Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
I feel the stress radiating through the entire post, Michael, but that's not a criticism. It's so great to read writers who aren't mealy-mouthed, and don't send their work through a PR department before publishing. So many stresses (storage units, death of a parent, pet woes--especially when the pet ain't yours) that could happen to any of us, and being travelers, how ever slow, complicates matters. But better than twiddling thumbs, that's for sure. All best to you both.
Thank you, Annette! Very much appreciate hearing that. And hopefully we don't come off as privileged or whiny, which was my big concern. Fortunately, the end of this crazy stretch is in sight!
Definitely not whiny, and I am not a member of the privilege police. I reserve my concerns about privilege for the sort of people who spend some of their money on ten-minute space trips, while stashing most of it in the Cayman Islands, and that, sorry Michael, clearly isn't you two. I salute you guys, and hope for calm waters ahead.
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
So sorry to hear about your dad, and all your travel chaos. 🙏 you've certainly been dealing with a lot, and doing very well indeed. As for us, we've been driving across Canada ever since May, from Seattle to Newfoundland and Laborador, and now having driven 12,280 miles are about to drive about 4000 more to get home. So many adventures, and during that time, two friends (one old, one middling) have died, one has had a serious fall, and two are dealing with major memory problems. This seems to be life in the "old" lane (I've got about 30 years on you), but it's never easy. Is there insurance sudden trips?
Wow, that's a heck of a trip! I bet you've seen some gorgeous places. Would love to hear about them some time. And I'm very sorry for the difficulties you've encountered. Stay safe!
Thank you, dear, and we have. For a favorite, Twillingate (Newfoundland) is right up there, with whales and icebergs. L'Anse aux Meadows, and Grand Morne national park... Well. We don't know so much about Canada, and it was good to learn more about history and geology. I won't drivel on.
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
It has been a wonderful trip, and just being alive and healthy is reward enough! It's a beautiful world. People are very nice (especially Canadians). No personal disasters.
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
Hi guys,
PNW is pretty great alternative and on my list to hang out in for sure. I most look forward to reading about your cruise ship trip to Australia. There's a slow transportation movement sort of moving along and I agree with a lot of its tenets. For example, if you have the time in your life to take a ship versus a plane, that can be better for you, better for the environment, and just plain fun. I've done some cruising, and am thinking of a transatlantic with my mother, but 27 days . . . will that be over the top? Can't wait to learn from you. By the way, thanks for having a free option to your subscriptions still. I'll get to the pay place, just not yet, but know your information and insight is worth it!
Thanks for the comments, Michael. Believe it or not, 27 days isn't even half of our longest cruise! LOL. But with my mother? Umm, I don't know about that!
As for the free option, if money is a concern, shoot me a note and we'll get you set up for a full subscription until your budget allows it.
Have you guys considered doing an option like Ko-fi, where readers can easily donate as little as $3 to “buy a coffee”? A few other authors here on Substack have it, an readers can send a bit when we have it, when we couldn’t come up with the full fare. I don’t know if it’s as lucrative as a full sub, but maybe better than nothing? Peter Halligan has Ko-fi set up, for one.
Just a thought.
On another note, I have to thank you for the article awhile ago about insurance. I was half tempted to try what you’re doing, but I realized I’m just over the age for real extended travel. So I’m trying to figure out some travel I can afford another way. In the meantime, I’ll just need to travel vicariously though you young whippersnappers, lol! ❤️❤️❤️
I'm glad the health insurance article was a help to you! And plenty of folks older than us are out there traveling at least some of the time, so I bet you can too.
And god bless you for calling me an whippersnapper!
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
Wow, okay, let me catch my breath...
First of all, again I'm sending big hugs to Brent on losing his dad. It's so hard, I know. But you guys!
I feel as if I'm on an adventure each time I get to read where you've been and what's next and what did or didn't work.
I give you so much credit for working at this life you've made for yourselves. To have such choices and then to figure out how to make lemonade whenever things go sour. And they will go sour, for absolute sure. I know things get tough for you, and I'm sorry. Truly.
But I need you to keep on the move! I need some adventure in my life! So carry on, friends. You've made it so you're not alone in this!
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
All that moving in 6 weeks is enough to make a person bonkers, then add all the other stressors? Be sure to take care of yourselves and each other! Alaska will be gorgeous this time of year and I'm looking forward to hearing about Australia soon. Hugs to you both 🤗
Thanks, Jenn. We are taking care of ourselves and honestly these problems are small potatoes compared to so much that's wrong in the world. But the hugs are very much appreciated.
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
Woooeeee, when it rains... That's a lot, guys! Appreciate you sharing the details. Tough enough to handle all that stuff when you're rooted in your own home, tough as hell when you're bouncing around.
Glad you've got a revised plan that isn't too chaotic. Vancouver and Alaska in the summer...can't go wrong with that. Also, f covid... I've had it for 2 weeks and it still excels at blowing up life plans, gah. Seems to be a summer wave crashing on folks right now, grrr. Hope you dodge it, land on your feet and enjoy the PNW summer!
Thanks, Dakota! So sorry you've come down with Covid. There really does seem to be a wave rolling around right now. We're really hoping to avoid it as it would throw a real wrench into things. Hope you feel 100% soon!
I know. You guys both do a good job of being honest when framing yourselves and your place in the world. It's a skill that I aspire to be as good at as you are!
Aug 7, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger, Michael Jensen
Can’t imagine the added stress of not having a stable location while going through all that this summer has brought you both. 💔 I needed my familiar home as refuge at the end of the very long days of dealing with all the emotional and practical issues that go with a parent death. And yikes, so much Covid happening still. Ughh.... (Had it in June, NYC gave me that “gift” Wasn’t too bad in the end. Antivirals helped a lot!) Glad you have a new travel plan in place. A long cruise to Australia sounds like some much needed recovery time. And Australia for a year! Nice!
Thanks for the kind words, Polly. It's been interesting! LOL. Sorry you came down with Covid. We're both really really hoping we don't get it anytime soon. And, yeah, the cruise does sound nice!
Yes. And I remember your Dad dressing up as Santa Claus. Your mom was great, too. My parents loved your parents. Separate question: have you spent any time living in Japan? My favorite cuisine and I’ve been there on business, but would love to do an extended walking trip. Enjoy Australia - I was an exchange student there in 1976 for a year outside Melbourne.
Gosh, that's quite the six weeks. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I echo what others have said, that you can feel the stress here, but that's a testament to the writing and what a time you've had. Fingers crossed though that your new itinerary is amazing and an incredible adventure, it sounds it!
Thanks, Tom. Given how amazing life has been for the past five plus years, I'm pretty confident we'll be able to pick right back up. If not, well, we'll figure it out!
I’m sorry for your loss Brent, and glad you could get home to see your dad. I’ve been 11 years living abroad now, and my biggest fear remains not being able to get back in time for my parents.
Also curious to see how you go in Oz! I’m in Perth, and obviously your American dollars will go further than ours, and I assume you’ve noticed it’s *cough cough slightly pricey down under, but I’m super interested to see how you manage a nomad budget here. I’m planning to retire in 6 years, and the only way I can see it happening is by getting the hell out of Oz prices. But it’s a fab country, and I promise very very few people actually die of the wildlife :p
Hi Nina, Thanks for the note. I -- Michael -- have actually lived in Oz a couple of times and now the murderous wildlife is somewhat exaggerated! LOL. And who knows, we might even make it to Perth!
Yeah Perth is a ‘special’ place... personally I’d say skip it unless you’ve a huge need for the great outdoors, in which case west Australia really is kinda incomparable. Also quokkas!
Yeah Marg’s is great, the entire southwest really (Denmark and Walpole in particular, and Esperance if you feel like a longer drive). I prefer the Barossa as a wine region, as it’s way better value and way less touristy than Margs, but a road trip or even a long stay in southwest WA could never go poorly. I like northern WA myself; Broome is magical and only a short 2000km drive... I mean, you’re aware it’s a big continent, but WA is just ridiculous-sized.
I feel the stress radiating through the entire post, Michael, but that's not a criticism. It's so great to read writers who aren't mealy-mouthed, and don't send their work through a PR department before publishing. So many stresses (storage units, death of a parent, pet woes--especially when the pet ain't yours) that could happen to any of us, and being travelers, how ever slow, complicates matters. But better than twiddling thumbs, that's for sure. All best to you both.
Thank you, Annette! Very much appreciate hearing that. And hopefully we don't come off as privileged or whiny, which was my big concern. Fortunately, the end of this crazy stretch is in sight!
Definitely not whiny, and I am not a member of the privilege police. I reserve my concerns about privilege for the sort of people who spend some of their money on ten-minute space trips, while stashing most of it in the Cayman Islands, and that, sorry Michael, clearly isn't you two. I salute you guys, and hope for calm waters ahead.
<Michael deletes upcoming newsletter about our flight into space> LOL LOL LOL.
Ha! Only if Branson or Bezos or Musk reads this, and comps you!
Ewwww, no way would I go anywhere with Bezos or Musk. Or waste that kind of money or resources doing such a thing anyway.
Yeah, I had a hunch . . . :)
So sorry to hear about your dad, and all your travel chaos. 🙏 you've certainly been dealing with a lot, and doing very well indeed. As for us, we've been driving across Canada ever since May, from Seattle to Newfoundland and Laborador, and now having driven 12,280 miles are about to drive about 4000 more to get home. So many adventures, and during that time, two friends (one old, one middling) have died, one has had a serious fall, and two are dealing with major memory problems. This seems to be life in the "old" lane (I've got about 30 years on you), but it's never easy. Is there insurance sudden trips?
Yours, Nancy Donnelly
Wow, that's a heck of a trip! I bet you've seen some gorgeous places. Would love to hear about them some time. And I'm very sorry for the difficulties you've encountered. Stay safe!
Thank you, dear, and we have. For a favorite, Twillingate (Newfoundland) is right up there, with whales and icebergs. L'Anse aux Meadows, and Grand Morne national park... Well. We don't know so much about Canada, and it was good to learn more about history and geology. I won't drivel on.
Thank you, Nancy. And oh wow, you've suffered a lot too. I'm sorry. I hope the beauty of the trip was some solace.
It has been a wonderful trip, and just being alive and healthy is reward enough! It's a beautiful world. People are very nice (especially Canadians). No personal disasters.
Hi guys,
PNW is pretty great alternative and on my list to hang out in for sure. I most look forward to reading about your cruise ship trip to Australia. There's a slow transportation movement sort of moving along and I agree with a lot of its tenets. For example, if you have the time in your life to take a ship versus a plane, that can be better for you, better for the environment, and just plain fun. I've done some cruising, and am thinking of a transatlantic with my mother, but 27 days . . . will that be over the top? Can't wait to learn from you. By the way, thanks for having a free option to your subscriptions still. I'll get to the pay place, just not yet, but know your information and insight is worth it!
Thanks for the comments, Michael. Believe it or not, 27 days isn't even half of our longest cruise! LOL. But with my mother? Umm, I don't know about that!
As for the free option, if money is a concern, shoot me a note and we'll get you set up for a full subscription until your budget allows it.
You've got to meet my mom! Travel with her is awesome.
Then you are very lucky! We once did a seven day cruise with my folks. I'm glad we did it but seven days was plenty!
Very lucky has gotten me far!
Have you guys considered doing an option like Ko-fi, where readers can easily donate as little as $3 to “buy a coffee”? A few other authors here on Substack have it, an readers can send a bit when we have it, when we couldn’t come up with the full fare. I don’t know if it’s as lucrative as a full sub, but maybe better than nothing? Peter Halligan has Ko-fi set up, for one.
Just a thought.
On another note, I have to thank you for the article awhile ago about insurance. I was half tempted to try what you’re doing, but I realized I’m just over the age for real extended travel. So I’m trying to figure out some travel I can afford another way. In the meantime, I’ll just need to travel vicariously though you young whippersnappers, lol! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Virginia, It's a great thought! And we do have that option, though we don't push it very hard. Don't want to be annoying! But here it is!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brenthartil
I'm glad the health insurance article was a help to you! And plenty of folks older than us are out there traveling at least some of the time, so I bet you can too.
And god bless you for calling me an whippersnapper!
I hope this didn’t also shoot down your tax break for not staying in the US over the threshold! Love to you both!
It did, but some things are more important than tax breaks!
Wow, okay, let me catch my breath...
First of all, again I'm sending big hugs to Brent on losing his dad. It's so hard, I know. But you guys!
I feel as if I'm on an adventure each time I get to read where you've been and what's next and what did or didn't work.
I give you so much credit for working at this life you've made for yourselves. To have such choices and then to figure out how to make lemonade whenever things go sour. And they will go sour, for absolute sure. I know things get tough for you, and I'm sorry. Truly.
But I need you to keep on the move! I need some adventure in my life! So carry on, friends. You've made it so you're not alone in this!
Thank you, Ramona.
Thank you, Ramona. Glad we're providing a bit of adventure, even if some of it is, well, this kind of adventure. And it's lovely not being alone!
All that moving in 6 weeks is enough to make a person bonkers, then add all the other stressors? Be sure to take care of yourselves and each other! Alaska will be gorgeous this time of year and I'm looking forward to hearing about Australia soon. Hugs to you both 🤗
Thanks, Jenn. We are taking care of ourselves and honestly these problems are small potatoes compared to so much that's wrong in the world. But the hugs are very much appreciated.
Woooeeee, when it rains... That's a lot, guys! Appreciate you sharing the details. Tough enough to handle all that stuff when you're rooted in your own home, tough as hell when you're bouncing around.
Glad you've got a revised plan that isn't too chaotic. Vancouver and Alaska in the summer...can't go wrong with that. Also, f covid... I've had it for 2 weeks and it still excels at blowing up life plans, gah. Seems to be a summer wave crashing on folks right now, grrr. Hope you dodge it, land on your feet and enjoy the PNW summer!
Thanks, Dakota! So sorry you've come down with Covid. There really does seem to be a wave rolling around right now. We're really hoping to avoid it as it would throw a real wrench into things. Hope you feel 100% soon!
Please unsubscribe now as these aren't comments but trolling.
Take a hike, ahole!
Sorry it worked out that way, thanks for sharing your experience. A similar day will come for me and my parents, inevitably.
I hope your folks like as long as Harry did.
Thank you, Harry did have a very long run!
Goodness gracious!
Great balls of fire!
Wishing you both some smooth sailing in the near future -- literally and figuratively. You could use it. 💚
Thanks, Antonia. Not to be endlessly repetitive, but we are so lucky that these are the problems we have.
I know. You guys both do a good job of being honest when framing yourselves and your place in the world. It's a skill that I aspire to be as good at as you are!
Umm, you are aces at that already, thank you very much!
🥹🥹🥹
Can’t imagine the added stress of not having a stable location while going through all that this summer has brought you both. 💔 I needed my familiar home as refuge at the end of the very long days of dealing with all the emotional and practical issues that go with a parent death. And yikes, so much Covid happening still. Ughh.... (Had it in June, NYC gave me that “gift” Wasn’t too bad in the end. Antivirals helped a lot!) Glad you have a new travel plan in place. A long cruise to Australia sounds like some much needed recovery time. And Australia for a year! Nice!
Thanks for the kind words, Polly. It's been interesting! LOL. Sorry you came down with Covid. We're both really really hoping we don't get it anytime soon. And, yeah, the cruise does sound nice!
Say hi to Brent. I’m the daughter of Dawn Clark, and played with Brent when I was a kid.
Hi Laurie! I have such fond memories of the Clarks. Were you in Olympia?
Yes. And I remember your Dad dressing up as Santa Claus. Your mom was great, too. My parents loved your parents. Separate question: have you spent any time living in Japan? My favorite cuisine and I’ve been there on business, but would love to do an extended walking trip. Enjoy Australia - I was an exchange student there in 1976 for a year outside Melbourne.
We were planning to go to Japan this fall, but because of my dad's death, we changed our plans. Soon, I hope!
So nice to "see" you again!
!!!
Gosh, that's quite the six weeks. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I echo what others have said, that you can feel the stress here, but that's a testament to the writing and what a time you've had. Fingers crossed though that your new itinerary is amazing and an incredible adventure, it sounds it!
Thanks, Tom. Given how amazing life has been for the past five plus years, I'm pretty confident we'll be able to pick right back up. If not, well, we'll figure it out!
I’m sorry for your loss Brent, and glad you could get home to see your dad. I’ve been 11 years living abroad now, and my biggest fear remains not being able to get back in time for my parents.
Also curious to see how you go in Oz! I’m in Perth, and obviously your American dollars will go further than ours, and I assume you’ve noticed it’s *cough cough slightly pricey down under, but I’m super interested to see how you manage a nomad budget here. I’m planning to retire in 6 years, and the only way I can see it happening is by getting the hell out of Oz prices. But it’s a fab country, and I promise very very few people actually die of the wildlife :p
Hi Nina, Thanks for the note. I -- Michael -- have actually lived in Oz a couple of times and now the murderous wildlife is somewhat exaggerated! LOL. And who knows, we might even make it to Perth!
Yeah Perth is a ‘special’ place... personally I’d say skip it unless you’ve a huge need for the great outdoors, in which case west Australia really is kinda incomparable. Also quokkas!
Yeah Marg’s is great, the entire southwest really (Denmark and Walpole in particular, and Esperance if you feel like a longer drive). I prefer the Barossa as a wine region, as it’s way better value and way less touristy than Margs, but a road trip or even a long stay in southwest WA could never go poorly. I like northern WA myself; Broome is magical and only a short 2000km drive... I mean, you’re aware it’s a big continent, but WA is just ridiculous-sized.
Only an Aussie would say a short 2000 km drive! LOL!
I've heard such great things about Margaret River and the area south of Perth that I'm super intrigued!
Yeah for going to Australia!
Excited to be going back!