I first met Beth in a dingy office back when we were trying to save the planet from global warming. I knew instantly that she would make my time there a little more worthwhile. Every day she would bring endless smiles and her uncrushable spirit to work. I don't know if she raised a single dollar for the cause, but it didn't really matter because the only thing she was counting was how many hugs she could get from strangers on a daily basis. Every person who worked for her loved her, including me. What I did not know at the time was how far reaching this universal love extends. I am confident that every person she has ever come in contact with is forever changed for the better. Beth is fun, inspiring, courageous and so so so beautiful. Inside and out. She defines optimistic. "Come on...get on the hope train!"
One of my first memories of Marylynn is at a house party. In my house. It was the "tots, shots and astronauts" party and she was the solar system...or maybe it was the big dipper. Either way, she owned it. She is one of those girls who is always down for an adventure. Biking, camping, dancing...she'll be there.
I can hear her contagious laughter echoing in my mind. She is honest and inquisitive and has a very sincere way of listening. She pays close attention and is truly interested. At risk of sounding like a Nona- that is a rare trait these days. She is a breath of fresh air.
I like travelling by myself. I like being able to wander freely. I like to choose the path I want to roam without considering anyone else's feelings. I like taking pictures along the way and having no concept of time. I like meeting new friends and I know that it is far less intimidating to approach an individual instead of a group. 
In 2007, I reached a point where I had been travelling by myself for the greater part of 4 months. I was at the top of a mountain where I sat taking in a beautiful sunset- by myself. For the first time in a long time I thought, "I really wish I had someone to share this with". In that moment, the oohs and aahs seemed a bit muffled by the stillness of the air. If you shriek with glee in the forest, but no one is around to hear it...well, you know how it goes.
Fast forward to 2011 and I find myself sitting on top of a mountain with two awe-inspiring women. Two people I am lucky to call friends. It really makes me think about how far my life has come and how much closer I am to being the person I want to be. Among many others, these two have helped shape that change.
It was generally just good for my aching soul. Some good time with the girls was just what the doctor ordered and a perfect transition back into the Backroads world away from home. 
Some favorites...
- Seeing Beth's buzzed head for the first time in real life and hearing her little squeel at the airport. Finding Marylynn outside my hotel room at 6 in the morning already jumping up and down.
- The very first day of the trip I left my favorite jacket on a bus. I beat myself up for a while and then finally decided to let it go, but Beth never gave up hope and by some miracle the last day of the trip we got my jacket back. Hope train.
- The zipline at the playground across the street.
- Trampolines at trailheads.
- New jaw-dropping views around every bend. Rifugio destinations- Puez Hutte. Dumplings and apple strudle. "I'll give you 10 minutes". Witnessing the first (not-so-good) grappa tasting. "I think I want one of those hats".
- Dance parties at the ampitheatre. Carolina Chocolate Drops.
- Watching my Portland friends meet my Backroads friends. Scott and Lynn jumped right in for the hugs and love.
- Gondolas, chair lifts and more rifugios. Knodels!!!! Oh my. More Knodels. More Grappa.
- Watching Beth skip down the trail ahead of me and Marylynn take photos behind me while catching up with dear friends. So grateful for these people in my life.
- Dinner in Fie all Schillar. Best tiramisu EVER. This is what happens when Italy and Germany make babies.
- The Zebra Hostel. KIDDING. It's awful. Don't ever go there!
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