Author: wanderingwithwanda14

I ask myself who I am every morning during my meditation. The answer usually has something to do with being of nature, like a single drop of living being in the ocean of all living beings, trying to understand my connection and what it means to be alive and human at this time. I am taking a year sabbatical from working as a high school teacher in Santa Cruz- renting out my home, living in my van and in nature as much as possible, and asking myself who I am, and what my heart most desires. I am also a mother of two delightful adult children. I love learning about sustainable living, permaculture, gardening, plant medicine and natural healing, and communication skills that connect rather than divide.

Sacred Valley

We’re staying at a yoga retreat center called Sach’a Munay, near the top of the Sacred Valley. Sach'a Munay is Quechua for beautiful or loving tree, indicating the deep connection to the natural world of this indigenous culture. Our group of 18 participants and 3 guides walks up the stone pathway, lined with flowers of … Continue reading Sacred Valley →

Lima

It was the hiking poles I carefully placed in the overhead storage bin that started my adventure in a very pleasant way. They didn’t fit in my suitcase and I thought my knee would appreciate their support while tramping around the uneven surroundings of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu ruins. Making sure the poles … Continue reading Lima →

Max-imum Adventure, Shifting Gears

The past few weeks have trickled by with a rich palette of experiences and adventures. I spent a few restful days at Max’s little mobile home in the high lonesome desert (as he likes to say) of Keeler, CA- beautifully nestled between the Eastern Sierra and Inyo Mountains. We camped in Wanda for a sweet … Continue reading Max-imum Adventure, Shifting Gears →

Reflections

A little over 6 weeks ago I turned my home and garden of 18 years over to a family I’d barely met, left a secure job with a supportive staff I enjoyed working with, had my last meeting with the women’s group I’ve been inspired and supported by for 12 years, took a leave from … Continue reading Reflections →

Roots

I left our Wyoming camping community with a warm glow of wonder in my heart. The eclipse experience lingered, and a fresh and hopeful outlook welled up in its wake. As Max and I drove through Yellowstone I turned inward, reflecting about what I’d seen and felt. We went to six campgrounds before we … Continue reading Roots →

Total Eclipse

When my vision for this trip began to materialize I made plans to meet up with my friend, Kathy, to do some camping together. She was experienced in long term van camping and I imagined she would have some good advice to share with me. Plus I just love hanging out with her positive attitude … Continue reading Total Eclipse →

Logistics

The month before I left was a whirlwind of preparations for this trip. I focused on getting my house ready to be rented, thinking I would get to organizing and packing the van well in advance of my departure on August 1. I was also still teaching summer school to earn enough money to pay … Continue reading Logistics →

The Beginning…

This is the excerpt for your very first post.