Juneau is making its last great attempt at keeping me in Alaska with 70 degree days, beautiful sunsets, and an easy blissfulness that surrounds the town. It seems like I have been waiting 5 and 1/2 years for this, and after a hard year of rain, it almost seems worth the wait. Sailing races, bonfires on the beach, camping adventures, late nights sitting outside with friends in light jackets, rock climbing at the sea cliffs, natural vitamin D, BBQing the last of last summer's salmon, a slight coloring to my transparent skin. My love affair with Alaska has started it's last chapter, ending in what we hope is pure happiness.

Some time ago, I woke up to sunshine and a slight breeze coming through my window. I smiled, feeling more content that I had in over a year, and I knew I had fallen back in love with Alaska. I also knew that it would now be okay to leave Alaska. No longer would I be leaving because of pain, no longer escaping. I would be leaving a place I love, leaving many beloved friends and places, and it would be a place I would plan to return to.

I need to leave for adventure. Now is the time. Now I feel my strongest.

In 4 short months I will be taking a year to live, learn, and grow in New Zealand. I'll start in Nelson while I attend the Center for Fine Woodworking, and then plan to travel, work, and of course explore and play.

Already I find myself constantly thinking into the future, should I sell my car, what about my computer, should I get a better camera? I keep pulling myself back, reminding myself to live in the present, soak up all the love and words of wisdom from the wonderful people around me, enjoy the last summer adventuring in Alaska before leaving in September. It's a daily reminder to stop wasting time watching TV or some other aimless activity, and go for a walk with a friend, cook dinner for many friends, or just read a book in the presence of someone wonderful.

I arrived in Juneau 5 1/2 years ago via ferry, my car packed to the brim with many things I needed, most I didn't. I had felt restless, stagnant, bored of my life so when Alaska presented herself, I said yes, and it was the best decision I ever made. I'm hoping New Zealand will be my next best decision I will ever make.

So here we go, I'll figure out the blogging world this summer, documenting what I expect will be the most epic summer of my life so far, before diving deep into NZ.
Cheers!