Château Life in Normandy: A HelpX Adventure
Eric and I recently returned from a 2-month journey through France, exploring Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley and Paris. Plus a quick visit to London so I could attend a networking event for tour operators from the Balkans. And it all began with a HelpX invite from an Australian expat family who owns a château in Normandy.
For those unfamiliar with HelpX, I wrote about our first experience with this type of travel during our Clare Island HelpX. The following stories give you a glimpse of what our experience was like with this particular HelpX, but please keep in mind these homestay exchanges are as unique as the individual hosts and guests.
First Impressions of the Château
Our hosts Jane, Peter and Toby greet us on arrival and show us our apartment in the basement of the château. The décor is French rustic, comfortable but cold. There’s a space heater in the bedroom, propped precariously against the wall, and a fireplace in the kitchen. Giant spider webs drape the ceilings. One table lamp lights an entire room. The bed sheets are slightly tattered and stained but smell like sunshine and lavender, perfectly imperfect in that special French way. We have a fridge, oven and tea kettle and a hodgepodge of dishes and cooking utensils. More importantly, Jane has gifted us a bottle of wine, fresh bread and her homemade raspberry jam.
I wasn’t expecting luxury for this HelpX, but I do admit to some serious doubts at this point. Especially when I see the bathroom, which feels like a dungeon as there is only a small light — which I soon find out is motion sensitive when it goes out after a few minutes in the shower, leaving me in complete darkness with a razor in my hand.
My discomforts are temporarily forgotten as Jane invites us to sit by a nice warm fire in their dining room. Anyone who follows Jane Webster on Instagram already knows that the interior of their château is gorgeous. She has a gift for decorating that’s both lavish and comfortable, inviting you to sink into well-loved antiques that look like something has chewed the edges of the cushions, but somehow it looks really good. Her father was an antique dealer, and she has many pieces they brought from Australia, plus what they’ve collected over the years here in France. Everything has a story here and nothing is wasted.
I sit in awe of all this beauty as she serves us an aperitif of cheddar biscuits and our drink of choice. I’m happy to discover she’s a gin and tonic fan. We then sit down to a leisurely dinner—simple fare for Jane, who is a chef and knows her way around Michelin restaurants. It’s a beautiful meal!
Château Life Begins
We almost freeze to death that first night, and I question our choices for traveling this way. Eric, who’s usually not the optimist in this relationship, soothes my fears and reminds me that it’s always difficult our first few days. It takes time for us to adjust from our American comforts, but we always do, and we’re always grateful for the experiences that teach us how little we truly need to be happy. The next morning, Jane saves us from the cold with macarons and coffee. Peter gives us a tour of the outbuildings, potager (kitchen garden) and introduces us to the chickens.
Château Bosgouet's History
The Websters purchased the château in 2004 and have been lovingly restoring it ever since. After staying here for a month, I have a newfound appreciation for how much work goes into maintaining a 50-acre property with a 72-room château. Living here may look luxurious, and it is, but that luxury is only possible because this couple is willing to work hard every day to keep everything running. Even with volunteers helping throughout the year, it’s a formidable job!
The original building burned down in the early 1800s and was reconstructed around 1843 in the Napoleon III style. Like many châteaus, Bosgouet once housed German officers and troops. It also served as a summer camp, evidence of which can be seen in the outbuildings covered in juvenile murals and dismantled playground equipment.
The château welcomes long‑stay guests for immersive experiences and inspired Jane’s design and cookbooks: At My French Table, Château Life, and French House Chic. Find more details at The French Table.
Before Jane leaves for a tour in Spain, she takes us to the market in Bourgtheroulde (yes, it’s a mouthful). It’s small and an excellent introduction to market shopping in France. There are vendors for flowers, oysters, hot food, produce, some sweets, and our favorite—the fromagerie lady! Jane helps us pick a cheese, which is good because otherwise we would have been totally overwhelmed. I’ll have to study cheese before I can try this on my own. Just learning how to order the amount and age of a cheese is intimidating, let alone the different types and how to describe what flavors we prefer. I thought ordering wine would be intimidating in France, but cheese is more challenging! Luckily, Jane has Le Grand Livre des Fromages in her stockpile of cookbooks, so Eric and I commence studying.
A Rough Start
We put in two full days of work in the potager before I get sick with a nasty head cold. Eric covers my slack while I stay mostly in bed. Peter makes an appointment for me with his doctor and gives me a letter translated into French, explaining that I’m a friend from overseas. I’m still not sure what the doctor thinks of that letter, but he laughs when he reads it.
The appointment is efficient—we walk in, show the letter to a woman who points us toward a small waiting room. While we wait, Eric and I marvel at how everyone really does greet each person entering the room with a “bonjour Madame, bonjour Monsieur.” The doctor comes into the waiting room asking for Monsieur Webster, and I smile and say “moi,” and we roll with it. I have my symptoms already translated in Google Translate to show the doctor. I know he speaks English, but he never does so during my appointment. It both impresses and frustrates me that the French refuse to speak English, even when they see how much you’re struggling to communicate. But at the end of the day, I appreciate their stubbornness. It forces me to learn the language and I learn it so much quicker this way.
Eric catches the same head cold just as I’m starting to recover, so we reverse roles—him staying in bed for two days while I work outside. For two weeks our routine is simple: we wake up and work for about four hours outside, usually in the garden or weeding and pruning flower beds. Eric learns how to repair a tractor while I build teepees for tomato plants.
Sometimes we go for an evening stroll and take Toby with us. Toby is a jug—part Jack Russell terrier and pug. She’s our daily entertainment and headache, spending hours digging holes trying to catch an elusive mole. Yes, there are moles here. I feel like I’ve stepped into a page from The Wind in the Willows.
During most days we spend time visiting with Peter, talking about politics or life in general. He’s a great conversationalist and contrarian. The afternoon consists of a late lunch—usually bread and butter, some cold cuts and cheese, and either hot tea or coffee. Our leisure time is spent reading, napping, working on the laptop, and walking the property and farm roads.
Jane isn’t here to cook, and I have no idea what Peter eats when he’s living like a bachelor, so Eric and I are on our own most nights for dinner. Perfectly acceptable—Eric has a kitchen and access to some of the freshest food you’ll find in the world. We eat very well. Every few days Peter surprises us with baguettes, cheese, or fresh salmon. We never know what it will be, so it feels like little Advent gifts leading up to Christmas.
Day Trips from the Château
Eventually we’re both healthy enough to start exploring. Besides quick trips to pick up fresh bread and produce, the first time we actually leave the château for any length of time is to bring Peter to Pont-Audemer for his French driver’s license test. Peter has lived here for years but has always driven with his Australian license. The French are sticklers for road rules, and it’s not easy to pass their test.
Eric and I wander the cobblestone paths, happy to take photos of crumbly old medieval-looking buildings and canals winding through the town. I see a few people who look like visitors, all speaking French. We definitely stand out as English speakers here.
I love that we can sit at a café, surrounded by people who are just going about their everyday life. We’re here on a Wednesday, which means families are out shopping and eating. Here in Normandy, children have a break on Wednesdays and go to school on Saturdays.
A Roommate
The week before we depart the château, we’re joined by a fellow HelpXer named Wen. She’s originally from China and currently studies in Finland. When I ask her what made her choose this HelpX, she tells me it was the cheapest flight and easiest place to reach by train. Wen appears quiet and docile, but I don’t think that’s her natural personality. I often catch a glint of mischief in her eyes, and I’m quite sure I would have enjoyed getting to know her better. She’ll be taking over the care of Peter’s ever-expanding chicken family—God bless her!
One of the Webster daughters also arrives. Millie corrals her father, who has gotten quite comfortable in his bachelor ways as Jane has been traveling. After surprising us with freshly baked hot cross buns, Millie treats everyone to a dinner of Jamaican Jerk chicken. Millie’s ability to welcome strangers into her home is equally as heart-warming as her mother’s.
Market Shopping in Rouen
Our last weekend at the château is Easter, and we get a special treat when Jane takes us market shopping in Rouen. A friend from Australia and Jane’s daughter are with us, so we’ve got a merry little band of shoppers. Eric and I wander a bit on our own, stopping to visit the Rouen Cathedral and take photos of the famous Horloge (clock tower).
Neither is as fascinating as the exterior of the Joan of Arc Church. This odd-looking architectural masterpiece sits beside the Vieux-Marché and looks like a dragon or Viking longship. Some say it looks like Joan of Arc’s helmet. It’s certainly a building you either love or hate, but there’s no ignoring it.
Easter in Normandy
Jane cooks an exquisite Easter lunch, beautifully served in her lavishly decorated but cozy dining room, surrounded by family and friends. Watching this expert hostess is something to behold—she makes the art of hospitality look so easy. Food is provided at just the right time, conversation and wine continuously flow, and we never feel like strangers.
Favorite Memories from a Normandy Château
Looking back through our photos, I realize my favorite memories of Normandy don’t revolve around any particular attraction or activity. It’s the little moments I enjoy the most. Driving the small country roads. Interesting road signs and quirky address plaques created by a local potter. Couples of all ages wandering hand in hand. Fields of neon yellow rapeseed, reminiscent of the yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz. Trying a new baguette or pastry. Grocery shopping and observing people’s reactions when Eric opens his mouth to speak.
This is slow travel at its best. When the focus of each day isn’t “what will we see” but “let’s see how the day unfolds.” When the highlight isn’t a particular destination, but simply driving through small towns and stopping when something looks interesting. We road trip like this in America, and I’m happy to report it’s just as delightful to do so in France.
Stick around, there’s more to come as I share stories of our Road Trip through Normandy and Brittany.
From Pacific Waves to Prairie Skies: A Journey Across Western Canada and the American Midwest
While bittersweet goodbyes are never easy, Eric and I reluctantly bid farewell to Vancouver Island. Our journey home begins with a late afternoon ferry ride, watching Vancouver’s skyline fade into a curtain of rain as we make our way to our first stop in Abbotsford.
This is part 4 of our Road Trip West.
Through British Columbia's Heart
The drive from Abbotsford to Nelson unfolds like a painting, even through the misty rain. In Chilliwack, famous for its vibrant tulip fields, we’re treated to glimpses of the magnificent Flood Falls—a trio of cascading waterfalls tumbling down sheer cliffs. I make a mental note to return someday and properly explore the hiking trails.
The route through Keremeos and Cawston teases us with roadside food stands, cider distilleries, and wineries. Eric is wishing we had more time to stop here, this is definitely his food scene.
In Osoyoos, we discover a gem called Queen of the South. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with memes and signs featuring cleverly risqué feminine humor, creating an atmosphere that’s both glamorous and irreverent. The service sparkles as bright as the decor, and the food—well, it even surpasses Eric’s exacting standards.
Nelson: a Crunchy Paradise
A friend’s description of Nelson as “crunchy” proves spot-on. The Farmer’s Market here is nothing short of extraordinary, especially for vegetable enthusiasts. Eric transforms into a culinary genius, discovering produce we’ve never heard of. Our wallet takes a hit as we load up on fresh vegetables, LaRue bakery treats, mysterious Korean fruit toppings, and a promising “miracle” lotion that claims to banish all pain.
So Many Different Mountains
One of the trip’s most striking revelations is the incredible diversity of the mountains we pass. Each peak tells its own story—some stand proud and bare, while others pierce the sky with snow-capped summits. Through Fernie and Crowsnest Pass, the scenery becomes so captivating that I frantically jot down notes for future visits. The winding river through town promises adventures in hiking and snowshoeing that we’ll have to return to explore.
British Columbia is blessed with some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. I still drool over the photos from our trip to Golden and Banff a few years ago.
Mountain View Sunsets
Our arrival in the tiny hamlet of Mountain View, Alberta, brings unexpected wonders. Here, we witness sunsets that defy description and experience our first glimpse of the Aurora Borealis—a sight so mesmerizing that I forget to even reach for my camera. While this hamlet might boast the most ancient gas pump I’ve ever encountered, its sweeping views of prairie meeting the mountains surrounding Waterton Lakes more than make up for its modest size.
Waterton Lakes: Beauty in Renewal
Waterton Lakes National Park offers a striking contrast to its American cousin, Glacier National Park. We arrive during peak autumn, when western larch and aspen trees paint the landscape in brilliant yellow. However, the park bears visible scars from the 2017 Kenow Wildfire, which devastated 19,303 hectares and damaged over 80% of the hiking trails. Yet even here, nature demonstrates its resilience—wildlife and vegetation are steadily reclaiming their territory.
Before entering the park, we pause to observe a resident bison herd from a viewpoint along Alberta Highway 6.
The day unfolds with peaceful walks around Cameron Lake and the main Waterton Lakes, where crystal-clear waters mirror the fall foliage and mountain peaks in perfect symmetry.
Glacier National Park in October
A wildfire in Bighorn National Forest forces us to modify our plans, but Glacier National Park proves to be a serendipitous replacement. We arrive during that magical first week of October—a sweet spot when crowds thin but Going-to-the-Sun Road remains accessible. Though visitor centers and lodges have closed for the season, the park’s dramatic scenery is enhanced by autumn’s golden touch.
The Grinnell Glacier trail quickly reveals why it’s considered the crown jewel of day hikes in Glacier. Each section unfolds like chapters in a visual story, beginning with the serene path around Swiftcurrent Lake and the historic Many Glacier Hotel.
Past Lake Josephine, the trail climbs steadily upward, each viewpoint more spectacular than the last. The final push to the glacier tests our endurance, but the reward is beyond worth it—Upper Grinnell Lake’s surreal colors leave us, and everyone around us, in speechless awe.
Our extended lunch break atop the glacier comes at a cost. Racing down the mountain to catch Going-to-the-Sun Road before dark, we push too hard. My body protests the next day, and I’m confined to a heating pad with a steady regimen of Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Rheumatoid Arthritis has its own agenda, and today it’s demanding rest.
Food & Love in Montana
Eric charts our course through Montana based on culinary possibilities. The Big Sky Grocery proves to be a win — packed with whoopie pies, pudding mixes, pie fillings, jerky, cheese curds, and every imaginable candy.
In Billings, we reunite with Cornell, a former colleague from my Calcasieu Library days. Over homemade gumbo and pecan pie, Cornell and Walt entertain us with stories, photos and excellent conversation. Walt takes us for a night walk atop the Rimrocks so we can fully appreciate his hometown. Their genuine devotion to each other reminds me that love still triumphs in these challenging times.
Our Montana food tour continues at the Trading Post Cafe in Crow Agency, where I discover fry bread with honey—a revelation that (forgive me, Louisiana) surpasses even beignets. The cafe’s warm atmosphere and excellent gift shop, complete with gossiping locals and an impressive book selection, make it a memorable stop.
A Friend in South Dakota
Spearfish catches us off guard with its charming downtown and authentic atmosphere—a stark contrast to the more tourist-oriented Custer where we are staying tonight. Though our chosen base proves less than ideal, our Airbnb host Verona brightens our stay. This Minnesota transplant with her sun-kissed face and golden hair shares her passion for horses, revealing only at the end of our conversation the recent heartbreak of losing her beloved horse to a broken leg.
The drive through South Dakota offers its own adventures. After successfully avoiding wildlife collisions throughout our journey, Katniss Evergreen (my Subaru) finally meets her match with a determined crow. The landscape compensates for this mishap with stunning buttes and river valleys lined with brilliant yellow trees.
American Monuments & Alien Landscapes
Mount Rushmore greets us in the crisp early morning air, before the official opening time. Sharing the space with only chipmunks and a handful of early risers, we explore the trails in peaceful solitude—a photographer’s dream.
Our route between Keystone and the Badlands reveals South Dakota’s autumn beauty, far from the tourist hubs of Deadwood and Custer. Though desert landscapes usually leave us cold, the Badlands transfix us with their alien terrain—a harsh yet captivating testament to nature’s sculptural powers.
In Ocalala, the Dignity statue stands as a powerful tribute to indigenous women, specifically the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota women. This is a beautiful work of art, best appreciated in person. It’s a highlight in a stretch of South Dakota that even the local cattle seem to find monotonous.
A Final Cultural Crown
We conclude our journey in Rogers, Arkansas, at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Though storm damage has closed many of the trails we hoped to explore, the museum’s architecture and collection exceed expectations. I get excited when I see Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter! For anyone seeking to understand American art’s evolution, Crystal Bridges offers an unparalleled education.
Homeward Bound
As we finally turn toward home, our thoughts already drift to our next adventure—one that promises French châteaux and fantastique cuisine. But for now, we’ll spend a few months processing the incredible landscapes, flavors, and stories we’ve collected across Western Canada and the American Northwest.
Our Love for BC Canada Continues with Vancouver Island
Eric and I began the year with trains and pilgrimage walks in Japan, followed by Irish ferries, buses and hillwalking. Now we’re closing it with a road trip to Vancouver Island. These journeys remind me to cherish the act of travel itself, regardless of destination or means of transport.
This is Part 3 of our 2024 Road Trip West.
World's Best Burger in Cumberland
We arrive by ferry as sunset approaches and stop in Cumberland for dinner at Cook’s, home of THE BEST BURGER I’ve ever eaten! This former mining town, now host to an annual Fungus Fest, carries a laid-back vibe with its dispensaries and youthful energy.
First Impressions of Campbell River
Our Campbell River Airbnb, affectionately dubbed “Granny’s Attic” by Eric, overlooks Discovery Passage. We wake to fog over the water and a light rain, and I embrace this weather because it means I’m in my happy place – the Pacific Northwest.
Market Shopping
Eric is in his happy place when we visit the Campbell River farmer’s market, one of the best markets we’ve been to. Great balance of food and local art vendors, all friendly and happy to chat with strangers. We leave with lighter wallets but happy hearts, our bags full of local produce, smoked salmon, jerky, and artwork. Folk music and fresh croissants from Freyja’s complete the scene.
Hiking the Forests near Campbell River
Rain plagues us throughout our time in Campbell River, so we forget our plans to hike in Strathcona Park and resign ourselves to beautiful walks in the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands and Elk Falls Provincial Park. No complaints – these forests rival Washington’s Olympic National Park in their magic.
Hunting for Art
Between raindrops, we hunt for wooden art along the waterfront. Since 1997, the “Transformations on the Shore” chainsaw competition has filled Campbell River with sculptures depicting local wildlife and First Nations themes. The town has significant First Nations art installations and several excellent art galleries.
Small Sacrifices for a Nomad Life
I find myself grumbling one day about the rain and the fact that the oven and dryer don’t work at this Airbnb, but quickly chastise myself for complaining. I’m on a beautiful island with the man I love, doing the work I love, while being able to travel. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Warm Hospitality in a Cup
It’s still raining the day we leave the east coast of Vancouver Island, so we stop for comfort food at The Soup Pot in Courtenay. This is one of those local eateries that most people would pass on the street and never notice, but you’d be missing out on the best cheese scones and hearty soups imaginable! And lovely owners, who give you a sample to help you decide what soup to order.
Thoughts on Tofino
I want to love Tofino, because everyone I’ve spoken to about Vancouver Island says “oh you MUST visit Tofino!” Now that we’re here, I can admire the beautiful beaches set amidst rainforest, the artsy surfer town with its youthful “anything is possible” vibe. But paradise comes at a price: expensive lodging, paid parking and crowds (even in shoulder season). Don’t get me wrong, this place is special, but it’s a tiny piece of land that is loved by many, so it’s best visited during the off season.
Why Ucluelet Wins Our Hearts
Eric and I love Ucluelet! The town itself lacks the hipster vibe and easily walkable design of Tofino, but the trail system here is magnificent and it’s free. Parking is free in Ucluelet, it has a good grocery store and restaurants, and it’s still close enough to Tofino to enjoy everything this region has to offer. Lodging is also cheaper (for now).
The Wild Pacific Trail
My breath catches as we begin our hike along the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. We begin on the Artists Loops and Ancient Cedars, awestruck at the ancient forest and crashing waves. It’s all coastal trail, rarely do we lose sight of the ocean.
We walk the Lighthouse Loop on a Saturday, so we share trail space with several families with young children. Hearing their squeals of glee every few feet as they get a new glimpse of the ocean or spot a spooky looking old tree just adds to our enjoyment of this beautiful trail.
Most Interesting Man in the World
We call him Bob Sooke and he’s the most interesting man on Vancouver Island that we’ve met. Bob is our Airbnb host in the town of Sooke, and we spend hours visiting with him during our stay. He’s a whirlwind of knowledge and stories, and I’m still questioning half of what he tells us about hiring a helicopter in South America to fly over a mountain no one’s ever flown over. Or his comment about solo hiking some of the most remote long-distance trails in northern British Columbia. “You just charter a boat and hop out of a helicopter and you can hike it, easy peasy.” Uh huh.
Sooke, a Hiker's Paradise
Besides charming local personalities, Sooke bespells us with its proximity to TONS and TONS of hiking trails. All of Vancouver Island is a hiking paradise, but Sooke especially so. We stretch our legs that first night by walking across the street to watch the sunset from Marine Boardwalk and Macgregor Park. Families are crabbing from the docks and it feels reminiscent of coastal Louisiana.
Hiking East Sooke Park
The following day we explore East Sooke Regional Park. LOVE this park! We start on the west side at Silver Spray Trailhead, thankful that Bob gave us directions because this entry is not well marked. We wander for awhile along Pike Point and Iron Mine Bay Beach, where we watch scuba divers swim alongside an otter.
We then follow the Coast Trail, marveling at the gorgeous views and comparing this trail to coastal hikes in Oregon.
We take our time on this trail, often stopping to sit under a shady tree to watch more scuba divers or listen to the wind moving through the trees. We walk as long as we wish before turning around to loop back a different way, heading into the forest.
The East side of East Sooke Park is equally stunning, albeit more crowded, which is obvious as soon as we arrive at the huge Aylard Farm parking lot. It’s popular because there are so many hidden coves and beaches, all easily accessible with a short walk.
Besides the beautiful hidden beaches, trees are a highlight of this section of the park. We walk through old growth Coastal Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedars, but the red barked Madrona plants are what capture my attention. They call them Arbutus trees here.
Coastal Walks in Juan de Fuca
It’s a little over one hour to reach on a bumpy road, but we enjoy the coastal drive along Hwy 14 to reach Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Park. Once again, our jaws drop at the beauty before us.
The walk through dense forest is pretty by itself and the views at Botany Bay and Botanical Beach are just icing on the cake.
We tried to get here for low tide but manage mid-tide instead, which means we miss some of the best tidepools. But Eric and I are fine with that, there’s a resident Bald Eagle perched in his aerie here at the beach and it’s currently not raining.
Braving the Juan de Fuca Trail
Eric thinks he’s here for easy beach walks, but I convince him to set out on a section of the Juan de Fuca Trail. This is one of the most challenging multi-day trails in British Columbia, mostly due to coastal erosion and high tides. I have no intention of ever thru-hiking this trail, so I just want a glimpse of it.
Less than two miles in, we encounter poor trail conditions and fresh scat and large paw prints in the mud. Believing this to be cougar, we turn around. Actually, Eric sprints away and I have to remind him “safety in numbers!”
Moody Vibes at Pacheedat Beach
Back in our car, we drive to Pacheedat Beach to enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. A storm is moving in and this is the perfect beach to watch it unfold, although my hands are frozen stiff. Between the mist, cold weather and a crow who won’t leave us alone, I’m getting serious Winterfell vibes and hearing the Game of Thrones soundtrack in my head. We run back to the car when it starts raining.
A Perfect Ending
Our last day on Vancouver Island couldn’t have ended more perfectly. We experience rush hour traffic on the way to Victoria and quickly decide to avoid the city entirely, diverting instead to Butchart Gardens. Perfect decision.
We arrive as the gardens open, which means we miss the worst of the crowds, although they quickly appear within the hour. We roam the grounds, often retracing our steps to get a different view.
Eric and I have seen some beautiful gardens. Longwood in Pennsylvania, Ohme in Washington, Keukenhof in The Netherlands, temple gardens in Kyoto – we appreciate how each reflects its creators’ vision.
The gardens take less time than we expected, so we enjoy an early lunch at Seahorses Cafe in Brentwood Bay. We visit with our Aussie waitress from Melbourne and drool over the best cauliflower bites ever! Then we spend 2 hours at the public library, where we meet a retired doctor who is a fellow travel blogger. I shake my head in acknowledgment when he says “libraries are the perfect place to meet interesting people.”
Final Thoughts of the Island
Vancouver Island embodies the perfect blend of wild nature and welcoming communities. Time slows down here and every moment reminds us why we continue to return to the Pacific Northwest. Often the best journeys are those that have no itinerary, and small moments such as finding friendship in a library corner become the most memorable activity.
Stay tuned for one last post, as we begin The Journey Back Home.