We are Kentucky natives. Steve originally from Owensboro in the west. Jill from Hindman in the hills of the east. We met in the middle, Lexington, at the now extinct Climb Time gym to be exact.
Both of us attended the University of Kentucky. Steve graduated with a degree in Telecommunications in 1997 and put in 11 years as a news photographer at WTVQ-TV, the ABC affiliate in Lexington. During his tenure he received numerous NPPA, Kentucky Associated Press, KNPA, regional Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards.
Jill graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors in Agricultural Communications and then again in 2004 with a Master’s in Marriage & Family. After earning her masters Jill began work at Bluegrass IMPACT, a program that provides intensive therapy to children with emotional and behavioral problems. She worked steadily toward full liscensure in the field which she obtained in the fall of 2007.
After years of hanging out we finally tied the knot. For awhile we were happy to nest in Lexington but the passion for adventure and travel never diminished.
Photo: Matt Barton
The life we lead in Lexington was great. It provided a cute house and enough cash for a decent vacation every year. Gradually though we grew frustrated with that kind of limited time. What can you really experience on a standard vacation? We didn’t want a bigger house, new cars or children. We wanted time to play.
We talked about moving; not wanting to spend our entire adult lives living in KY. We could never commit to moving to any one place. How would we know if we would like it there? Life was sweet in KY what with world class rock climbing and miles of trails just an hour away.
Finally after years of indecision and some major life events we decided to throw away the compass and just go. So now we have our time, our move and a house all rolled into one. We’re traveling the continent, trying to see and enjoy as much as we can, while also test driving many destinations as potential new home towns.
Enjoy our blog. It is part travelogue part commentary on whatever interests us at the time. Just like our life the blog has little structure. Who knows what will pop up next?
If you want to give us a shout but aren’t cool with doing it through comments email us. jillandstevekmann@gmail.com
6 Comments
November 19, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Hey homies! im thinking about cross-country skiing this satruday in the Cranberry, and kayaking the Middle Gauley on sunday. i don thave your email…give me a holla!
Brandon
April 13, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Right on guys, we are so happy to have found likeminded spirits. Too bad we just crossed paths. Looking forward to following your blog. Meanwhile, come visit NuRVers.com, where all the cool, kooky, freespirited fulltime RVer kids hang out! See you there
May 30, 2009 at 6:41 am
Jill, how awesome it is to see what you and your beloved have been up to! I know that you are probably shocked to hear from me as it has been quite a while since we have seen each other…Earlier this evening, I walked with your mom at the “Relay for Life” venue. We had a very nice time and it was so great to catch up with her and hear about all that has been happening with you and Steve. I, in total curiosity (to be honest…), came home and looked up your blog 1st thing. TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!! That is all I can say!…After reading every post and looking at every picture, I am ready to buy a van, put Jay to work fixing it
, and set out on the open road. I would just have to add homeschooling into the mix of things…lol Not sure how that would go as Andy and I see differently on various subjects from time-to-time…Although I would imagine the lessons learned and experiences gathered from traveling would result in a very savvy 9 year old (not that he needs much help!).
Anyway, I wish you safe travels and please let me know when you are coming home…I would so love to see you! Also, I would love for you to meet Andy–he’s an awesome kid!!!
Sincerely,
Robetta
June 8, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Robetta, Great to hear from you! Wow! Will be in KY this fall, maybe we can catch up in person then.
September 5, 2009 at 1:06 am
Hey K-mann,
Long time no see. I envy you. Jeff shared the CNN video with me. What a fantastic adventure. With such a short life we all have, you my friend are living some glorious moments. Take care. New Zealand, WOW!!
Jason Boone
November 2, 2009 at 12:21 am
Jill,
I am pea green with envy! When you get back from New Zealand you’ll have to write a how-to book or give seminars. I feel like I’m serving a life sentence in a cubicle cell and have been itching to carve out a different life for myself. It seems you are the pioneer!
Have a great time.
-Amber