Cates Island, looking at the back of Texada Isl.

Cates Island on the Sunshine Coast, looking West, at the back of Texada Isl.

My name is Jill and my life has recently taken a major, unexpected, change.

In January 2009, I lost my husband to brain cancer.  We fought hard against the disease for 16 months and although we didn’t succeed in beating the cancer, we managed to live with grace and dignity; finding beauty in each other, our friends & family, and most importantly ourselves.

Since then I have packed up the life I knew – all that was familiar to me – and pulled out my old backpack.  I been traveling around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia for the last year or so, and have decided to continue my journey for as long as it takes to feel at peace.

Home is a pretty distant concept at present.  Life of the road should continue to provide opportunity for reflection, maybe a little insight, and at the very least: a few good stories!

I have been doing my best to live each day as it comes – enjoying exciting events and small subtleties all at the same time.  Travel has been a perfect medium for exactly this.

For the first time in my life I feel I am truly living, at least living in a very different way, than I ever have before.  As I travel I find myself drawn to like-minded people.  This is a  journey of rediscovery.

Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me.  The love and support is astounding and appreciated!