It is less than one month until we hit the road! We are working hard on getting ready to go. As I (Rachel) wrap up my school year, it has reached that turning point where I’m suddenly a little bit sad to be leaving this place where I’ve spent most of the last 6 years. But I’m also ready to get going.

This sabbatical plan has been in the works since Morgan and I met. We have always planned for and dreamed of the time when we can take off and see where our adventures take us. Last year, we bought the van that will be our home, and last summer she told us that her name is Hazelnut Romy. Hazel for short. Hazelnuts are a little bit of home, though I mostly grew up calling them filberts, as we do here in Oregon. Romy is the name of an audiobook narrator who narrates the cozy mysteries we love to listen to in the car. It just seemed fitting, and the name immediately felt right. It’s possible that her middle name is Eleanor after Eleanor Roosevelt, but we’re still feeling that one out.

In 28 days, we will be heading out on the road. Friends will move into our home, and we will head Northeast, toward the middle of Canada and Grasslands National Park, our first official stop of the trip. From there, it’s a madcap couple of months across Canada, followed by a little bit of time to relax and see friends and family in Maine. Then onward to the next set of adventures on the road.

Writing is a great way to process what I’m thinking and experiencing as we travel, so I’m keeping this blog, in part, for me. I’m also hoping this will serve as a way to keep our friends and family close as we travel. To let you know what we’re up to and share a little of our experience. I hope you’ll reach out if you have ideas or input about the places we end up! And we’d love to hear from you along the way. Check the About Us page for our emails and contact info.

Here we go!