A Dedication

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door... You step onto the road and if  you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." -JRR Tolkien

 

Today is the day! A train, a plane, a plane, a bus, a plane. a rental car. Airport food. Can't sleep. Customs. A reunion. Donde esta el autobus a la Aeroparque? Clock ticking. Bag too heavy? Navigate. Hostel. Saturday night.

Before I step out the door, however, I have some very important business. This promises to be the trip of a lifetime and such a trip requires reflection and dedication. This trip, this blog, these photos are thus dedicated to Breck. 

Breck is the father of my best friend from college. He has always been a mentor; a friendly guide on the way of life. Through action, he's taught me the value of patient servant leadership and shown what it means to be dedicated to a cause. He holds a deep-seated reverence for our country and those who make the sacrifice to serve in our military. He treats everyone he meets with the utmost respect, dignity, and love.

He helped me rent my first apartment (ok, he was the landlord!) and showed me that you can actually fix things like a washing machine in the 21st century. He has inspired my love of photography and guided me throughout the creative process - even finally convincing me to take up the art of Lightroom, a decision I have never regretted!

And, of course, he's my travel blog partner in crime.

So, why am I dedicating this trip to him? Well, Breck is also setting off on the trip of a lifetime this year. In April, he and his wife will be setting off on a road trip to Alaska. It will be their second such trip, but this time feels different. Can you imagine driving from North Carolina to Alaska? In the past they have set off into the unknown on similar trips without a strict itinerary in mind; I believe from a recent message that is especially true this time. In Frodo's words, there's no knowing where they might be swept off to (... well... Alaska, I guess), but I do know that I look forward to trading travel stories, photos, and blog posts of our respective epic adventures for a long time to come.

Breck, safe travels and thanks for your support on this journey.

And now - I must go catch my flight!