Hannah Rose Goes

2025. What a year. 10 states. 15 overnight trips – including a six week road trip. 56 different sleeping locations. 17 national parks/monuments. Countless day trips, hikes, and other adventures.

I spent the year exploring – both externally and internally. Who I am, and who I want to be.

I started the year in Hawaii, celebrating New Years and the last night of Hanukkah at an erupting volcano. I spent my birthday in a hot tub boat, which flooded with cold water and broke down in the middle of Lake Union, but it was still a blast. I played hooky and snuck off into the North Cascades for a day trip. I met up with my cousins in Southern California, and the 24 hours we spent together kept me going for the next couple of months. I went to a yarn store and speakeasy on Whidbey Island, where I got way too drunk and spent way too much money. 

I dragged some of my friends to a campground that had Really Good Moss and made them eat cake with me crouched around a tree stump. I bought an RV and started renovating it – and launched my YouTube channel! I chased the northern lights. I went to concerts. I sailed. I went paddleboarding. I drove my RV to San Francisco and back again. (I hated it!) I went on more camping trips. I went to the Washington Renaissance Faire. I got COVID. I backpacked in the Enchantments, where it was hot and smokey and we had to turn around a day early. I chased the sunrise at Mount Rainier. I hiked. I knit. I read. I baked. I went on a six and a half week road trip and visited 10 states and 14 national parks. I traveled and camped solo for the first time in my life.

And amidst all the traveling and adventuring were some of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. I quit my job. I got divorced. I moved from a house to an RV on my mom’s property. I went through one of the hardest years of my life. I mourned the life that I thought I would have. I figured out who would stand by me during my roughest days. Who would hold my hand as I was sobbing in the courthouse when I didn’t have the right copies, who would tell me to take a mental health day and drive me to the North Cascades to just stare at some mountains for a while. Who would hide an entire charcuterie board in a suitcase to surprise me at a hotel. And who showed up for me day in and day out when I was at my absolute worst.

Early in the year, I saw a quote that said, “I’m somewhere between my worst breakdown and the most powerful healing era.” And if that’s not my 2025 in a nutshell, I don’t know what is.

Life looks a heck of a lot different than it did at the end of last year. I wouldn’t say I’m any more settled, but I’m so much happier and more at peace with myself and my life. I’m ready for another year of adventure – but perhaps without quite as much personal turmoil this time around.