support my trip with the following kit (all gifted except binoculars are on loan):
Leki Sherpa poles
Artilect base layers
Lucy Locket Loves leggings, hoodie, and hat
ON Running active pants and active leggings
Swarovski Optik binoculars
Darn Tough socks
NGX are also supporting me on this trip by continuing to supply my with body fuel. While I have only lost two pounds and zero inches, I am continuing to make better food choices when hungry. Unfortunately, I am struggling not to let fresh vegetables go to waste. Frozen fruit and veg are proving to be life savers.
If you are thinking Antarctica would be cool, there are still spots available on this cruise and many cabins are on sale. Why not #joinme for a Christmas you will never forget?
Thanks to all these amazing outdoor brands for supporting me on this epic adventure.
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