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Destination: I Lost Count

http://www.wwoofusa.org/

Today, a teammate of mine from i4k told me about the best thing she's ever done: WWOOFing.  Don't worry, I also had no idea what it was.  As it turns out, it stands for Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms.  Basically, it's a program devoted to help farmers gain willing and interested volunteers to work on organic and sustainable farms throughout the US--and even Australia and New Zealand!  The volunteers pay a membership fee of something like 30$ and with that they browse different farm profiles and select where they would like to go.  Although the internships are unpaid, volunteers are provided with food and housing in exchange for their help.  At the same time "woofers" as they're called are provided with skills, knowledge, and a new perspective. I'm putting this on my bucket list as we speak.  I love farming, I'm from an agricultural background and I would love to learn more about the organic side of things, since my dad isn't exactly an organic farmer.  At the same time, I think it's really cool to dive into new things and learn practical skills about issues completely unrelated to your personal field of study.  I'm a sophomore Media Studies major at a big 10 university...why do I want to volunteer to help a random family out for the summer?  Why not is the better question...I'm not exactly sure when I'll be able to do this since I'm biking across the US this summer..but maybe I'll tentatively put it on the list of things to do for next year.

On a semi-unrelated note, I think new experiences are great for so many reasons.  Being part of the Illini 4,000 team and knowing nothing about cycling has taught me so many lessons.  Not to mention, it was this new experience, that introduced me to another new experience...just from being able to talk to a teammate who I would not have otherwise known.  Sometimes, it's weird the way that things work out.  It's strange thinking about how one door opens to another so easily.

Quote of the day: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Destination Numero Diez: Italy

I've always wanted to travel Europe.  As my roommate gets ready to leave for her study abroad trip to Venice, Italy soon I find myself wishing I was going with her and dreaming about the day when I can visit Venice and paddle the city in a gondola.  I would love to try some italian-style pastries and indulge in creamy pasta with homemade noodles and seafood (even though I hate seafood, I feel like I would like it in Italy).

I think I'd spend an entire day at the isola san michele-- a gorgeous and spacious island filled with breathtaking sculptures and incredible ocean scenery.  It was a common place for travelers to land at one point in time and it is still home to one of the original Renaissance churches.  One of the most beautiful things about a city is the way life is captured through it's architecture and sculpture...

Destination Numero Nueve: Travel by car, without actually owning one.

http://www.codysmart.com/hitchhike/index2.html

I don't have much to say except that whoever reads this should automatically click on the above link and check out an incredible story with some even more amazing photographs.

Hitchhiking is like the ultimate adventure for me.  I've never done it, but I really really want to.  It's extremely dangerous and arguably a stupid thing to do.  But when you're young and you can...I feel like you should.  If I ever did it, I think people would try to tell me it's too dangerous, especially a young girl. I think they're right.  But, I hate how sexist that has to be.  Maybe I'm a really physically strong young girl.  Maybe I'd be better at hitchhiking than lots of boys my age.  Or maybe I'm just more clever and could get out of danger faster.

I guess this blog has been themed around traveling the United States a lot.  I think thats one of my main goals in life.  Of course, I want to travel the world...but there's so much here...America is full of so much diversity, not just within her vast landscapes...but with the people and the communities as well. I'm fascinated by people and driven to see this land for all that it is.  Every state has a story, and all across each state, county roads have a million more to tell you.

Destination Numero Ocho: Ruta 40, Argentina

Roadtrips have always been something I've enjoyed.  My family used to annually take a road trip West to visit my family in Montana when I was in middle and high school and I've been thinking about those trips a lot lately and I really miss them.  I think there's something incredibly special about road trips.  There's something about just sleeping in a car and brushing your teeth in gas stations that makes me really happy.  I'm always trying to convince my friends to go on spur of the moment road trips with me, but it seldom works out.


One trip I plan to make happen however, is this one...

http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/atra/ruta/mruta.htm


I need to make a visit to South America and I would love the chance to travel the length of Argentina and see what the Andes Mountains have in store for me.  According to National Geographic, Route 40 "runs parallel to the mountains, crossing 236 bridges and countless rivers, lakes, national parks, and mountain passes." 


The most important part of any road trip is the passengers.  I would love to take a car full of (semi) strangers and spend the entire trip getting to know each other...Or maybe, Route 40 would be an interesting anniversary vacation for Newlyweds or something.  Regardless of who goes, I'm sure an Argentinian road trip would be one I would never forget.








Quote of the day:“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

Destination Numero Siete: Simply Southern

I've always wanted to experience he south, and Gatlinburg TN has been something on my list for a long time now.  I'm not saying Gatlinburg would be a ideal for a week long vacation or anything, but I think it would be great for a weekend trip.

The Smoky Mountains are definitely a US destination that everyone should visit and I've always wanted to go in the spring, when the mountains are full of blooming flowers, flowing white water, and green grass covering the rolling hills.  Gatlinburg is nestled right on the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Park and would be a perfect outlet into the wilderness.

According to the Gatlinburg Visitor Center, travelers are able to horseback ride, witewater raft, hike, cycle through the mountains, camp, fish, or even golf.

Along with The Smoky Mountain National Park I would love to visit the Parkway, which is one of the main streets in Gaitlinburg and home to the space needle, which is 342 feet in the air and provides amazing views of the landscape and mountain peaks.

In the morning, I'd love the chance to eat at Tennessee's firs pancake house--The Pancake Panty for some home-cooked breakfast and short stacks with a side of Tennessee blueberries.     And I likely wouldn't leave town before stopping at a little sweets cafe called Desserts & More.  According to The New York Times, "for 11 years, Ruth and Gerry Childress have been making everything on the menu, from thick chicken-salad sandwiches to fluffy coconut pie and creamy chocolate-chip cheesecake, from scratch. Homemade lemonade and different flavored iced teas (if you're lucky, there'll be mango) come by the carafe."

Destination Numero Seis: The Unconventional Spring Break

So, it is that time of year again...the time of year when the weather turns nice, the windows come open, classes start to take a back seat and spring break looms over every college student's head.  While many of my friends are living it up in Panama City Beach or while my sisters travel to the Bahamas without me, I'll actually be at home in my tiny, little, rural town of Clifton Illinois.  While this may pale in comparison to some of my peer's travel destinations, I'm actually really excited about being home.  No matter how much you travel around the world, no place will ever make you feel quite like the familiarity of your home and community and the people inside of both.

Even though I am unable to go on a typical college spring break trip, I'm okay with it.  I'm saving up for my adventure across the country this summer, and in addition, I'm selling nearly all of my possessions so I can take this trip.  But, trading in your old prom dresses for a new bike  helmet and cycling shoes is way cooler anyway, right?

I think so.

Can't wait to get back to these uncrowded roads lined with the open-flat familiar country soil that I'm so used to.

Quote of the day:

“People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” – Dagobert D. Runes

While I'm at it, I'd like to take time to reflect on my Spring Break experience of last year.  My travel plans were inspired by the fact that as a 19 year-old college student, I still had never seen the ocean.  So, I researched some different volunteer organizations on campus, and applied to go on an Alternative Spring Break Trip to Arcata California where I would be able to experience the ocean for the first time. Not to mention, I would make my way to California and the West Coast for the very first time, take a road trip with people other than family members, see San Fransisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, and tour Redwood Forests.  All of which were things I was able to cross off my travel bucket list.  The trip was centered around dune restoration, which required working on the sand literally alongside the Pacific Ocean every day for a week.  I will never forget that trip or the amazing friends I made on it.  I went into it unsure of what I was doing, and unfamiliar with anyone, but it's these experiences that push me to want to explore more.  

Seeing the ocean for the first time!

Working on Restoration--not a bad work environment, eh?

Can't think of anyone I'd rather travel with than these randoms

Golden Gate Bridge!

Destination Numero Cinco: A blend of Natural and Urban

Last year, 2 international students from Malaysia were in my speech class.  I remember each of them going on and on about how much they missed their homeland.  They talked about the beauty of the land and the natural beaches along the coast.  They missed the perfect weather, and often talked about the unique culture and tradition that Malaysia's known for.


According to another blog, "ethnically and culturally, Malaysia is a fundamentally Malay country overlaid with Chinese, Indian and British influences, and possessing several indigenous tribal peoples such as the Iban, Penan and Negrito. Yet it preserves many traditional cultural aspects—dress, religion, food and architecture."  


The interesting part of Malaysia is that it is so diverse.  While it hosts a wide variety of natural landscapes that can be used for white-water rafting, cave exploration, mountain biking, snorkeling, hiking, jungle-treking and more...it is also extremely urban and modern, as you can see from the photo above.


It sounds like Malaysia has so much to offer, and after talking with people from the country it's hard not to want to go there.  The place sounds beautiful, and the people seem nice as well.  The only negative (which might be a big one) are the expenses of the trip.  My friends from class said it's extremely expensive there, and even plane tickets to the country are often out of everyone's price range.  Maybe when I win the lottery this will be my first destination, but until then, I'll keep dreaming about it.

Destination Numero Cuatro: Back to Your Roots

So after one of my older sisters (I have three of them) graduated from college, she volunteered with an organization called SIMON and part of her job was to travel to Ireland and help work in homeless shelters and different things like that. I actually don't know too much about her experience working with SIMON, but I know that she had the time of her life in Ireland.  My family name is actually the oldest name in Ireland and my dad has always been really proud of our heritage.  I think it's important to go back and explore the place of your ancestors...I would love to travel to Ireland.

I would love to visit the small, unique town of Cobh, which according to my sister is "beautifully situated near the sea" and is home to so many easy-going locals.  The houses are bright, quaint, and things just seem to be as they should in Cobh, which is located in Cork....and my last name is Cleary.  Maybe it's a sign.

On top of visiting small little irish towns like Cobh, I would love to visit another place that has unique ties to me and my heritage.  The Shannon River in Ireland is something I've heard about ever since I was a little girl, because in addition to being a point of interest Shannon is also my first name and I would love nothing more than to see the surrounding area and river in person.  Maybe I'd even bottle up a little of the river to take back with me, if it weren't for that river maybe my parent's would have named me Limerick or something...

Another thing to scratch off my bucket list while staying in Ireland:

A bed and breakfast:  http://www.barkersbedandbreakfast.com/index.html

Destination Numero Très: Where the Photographers Go

I've always been fascinated with photography.  There's something about capturing a moment and making it last forever that really inspires me.  Most of all, I love photographs of landscapes.  In high school, I took a photography class and learned all about Ansel Adams.  Ever since, I've been fascinated with him, and his obsession with Yosemite National Park.  He would comment quite often on the power Yosemite had to take his breath away.  He would say things like, “Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.”

I couldn't agree more, Ansel.

Let me also add that Ansel is a great name.

Yosemite features some of the best landscape in America, Although I've been to California once within the last year, I can't wait to go again and tour this National Park to see what Ansel Adams was so in love with.

Destination Numero Dos: A friend's recommendation

Tonight, my roommate was talking about her favorite place to visit and she revealed that every summer growing up she and her family would travel to Mackinac Island in Michigan.  According to what she said, it's a little gem of the midwest.  Apparently it's located between the upper and lower peninsulas.  Interestingly enough, on the island there are actually no cars.  Everyone travels around on a horse and buggy, but it's not "old fashioned" as my friend suggested, she said it's really unique and environmentally friendly at the same time. According to Wikipedia, "the island can be reached by private boat, by ferry, by small aircraft, and in the winter, by snowmobile over an ice road." Over than 80% of the island is preserved as a state park filled with beautiful trails, trees, and God's green earth and water.  


What could be better than that?

Not much, my friends, not much.


The only downside I see to Mackinac Island is that it might be a bit touristy for my tastes.  The population is around 450 permanent residents but it seems that the island sees nearly 15,000 tourists per day during the summer time.  Along with a touristy atmosphere typically comes overly-priced food and activities, but sometimes being a tourist is ok in my book.  Mackinac does seem to be rich with history, culture, and architecture.


Quote of the day:  “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

My Current Adventure: Touring the US on 2 wheels

I'm so ready to travel and learn about the world, and I'm going to start my first adventure this summer.  What better place to start traveling than your own backyard?  I'll be traveling the country from one end of the country to the next on two wheels in 70 days.  I joined the Illini 4,000 for cancer and after raising 3500 dollars to donate to cancer research, I'll be cycling as an advocate for the cause.

Here's the mission of our organization, it's so inspiring and I'm so happy to be a part of something as large as cancer.  It's also a good way to pay tribute to my Aunt Kathy Jo, who is actually responsible for taking me on my first plane ride.  Breast cancer is out of control. 

Mission: The Illini 4000 is a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against cancer, the support of those affected by cancer, and the documentation of how cancer impacts the lives of Americans. Through our annual cross-country bike ride, we reach out to new communities and new individuals each year spreading our message of hope and awareness. As long as cancer remains an issue of public health, as long as cancer affects daily life, and so long as cancer takes its toll, we shall continue our fight.

 Major Cities/Locations: 

 New York City, NY 

 Washington DC 

 Philadelphia, PA 

 Columbus, OH 

 Champaign, IL 

 Chicago, IL 

 Rochester, MN 

 Yellowstone National Park 

 Missoula, MT 

 Portland, OR 

 Florence, OR (Pacific Coast!) 

 San Francisco, CA

Side Note:  We'll also be staying in my small, humble hometown of Clifton Illinois.

Quote of the day:  “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

Destination Numero Uno: The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the World

Because I'm going to travel the world, I want to start with the first place I would go if someone gave me a plane ticket and told me to fly.  The place I've been dreaming about for as long as I can remember... New Zealand.

Not only is New Zealand known for it's invention of bungee jumping, but it's home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.  Number one on my list of things to do in New Zealand: Caynyoning.  If you aren't familiar with the term (as most of us are not) here is a definition according to Wikipedia: Canyoning (known as canyoneering in the U.S.) is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing,jumping, abseiling, and/or swimming.


If this doesn't sound fun to you, I don't know what would.


Along with the definition Wikipedia also lists 4 hazards of the sport: flash floods, hypothermia, keeper potholes (deep holes carved by water that you can get stuck in), and very narrow slots.


I think those are all risks I'm willing to take, just look at how beautiful and adventurous this is:

Quote of the day: “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe" --Anatole France