The time has come to finally take a healthy break from base layers, thin puffy jackets, fleeces, hiking boots, wool socks, and long pants. For the first time in years, I’m about to spend a solid month with minimal time in pants. I’m headed to Hawaii! (And if I get tired of that, I’ll be halfway to New Zealand, so I’ll just start swimming.)

No longer will my brother be able to hold his travel to the 50th state over me. Rather than sitting in Fairbanks or Anchorage and wondering what to do or taking a meaningless job, I decided to take advantage of cheap airfare and see somewhere new.

Since it’s close to boarding, this has to be quick.

What am I most looking forward to? The answer for most travelers to Hawaii would probably be the beaches, pina coladas, surfing, and sunshine. While all of those sound nice, I’m most excited about using my brand new 1-man tent! Honestly I’d love to get off the plane and roll the tent out first thing. Unfortunately I will be waiting a couple days before doing that, but just know that I will be smiling like an idiot when I climb in for the first time.

Here are a few goals for my vacation. Speaking of vacation, this trip feels like new territory for me. My travels have all been based around work or inquiring about work. There is no hopeful work attached to this; I’m just headed off to the unknown to have a look around. With no further ado…

Goal #1: To not burn myself to a crisp
Goal #2: To eat as much fresh pineapple and other fruit as possible
Goal #3: To use the running shoes I debated on bringing and finally threw in the bag

Okay, gotta board!