By: Jean-Paul Courville
"Happiness only real when shared" -Alexander Supertramp
I was in an adventurous relationship for an entire year (almost to the day) and although we are no longer together I learned a valuable lesson; the joy of sharing moments in life. I embrace this lesson. Can you relate?
Traveling alone isn't something to be afraid of, in fact I have found it incredibly rewarding although sharing moments with friends or occasional groups can be exciting.
People can and will let you down as time gets closer to execute plans. Life, excuses, and comfort get in the way and some of my closest friends have bailed at the last minute with legitimate reasons to bold face lies to avoid a confrontation. I decided many years ago not to wait or rely on others to live my life which led me to some of the most exciting solo trips and adventures thus far.
In an article in Outdoor Magazine in 1993 titled "Death of an innocent" (later made into a movie "Into the Wild") chronicles the journey of Christopher McCandless (Alex Supertramp) and before his untimely death he annotated the phrase "Happiness only real when shared" which has been tattooed in my mind since I first read it back in 1993. This isn't to suggest that traveling and experiencing moments alone aren't exciting but the overall journey of multiple experiences thru time are meant to be shared as we are social creatures by nature. McCandless was a young man who relinquished modern technology and the path of society to adventure on his own into the wild, no money, no partner, and only using what the great outdoors gave him to thrive. The journey is a solid adventure and gives escapism to those stuck in a corporate dead end job or mundane life but his journey came to a tragic end being alone in his final moments.
I discovered the beauty of meeting not only a like minded person but someone who has changed my perspective on adventures and travels as a duo. I met Anastasia (from Wales, U.K.) thru our love of outdoor adventures while both living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She didn't banter about small town gossip or comment on global political sound bites but instead we found a common interest in genuinely talking about each other or about places we want to go or had been. It didn't take long for us to plan a first hike together in the Emirate of Sharjah and immediately recognized a genuine chemistry. She mentioned to me how often people would describe themselves as being an outdoor type with a thrill for physical challenges only to be disappointed when in the elements that person was nothing like their "chest pounding" description...I felt a bit arrogant (with a smirk) knowing she wasn't referring to me.
Camping in the UAE during the COVID pandemic;
We were all confronted with the COVID pandemic and this prevented us from exploring our favorite neighboring country of *Oman but we decided to exploit the options we had under the current rules. Leaving the Abu Dhabi Emirate and reentering required a current COVID test result within 48 hours which we had down to a science while traveling to and from Ras Al Khamia *RAK (North of Dubai) but a 4- 6 hour drive towards the border of Saudi Arabia gave us a playground of remote choices still under the jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi so no test was required.
We scouted locations together on a map then shared responsibilities setting up our camp sites which became a downright joy. We found our own peninsula and we camped there many times including bringing in the New Year of 2021. Our sunsets were shared with a pod of dolphins feasting on shrimp at the waters surface while having a view of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the close distance.
Remote UAE Camp site 1
Remote UAE campsite 2
The Seychelles;
We were making transitions in our careers at the same time and decided to spend one month in a location together were we could adventure, hike, eat healthy, have fun, get some sun, and job search virtually while battling the COVID obstacles. We narrowed it down to the Seychelles, only a four flight from Dubai (where we were living) and with unresolved business we could stop back in after a month to close loose ends before the next chapter. The COVID rules in the Seychelles at the time mandated a ten day quarantine at an approved hotel before arrival, a COVID test on the fifth day paid for by the government, with a negative result on the tenth day then granted to roam freely. We had to submit all of our pre-booked accommodations, flights, and arrangements, a current COVID test and another one 48 hours before departure, which had to be submitted to the Seychelles government for approval. Once approved we received a travel number that had to be shown at immigration on arrival and this was one of the easiest places to go. Honestly, this made me want to "throw in the towel" but she convinced me to be patient as she meticulously found an approved resort on the island of Praslin where we spent our first 10 days. It became a fantasy come true, we were the only guest, they had many kilometers of private beach and private hiking trails, a gym, and additional facilities we were allowed to use so it never felt like a quarantine. It was paradise, and with her being a water sports instructor it gave me more interest to do the stand up paddle boarding (SUP), snorkeling and kayaking together where I enjoyed it immensely. We eventually spent valuable time on Praslin, La Digue, and Mahe islands.
*More on the Seychelles https://www.jpcadventures.com/post/the-seychelles-a-tropical-haven
Mahe Island
United States of America (USA);
We made a quick stop back in Dubai to close out our final departure (a place I had lived and worked for the previous seven years) then traveled together to the United States of America (USA) my home country, her first time and we searched for new careers and explored at every turn. We spent touristic time in Washington DC, Philadelphia PA, New Orleans LA, and then a lengthy road trip out west with most of our time in Northern Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.
Traveling together can expose any couple or friends true understanding whether you have something genuinely in common or quite frankly if you can stand each others company. Anastasia is spontaneous yet well organized, she thrives with an interest to be productive, she doesn't complain if there isn't room service or if its not a fancy hotel, yet she appreciates luxury when we have it, simplicity and efficiency are something I gravitate to and she has it.
Arizona; Prescott made famous for the unfortunate story of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots (Only the Brave Movie) peeked our last minute interest so we made the trekk of their last route and to the fatality site located in Yarnell.
The tourist season was in full swing during spring break in Sedona, one of the most photogenic and beautiful locations in the USA but the overwhelming amount of people turned us both off. We prefer more remote and "hard to get to" locations highlighting the old adage "if its tough for us, its tough for them" which usually confirms no tourist. We made the best of it including a quick stop at the Grand Canyon where it was even more infested with tour buses and large families taking up the width of the trails.
Utah;
One of my favorite states to adventure in and I was excited to show her so many places however, based on the recent experiences in Arizona we opted at the last minute to forgo plans to Zion and Bryce (places I have experienced with a theme park vibe more than a true experience in nature sometimes) so we traveled to Moab including a few days completely "off the grid" where driving to our accommodations was a bit of its own adventure. Nestled on the Colorado River more than 25 miles outside of Moab and on the back end of the Canyonland National Park we found our remote peace again for a recharge.
More on Utah; https://www.jpcadventures.com/post/zion-and-bryce-canyon-national-parks-utah-usa-two-of-my-favorites
Colorado;
We fell in love with this great state, she reminded me of many stories I have shared where I regret after finding a location I adore I leave it too soon. My constant struggle is being over zealous with whats next and sometimes I forget to enjoy a moment. She suggested that we stay in Colorado and embrace the moment, so we did. We spent three months living in Telluride, Vail, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains just to name some of the highlights. Growing up in Louisiana while watching all of the cowboy shows they seemed to take place in much of Colorado so it was a state I had always fantasized about and although I had been before this experience was special.
We may no longer be a couple but the lessons learned are enduring.
In life as the days, weeks, and months move forward I have embraced and enjoyed sharing a random photo and story with Anastasia reflecting on memories we made which inspire more.
"Happiness only real when shared" -Alexander Supertramp
St Mary's Glacier
SO happy for you both!!!!