10 Years of ‘Accidental Wanderlust’: Join Me on My Next Adventure

In Crescent City, CA 10 years ago I considered myself an adventurous and successful solo traveler because I’m not afraid to eat at a restaurant alone, when I find myself traveling for work, somewhere new or exploring a familiar place on my own. I’d pause and take in the sandy beach, listening to waves crashing. There’s a great big world to explore and I want to be a part of it.

‘Accidental Wanderlust: The Art, Adventures & Attitude of a Work Traveler‘ has been a part of my life for 10 years now. I’ve felt no need to change the blog’s name even though it has become so much more than a log of my work travels. Wanderlust is infused in my life! I’ve seen the world solo, in the company of a fellow photographer, and on large group cycling trips. I’ve traveled as a newlywed, an adventure seeker, and as a coach and educator. When I’m not paying my own way my travels have been funded by a photography company or the American Red Cross. I almost never pass up an opportunity to travel.

After the trip that inspired ‘Accidental Wanderlust’ I wrote: “On the road, I look for opportunities to explore! What if I’m never in this part of the country again? Is there a new adventure waiting for me here? I have this amazing opportunity to visit a part of the country that others would love to see, and pay a lot of money to travel to. Here I am. . . why not see what I can see?”

My parents were my first blog ‘followers’! A love of adventure and sharing stories is in my blood.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in travel by car, plane, train, bike, or on foot. My neighborhood walks feel like miniature travel adventures, as I explore the flora and fauna along the Olentangy River. If you’ve ever wondered “Where’s Waldo?” or “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?” then you might share my wanderlust. Well, you’ve found your way here to my blog, haven’t you?!

When COVID hit in 2020 my out-of-state and international travel stopped abruptly, but that didn’t prevent me from exploring the parks, trails, and open spaces in Central Ohio. But I kept exploring and I kept writing. I’m back on the road for work now. I’ve been to Thailand for work and Scotland for fun this year. In just a few days I’ll be headed to Omaha, NE for work and I’ll tack on a quick visit with a dear friend I’ve had since around 1998. Next month I’ll spend time in Washington, DC with the amazing cohort of the leadership development program I manage, as I have many times over the last 5 years. This fall I’ll join friends to ride my bike in Michigan’s wine and apple-picking country, then again in Indiana, hoping to spot cranes along the way.

The world keeps spinning (and evolving); I keep traveling to seek adventure. Our world is such a colorful place, even when I’m walking through the bare forest in winter, all full of white, black, and gray. It’s a symphony of the sounds of big city traffic, hurried conversation, and the voices of enthusiastic street performers, even when I’m sitting quietly in a cafe, watching the world go by on the other side of the window. There’s big excitement in watching the smallest honey bee buzzing from flower to flower looking for pollen. I can almost taste the honey!

Come along with me as I explore it all!