I’m Abby Holcombe, a 15-year-old world traveler. I grew up living in a Winnebago RV. Just recently, my family and I shipped our home on wheels over to Europe, partly so I could compete in the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships, but mainly so we could explore the other regions and cultures of the world.
Starting our travels in Spain, and then working our way north to Norway, before it was too cold. In the town of Å, Norway we found a hike with tales of beautiful scenery from the summit, but a whopping 3,120 vertical steps to get to the view point.
So the hike began…
1, 2, 3 steps
A grimace with each step, as my tight hamstrings lift my leg and place it on the step in front of me.
1, 2, 3 steps
Another curse word under my breath. The repetitive burn from the relentless steps gets to me and slows my pace.
1, 2, 3 more steps.
My heart feels like it’s about to pound out of my chest. “Break” I murmur. “What?” my dad asks. “Break… I need a… break”
1, 2, 3 steps
I find a bench. I collapse onto the cool stone hoping it can soak into my overheating skin.
1, 2, 3 breaths
My heart is still pounding, my lungs gasping for air. A sip of water, to calm my burning throat.
My heart rate lowers slightly and my breath isn’t as loud. I stand.
1, 2, 3 steps
The fiery burn is back and spreads through my legs up into my lungs and breath.
1, 2, 3 steps
I look up to see I’ve made it, my body numbs, my heart rate drops, and my breathing calms. I take in the view. I’m overwhelmed with the beauty of the crystal-clear ocean and how the sun peeks out of the clouds to hit the mountain just right. Just another reminder that the places in life that are the most challenging to get to, are always worth it in the end, even if it means 3,120 steps.
This is just one of the many adventures I have had on the road. So far I have been to 49 states, 5 Canadian Provinces and 18 countries
and counting and this is just the beginning of my travels. Follow me @adventurous.miss on Instagram to stay updated on my journey.
Abby Holcombe and her family have traveled the world in a Winnebago RV for the past 5 years. Abby is a competitive kayaker and competes on the world stage. Not only does Abby love to kayak, she seeks adventure in backpacking, climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Abby loves sharing her tales of triumph and failure with the world, through her writing and public speaking. Follow Abby’s adventures @adventurous.miss on Instagram.
