Post Card from: Scenic Nevada
Hi Nana & Papa
I’m writing to you from Squaw Valley, CA, near Tahoe. It’s beautiful here—one of the nicest places I’ve visited so far. The drive through Nevada was windy, and my gas mileage was terrible, but the mountain ranges were so gorgeous that I didn’t mind. I spent a few days in Snowbird, Utah, where I went fly fishing on the Green River. I didn’t catch anything, but the beauty of the river made up for it.
Love ya,
Derek
My 30th Birthday Adventure: A Journey of Self-Discovery
This postcard is from what I called my “30th birthday tour,” a series of adventures marking the last part of my 29th year. That year was filled with responsibilities and commitments, but I’ve never been someone who likes to stay in one place. Growing up, I tried to follow the advice of my family, especially my father, who valued finding a stable job with good benefits. And while he wasn’t wrong, I knew that path wasn’t for me. But I made an effort to fit that mold.
The Decision Dilemma
When I turned 29, I faced a tough decision. I was in a relationship with an incredible woman, and she wanted to take the next steps—marriage, family. At the same time, my employer wanted me to move into management. Both opportunities were significant.
I could envision a future filled with love, stability, and family, and the chance to further my career by working alongside my father in a business owned by the family of one of my closest friends. It seemed simple, right?
But deep down, I felt my soul pulling me in another direction. I started asking myself questions: Was this relationship truly the right fit for me? Would I wake up at 53 and regret the opportunities I’d missed? Was financial security worth giving up the adventure I longed for?
Love, Career, and the Path Less Taken
I wanted it all—a family, a stable job, and the freedom to chase my dreams. It took a lot of introspection and conversations with my partner. While her goals were beautiful, they weren’t entirely mine. I wanted to go back to school and earn a degree—a goal that weighed heavily on my mind. I also dreamed of solo adventures, like multi-day hikes in the mountains or camping trips. That’s where I felt most alive.
My partner didn’t share my vision, and eventually, we realized our paths were different. We parted ways, and that decision made it easier to turn down the management role. I decided to take a journey across the country and start fresh in Montana.
The Grand Road Trip Plan
My plan was to camp across the country, visiting friends and iconic places along the way. I’d stop in Aspen, Colorado, where I had risen from the ashes, and then on to Snowbird to visit a long-time friend. From there, I planned to see Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, followed by a stop in Squaw Valley. My final destination was Montana, where I’d work for a year to establish residency and then attend Montana State University in Bozeman. My dream was to become a National Park Ranger. Did I make it to MSU? That’s a story for another day. What matters is that I was embarking on my 30th birthday tour, completely unaware of the adventures ahead.
I was driving a 1988 Grand Marquis, which I bought from a friend’s uncle for $100. It had four wheels and a spacious back seat—perfect for my 5’7″ frame. The radio didn’t work, but I added a white Yakima space case to the roof and carried a wind-up LL Bean radio. Gas mileage wasn’t great, and it felt like I was driving with a sail attached to the front. But the Marquis had character, and it was part of the journey.
Powder Dreams and Fly-Fishing Streams
My visit to Snowbird was unforgettable. I reunited with a childhood friend; someone I’d played sports with since Little League. He was an outdoorsman with a great sense of humor, and he even taught me how to cook breakfast on a cast iron skillet—a life-changing experience! He also showed me how to care for the skillet properly.
By then, I’d logged over 100 days snowboarding, but Snowbird took it to another level. We hit two days of incredible powder. My friend was an exceptional skier, so I had to push myself to keep up. Snowbird reignited my passion for snowboarding.
After that, he and a friend planned a fly-fishing trip on the Green River and invited me along. I wasn’t skilled with the rod and ended up losing several flies. Eventually, I put the rod down and hiked up the side of the canyon to enjoy the view. Looking back, I realize how much I still had to learn about the great outdoors.
Embracing the Unknown
As I wound through the roads and trails on my 30th birthday tour, I discovered more than just scenic landscapes. This was a journey of self-discovery and an effort to carve a unique path. Every stop, every detour, became part of my story, a chapter in the journey toward becoming who I am.
So here’s to the beauty of embracing the unknown, to the adventures we can’t foresee, and to the paths that shape us along the way. Join me in celebrating the journey—because each road taken, each experience embraced, becomes a part of the grand novel of life. Cheers to the adventures that await!
Are you ready to set out on your own adventure? Whether it’s a road trip, a new challenge, or a journey of self-discovery, take the leap. Share your stories, dreams, and milestones in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re embracing the unknown and writing your chapter!
