The Lakes

Scott and I married 10 years ago! (A whole decade... wow!) We moved from Southeast Idaho to Eugene, Oregon after a somewhat impulsive decision just a few days after Christmas 2009. We knew we were going to move in the spring when our lease was up, but both of us were in need of jobs immediately as I had just graduated from Idaho State and he was just honorably discharged from the Marines. In the economic environment at the time, it made more sense to break our lease and hunt for jobs once.

We picked Eugene basically by throwing a dart at the map. We narrowed down the states to Oregon or Washington, Oregon won and I suggested Eugene because I had visited it once a few years prior and thought it was nice. We rolled into town on January 4, 2010 with no jobs, no house, and (aside from a cousin) no contacts. All of our belongings were squished into a 6x12 U-Haul trailer, Scott’s full sized pickup, and my sedan. We stayed at what I now understand is a sketchy hotel (picked because they allowed dogs) for two nights while we toured apartments. Thankfully we were able to find something quickly!

Eugene was very good to us. We made many friends, found successful careers, bought (and sold) our first house, and pretty much dove head first into adulting. If I were to live in one place, Eugene would probably be it. But... if wandering is an option... well, here we are! 

Kate

I’m Kate, a thirty-something chaser of shiny objects. Growing up, I wanted to be a Marine Biologist, ultimately got my degree in photography, and found my career niche in IT. I love bread! And cookies, and pasta. I enjoy books, usually easy reads that I can get lost in the character’s world. And I hate it when a book is turned into a movie because they very rarely get it right. I’d like to think that in a different life I would be a professional dancer, probably ballet. I love both dogs and cats equally and absolutely despise spiders. I throw 100% of myself into new passions and planning adventures.

Scott

Scott grew up in Southeast Idaho, developing deep friendships and is very close with his family, especially his grandparents. One major interest of his for this adventure is the ability to spend more time with family and friends. Aside from a small handful of trips we have taken together, his main travel background was with the U.S.M.C. When we first met, his taste in beer was more along the lines of ounces per dollar. After moving to Oregon, he developed a taste for craft beer, and even dabbled for a bit in home brew. While he can be a bit quiet on camera, he typically is the life of the party. Having long hair is quite the change from his military days, but it all started with an extended period between haircuts and then realization of an opportunity to flaunt his locks to a buddy that is not quite so hair-blessed. (Which once you get to know Scott, seems right on target.)

Our Fur Kids

Kona - 10 years old - Border Collie

Kona was the easiest of all of the fur kids to train because his breed makes him very eager to please. He is definitely my dog, although he has a very special relationship with Scott. He is skeptical of the world and those he meets, especially men. He has three speeds - kitty herding, Boomer tackling, and “I’m a border collie, damn it! I’m gonna win!”. He loves french fries and playing in the water.

Boomer - 9 years old - Basset Hound

At one time, I would have said that Boomer was the hardest to train (that is, until we got Wesley…). As tends to be typical of his breed, we have to convince him that whatever we are trying to get him to do, was his idea. You can watch him evaluate if the crime is worth the time, and when we were still in apartments he would drag his ears on his way to his kennel/room much like a kid running with their arms flailing - true temper tantrums with this one! He is my ambassador fur kid - audibly insistent in meeting anyone and everyone we pass. He also loves french fries and being chased by Kona.

Chester - 4 years old - Long Haired Kitty Version of Kona

Chester was found on a construction site that Scott was working. You can read more of his story here. Chester is a bit more of a typical cat - he likes quiet spaces and hide-y holes, loves snuggles at 4:30 AM, and enjoys being outside as long as it isn’t too busy or noisy. He has a hidden adventurous side that hopefully we will encourage to come out more often with this alternative lifestyle! He loves carbs - preferably corners of my toast and toaster waffles.

Wesley - 1 year old - Orange Terror… I mean Tabby

Wesley was added to the family with the intention of being a snuggle buddy for Chester. That part is still a work in progress - hopefully as he gets older, they will get along better. He is rambunctious, loves to harass others, and is not afraid of anything. He insists on having time outside, including taking walks on a harness and was convinced he could take down any of the bunnies that lived behind us at the RV Park in Harrisburg. If left unattended, toilet paper and paper towel rolls don’t stand a chance. His favorite human foods are yogurt and tuna.