Faces of the AT: Meet Marty. When He Went to Quit His Job, His Boss Said No.

Adam and I set out on Saturday to hike the piece of the Appalachian Trail (AT) running through Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. Grazing along the trail are famous feral ponies. We were keen to summit Mount Rogers, but when we ran across a herd of ponies- “Squirrel!” I got distracted and we never made it to the summit. 

Follow the white blaze. 

While we were racing around the ponies and ooing and ahing over the babies, Marty joined in. 

Aw!

We were all amazed how comfortable the ponies were with us. They were working the camera giving me full-on nostril shots. Work it ladies! They were so comfortable, they were even biting at my sleeves!

In a broken conversation between the ponies' fits of shocking behavior - “Ah, the pony just farted on me!”; “Oh, geez! What’s going on there? Ah! It’s not round— it’s flat!”; “He’s biting his butt!” to this thru-hiker jumping in for a quick selfie, we heard a tiny bit of Marty’s story with the AT. His story surprised me and I’ve been itching to share it. 

Fart + burp face? Furp face!

Looks like Adam's never seen one before! Ha!

The new stanky leg!

This was just funny! 

Marty’s from Virginia. He’s always known the AT was out there. It wasn’t until meeting a couple in their 70’s who had hiked the 2,000+ mile trail twice did Marty really get inspired. He started considering doing the AT himself. His considerations turned to “I’m going to do it."

Meet Marty!

He started taking steps to make it happen. To cut down living costs and save more, he moved in with friends. 

He was so serious about hiking the Appalachian Trail, he went in to work one day to quit his job. When he sat down with his boss to give the news, his boss said, “No.” 

"What? Wait. Huh?" I was confused. Marty was the one telling them he was quitting. How could they say no?

Turns out, they saw another option. His boss said they’d give him a leave of absence to hike, but they wanted him back when he was done.

What an awesome surprise! 

I was amazed by this piece of his story. Quitting your job to go out and have a big experience isn’t the only option. Marty’s company proved that when we work hard and our work is valued, companies are willing to value our personal goals. Well, the ones who care about their people will do this. 

You know it’s crazy, because some folks take six months to complete the AT. That doesn’t matter. His company supports his 2,190 mile quest from Georgia to Maine. They just wanted to make sure they got him back whenever he was done. Pretty awesome, eh?

His company’s response shocked me and I forgot all about the farting ponies. He continued to share how amazed he’s been of everyone’s encouragement for him to pursue this big adventure. Great friends are even watching his dog while he hikes. 

We are inspired by Marty’s guts to drop everything for his big dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Sometimes we don’t pursue big dreams because we’re afraid of what people will think. He had a big dream and went for it, and everyone’s encouraging response surprised all of us. 

A storm was a-brewin’. We were all reluctant to split from the ponies' free entertainment. 

Marty found a spot to set up camp and hunkered down before the storm hit. Adam and I got caught in the rain running back to the car. 

I imagine Marty’s moments on the trail- when he’s alone laying in his tent listening to the rain patter or during his eighth hour of walking by himself for the day- being filled with so much more comfort than expected because he knows everyone back home- family, friends and his co-workers- are cheering him on but also eagerly awaiting his return.

Adam and I can relate. When you’re so far from home and on a grand adventure, it’s the support from your loved ones you cling to during the hard moments. Their words of encouragement play through your mind over and over and continue to push you forward.

So awesome to meet you Marty! Thanks for sharing your story. You are an inspiration. Keep going! We're back in Virginia cheering you on!

...

Marty's story totally inspired me. When I dream big, I always come up with a list of challenges of why it won't happen. But maybe I'm just making them up. He thought he had to quit his job to go, but he didn't.  

I hope Marty's story inspired you. Leave a comment below to share what you think and share the inspiration with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Morale Check: Lindsey

Well, we thought that Lindsey would sound like a nut job if she were to interview herself. You just wouldn't be able to hear the different accents. So, she signed me up for the task.

"Well daggum. Alright, Linds, your turn. Here goes."

1. "You have been gone six months now. How is the traveling life?"

A: Overall, it’s the adventure of a lifetime. It's awesome and exciting! But, with every great and exciting moment, there’s a challenging and tough one. Thankfully, it seems whenever we feel low, something special always happens. We have learned from other travelers that this phenomenon is known as trail magic. We'll take all we can get! I try to remind myself that this adventure could end any day and this is the only time in my life that I will have this opportunity to travel and live with only today in mind and go wherever the wind takes us.

Last day in Colorado for awhile! Steamboat Springs, Colorado

2. "Great outlook there, Linds! What has been the most surprising aspect of traveling so far?"

A: I can actually do this! I wasn’t sure before we set off, but I was at least going to try. Surprisingly, this nomadic lifestyle has become our normalcy. I thought I would always be battling the frustrations of traveling (like re-packing my bag everyday), but they have just become a part of our every day norm. I have been surprised how I don’t freak out about bugs and spiders anymore; we have camped too often to worry about them.  I did see the biggest spider of my life in the Badlands. It was as big as my fist! Okay, I did freak out about that one, and I made Adam stand outside the bathroom to protect me. Haha! Maybe in denial about that one. I have also become a lot more flexible and spontaneous. I don’t have an internal meltdown if the plan doesn’t work out or even if there is no plan. But, I guess you would be the judge of that! Ha!

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. How could I leave this view?

3. "Whew! You've come a long way with bugs I tell ya. Seems like yesterday that you threw our last bit of the toilet roll in a lake just because a fly buzzed you. Geez. Anyway, so, what has been the most difficult aspect of traveling?"

A: Not knowing when my next shower or laundry day will be. I have learned I love being clean, smelling clean and feeling fresh. So, I shower and do laundry every chance I get. I used to hate doing laundry, but now it’s a luxury and I love laundry day! Would never guess I would ever say that.

4. "Even though I fuss about it, I'm glad that you enjoy doing the laundry so much. So, getting deep, what has God been revealing to you?"

A: A ton! It’s overwhelming. He has us on this journey for a purpose. He is teaching us and molding us to further become the people he created us to be. He is always with us on the gorgeous sunny days and when we are on the ledge, in the storm, with the rain pounding on us.

So much of our journey has been driving by wide open spaces in God's country!

5. "So, this is a good one. How is marriage? You are with me almost 24/7."

A: Marriage is awesome! We have gotten closer in every aspect of our relationship. We read each other's moods before the mood takes full force and before we say anything we regret. We also don't push each other's buttons as much since we can't really escape one another. We also respond to each other in a more understanding way. We just get each other more. I often wonder what our relationship would be like or how many years it would take us to understand each other the way we do now if we had not traveled.

Devil's Tower! Did you know a guy landed on Devil's Tower after skydiving for a political stunt? He was stuck up there for six days!

6. "I fully agree! What is the newest thing you admire about me now?"

A: I really admire your courage and innovation. You have started your own accounting business and have taken the adventure in stride. To see your dedication in learning, in researching, in adapting and stepping out of your comfort zone has had me admire you more and more. You are awesome!

Hiking in the Colorado Aspens. 

7. "Ah shucks...thanks, Linds. On the other hand, what is your newest pet peeve of me?"

A: You already know this answer. You love logistics and you always talk logistics. You love the journey of transportation and how to get from here to there and back again. However, I despise logistics and would rather not have them. I love to talk about the heart, how you feel and fluttery things. So, you know, we clash at times. But, in the end, we need logistics, so I’m thankful that you get pumped up about the details.

Looking out over a glacier in the Icefields in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. 

8."Ahha! I will remind you about that answer often. So, what is your favorite memory of me on the trip?"

A: The first time you could ride your mountain bike after you had endless problems with it. From the wheel getting bent into a taco, which was hilarious, to your frame cracking, to your seat breaking, and all of the other issues. You were so bummed for the several months you couldn't ride. You were finally able to hop back on the bike in Kickapoo State Park, Illinois. I will always remember how giddy you were with your huge smile hopping off the bike at the end of your ride. You were glowing and just radiating joy and couldn't stop talking about the ride. It made me realize how much biking makes you feel alive. I get it now. It was an awesome moment.

Roosters Lookout, South Dakota

9. "Glad you got to see that and get me more, Linds. So, what is the biggest way you have grown?"

A: I would say in my courage and my faith. We have done what has seemed impossible and what has been really difficult by saving, quitting our jobs and living as nomads. I didn’t know I had this in me and that I could really do it. We know God has us on this journey. He has led us through every step of the way and through every day. This wouldn’t have happened without His changing and transforming me.

Coldest night camping of our trip. Did it once, not sure I want to repeat. Made the best of Spray Lake, Canmore, Alberta. 

10. "I can totally see that! So, what has been your biggest learning lesson?"

A: Shout out to Mollie Kinsman. Mollie taught Adam and I a simple habit that has helped us so much each day. We ask each other our morale level between one and ten and then have to answer honestly. There have been days when I’m a 3 and Adam’s an 8. Ugh, that’s a bummer and it’s humbling. But, it’s helped us to be honest with each other about our feelings and it helps us understand each other, encourage one another and talk through things. We always end up feeling better after talking through it.

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada

11. "So true! I can't thank Mollie enough for that nugget of wisdom. So, next, what has been your favorite place so far?"

A: My most memorable place thus far has been the Badlands in South Dakota. I think the dry landscape and stunning canyons were shocking to me when I didn’t expect much in South Dakota. Maligne Lake in Alberta, Canada was beautiful! I spent hours walking around the turquoise blue lake and sitting in the golden bushes staring at the snow capped mountains. Gosh, it was amazing. I want to go back!

Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

12. "Yeah, I missed that spot while I was biking. Bummer. So, what place would you like to go again?"

A: Canmore, Alberta. This town is surrounded by the Canadian Rockies just south of Banff National Park. Within 30 minutes of being there walking through the farmers market, I was brainstorming how we could live there part of the year. It’s spectacular and has a Boulder, Colorado-esk vibe.

On a bridge right off the main street of Canmore. Loved this place!

13. "Yeah, I said the same. We'll go back. So, do you miss home?"

A: Of course! I miss my family and friends, most. I had several stints of feeling lonely at the beginning of the trip. These moments haven’t come around in awhile. It may be surprising that loneliness is a factor since I’m traveling with you, my best friend, but you aren't my everything. I needed to learn to seek God first and find my purpose in Him.  I have found it’s important to find friends that can relate to our lifestyle. When we meet other couples, it’s important for me to connect with the other girls and relate on what our traveling lifestyles are like. I’m not the only one that freaks about jellyfish or scorpions or heights or whatever it may be. It’s always good to not feel like we are going through something alone and find others we can relate to.

Epic moment finishing a frolic game in Steamboat with our new British pals Peter and Pascale. 

14. "So even when you miss home, what keeps you traveling?"

A: I feel like we haven’t even put a dent into seeing the world. There is so much more out there and I can’t wait to keep seeing, learning and growing.

First view of a waterfall overwhelmed by rain in Kauai 

15. "Sweet answer! Okay, how have your experiences changed your life?"

A: I have realized that life can be however you want it to be. There is no template on how to live life. Thankfully, we have the freedom to think this way and do it. We don’t have to work the traditional job. We can try to live in different places year round so we can travel. We can create other ways to make money by starting our own businesses or renting out rooms, cars, or whatever it may be. Who knows, anything is possible!

Northwestern lake in Glacier National Park, Montana. 

16. "Heck yea! It's so true that we don't have to satisfy the mold of the 9-5. What is your next exciting experience you can't wait for?"

A: Being amazed by New Zealand’s mountains. I have seen so many pictures for so long, I just can’t wait to be there!

Finally made it to New Zealand! YAHOOO!

17. "And, we are here! We wouldn't get to be here without your dreams of coming. So, what are you excited for me to experience?"

A: I don’t have a specific experience in mind. I just want you to have the time of your life on this grand adventure. We have both dreamed about this separately from before we started dating, so I want you to feel like you did it and it was everything you dreamed of and more.

Dead River, Maine

18. "Now, who is the most interesting character you have met along the way?"

A: Jacqueline Scarola. Hands down. You are friends with Jacqueline from Semester at Sea and I have never met someone so in love with God, full of life, and so joyful. She has more faith than anyone I have ever met. She hosted us for a month and hung out with us almost every day. We became a trifecta, the three muskateers as Hika, Conq and Donkey. We were stunned that she wanted to spend so much time with us. We know God had it in His plan, because she taught us more in three weeks than we have learned in five years just by being herself.

The one and only Jacqueline in Kalalau Valley, Kauai!

19. "Yes! Jacqueline is going to be a lifelong friend. I'm so pumped about that! So, do you have any new goals or new interests?"

A: Yes! I want to finally take improv classes and I would really love to get into archery. We are going to be settled in Hamilton, New Zealand for a month house sitting, so I really want to give it a go. Okay, so truthfully my ultimate goal is to be an Olympian in the Biathlon event that has a mix of cross country skiing and archery (instead of rifle shooting). That’s what I’m really shooting for. I know, I know, I need to start training asap for Pyeong Chang 2018!

Morning yoga along a river in Banff National Park, Alberta. 

20. "Rrrrright. Now this an opportunity for me to be one of those super encouraging husbands, right!? Last question. What’s a funny story from the trip thus far?"

A: Well, we were in Banff National Park on the Icefields Parkway. We had camped across the street from a hostel and one morning we decided to go over to the hostel to meet new people and get new hiking ideas. As we were looking at a topographic map, this older gentleman greeted us and we started chatting. From conversation, we were showing him the trail we wanted to do and were talking about the steepness of the trail with all of the contour lines being smacked together. The gentleman was so pumped to give it a go and decided to join us. The hike was 12 miles out and back on a steep incline. So we started out on this grueling hike up the mountain. Adam was leading the way, I was in the middle and Ken pulling up the rear. Since it was so steep, we were all huffing and puffing at this point. Ken started sharing his life’s story and pouring out his heart. Ken started talking about how his former wife had a passion for horses and they started a business selling saddles. Then he said, “Then, after our kids left, my wife turned to me and said she wanted her freedom.” Adam, not hearing what he was saying while being in the front and huffing and puffing responded with what he thought Ken was saying. Adam thought he was still talking about horses so he replied, “Oh, you started breeding them?” Uhh... what?!? “Freedom,” “breeding them.” Sounds similar right? But in the moment, I’m in the middle of these two and cringing like crazy! This man is in the moment of opening up and pouring his heart out to us and Adam is talking about breeding horses. Geez! Well, Ken was well into his 70’s, which we had no idea! And, thankfully he was hard of hearing while we all could only hear our own heavy breathing. He hadn’t heard Adam! Ah... now that was an awkward moment.

Loved the views from this hike!

Last one:)

Morale Check: Adam

Those of you who know me, know I love to ask questions. I'm always racking my brain for good questions to ask to get to know someone better. So, to indulge my love for questions and to record our thoughts on life right now, I interviewed Adam and myself with a list of questions to recap our trip around the US as we were on our flight to New Zealand.

"So, Adam, wow, it's great to see you! Geez, long time no see! Thank you for taking the time to sit down and chat with me. This middle seat is a great cozy spot, too. Nice choice. Well, I'm so excited to talk with you and hear about your travels."

1. "Let's jump right in. You have been traveling five months now. How is the traveling life?"

A: Amazing! As expected, emotions have run the gamut. All in all, I know that I’ve grown personally and Lindsey and I have grown as a couple.

Waiting to check out a camper van in Auckland, and found the joy in the small moment of jumping on a seesaw!

2.    "Oh, emotions have run the gamut, eh? Huh. Well it's great to hear you have grown a lot. What has been the most surprising aspect of traveling that you weren’t expecting?"

A: Our funds. By camping, not always paying to be entertained, and having a host of selfless family and friends, our travel pot of funds has stayed stationary over the past five months. We spend pretty much what we are making with our side jobs and new businesses.

Found a secret spot in South Dakota. Adam's in his comfort zone. 

3.   "Oh, wow! That's amazing to hear! Well then, what has been the most difficult aspect of traveling?"

A: Sucking it up when I realize that I didn’t make a good decision on how to get to a place. Most notably, if we would have had better communication with some German friends, we could have hiked along the point of Ka’ena State Park and met them at a camp spot. Instead, we took a two hour bus ride to a crowded shopping center, chilled at a Toys R Us until our friends came to scoop us, and then drove to the camp spot. It would’ve been a whole lot sweeter to hike.

Always looking at maps. Always. 

4.    "Ah ha. Well, I guess that sounds like a good learning lesson to improve your communication skills. Getting deep, what has God been revealing to you?"

A: So many beautiful vistas have made me stop and cherish being awestruck of how small and fragile I am. Those moments are reminders of His presence and grandeur. Personally, I’m learning to be way more trusting in His hand in the minute details of a day. It’s powerful to allow plans to develop in a way I could have never created.

Last view of Kalalau Valley. Until next time!

5.    "Letting things happen. That's great. So, yeah, how is marriage? You are with each other almost 24/7."

A: I’m not sugar coating this answer at all. It has been magical the amount of growth we’ve experienced. I feel that in five months we have learned about one another what would have taken ten years if we hadn’t started traveling. You can’t but do that when you are with one another constantly. An example we use is arguments. An argument that previously would have lasted a day only lasts ten minutes now. Yes, because we need to get over it quickly because we are with each other, but also because we are more able to see how the issues evolved from the ground level. Typically, the arguments are because one of us is hungry, tired or just having a sad day. We then take it out on the other. I feel the aggressor is quicker to apologize now and the receiver is quick to forgive.

Hangriness... ouch!

6.   "Oh, wow! Well that sounds great! So, speaking of growing, what is the newest thing you admire about Lindsey now?"

A: Her courage. She has overcome a lot to do this trip. The things that she has done on this trip have been courageous. She crossed “Crawlers’ Ledge” on the Kalalau Trail in rain and wind with thirty foot waves crashing below. I feel she is in a growth period of life that has her facing fears she no longer wants to allow to cripple her anymore. She is attacking this life challenge head on and it is amazing to be a part of.

Conquered fears despite warning signs!

7.    "Well, that's so supportive and kind of you to say. Now, on the other had, what is your newest pet peeve?"

A: Sometimes I don’t feel that she pays attention as she goes through a day. Directions to places is the obvious example.

8.    "Hmm, I hear some frustration in your voice. Let's go back to good thoughts. Well then, what is your favorite memory of Lindsey on the trip?"

A: A huge bellowing yell of, “WEEEE DIDDDDDDDD IT!” as a celebration of crossing Crawlers’ Ledge on the Kalalau Trail.

First day on the Kalalau. 

9.    "Ha! So it sounds like the Kalalau Trail was a big deal for Lindsey. What is the biggest way you have grown?"

A: I feel that I’ve done a much better job of making sure family and friends know that I still think of them. I’m trying to be more intentional in my communication with everyone back home. 

Calling Dan Fran in China with Ashley in Athens, GA!

10. "Well that's great! I'm sure everyone misses you at home. While you have been away, what has been your biggest learning lesson from traveling?"

A: Splurging on a hotel instead of sleeping in the airport is so worth it!

11. "Ah ha! So you do stay in hotels sometimes, eh? You guys sure do a lot of camping. So what has been your favorite place thus far?

A: Canmore, Alberta. It was pretty unique for Lindsey and I to look at one another after three hours being there and say, “ I want to live here!”

Slept in our tent in the snow at Spray Lake, Canmore, Alberta 

12. "Wow! That's crazy! You aren't saying you want to move to Canada now, are you? They like beavers, snow and hockey up there, you know. And they say 'a-boot' and 'zed' up there, dontchaknow? Can you hack those cold winters? Well anyway, what place you would like to go again?

A: Sandpoint, Idaho. We only passed through for a morning. The town had a great vibe. The outdoor community seemed to be thriving. It is located in Northern Idaho and we didn’t get to explore as much as anticipated.

Lovely moment. 

13. "Oh, I hope you do get to go back there then. So, do you miss home?"

A: For sure at times. More so, I miss family and friends. There will be certain things that trigger memories. As a nostalgic person, I let those memories overtake my mind and I get to missing home.

14. "Well, if you get to missing home, then what keeps you traveling?"

A: The excitement of knowing that there is so much difference that is out there. It is so empowering to discover a local food market and eat some cheap but wholesome food that the locals eat. In Kauai, we stumbled upon a market in Waimea that was selling some fresh poke for breakfast. So good and so cheap, but you have work hard to find these places. The feeling of accomplishment in moments of discovering keep me going.

15. "Oh, yeah. I can see that. So far, how have your experiences changed your life you think?"

A: I want to give me kids a worldly education. There is only so much you can learn by books. I learn by being in an environment that allows me to apply what I’ve learned. An example is getting to speak pidgin in the kalo fields.

Weeding around the kale in the loi fields. 

16. "Pidgin, eh? You can speak it? Wow! So, what is your next exciting experience you can't wait for?"

A: Getting better at surfing. I got my tail handed to me in Kauai.

Gettin' after it!

17. "Keep at it! I'm sure you will get better in New Zealand. What are you excited for Lindsey to experience on your travels ahead?"

A: New Zealand. She’s been itching to be here. It’s so special to be a part of her going to the places she dreams of going.

First day in Auckland, New Zealand. 

18. "New Zealand! I can't wait to get there myself! Now, who has been the most interesting character you have met along the way?

A: First that comes to mind is Warren in Montana. Warren is a friend by now. We have chilled with him and his girlfriend, Heather, the past two years up in Glacier National Park. He got his Master’s in Wildlife Biology. His thesis is on the harlequin duck. If I remember correctly, this duck is very rare because it lays eggs in Glacier NP and then flies over to the Pacific Coast to molt. Because of its egg laying peculiarities, it's numbers are decreasing. I didn’t do the story justice, the point of my answer is about Warren. He makes a living hiking through remote streams of Glacier NP looking for these ducks. He had us along for one expedition. We got to hike the streams and fly fish as we worked. Ahhhhhhh! What an amazing lifestyle. He’s just an all around great dude. Super man crush on this guy. His family has a hobby farm that they grow pretty much everything that they cook. My goal for later on in life.

Warren and Adam heading out to hunt harlequins. 

19. "Warren sounds pretty awesome! So now, do you have any new goals or new interests that have come along?"

A: I have a new interest in the whole credit card churning hobby. Typically, it has been about getting airline miles, now I’m focusing on hotel points. It has been really sweet having a nice, cushy bed after some rough nights of sleeping in the tent.

Northwestern lake in Glacier National Park 

20. "Credit card churning, eh? You will have to elaborate more later. So, now, what’s a funny story from the trip thus far?"

A: Our first morning on Oahu, we were walking on the side of the road to a bus stop to head to Pearl Harbor. We had just left Kelly's house, a friend we know from Colorado. As we were walking, two German friends we met on an entirely different island, Kauai, biked right past us. As we were chatting with them, Kelly and her family drove by honking. We just got to a new island and had friends. Crazy! It was one of those, “No way! The world is so small,” moments. Those moments keep me traveling as well!

"Well, Adam, I can tell you are done with my questions and that's all the time we have today! You shared so much and it sounds like you are still pumped to keep traveling. We'll share Lindsey's responses next to see what she has to say and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Yeah, that's right. Right here in the middle seat!"

Yours truly from the middle seat:)

Aloha Hawaii!

Fresh fruit anyone? It’s a-plenty! We loved Hawaii for all of the fresh fruit growing everywhere. This place is so life giving!

Coffee beans found on our hike to a waterfall. Competition for Starbucks, eh?

Our daily hikes included walls of lush green plants, song birds above singing “Howyadoinalright,” but best of all, snacks!

Banana tree

When there's bananas, we can't pass up a snack. 

On every hike, we found all kinds of fruit along the way. No need to pack snacks in Hawaii, just look up. The trees are carrying them.

Pineapple guava- everywhere!

Too many! We had to pass up some good ones!

Yum!

Coming from dry Colorado, Adam and I were pumped to see so much food growing so easily! Our buddy Lucas showed Adam the ropes of climbing a coconut tree to get the goods and then how to machete the nut to get the milk and meat. Sooo good!

Lucas and Adam checking the coconut racks. 

Lucas the professional climber. 

Adam's turn!

Machete time!

Finally to the milk!

And, we got to help harvest kalo in the loi fields and plant banana trees. My new favorite fruit is the apple banana, oh, and the strawberry guava and the passion fruit! Well, I guess they are all my new favorites!

Loi fields with the original Hawaiians' irrigation system. Spectacular!

All about that bass in the loi fields!

Stylin' tabi's in the loi. 

Weeding and harvesting the kalo. 

Learning how to cook the kalo. Just like prepping mashed potatoes. 

Talk about paradise, our friends filled their tables, blenders, salad dressings and meals with fruit from their backyards. Sugar cane, fig trees, orange trees, avocado trees, lime trees, coconut trees, papaya, guava, mango, pineapple, and bananas. We could get used to this delicious lifestyle!

Snacking on sugar cane. 

Fig from the backyard fig tree. Can you see Laurel hiding?

A real fresh fig!

A real pineapple. They grow in a bush! Learn something new every day. Getting closer to our food.