April 22, 2017.
I woke up at 4:30am; my bags were all packed from the day before, I was all ready to go. Over 5 years thinking about doing this, and now i could finally go. I remember thinking freshman year of high school that i wanted to travel all over. So, without further ado, after working 5 months and saving every penny, i left. My journey begins. No expectations, no schedule, just an adventure. Wherever the roads takes me is where i will go. I've traveled quite a bit with my family during summer vacations, but i want to photograph the country; I want to experience every little thing these beautiful landscapes have to offer. My goal for this trip: capture the beauty of the land, people, and culture. I can't wait to meet as many people as possible in the months to come. The first day i drove for 16 hours. I told myself i would stop when i saw something i wanted to experience, or capture. I stopped in Ohio and Indiana for a little while, but soon began driving westward again. I finally reached Wisconsin my first night; I had passed all of the awful east coast tolls!! I parked in a truck stop, set up my bed, and slowly fell asleep. The next morning i headed to "Devil's Lake". I had seen photos of it online and decided to check it out. I hiked up to the peak and saw the beautiful photo below. Such beauty in only the first day of travel. I couldn't resist looking up and thanking God for this moment. I saw a man perfectly posed on the peak, so I asked if i could take his photo, in which he agreed. We began to talk, and he told me that he's up here looking for answers. I told him of my trek and it brought so much joy to him. He told me how just a couple of months ago he lost his wife and this hike has been helping his healing. We talked for about an hour, and went our ways. Everything happens for a reason, and I am so blessed I crossed paths with Alan. I think we both needed that moment of serenity and companionship. As i came down the mountain i saw a guy with a hat with the word "PARTY" on it. I thought how peculiar it was, and he began talking to me about a plant he found. We hit it off and made the journey back to our cars...the 2 hour walk. He invited me to come hang out with him, so i followed him 2 hours north to Wausau, Wisconsin. Don't worry, i never heard of it either. Him and his mother were so hospitable and sincere. They asked me to stay for dinner and stay the night. His friends David and Lexi came, and we watched movies all night. Today we went all over Wausau and adventured. Already, only three days into this trip, i have met so many beautiful souls. I am so thankful, and can't wait to see what comes next!
