After years of working in office environments in Texas and California, I decided to go back to school and learn something totally different. I wanted a career where I could work directly with animals and be mostly outside. I chose a private school in Maine. So I quit my job, enrolled in college (again), and headed off to Maine. I sold my cute 2014 Mazda 3 for a boxy 2000 Kia Sportage and packed everything I thought I would need into it. I drove across the country with my two cats, camped in a couple of states and stayed in pet friendly hotels along the way, and then arrived in Maine without a place to live, no job, and a dwindling supply of money. Luckily, I found a place to live after a few days and then found a job a few weeks later. After I graduate, I hope to travel back to the west coast and pursue my career in the Captive Wildlife Care and Educational field, by working at a wildlife rehabilitation facility or a zoo.
Lived in San Bernardino with my mom until I decided to go to school in Maine.
"Newport Beach, California, June 2014" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Goodbye beautiful California coast.
Camped in Fremont Indian SP. I arranged to sleep in a teepee with my two cats until I found out that they could escape under the teepee. Then I decided to sleep in my tent with them so they would be secure while I slept.
"Walking my cat, FISP June 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Went for a stroll with my cat in Fremont Indian SP. She loved to explore all of the sights and smells of the Utah mountains.
Was planning on camping in the mountains west of Denver but a severe thunderstorm was brewing and I didn't want to be stuck in a tent with 2 cats while it was storming outside. So I kept driving and used my phone to direct me to the cheapest hotel that accepted pets. Viola - Quality Inn.
"Kiki enjoying the plush bed, June 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
No camping today, instead enjoyed a nice soft bed to sleep on.
Camped at Pawnee SRA. It was very beautiful and peaceful.
"Biggie Smalls, July 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Biggie was too timid to leave the tent. He was unsure about all the birds and open space in front of him.
The camping portion of the trip ended due to time (I started driving longer hours) and the holiday (July 4th campers were overcrowding the campgrounds) and it was hard to get a camping site without a reservation. So pet friendly hotels was were I stayed.
"Biggie peering out the window, July 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Biggie liked to explore and sit in hotel windows, though the only thing to see out of this window was a parking lot.
Decided to spend the night in Niagara Falls and experience fireworks over the falls. I had a blast exploring both Canada and upstate New York.
"Niagara Falls, July 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
A view of Niagara Falls from the top of Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
"Niagara Falls, July 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Tour boat below Niagara Falls. Taken from the United States side.
The hotel room was very spacious, pet friendly, and within walking distance of Niagara Falls, Canada, and casinos.
"Biggie with Ontario Canada in the background, July 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Biggie sat in the window looking down at the other guests walking their dogs. Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is in the background.
"Niagara Falls, July 4th 2015" — Photo Credit: Bridget Cameron
Went to the spectacular 4th of July show over Niagara Falls.
Almost pushed it on to Maine, but I didn't want to fall asleep at the wheel. Holiday Inn Express to the rescue.
Unity, 04988, Maine, United States
Final stop: Waldo county, Maine.
Made it to Maine. Stayed in a very old and dirty hotel in Bangor for three days until I found an apartment in Unity. It's been a year since I've moved to Maine and I've met amazing people, seen fabulous places, and experienced so many different adventures in the short time I've been here.