Happy New Years everyone! I hope you’ve kicked off this year with a bang and are ready for all that 2018 may bring to each and every one of you. 2017 was certainly a year I will never forget. From the beginning to the end, there was always a surprise around every corner that it’s making 2018 seem a bit boring! Not sure if this year will top the last, but I’m excited to find out. Check out our year in review and our travel plans for 2018.
First, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our biggest life events of 2017
In the beginning of the year, we moved from Nashville, TN to Rochester, NY and began our new careers. Scary and exciting, but it has ended up being a great decision for us both. We’re closer to our families and are in love with the small town we live in by the lake just outside of the city.
As of April, we purchased and moved in to our new humble abode.
The day we moved in to the house was the same day we rescued a neglected coonhound to call him our own. His name is Blu, and he is the sweetest boy we could have asked for. Looking at photos of him from when we first rescued him, to what he looks like now is unbelievable. He’s finally living a happy, healthy life as a normal dog.
July was the month we would finally move our stuff from Nashville to Rochester. What a trek that was! I was so happy to have my stuff back all in one place.
In October, I met my role models of Boho Beautiful. I helped organize a yoga event with them to support my friends animal rescue, Janine the Bean Rescue as part of their Positive Movement Tour. We raised over $600 with just one yoga class and people from all over the state came to join us to meet Boho Beautiful.
End of November, beginning of December consisted of a long and fun road trip to South Carolina and Virginia. It was one of many road trips in my Mustang, and it turned out to be it’s last.
End of 2017 went out with a bang as I purchased my 2006 Jeep Commander from a dealer in Florida. Dad surprised me by driving it up so I didn’t have to make the trip, although I wouldn’t have minded.
Places We Planned to Visit in 2017 & The Ones We Actually Did
As I look back on my blog post in the beginning of 2017 to showcase the places we planned to visit, I was very disappointed. I had all these plans, and as you can see my life got in the way. Maybe this year will be the year for more travel. You can see my original 2017 travel predictions here: Places We’d Like to Travel in 2017
I wanted to take an Amtrak to NYC, tour the Jell-O Museum, spend a night in Cleveland, or a day in Kawartha Lakes. I thought I would make the family trip to Yellowstone or to Cape Coral, NOT. 2017 was a busy year for reaching those travel goals. However, we did make it to Letchworth and Chimney Bluffs as planned. We also went a little off-course and went to Charleston, SC and Shenandoah, Virginia. All of which I do not regret even in the slightest. As we jump into 2018, I wanted to make a similar list to what we had created this time last year.
Places We Plan to Visit in 2018
- Eternal Flame Falls, Erie County, NY –
Yes, I am putting many of these places I planned to see in 2017 on my 2018 list. Hopefully I can see this unique and amazing place that’s not far from home. Located in a small section of Chestnut Ridge Park resides this small waterfall. At this waterfalls’ base, an eternal flame is visible nearly year round. The flame is fueled by natural gas and may be extinguished and lit occasionally. This means, sometimes the flame can go out, but you may bring a lighter with you and relight the flame while you’re there.
As per usual, this place is always on our list and we usually make it there just about every year. My parents vacation home is in Cape Coral and we have been regulars to Sanibel Island since I was a little girl. Such a magical place.
- Vermont or Massachusetts –
We are only about 5 hours away and believe it or not, we’ve never been to either of these states. I don’t care where we go, but I would love to stay in a cabin for a nice romantic weekend and see the beautiful mountains, snow, and cities.
- The Jell-O Museum, Le Roy, NY –
So we made it to Le Roy, but not to the museum. So close, yet so far! Next time we go to Le Roy, I am making a point to see this silly thing.
- Canada –
Oh, Canada. How I have my passport and haven’t made it to you recently. Sad days. Eventually, my plan is to take a drive to Nova Scotia, Kawartha Lakes, parts of Quebec – who am I kidding? I would be happy going anywhere that has a Canadian address!
- Colorado Springs, CO –
I spent almost 2 months planning out the perfect Colorado road trip only to decide we weren’t wanting to make the trek in the middle of winter. So, we have put off our planned road trip until hopefully later this year or next. Colorado Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Sand-Dunes National Park are just a few stops to name on our future journey to Colorado.
There you have it, a brief look at our 2017 and just a small snippet of plans for 2018. Did you reach any major milestones last year? What are your travel plans for 2018? I would love to hear!
With love & gratitude*
Crystal & Shane