Twenty18 was a year of many firsts and it's always fun to wrap it up by taking a look back at all of the unforgettable moments. Here are just a few: I traveled over 15,000 miles, hit my one year mark as a Registered Nurse, became ACLS certified, started Forensic Nursing in the ED, began my Bachelors of Nursing Program, and ran by 4th Half Marathon in Colorado. I learned to love camping even more than the year before and hiked a lot of miles of trails; I even learned to embrace the cold weather and realized winter camping is the most fun! I explored new places on my own and learned to let go of the fear of doing this, grew my travel blog, stayed involved in local KC photo-shoots, got a few new tattoos and spent time at the lake to end the summer. I just can't get over how incredible 2018 was for me.
The year started with a quick trip to Florida to see my Mom and Phil. I spent some time at the beach even though it was only 60 degrees in the water, did some hiking, and enjoyed the warmer weather.
Next came, Colorado. A long weekend trip that included two flight changes to see my bestie so we could catch up and a take a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The month of March meant a road-trip to Eureka Springs for the BF's b'day, camping at Buffalo Point, and hiking Overlook Trail and Indian Rock House.
Checked out the Parkville Nature Sanctuary and hiked the 3 mile trail with Lola; waterfalls and an old root cellar are just a few of the highlights.
I made my solo trip to Colorado to run my 4th half-marathon, hiked around Garden of the Gods, spent some time at Pike National Forest and the Catamount Reservoirs, my favorite Zoo, Guanella Pass Brewery, met Parker the Snow Dog and his owner Dustin, and witnessed Seven Falls.
Back to Florida to see my Mom again. We ventured to Bathtub Reef and Jensen Beach, enjoyed seafood at Conchy Joe's, numerous golf cart rides, hiked in Ocala National Forest, took a swim at Juniper Springs, and dined in the Villages.
Flew off to Mexico and enjoyed the sand, sun, and cocktails on the beach. Toured Mayan Ruins, went snorkeling, drank rum from a coconut, and enjoyed learning to take the local bus' around Cancun.
Road-trip to Hermann, camping at Red Bluff Recreation Area in the Mark Twain National Forest, camping at Pull-tite on the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, hiking at Cave Spring Trail, Devils Well, and Round Spring. Missouri is full of surprises.
My sister and I surprised my niece for her 8th b'day and took her on her first plane ride to Florida; she experienced the ocean and swam like a fish, took in Disney World and Animal Kingdom, toured an orange grove, and watched a seaplane land.
Camping at Devil's Den in Arkansas; hiked Devils Den Trail, Lee Creak Trail and Yellow Rock Trail; this place offered views for miles and some of the prettiest scenery. Blue green lakes and streams and winding roads for days.
Spent my 38th b'day in beautiful Colorado; stayed in Georgetown, skied Loveland, went up to Echo Lake, drove up Guanella Pass, spent a day in the Springs and a night in Denver. One of the best b'days so far!
I ended the year with highlighting some of my favorite KC spots, after-all it deserves some attention too. Thanks KC for another great year!
Happy New Year Everyone!
Twenty19, I am ready for ya!
Shona
