This blog and my partnership with the North Country Chevy Dealers began as I learned how to drive again, this time with hand controls and in a new, adapted Chevy.
You followed along as I navigated the initial driving lessons, the first and slightly nerve-wracking solo drives down the road, and, as I gained confidence behind the wheel, the trips where I ventured farther and further.
Going out into the world on my own after my life-altering injuries was both freeing and terrifying, but it was in those solo journeys that I regained my independence and re-discovered my love for travel.
In the days, months, and years since, I’ve seen the country and even went abroad. I have been out West, first visiting southern California and then temporarily relocating there.
I’ve been overseas, pushing back at the limitations that my injuries and impaired mobility can have, and traveled solo to Lisbon, Portugal, where I modeled for an international brand and went out exploring on my own.
I went to Costa Rica with a group of adaptive travelers, where I tried new activities like adaptive surfing, went on group tours, and met amazing new people.
And recently, I shared with you the trip to Amsterdam and Paris with my mom.
But in these last few months, I’ve realized that as far as I’ve been and in all the miles I’ve driven, the need to explore does not always need to take me so far away.
Vermont and the entire North Country have so much to offer, and I have somehow still only seen so little so close to home.
In reading many comments on my recent social media posts, I was reminded that there are towns, counties, and areas throughout the North Country to explore and appreciate – and that the 251 Club, in particular, is a great way to discover these places. The 251 Club is a time-consuming and (admittedly) overwhelming endeavor, but it has inspired a decision.
I want to take the time to explore close to home.
You may be surprised to read that this decision to go out and travel more feels like something new. I mean, a fair amount of my posts on my blog are already about my travels and the places I have gone.
But even though I am on the road often, I do feel as though I have been stuck in a pattern of repeatedly going to many of the same places. And that is why this decision feels new and exciting.
If you were to take a road trip somewhere in the North Country region – where would you go?
If you were to look at a map of this area and pick a place, how would you pick just one? If you were to plan your first road trip, would you start with the farthest town from your home or somewhere close? These are questions I have asked myself, and now I’m asking you as I plan my first trip.
I hope that this decision to go out and see local areas begins a series of adventures that I can share with all of you. As I travel solo, with friends, and with family, I look forward to all that is to come.
Please feel free to leave comments, send messages, post about your own road trips, and tag me in them so that I can learn and so that this next chapter can be something we do together.