2023: Chasing Atmospheric Rivers, Exploring Australia and Tasmania, and High-Flying Island Escapades with a Dash of Spontaneous Thrills

As we ventured down the coast, we stayed just ahead of the atmospheric rivers, experiencing a series of breathtaking highlights. We were enchanted by the butterflies at Pismo Beach and awestruck by the sea lion caves. The Monterey Aquarium offered a glimpse into marine life, while visits with friends in LA and San Diego warmed our hearts. Our adventures took us through the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree and, for the first time, the stunning expanse of Death Valley, which was nothing short of spectacular! We also encountered Red Rocks in the rain, explored a unique car forest, and even spent a night in the vibrant lights of Vegas. Each moment added to the tapestry of this epic road trip!

Our Australian adventure was as much a reunion as it was an exploration, especially with our first visit to the stunning Tasmania—a place we instantly fell in love with. Fortune smiled on us right from the start when a friend on our flight invited us to stay with her in Brisbane, saving the day! Our arrival turned into a mini family reunion as my cousins and brother joined us at her home. We left early the next morning, hoping we hadn't overwhelmed our gracious host too much.

The journey continued as my brother drove us up the coast, allowing us to visit another cousin and his family, before reaching all the way to Rockhampton. There, I had the joy of spending quality time with my nephews and meeting my grandniece for the first time! After these heartfelt reunions, we enjoyed a mini trip to Great Keppel Island, where we had fun snorkeling and soaking up the sun.

Our travels then took us back to Brisbane for some wonderful days on Stradbroke Island and more catch-ups in Brisbane with our dear friend. The trip rounded off with a fun night in Sydney, reconnecting with university friends, before we headed home via a delightful stopover in Fiji. Each moment was a treasure, stitched together by the joy of family, the beauty of new landscapes, and the warmth of old friends.

While Cotty embarked on a commercial fishing trip, I set off on another Oregon coast expedition—this time facing atmospheric rivers and unexpected snow. Despite being apart, we bizarrely synced up enough to both end up with black eyes at the same time! Amid these wild escapades, capturing a photo of elk butts forming a heart shape was undoubtedly my favourite shot of the year— a hilarious and heartwarming highlight!

What an incredible treat it was when our friend piloted his biplane up to Comox, offering us a thrilling aerial tour of our town. Seeing our home from such a breathtaking perspective was truly unforgettable!

Over the past few years, we've continued to explore the northern end of the island, each adventure bringing new discoveries. This time, we ventured out to Grant Bay, immersing ourselves in its stunning vistas before stealing a quick visit to our beloved San Jo—a perennial favourite.

This year brimmed with unforgettable journeys, but one of the standout moments came while exploring Quadra Island. We were fortunate to meet a local who offered us the ride of our lives through the raging tides of the narrows. It was surreal to feel like we were ascending uphill in a boat, close enough to the swirling whirlpools that we could almost touch them. Experiencing the raw power of nature from just inches above the water was absolutely thrilling!

It's hard to believe, but we even made a trip out to Ontario to spend some unforgettable moments with our dear friends on their houseboat. It was a unique and cherished opportunity to reconnect and create lasting memories together on the water!

We also made the long-awaited journey to Alert Bay, where we reconnected with a dear friend I've known for many years. Though they also live in Austin, Texas, it was special to catch up in such a meaningful place, rich with history and friendship.

Another birthday adventure took me back to Hornby Island, which was an absolute delight. Each visit there holds a special place in my heart and leaves me with treasured memories. This one especially.