Hey...how are you? Welcome to my website, which documents my journey with my dog around the U.S.

Izzy and I (Karen) spent several months traveling the states in an SUV. We had a wonderful time seeing old friends and making new ones (both canine and human), eating new foods (like the Voodoo Doughnut infamous maple bacon bar), and having new experiences (like learning to paddle a kayak). I wish you all could have joined us, and am hoping our blog helps you do just that.

Is our journey over? In one sense, yes, because we are now living in a rented house in Portland, OR and I am looking for work. However, Izzy and I both love to jump in the car and take off for parts unexplored, so our travels will continue as time allows. In that sense, our journey will never end.

Henry David Thoreau wrote:

"I went into the woods because I wanted to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life...to put to rout all that was not life; and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

Our cross-country trip was my way of living deliberately rather than being carried along with the business of everyday activity. I gave up a lot to make the trip possible, but I gained much en route. I chose the term "snarkhunting" to describe our trip because Lewis Carroll's story about a ship of Snark Hunters is all about hope as the crew tries to find their treasure: a mythical beast called the Snark.

I too am a seeker--and want to find what is wonderful. So, if we don't find an actual Snark, it doesn't matter. The point is to enjoy the journey.

I remember a time when we were little, my brother Jim and I spotted a rainbow. We pedaled our bikes as fast as we could in an effort to find the pot of gold (and the leprechaun) at its end. The rainbow disappeared before we found either, but we had a wonderful time looking--and wondering whether someone else had already found them. I still remember the thrill as we got closer to our Snark--and that's what I want: that feeling of wonder and joy that comes with the search.

Izzy seems to have that feeling all the time and I am gradually learning from her.

So, join us in spirit, and we'll keep you posted about our adventures. Please be patient--as we are currently updating this website. If you want to see what we are up to right now, go to www.twitter.com/snarkhunting. I post small updates there.

See ya,

Karen and Izzy