My good friend Kyle Bauman left Sunday for the trip of a lifetime.  Well, for most people it would be.  For Kyle, its probably just a good start to this decade.  Kyle loves to travel, seeking adventure, testing his physical along the way limits.  That’s probably why we’ve remained friends all these years. 

Kyle and I worked together at Burns & Mac in St. Louis.  He was there when I started and it was quickly obvious we shared a lot of common interests.  We played a lot of softball, drank a lot of beer, survived a few float trips, and had a few adventures here and there.  Kyle is fairly frugal and lives a pretty modest life, except when it comes to travel.  I wasn’t as disciplined and missed out on quite a few good times because of it.  Back then 3 or 4 day weekends were his specialty, ‘Lets go to the... Kentucky Derby, Indy 500, College World Series, Final Four, Cedar Point’ the list went on and on...

Then the trips got bigger.  I passed on Australia (I’d been before) and China (still regret missing the Great Wall Marathon).  Michele and I jumped on Africa though and it was fantastic!  We hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro and took a 5 day photo safari.  I still love looking at the pictures and reminders around our home.  All thanks to Kyle!

Now Kyle is off on the mother of all vacations and I’m even more jealous.  Kyle’s been itchin’ for some major life changes and this is kicking them off.  He quit his job, is selling his house, putting everything in storage, and heading to Europe (mostly) for the next 9 months just to take it all in.  Kyle is still a bit of an engineer at heart, so there is definitely a plan.  His itinerary isn’t final, but its still pretty impressive; 

It starts with St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, then includes British Open Golf, Wimbeldon, French Open Tennis, Le Tour de France, the running of the bulls, the Athens Marathon, Octoberfest and be home for Christmas!  Oh, and a little side trip to Peru for the Machu Picchu Marathon...

He has a number of friends and family schedule to join him for various adventures and sites.  We’ve talked a few times and I’d like to join him for a bit, but as usual, I’m not a prepared ($$) and have a few obligations of my own this summer.  If anyone sees cheap airfare, let me know.  I might be able to surprise him for once. 

When its all over he wants a fresh start in a new city with a new career.  Minneapolis is nice, but it just never suited him.  He says Denver and Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill are at the top of the list.  As much as I’d like to join him for part of this adventure, I’d really like it a lot more if he picks Denver.  Even if he mooches our spare bedroom for a few months. 

I plan to follow along.  If you want to check in too, you can find Kyle at:

Blog -  www.kb4travels.blogspot.com.

Photos - www.makeitcount.smugmug.com.