3-5 Year Plan

Hi! I’m Kristen! In 2014, I left the city I loved and everything I knew and followed a job opportunity for my husband and moved across the country to live in Northern California. Paul and I lived in Chicago for nearly a decade - we considered ourselves Chicagoans for life. But, opportunity came knocking (Hello! Tech Industry in the Bay Area) and it was the best decision for our growing family at the time. Plus, the lure of California living for a few years seemed to offer some great experiences and growth. So, with a 3 year old and new-to-the-world 4-month old, we made the jump to the West Coast. We traded in our lovely south side Chicago brownstone only a few blocks from the Red Line for a Northern California ranch house 25 miles north of San Francisco.

One of our first stops on the 2016 Road Trip, Point Arena Lighthouse in Mendocino County.

Truth be told, those first few months were rough. But fast forward to today and I don’t even recognize that person that landed in suburban Marin County and begrudgingly bought a used SUV (I was determined to be a one car family...and a sedan to boot...thank goodness I changed my tune!) We would proclaim to everyone that we were on a 3-5 year plan but would be headed back to the Windy City in no time. We believed it...but no one else did.

We started exploring in manageable ways at first (as one can with a baby and toddler) - day trips, easy hikes, trails where kiddos could learn how to ride a bike….this all quickly escalated. To us midwestern kids, we were hungry to see all that California had in store. The landscape always seemed mythological. We had so many questions -- like, how could you be in the desert and mountains on the same day? Is there really a winding road above the crashing waves on a cliff over the ocean like in the car commercials? What sense does a tech vest make, I mean it’s a coat without sleeves? How is that practical at all? Well, I’ll tell you the answers to these questions: Yes, Yes, and only in California. 

So after some time of getting acclimated as a family, we took off on a 2 week road trip of Northern California and the Oregon coast in the summer of 2016. We wanted to see it all. Our first blog starts from this point because I remember that trip as the pivotal moment that something changed in me; I was addicted.

I wanted more - more fog and crashing waves; more Redwood tree smell; more pride from completed trails; more laughter and effort; more wind-blown views from tops of mountains; more campfire and stars; more waterfalls and giggles; more rivers and barefeet….I wanted more. 

My first time in Yosemite; putting our feet in Tenaya Lake. This was the finale of the 2016 Road Trip.

And now we’re here. Since 2016 I’ve had too many adventures to count; but mostly, I’ve found my courage. On those trails, mountains, beaches, and rivers - I’ve found myself, my strength, and my freedom. Moreover, it’s become increasingly important to me WHO is on those adventures with me. Of course, my family; my two boys and my husband! But during the pandemic, my village of amazing friends have found solace in adventuring  outdoors together. It has saved us and empowered us - and so Sister Summit was born.

We are not sure what Sister Summit is yet...but we know it’s about community, empowering women, and vulnerability. It’s about experiencing the metaphor of the journey over hills and mountains, together. And so, we are starting a new journey; and we are not sure where it will take us. 

But we will start here, at the trailhead...with sharing and laughter. And we will see where it takes us. Ready to go with us? 

Oh! And remember that 3-5 year plan? Well, October will mark our 7 year anniversary in California…

Our trip back to Yosemite in 2019; our youngest learned to bike ride on the valley floor trails.