Looking Back at 2019

This year has been a big one for me. For the first time in 18 years, I am done with school. Now working a full time job, I am now more free than I have ever been. I am able to travel wherever I choose, whenever I choose (as long as I have the savings and vacation time). 

After graduating, I thought my next five years would be stuck at home paying off loans. Little did I know I would be able to save enough money to travel within my first year of nursing. How you may ask after coming out of school with close to ten grand in provincial loans and twenty grand in federal loans. One reason is because I chose to work in a rural Canadian community. By doing so, it means I will qualify to receive up to $4000 a year for five years as an RN. That covers my federal loan. So knowing this I concentrated my first few months to paying off my provincial loan. In March when I received my signing bonus I paid my provincial loan off completely. While I am not officially loan free, I certainly feel that way. With only paying minimum payments I am able to save a significant amount of money for travel while investing a fair bit as well.

At first I still did not think it possible to travel within my first year. I decided I wanted to do a half marathon in Disney World and decided on the following year (April 2020) so that I could do the Star Wars themed race. With a trip so far away, I was getting antsy. I wanted to get away. I started looking into tour groups as I would be travelling by myself. That is when I came across Gadventures and their tours to Costa Rica. I was down between that or a Contiki tour to New York. The deciding factor was that I could go to Costa Rica for more days and for cheaper than a shorter trip to New York. As soon as I was granted the vacation I booked my trip for November!

After an exciting first year, I have compiled a list of my 5 most memorable moments…

Costa Rica: Number one easily goes to my first trip to Central America. In just eight days I made so many amazing memories and met some amazing people from all over the world. From candle lit hot springs to white water rafting, I had a superb time. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I wish I had had more time there. The wildlife and the ecosystems were amazing to experience and learn about. 

Mt. Carleton, New Brunswick: Hiking Mt. Carleton was definitely another highlight of my year. This was a short weekend trip I took with my mom to train for Cape Chignecto. The top of the mountain had some beautiful views and it was really neat to think that at that point, we were higher up than anyone else in the maritimes. We also got to enjoy some spectacular nighttime views as this is one of the dark sky reserves in Canada. Luckily we timed our visit just right to see a meteor shower. 

Cape Chignecto, Nova Scotia: This year would have marked my second time completing the 53 kilometer loop. Unfortunately, unlike with Mt. Carleton, the timing was poor. We unknowingly planned our hike for exactly when Hurricane Dorain hit the maritimes. Despite this it was still a very fun experience. Being evacuated out of a park on a Side-by-Side is not something everyone gets to experience!

 

Keji Seaside, Nova Scotia: This little hike was a lot of fun. A lot of my family who do not usually go for hikes joined us. It was great to see them enjoy a little adventure outside of their comfort zone. This was attempt two of the year for my mom and I. Our first attempt was ended very quickly after we spotted a bear on the trial. Thankfully we did not see any bears the second time around. 

 

Liverpool, Nova Scotia: The last highlight of the year was taking the time to explore my new home. I had never been to Liverpool before my interview at the hospital. It is a beautiful little town with a lot of hidden gems. I have enjoyed the Mersey river, Cosby’s Garden centre, and  Beach Meadows to name a few. I am sure there is still lots I have yet to see. 

After talking about some of my favourite moments of 2019, here is what I am anticipating for 2020 and a few unconfirmed plans...

My first Half Marathon in Disney World: Of course this is my most anticipated trip for 2020. I will be in Disney for my birthday during the villain after hours, I will be creating my own lightsaber, running my first half (dressed as Ahsoka Tano), and riding the Hogwarts express. What more could a disney lover ask for! 

First Solo trip: Yes I have traveled alone in the past, but always with a tour group. This was a bit of a spur of the moment decision. I saw that Ottawa was having a Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers live concert and I knew I just had to go. LOTR is my favourite movie/story of all time. I made it into a little four day trip on my own. I am hoping the Rideau Canal will still be frozen early March so I can go skating. I am also just as excited for my hostel. I am staying in a 150 year old jail turned hostel and my bed is in a solitary confinement cell. How awesome is that!

More Nova Scotia hiking: There is still so much of my beautiful province that I have yet to discover. I will for sure be completing more hikes in the next year, whether they are the ones I have done in the past and love or new ones I have yet to explore.

Gros Morne, Newfoundland? This one is still up in the air. I am hoping to do this hike. If I do find the time, it will most likely be in August. This National park looks absolutely stunning in photos and I really hope I can fit it in this year. I know some friends mentioned doing it as well. So it comes down to whether I go with them or with a hiking tour company in Newfoundland. 

Another out of country trip? Again another question mark. I have big plans for 2021 so it depends on my savings and vacation time. The States would be more doable. Any of the States close to the Canadian border would be fairly cheap to fly. If it is a bigger trip, I would consider South America or even another Central American country. I also came across a trip to Romania that has you spend Halloween in Transylvania that sounds like a lot of fun. I will have to see what the year brings!

No matter what 2020 has to offer, I will make the best of it. Already just looking at what I have planned, it looks to be another adventure filled year. 

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