I keep hearing that 2016 was an awful year, and yes there were some terrible things that happened, for sure. But there were also a lot of GOOD things. For us, 2016 was nothing short of amazing. Why? I’ll give you a few highlights:

1. VISITORS. We had a slew of wonderful friends and family stay with us at Casa Seymour in Costa Rica, they were all so much fun to have.  Debi & Pam (along with Lynette & Mark who visited that day), Yeison & Samantha (My Tan Feet), Linda (and son Ben, not pictured), and her friend Mona from Sweden, Greg’s mom Shirley and her friend Kay, and our friend Christina (also our landlord!):
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2. BOOKS. Greg published his 2nd book Costa Rica Curious, and I published my 3rd & 4th books Life Outside the Cubicle and Grecia, Costa Rica:
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3. THE AT. We made the (huge) decision to attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (2017), and started planning our life accordingly.
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4. INTERNATIONAL LIVING. Greg had a great year writing and working for International Living Costa Rica, and gave a talk in front of 350 people at the conference held in San Jose in September (see him on the stage? He was incredible!).
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5. COSTA RICA. We had TONS of amazing hikes and sunsets in Costa Rica:
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6. FRIENDS. We had several great visits with our friends Michael & Mike at their amazing property in Cachí AND we helped Mike with his first cheese party at Casa Seymour!
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7. ARM CANDY. It was a banner year for my arm candy business – Costa Rica Chica Arm Candy (this year introduced foot candy, majhong candy, HIKE/AT candy, book candy, eye glass holder candy & diffuser arm candy).
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8. NEW FRIENDS.  We made some awesome new friends, Mike & Martina. Here we are at our favorite Mexican place in Costa Rica, Jalapeño’s, with Norm in his kitchen. (PS – he makes the best margarta’s! If you are in Costa Rica and haven’t tried his place – try it pronto!)
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9. GRECIA. We left Grecia with full hearts and memories that will last us forever:
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10. FRIENDS. Our friends Irina & Jim, who lived just down the hill from us in Grecia, had a beautiful going away party for us:
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11. WISCONSIN. After arriving in Wisconsin in October, we did a fabulous “gear test hike trip” at Devil’s Lake State Park (blog post coming on this shortly!):
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12. THRU-HIKERS. We met some real thru-hikers! She is from my hometown of Wisconsin Rapids, believe it or not!  Was so cool to chat with them when they took a weekend off the trail.  Their trail names are Yardsale (her) and Cardinal (him).
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13. MOM. Hanging with my mom in Wisconsin has been the best. Thankful for her and happy to be spending time here with her until we start the AT in March.
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So – here’s to 2016!  And here’s to the new year of 2017, bring it on!  Happy New Year to all our friends and families.  Happy Trails! — Jen & Greg
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