Reimagining the American Dream
A home, 2 cars, kids, pets, and a couple weeks of vacation each year. We "achieved" the American Dream early, only to realize it's a trap. We'd become good stable American consumers trapped by obligations that provide endless revenue streams to business and government. It's time for a change.
We began planning and taking action to get set up for life after retirement in 2022, retired in 2025, and are took full advantage of our last year with our son before depositing him at NYU Shanghai for college in August 2026. Now we are off exploring the world.
Recent Posts
We Walked 90 Miles of Rail Trails in Connecticut
Capping off our time in the US by walking CT rail trails where I grew up feels fitting as we prep for the Camino and world travel, before heading off to Shanghai.
An Extended Family Get Together in Acadia Maine
After a 10 year hiatus we joined my extended family for a visit to Acadia for hiking, seafood, island hopping, and catching up with my younger siblings.
Anthracite and Immigration as a Microcosm of America
Summer travels highlight regional divides, revealing how isolation breeds fear while immigrant labor historically drives American prosperity and growth.
Enjoying the Quiet of Western Massachusetts
A road trip through central Massachusetts featured a stay in an 18th-century Ashfield farmhouse, scenic trail hikes, natural potholes, and a butterfly conservatory.
Our Time in the Hill Country of Northwest North Carolina
A North Carolina mountain trip offered scenic hikes, paddling, and museums, but heavy crowds, winding roads, and affluent pretension that left us ready to move on.
Discovering the Wildlife and History Around St. Marks Florida
Our summer 2026 trip to St. Marks, Florida, offered unexpected adventures, from kayaking with manatees and exploring historic forts to underground caverns.
Where Are We Now?
- June 2026 – Crestview and St. Marks (Florida)
- July 2026 – St. Marks (Florida) -> Port St. Lucie (Florida) -> Jacksonville (Florida) -> Newland (North Carolina) -> Romney (West Virginia) -> Scranton (Pennsylvania) -> Ashfield (Massachusetts)
- August 2026 – Acadia (Maine) -> Colchester (Connecticut) -> Shanghai (China) -> Istanbul (Turkey) -> Madrid (Spain) -> Lyon (France)
- September to October 2026 – Walking ~700km on the Via Podiensis from Le Puy En Velay (France) to St Jean Pied de Port (France)
- October to November 2026 – Walking ~700km on the Camino Francés from St. Jean Pied de Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
- December 2026 to January 2027 – Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia