The Wanderer: Part II

The past few weeks have been insanely busy getting ready for life on the road this summer. We moved into the CEO house in Pacifica which has been a whirlwind adjustment (in a good way). I haven't lived in a house or this close to the beach since I was 18...I also haven't lived this far outside a city where I can have anything I want on demand 24/7! Nonetheless it has been awesome and every day there is something new and exciting going on. The best part- I am officially a licensed commercial driver!!! YES, I passed my commercial driving test about a week ago and to say it was stressful is putting it lightly. So, as I prepare for my first trip assignment I figured I would finish updating you on my training trip, the Wanderer.....

After Zion we were headed to Bryce for some more hiking and even more incredible views. Bryce really is a one of a kind park with its' rock formations called "hoodoos" that have been naturally shaped into the canyon by erosion. The hoodoos create for an amazing unique landscape you will only find here.

Our next stop was Lake Powell- part of Glen Canyon Dam National Park. The lake was awesome but the weather not so much...it was freezing! We had two nights here which included a birthday toga party for our friend Dan. The toga we picked out for him was a particularly special "Frozen" themed toga!

Dan in his Frozen toga

Campfire and toga partying

On our way out of Lake Powell we were surprised with a tour of Antelope Canyon, a one of a kind slot canyon on the Navajo land near Page, Arizona. The canyon was formed by erosion of Navajo sandstone due to flash flooding and truly is a remarkable sight.

Entering Antelope Canyon

Nelle and I inside the canyon

We were then off to Monument Valley for the night. Honestly, I had never heard of Monument Valley before starting this job but once we arrived it looked so familiar- just out of a movie! The valley lies in the Navajo Nation Reservation so we have local Navajo guides for our time there. Our tour included a two hour jeep ride through the various sandstone buttes, a traditional Navajo dinner and show, and an overnight stay in a Navajo home called a hogan. While at first I was skeptical about the whole tour, it really was a unique insight into the Navajo Reservation and I would highly recommend it to any of my travelers.

Monument Valley

The gang climbing on some rocks

Recognize this from Forest Gump anyone?

After an incredible sunrise in Monument Valley we were off to one of the natural wonders of the world, The Grand Canyon. Part of our G tradition is to blindfold those who had never been here and allow them to experience "the great reveal." While I don't love being blindfolded, it was so worth it for that moment I saw the Grand Canyon for the very first time. I stood there looking over the endless canyon thinking to myself, I can't believe this is my life, this is my job, this is the view from my office!

Looking over the Grand Canyon for the first time!

Sunset view from the rim

Following our night in the Grand Canyon we were off to Lake Havasu for some relaxation and sunshine. We cruised along the historic Route 66 and got to our campsite right on the lake in time for a sunset BBQ and another toga party!

Toga party round two!

From Lake Havasu we were off to the city of angels with a stop in Joshua Tree for some afternoon hiking/bouldering. Joshua Tree National Park is in the Mojave desert and known for its famous Joshua Trees and rock filled landscape- perfect for climbing and bouldering.

Entering Joshua Tree

Climbing in Joshua Tree

I don't have any pictures of LA because naturally I was un-phased by Hollywood. However, on our way out of LA we drove the coast up to Shell Beach and had a great beachside picnic before continuing on to Big Sur for the night.

Hanging out in Shell Beach

Alas, it was our final day on the road, our last drive from Big Sur back to San Fran. We made a few stops along the way- one last hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and a quick dip in the ocean in Monterey. Finally, we saw the Golden Gate Bridge-we were home. We explored Fisherman's Wharf and then it was time for our last surprise, a sunset cruise around the Bay. What an incredible way to end our trip!

Hiking Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The whole gang cruising by the Golden Gate Bridge

Boat selfie!

So much love for my wanderer crew!

The Wanderer training program was one of the most incredible trips I have experienced. It challenged all of us mentally, physically and emotionally, but we came out of it with a unique bond only G CEOS can really understand. It is amazing how close a group of strangers can become in just a few weeks. We may all come from different walks of life but our passion for travel and adventure brought us here to G Adventures and the nomadic lifestyle we chose to lead. Cheers to Sarah, Harold, Carson, Grace and Aimee for making it through the journey with me and to Dan and Nelle for being the most patient humans I have ever met. We did it! Couldn't be more excited for the adventures ahead!