Michael: I was a felony prosecutor in New Hampshire for 11 years before I decided I needed a break from seeing the worst side of people. In the words of Roy Batty, “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe.” While I saw firsthand the incredible resilience of victims who suffered unspeakable crimes, I also saw the deep and lasting trauma they suffered.
After a couple years on the road remembering that there are a lot of awesome people out there, I decided to go back to school to get a nursing degree. It’s another way to hep people, but much more flexible and with the opportunity for a lot more travel. In the meantime, I’ve been fortunate to get a part-time job training people how to investigate and prosecute child abuse cases.
Sara: I have been a 5th/6th Grade teacher in NH for the past 13 years. I have loved witnessing the moments of enlightenment in my students as they embraced learning, but being an educator is exhausting and when you pour your heart and soul into it, there is little energy left for yourself. This past year, I managed to find enough of a balance, however, to train for a major life accomplishment. In July 2017 I became an Ironman. This experience taught me there are unexposed depths to which I can push myself and I want to see what else I can do. I am excited to take time away from the demanding life of a classroom teacher to explore our world and my own abilities.
Tanzi the Bernese Mountain Dog: Tanzi had an amazing time on the road from British Columbia to Alaska to Oregon to Maine to Colorado to Arizona. Tanzi loved living in the van. We had to say goodbye in August 2019, but she lives on in our hearts forever.
Kenai the Golden Retriever: I like everyone who will throw a ball or pet my belly. I am an excellent retriever, unless you ask me to retrieve a goose. I will swim and run all day long. I like broccoli so much I will pull broccoli plants out of the garden and eat them.