The Big Push

We left Chicago early. Our plan was to drive 950+ miles to Montpelier in two days (probably the most driving we have done between destinations). We left at the perfect time, missed Chicago morning traffic, and by the evening rush we had already passed through Cleveland, OH. Driving a little further thru Pennsylvania in the north-west town of Erie, we made our way into New York and spent the night in a motel. We cooked dinner in the room, watched some tube and fell asleep. We got another early start in the morning and made our way across the state.

Eugene, Oregon

Totally last minute, we wrote to couchsurfers in Eugene, OR the day we were leaving Melissa’s. On our way there, we received a phone call from one of the couchsurfers girlfriend saying his place was full, but she could host us still. We got there late, which she had generously said would be fine with her, and met up at her place. We hung out chatting for a bit with Holly and Richey, and they were rad.

Clearwater, FL

Leaving Gainesville, we boogied down to Clearwater to visit with Jon’s mom and sister, Jamie, and boyfriend, Joey… and 18th month old niece who we would be meeting for the first time! It was very exciting to pull up to Jamie’s house and immediately we were greeted by a beautiful little girl with outstretched arms wanting to be held… We have been so excited to meet Bella and especially excited to see her mommy and gammy, since it has been over 2 years since our last meeting. We set up in the spare bedroom and were ready to hang out for the week.

Athens

We arrived in Athens, and before meeting up with our first official couchsurfing host, we stopped at The Grit to have a light lunch. And turns out they even had 3 gallons of waste oil to offer! A drop in the bucket, but it felt good.

Asheville

After moving south from the hills of Hillsville and the festivities of Merlefest, we left a trail of hats behind us and headed to Asheville. We were to spend the next 4 nights couch surfing. Our friend Mark, who we met through our friend Jeff, set us up to stay with his friend Rob in Asheville. Friends of friends, we are loving how these things work out, to see how people can be so kind, sharing their home, providing a bed, a couch, a shower, a meal, and so on. Mark, an incredible artist, informed us that Rob is also an artist.

Couchsurfing. Kowabunga!

So the plan is to leave right after Easter. First destination, Virgina! Were visiting our friend Connie. Then our heading a bit more south to see David! Our plan is to be in Georgia on April 29 to meditate! Until then were scanning the Couch Surfing network for places to people and stay along the way. See us tHERE!