The Decision

November 2009-January 2010

When Roby and I ventured out in March of 2009 we truly set out to "redefine in 09". We definitely made some dramatic changes in our lifestyle and attitude but as November came rolling around we were no closer to finding our new "Kauai" than when we left the island. Once we completed our week long seminar at the US GreenBuild Conference we were inspired but also still clueless. Our house in Phoenix had tenants, we had no notable job prospects and we couldn't live with our friend Kelly forever, although I am sure the three weeks we were there felt like a lifetime to her - Thanks Kelly! Therefore, we decided to do what we do best-pack up the truck and move onward. The ski runs of southern Colorado were calling. Our initial goal was to spend a few months in Durango but as usual our plans changed dramatically. In fact the trip was completely revamped and we did not stay put in any one place. The poor Toyota Tacoma had to endure another 1500 miles in the month of December traversing the entire state of Colorado visiting our friends the Kennedys' and the Printz' and hitting several different ski areas-Wolf Creek, Breckenridge, Powderhorn and Telluride.

During our tour we had received a call from the Manager at the Solarliving Institute offering us the caretaker position for the facility. I guess our experience in Spain and Italy with compost toilets sealed the deal!! We happened upon the position while surfing the internet when we were in Phoenix and figured we have nowhere else to go so why not apply. We would have a free place to stay and the opportunity to attend all the seminars and workshops they offered for sustainable living and alternative energy for free. And, it is located in Mendocino County. You don't have to twist our arms.

The position required us to be in Hopland California on February 1st therefore our Colorado trip was going to be cut short. After New Years we headed back to Phoenix to resolve some issues with our house and once again pack up the Toyota for another nine months of fun filled adventure. Due to time constraints we did not adhere to our normal "Zen" way of traveling the back roads and headed west on I-10 to the 101 north through California. We made a few stops with one night in Sonoma before reaching the Solarliving Institute on Monday the 1st.