One of the states I visited was Idaho. I had never been there before and the first time I visited (in the beginning of my trip) it was short and we didn't go very far into Idaho to really get an impression of what the state was like. It seemed like mostly wheat fields and towns of people in random places. We did a twelve-mile hike on a paved section in a town and after that, we moved towards the Tetons. On my way back to the eat though I decided to go to Stanley Idaho. For those who haven't been to Stanley Idaho, I recommend visiting it at least once. 

Stanley is a little town in the middle of four national forests. The population is 63 people and they have a cafe that is situated in the middle of the town. So if you are passing through or want to grab something before a hike in the area then that is the place to stop. So we stopped and checked out this very small town. The second I got my food and coffee I could tell that people knew each other really well. Even the kids that lived in the area were all close-knit. I listened as people talked around me and eventually I got to talking to a couple that had their Goldendoodle puppy with them. They were from the area and they were helpful on this little adventure. They gave me a recommended hike and told me that it was one of the best areas to check out. 

I thanked them, finished my burrito, and took my coffee with me. We went to this little hike and started the trek. It turned out that the hike was easy and all around It was a five-mile hike. YOu got to go to the end where there is a small stream but you get this grand view of the sawtooth mountain range. You can go another mile or so and you will hit a lake which is supposed to be pretty cool but I started to feel raindrops so we started back before we got caught in the monsoon that would possibly hit us. 

On the way out of Stanley, I ran into this little area of local hot springs. I got out to check it out and despite the rain, I got into a tub filled with steaming water and sat for thirty minutes soaking it in. It was free and local. How can I say no to that? If you go there I recommend taking a dip in the springs. It may seem crazy if it's cold as **** out but honestly, that is what makes it worth it. The cold vs the boiling hot.  

Idaho surprised me and made me feel all at home. I really was happy with the way things turned out and happy we got to hang out there before heading home. It changed my view of the state and I would like to do some more hiking through there. We only got to check out a very small section but it was a good one that I would send people to if you were crunched on time. 

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Side note: They are only open for part of the year (the cafe). From what I understand they are open from spring all the way till late October and then they close. So if you go there be aware that the snow comes in hard and if you get trapped you might not be able to get back out of that area. The roads are two lane and take a lot of time to drive through. 

The area I did the hike in is also called Redfish Lake. 

Back in the clutches of the east, we are currently resting. Yes, we are back east. It's a sad moment when I got through Nebraska because I could instantly tell that I was back in the areas that I grew up in. The scenery changed and things became more apparent. For almost eight weeks I had been living in the west, enjoying the weather, the scenery, hiking, and just living in this blissful moment that I was more than happy I got to do. I'm not upset that I went west and I'm not mad at the fact that I spent a lot of money to make it happen. I think I'm upset because I know it will be a while before I go back in that direction. I'm currently looking for an online job that I can do at home. This way I can be home with the animals, focus on my happiness and fitness, and work hard to make the money I need to make the move out west. Everything is slow to come together but that's ok. 

I hope by next summer I will be officially out west. That is the goal away. I'm thinking of either Colorado or Oregon. Both were so much fun to explore and I really enjoyed both areas and all the things I got to do there. I'm not sure what I can do to get in that direction and I'm not sure which state is better in the long run but at least I have narrowed down the map a bit. Of course, there is a third option where I live out a van for a year and I install an internet server so that I can work from my house. That is an option that I have put on the back burner. If things don't go as the plan that is what I am wanting to do. 

Keeping my fingers crossed I can make this dream come true. It seems things are going in my favor after a long wait. 

Hello space aliens! 

  Today and tomorrow i will be driving home (to be my dad's place to be exact) The remainder of the drive is 20 hours so you best believe that this is gonna be a big few days on my bank. So I ask that if you have time please check out my art gallery. Anybody purchasing what i have left is much appreciated. If you don't have any need to decorate your walls, then there is a donation button on the right hand side of the page. 

I appreciate you guys for being so supportive and for helping out when you can. It's been amazing and i really appreciate you guys. I've asked for a lot and i know it can be a little bit much but this is my last request. Thank you guys so much. I can't wait to share all the lovely things I've captured with you guys 

OK time to get down to business. LIterally. 

Here is the biggest issue I am having on the road. Showers. Literally, I have had the hardest time finding a hot shower. Heres the reasons why. 

1)I refuse to pay $30-$100 for a campsite where I will only use the shower. If they have electricity I might use it but only if I am in dire need and really I haven't really needed it much. The only thing I need is a converter for my laptop so that it can charge when I drive. Other than that I am pretty much good. 

2)covid. Literally, covid is the dumbest thing ever. I went to the coast in Oregon and Lylah and I had some fun dancing on the beach together. When we were done I saw that they had a full bathroom so I went inside to check it out. They literally took the shower heads off and the knob to turn the shower on, ALONG with the little metal drainage piece on the floor. To make it even better they than put caution tape over it to make sure NOBODY goes in or out. I was not amused by this as I was needing a shower after a few hikes, running, and of course the beach. So in response, I went to a water drinking area and washed my hair and the dog at that spot since I couldn't use the showers. 

3)If you go to planet fitness to ask if you can use the showers here is what they say "I'm sorry it's for members only" Ok that one really got to me. Like I am willing to pay for a shower. PAY MONEY to shower. Yet they turned me away. I was pretty baffled by that. 

So if you are on the road and don't want to pay ridiculous money for your hygiene then I suggest Truck stops or body wipes. Those two things combined are the only things keeping me sane and from being completely disgusting. Who would have thought that showers would be on the top of my list of things to worry about. 

We are heading slowly back east. By slow I mean super slow. To be honest, I don't want to go back to civilization. I want to continue to see more things and explore them. I want to indulge and enjoy the time I have out here and really get to explore more thoroughly but I know that I have to be home for Halloween and I'm starting to have clients ask me to come back and sit for them..so its time to get back to work. Hopefully, I can make it work out and have my clients be my main source of income. I won't really know if it's possible until I get back and run the numbers but I am hopeful that I can make it work until we move permanently out west. Once that happens I will be as happy as can be. 

While you guys hang on for more information on where I have been I ask that you check out these photos I took down below. They are from Oregon and it has been so much fun exploring this area. We even had a friend drive up from California to enjoy some hikes with us. She brought along her upper Brave and I swear you guys, they were meant to be. A match made in heaven. Lylah and Brave immediately took to each other and we have decided that they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Once we move out here she and I are going to try and let them hike together as much as possible. The four of us will be the best of adventure buddies. 

Im so excited to give you guys all this footage. It hurts that I haven't been able to keep up and post as I go and give you all the Youtube videos I can. I swear I am trying my best but my computer it OUT OF SPACE. Its been such a struggle trying to transfer things on ****ty wifi connection. The bright side is I'm going back to my dad's house where I can dump as much as possible and edit for five days before I go climbing so BE READY cause its about to be real you guys.