Maybe make some time to go by Mt St Helen and visit the Visitor Center if it’s open. Amazing information about the explosion and also a breathtaking view from the auditorium! Very excited for you and also concerned about what’s happening now in the world. Can’t wait to read about your ongoing adventure Jillian! Cheers and get it on down the road girlfriend!
Classic case of turning lemons into lemonade, which so many of us are being asked to do this year. Plus, how exciting is it that one of these places could change everything? The unknown is so full of potential. Thanks for the inspiring openness and camaraderie -- best wishes on your journey!
It’s going to be fun rambling on similar but different paths at the same time. I truly hope our plans can align at some point on the journey. I’m excited for you. That excite goes beyond the sites you’ll see. I’m ready for you to discover who you truly are. The open road unravels our souls. The sunshine of deep, personal truth washes over you to reveal deeply profound and meaningful. Time to thrive.
I highly recommend Jackson Wy and visits to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!! I would love to meet you, take you on a hike, maybe a float down the river to see some wildlife and of course a good chat. I can't wait to follow your travels. The wanderlust is strong in me too. Be safe and travel easy <3
That would be amazing Faith! Yellowstone is a strong contender. If you'd email me so I have your contact info, I'd love to be in touch and hopefully hike together! cruelsummerbookclub@substack.com
Fall foliage is a big October must-see for me. I've only been to Minnesota in the summertime and would love to see it in fall! Any city or place you'd suggest?
Would 100% recommend heading up to the north shore of Lake Superior a little later in the fall if you can because the leaves turn later up there and it is so gorgeous on the lake. Grand Marais is a great little town. So many state parks and natural areas up there in the forests and along the lake. Lake Superior is truly one of the best places in the country I think!!
Driving along the St Croix River (a tributary of the Mississippi) is also a great way to see amazing foliage and lots of cute little towns. Afton State Park is along the St Croix and has some nice riverside hikes. Heading north from there will take you on a gorgeous drive up through Stillwater which is a fun stop, you can head for a ways along the river.
There are also a lot of nice city trails along the Mississippi in Minneapolis & St Paul.
I've spent nearly 6 months of this year staying with family in New Hampshire and Maine, and spending time in nature has been incredibly healing for me. Wishing the same experience for you!
This is very exciting, I’m also not in New York anymore and am excited to hear your opinions about the other cities you visit. Let me know if you get up to Boston And also check out Colin Wright — who is also a full time solo traveler and writer. He has lots of advice on how to hit the road. Congrats!
Thanks Tiffany! God, I can't wait to get back to Europe. My cancelled Greece trip will be revived as soon as it possibly can be. And may this be a small push for you to pursue your travel dreams :)
The guy who broke up with you was a dbag. He was hot and had some “Dylan McKay“ family drama, which you mistook for depth. He wasn’t deep. He was superficial. He moved to NYC, didn’t know anyone, and met you (the editor of a NYC going-out magazine). So he became a chameleon to draw you in - suddenly, the “bro” became hipster and intellectual. When things became more “real” with you two, than you were no longer “elusive,” and he lost interest. You’ve spent a year working on this blog, which is basically a tribute to him. YOU ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN HIM. He is a “bro” and you are a beautiful butterfly. Shut this down. Focus on a new and exciting writing experience. Maybe write a book or screenplay! Set your own path in motion that has nothing to do with him or getting over him. Even the posts that aren’t specifically about your break-up, contain the ghosts of him and he’s there (in every post about loss/grief). It’s enough. You didn’t get cancer, didn’t lose a parent, didn’t have your writing career discredited by a false accusation, and weren’t wrongfully imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit. You didn’t lose your liberty or a family member. You lost a dbag and good riddance. Every ounce of you that you pour into this dbag (into this blog) is an ounce of yourself you are losing. You’re amazing. Funny, witty and cool. He will take it all from you if you let him. You’re stories are much more interesting when you don’t try to relate them to the break up. Start getting creative without using him as the source. You will be great!
Congratulations, Jill!
You'll take this time with you forever.
Write, relax, breathe, eat, drink, love, send letters, soak in nature, read amazing books, drink lots of water, and call me from a summit somewhere
Thank you Samantita! I hope to see you in California very soon 🌴
Maybe make some time to go by Mt St Helen and visit the Visitor Center if it’s open. Amazing information about the explosion and also a breathtaking view from the auditorium! Very excited for you and also concerned about what’s happening now in the world. Can’t wait to read about your ongoing adventure Jillian! Cheers and get it on down the road girlfriend!
That would be amazing to see. Thanks mom 💖
Route depending, some places I'd recommend: Santa Fe, Bend Oregon, West Texas (Big Bend, Marathon, Marfa), Door County, Wisconsin.
Marfa is definitely on my list! Thank you for the route rec!
Classic case of turning lemons into lemonade, which so many of us are being asked to do this year. Plus, how exciting is it that one of these places could change everything? The unknown is so full of potential. Thanks for the inspiring openness and camaraderie -- best wishes on your journey!
Exactly Lauren—I'm leaning the hell into the unknown, and I hope to find something very bright there. Thank you!
Your trip sounds amazing! Hope you can fit in a trip to Arizona - we have some pretty spectacular national parks and scenery!
Thanks Nadia! I definitely hope to visit Sedona
Good Luck Jill!
Thank you Natalie!
I might have one or two suggestions....
It’s going to be fun rambling on similar but different paths at the same time. I truly hope our plans can align at some point on the journey. I’m excited for you. That excite goes beyond the sites you’ll see. I’m ready for you to discover who you truly are. The open road unravels our souls. The sunshine of deep, personal truth washes over you to reveal deeply profound and meaningful. Time to thrive.
You're the best Adam! THANK YOU for everything! I couldn't do this without your support and inspiration. And can't wait to journey with you.
I highly recommend Jackson Wy and visits to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!! I would love to meet you, take you on a hike, maybe a float down the river to see some wildlife and of course a good chat. I can't wait to follow your travels. The wanderlust is strong in me too. Be safe and travel easy <3
That would be amazing Faith! Yellowstone is a strong contender. If you'd email me so I have your contact info, I'd love to be in touch and hopefully hike together! cruelsummerbookclub@substack.com
Fall in Minnesota, when all the leaves are turning on the banks of the Mississippi or in the forests up north - such a gorgeous place.
Fall foliage is a big October must-see for me. I've only been to Minnesota in the summertime and would love to see it in fall! Any city or place you'd suggest?
Would 100% recommend heading up to the north shore of Lake Superior a little later in the fall if you can because the leaves turn later up there and it is so gorgeous on the lake. Grand Marais is a great little town. So many state parks and natural areas up there in the forests and along the lake. Lake Superior is truly one of the best places in the country I think!!
Driving along the St Croix River (a tributary of the Mississippi) is also a great way to see amazing foliage and lots of cute little towns. Afton State Park is along the St Croix and has some nice riverside hikes. Heading north from there will take you on a gorgeous drive up through Stillwater which is a fun stop, you can head for a ways along the river.
There are also a lot of nice city trails along the Mississippi in Minneapolis & St Paul.
Spend lots of time in and say hello to the National and State parks of Utah for me! They're all my faves.
Zion here I come!
Like a few others, I am also here to recommend the Utah National Parks, especially Zion and Bryce. Also check out Mt. Rainier NP in Washington.
I've spent nearly 6 months of this year staying with family in New Hampshire and Maine, and spending time in nature has been incredibly healing for me. Wishing the same experience for you!
I'm so glad to hear that Annalise. I spent some summers in Maine, and it's so special. Thank you!!
I wish you loads of luck, healthy, safety and multiple great memories!
Thank you so much!
This is very exciting, I’m also not in New York anymore and am excited to hear your opinions about the other cities you visit. Let me know if you get up to Boston And also check out Colin Wright — who is also a full time solo traveler and writer. He has lots of advice on how to hit the road. Congrats!
Thanks Jennifer! Is this the right Colin? https://www.instagram.com/colinismyname/
Yes, it is!
I'm so excited for you! I've been having similar thoughts for European travels
Thanks Tiffany! God, I can't wait to get back to Europe. My cancelled Greece trip will be revived as soon as it possibly can be. And may this be a small push for you to pursue your travel dreams :)
:) :) Yay xx
The guy who broke up with you was a dbag. He was hot and had some “Dylan McKay“ family drama, which you mistook for depth. He wasn’t deep. He was superficial. He moved to NYC, didn’t know anyone, and met you (the editor of a NYC going-out magazine). So he became a chameleon to draw you in - suddenly, the “bro” became hipster and intellectual. When things became more “real” with you two, than you were no longer “elusive,” and he lost interest. You’ve spent a year working on this blog, which is basically a tribute to him. YOU ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN HIM. He is a “bro” and you are a beautiful butterfly. Shut this down. Focus on a new and exciting writing experience. Maybe write a book or screenplay! Set your own path in motion that has nothing to do with him or getting over him. Even the posts that aren’t specifically about your break-up, contain the ghosts of him and he’s there (in every post about loss/grief). It’s enough. You didn’t get cancer, didn’t lose a parent, didn’t have your writing career discredited by a false accusation, and weren’t wrongfully imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit. You didn’t lose your liberty or a family member. You lost a dbag and good riddance. Every ounce of you that you pour into this dbag (into this blog) is an ounce of yourself you are losing. You’re amazing. Funny, witty and cool. He will take it all from you if you let him. You’re stories are much more interesting when you don’t try to relate them to the break up. Start getting creative without using him as the source. You will be great!
Thanks for your support. I mean it :)