Our trip has been a journey on so many levels. An experiment that felt larger than its surface reality before our departure. And in some ways, I guess it is.
There have been challenges (as the friends I have spoken to since leaving will attest). Solo parenting with no end in sight. Living with less (I'm testing that four outfit theory I posted about here). Hour after hour of road time with two children and a broken Ipod cord. And more dramatic challeneges like that windstorm that devoured our tent and the gray clouds of mosquitoes decending upon our camp. But we're fairing the bumps along they way - and recognizing how minor they truly are. Today we are entering week three with smiles on all faces. And that feels wonderful.
Overall there has been a whole lot of magic. The kids right now are playing contentedly outside ("We're best friends, mama. Go away." Word.) There have been far fewer meltdowns here than at home (only one for me - as the tent was begining to implode in the wind - and just a few each for the kids.) I truly believe that less stuff is part of that magic.
Yesterday we moved into our final "home" in the islands - a cottage that I scored for the price of a campsite for the next three days. It is open, comfortable, and quiet. We have beds and a bathtub and a kitchen and are just three blocks from the beach. It's dreamy.
From here we'll roll back through Ashevlle to spend a few days with our kind friends there (and celebrate Halloween together), and then we'll motor back up the road towards the chilly winds of Wisconsin. Until then you can find me barfoot on the beach with some knitting in my lap. I'll be smiling.
Love,
Rachel
