The Winding Road That Led to Driggs, Idaho
Driggs, Idaho was not originally on our route.
Just like many times before on this journey, an unpredictable series of events led to an amazing experience, new friends, and new stories we never saw coming.
José was in Wyoming en route to Yellowstone when the bus had a tire blow out. This could have happened anywhere, but by a brilliant stroke of photographer’s luck, it happened on a lonely road directly facing the Teton Mountains.
I was in Kansas helping my family arrange my grandmother’s funeral, when I received the text: José was stranded, 28 miles from the nearest town, and very shoddy cell service. He had to hike 30 minutes up a mountain just to call me.
For the next week, we worked together to research and order new tires, avoid an expensive tow, and get the bus to the shop. The clincher was…the nearest shop equipped to replace and balance tires on an 11-ton rig was across the mountains in Idaho Falls.
Fate steps in…
Just before heading out, José made a social media post about this latest twist. And who should get in touch, but Angela who has been following the journey from the very beginning.
Way back when we were fundraising for the bus, we produced a video of me singing “Change” next to a thermal pool in Iceland. That video found its way into Angela’s Facebook feed and spoke deeply to her. Since then, she has been following this ever-winding path we’ve been on. Aaaaaand she lives in Driggs, Idaho.
When José made the post about Idaho Falls, Angela immediately sent an excited message inviting him to stop through Driggs. We are strong believers in the power of ‘yes’, so that colorful bus pointed its way to Driggs!
Connections begin a bubblin’…
Well, Angela works for a restaurant owner who been looking for someone to paint a mural at one of their spots, Citizen 33 Brewery. Enter José with his funky, geometric style and the connection was made!
Citizen 33 became our family and our home for the next week. José painted during the day, and I played live music at Citizen 33 in the evenings. It was beautiful.
We have had time to really connect with Angela, and we have made so many friends here in the Teton Valley. It led to another mural, this time to be painted at Rise Coffee. And more opportunities to play music. And so many memories and so many new friends.
All because that tire decided to blow up on the way to Yellowstone.
The beautiful takeaway…
These sort of experiences abound on this journey. We really do believe that when you see the positive, you open up the door for good things to come your way. And when you embrace the unpredictable – saying yes to the invitations that arise – it can lead to new adventures you didn’t know were waiting for you.