"Your feet will take you where your heart is" -jane ross
As this year comes to a close, I am excited to share our year long project documenting the places that have captured our hearts all across the country. We take pictures constantly. It's hard not to. But I knew early on that I wanted to create an easy way to glance back at our favorite memories. So "The Foot Project" was born. Literally everywhere we go- I am nudging Caleb saying, "Foot picture"! I have made us climb trees, balance on rocks, and hold some crazy poses that looked like a cross between pilates and twister in order to get some of these shots. It was an "easy" way for both of us to be in the picture, but also a way to avoid getting our sweaty post-12-mile-hike-faces in them. Although I drove him crazy with my constant Foot Project scheming, I think we would both agree that the result is a wonderful reminder of this insanely beautiful year. Thanks to all of you for sending us love from across the nation. We miss all of you so much, but we carry your friendship with us to every new city and mountain range.
Happy New Year from your Nomad Nurses!
Boston, Massachusetts - Weekend Trip with fellow adventurers, Brad & Bekah Lidner
White Mountains in New Hampshire - Dog Sledding. Yep. Coolest thing ever.
Manchester, New Hampshire - Right before 5ft of snow convinced us to buy "real" snow boots
Red Rock Amphitheater, Denver, Colorado - Exploring the red rocks while adjusting to the altitude. We were surrounded by fitness freaks that totally judged us for getting short of breath while walking the stairs. Altitude is no joke!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado - Continuing to adjust to the altitude meant easy hikes and frequent stops. But with this view, we were in no hurry.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado - The third member of our backpacking crew is Enoch the Eno Hammock. With the mountains in our sights, a hammock break on this hike was the best decision we made all day.
Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - As we traveled north, we were lucky enough to come across this ranch. Our cozy cottage with uninhabited mountain views and a fireplace in the bedroom was seriously one of the most picturesque places we have ever stayed in. And yes- I did set off the fire alarm three times.
Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming - We set our alarms for sunrise to get this picture: our view from our cottage balcony. I think Timberland should pay us for advertising...
Boise, Iaho - America's best kept secret. Seriously, warm sunny days spent riding the Greenbelt bike path through the city and next to the river consumed our next six months. Never have a fallen in love with a place and the people in it so quickly. This will always be our "Idahome".
Cascade, Idaho - After attempting to camp over Memorial Day weekend and discovering that the mountains were still snow covered, we headed back to Boise defeated. That was until a campground in Cascade offered us a free stay in one of their Yurts to shelter us from the cold and rain. The next day we avoided the storms and managed to get our first taste of the Idaho mountains. Also- Yurts are awesome.
Table Rock in Boise, Idaho - Yes Boise is a desert. And yes it is 110 degrees in the summer. Tip from us- don't climb Table Rock on one of those days.
Castle Rock in Boise, Idaho- Brought a picnic dinner to this sweet spot overlooking the city
Stanley, Idaho - To perpetuate our outdoor travels, Caleb bought a HUGE tent to be our second summer home. This two room plus a screened patio resort is affectionally named Thor and he has kept us warm, and dry through many mountain storms.
Mcgowan Peak in Stanley, Idaho- Our campsite was literally right here. Will never forget lying in my tent and seeing this mountain peak through the clouds in the early morning.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - We were so happy to be able to meet Caleb's sister and brother-in-law Tessa & Nate and our niece and nephew Arden & Adlee in Yellowstone. A family of black bears, hundreds of buffalo and elk, and an over friendly coyote made sure these kids were able to check some animal sightings off their lists.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Morning Glory Pool.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Once you escape the tour buses and selfie sticks, the vastness of this place breathtaking.
Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri- One of the most rewarding adventures of our summer was volunteering as nurses at this wonderful camp for kids with special needs. I was a counselor there in high school and I aways dreamt about coming back as a nurse. Being able to be there with my husband, my little sister as a counselor, and my Dad as a cabin dad was incredible. A piece of my heart will always be here.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada - Due to a wildfire, our plan to go to Glacier National Park had to change quickly. We ended up in Banff, Canada and it was the best Plan B that has ever been had.
Lake Lousie in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada - You can't make the color of this water up. Getting here ate 6'am to have this view all to ourselves was totally worth it.
Big Beehive Mountain in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada - A 12 mile hike in crazy altitude was the most insane but gratifying decision we made this summer. This summit was our lunch spot and our "Everest",
Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada - Last mile. Our legs felt like jello. Caleb was super pumped that I made him get this picture after 7 hours of hiking. No "social media sparkles" here! Arguments were had over this project!
Boise, Idaho - The PNW (pacific northwest) got to me and gave me a craving for these Birkentocks. Caleb knew he was simply ahead of the times in Ohio having had his for years.
Bench Lakes in Stanley, Idaho - Our dear college friends, Chad & Beckie Fitch came to visit us. Although we almost killed them with the altitude, we couldn't let them leave without sharing these views with them.
Stanley Lake, Stanley, Idaho - Last view of the summer from our favorite beach. Even better sharing it with friends.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon - Caleb's parents made to journey to Idaho to visit. We took advantage of being out west with them and traveled to Crater Lake, the Oregon Coast and the Redwoods before visiting some west coast family members.
Boise, Idaho - Fall in Boise.
Puget Sound, Seattle, Washington - Winter in Seattle may bring some rain, but mild temps and no snow is fine with us! When the sun is out- we will play!
Seattle, Washington - Bussing around the city. We are more at home in the mountains, but we are trying to explore this city and all its hidden adventures.
Quilcene Beach, Washington - By far one of the best things we've done. Oyster harvesting. With a backpack full of lemons, cocktail sauce and white wine-- we feasted.
The year may be over, but our travels continue. stay tuned.
"Certainly travel is more than the seeing of sights: it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living' -miriam beard