13 November 2011

CAMP Xenon 4 Pole Review @ Backpacking Light

CAMP Xenon 4 Pole Review @ Backpacking Light

I got a screaming deal on a new (used) computer monitor that will be great for editing photos. Very excited to receive that this week - it was Kristin's birthday present to me, but it took me a while to pick out the monitor. Now I need to buy a power cable and VGA cable so we don't go crazy having a big monitor but no cables to connect to our netbook and the internet!

28 September 2011

Vango Tent Review @ Backpacking Light

This is the mobile home that Kristin and I used for our last six months in Europe. Kristin called it "our cave." It kept us safe at night, but it was way too small to be comfortable. And it retails for more than $400 - good think we didn't have to pay for it!
Vango Helium Superlite 200 Tent Review @ Backpacking Light

Also, has anybody tried a ThermCane? I've heard good things about it but would love to hear your experience.
 

22 September 2011

The Two-Year Honeymoon

It has been exactly two years since Kristin and I left California on a flight to Guatemala. It was the beginning of our world journey, the realization of a lifelong dream, and the start of our long life together.

Danny and Kristin in the evening of our first day in Guatemala. We went on a sunset hike around San Pedro with our wonderful host Ann.

In our 730 days of traveling, we visited 30 countries on over 1000 rides on a bus, tram, trolley, subway, taxi, car, train, gondola, horse, bike, boat and plane. You can visit our page of travel statistics, travel itinerary, and publications to learn more.


Backcountry skiing, overlooking the ocean near Tromso, Norway in May 2011.

A lot of people asked how can we afford such a trip. In total, we spent less than $35k. We were able to save up that money while I was making $30k/year working at UC Davis while Kristin was a student. We traveled cheaply because we skimped on comfort, we walked and took local buses, we camped a lot, we cooked all of our meals, we didn't drink alcohol or pay for expensive tours, and so on. 

Most importantly, we were able to do this because of the incredible support of our friends and family. It would have been nearly impossible without you. We spent over 300 nights with friends and family, plus 50 nights with couchsurfing hosts. These experiences deeply enriched our journey, increased the educational aspect, and strengthened bonds around the world. Others lent support through emails, sending packages, receiving our mail, visiting us, and sending positive thoughts our way.


Hiking in Yosemite, California - September 2011.

And what did we learn in two years? Well, that is the topic of another blog post. But I can tell you that I've learned how lucky I am to have Kristin. I have an ocean of gratitude for everything that she has taught me, all of her patience and support, and her constant love. 

We're not done traveling in the sense that we're still homeless, unemployed, and moving around every few days. We're happy to spend this time visiting more friends and family, but also looking for jobs. Right now we're on a farm in southern Oregon with our cousins Cindy and Drew. I'll keep you posted on our next steps, and hopefully catch up on past adventures. 

21 July 2011

Glacier Briefly

 We are in the middle of our two-week road trip through the Rockies of Montana and Canada. We spent the first part in Glacier National Park, which has very few glaciers. Apparently all the glaciers will disappear completely by 2020. Yikes!

 The hiking has been variable - good trails, beautiful views, but a zoo-like atmosphere. I didn't expect this many people to visit such a remote park!

Of courser we're having a blast regardless of the crowds and crazy weather. Kristin's parents are a blast to travel with. We play cards every evening to relax after each day of hiking.

I'll post some more pics next week, from Calgary. But now we must continue onward to Banff, Canada.