Our life has always been in motion.
We met on a train in New York City in the summer of 2001 — just 20 and 22 at the time. Thankfully, this was before smartphones, which meant we actually talked during that fateful ride. Since we were both new to the city, we started meeting up for lunch, which turned into daily picnics in Bryant Park (a subtle clue, even then, that we were nature lovers at heart). After work, we’d meet under the big board at Penn Station and ride home together.
Six months later, we were engaged. Two years later, married.
We tried following the life script — careers, routines, staying put — but a deep desire to experience the world kept tugging at us. Eventually, we listened.
Today, we’ve been married for over twenty years and we’ve built a life that’s uniquely ours. We run remote consulting businesses that keep us behind screens much of the day, but the freedom of working remotely means we can set up shop almost anywhere. In our free time, we explore the world — one trail, paddling route, or backroad at a time.
Since free time is precious, we’re always on the lookout for easy escapes — simple adventures with big rewards.
Reconnecting with nature (something we both loved as kids) has helped us rediscover our true nature as adults. It brings us joy, clarity, and a deeper connection to the life we’ve chosen. We created Found Outdoors to share that joy with you — in hopes it inspires you to unplug, head outside, and find what moves you.
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Hi Erika
I heard about your blog from John Zimmer (we are both members of the Geneva Writers Group).
I really admire your attitude to life and your blog is great!
I am a fellow ‘follow your dreams’ type who only recently took the plunge and gave up fulltime paid employment to spend a year in Italy!
If you’re interested, my blog tells humourous stories our our traumas…
http://cathscache.blogspot.com/
Cheers
Cath
My Dearest Erica!
I found myelf going through a rough patch in New York and decided to leave my last blog, Risks Romance and Redlipstick. I don’t know what came over me, it was a bit of everything I think- I became unsure, insecure, and a bit deppressed and I gave myself a break to get myself together. Then, I remembered your site and after spending a whole day reading- I decided to start a new blog. This new blog is called, Liliana Says…- and I would love to keep on following your site! Erica, your site truly has the power to change someones thoughts and feelings- it gives people HOPE!
I’m not sure what I did to follow you last time but I dont know how this time, can you help?
I hope all is well Erica! I cant wait to share your site with my friends here in New York!
Your Friend,
Liliana Leon
Yeii! I added you!!
Thank Erica!!! 
That’s great, Liliana! Glad I could help!
Thanks for your blog; I’m enjoying the positivity very much on this cold, snowy day.
Hi Mitchell,
Thanks for reading! I’m so glad to hear that Beyond the Gray was able to shine a ray of positivity through yesterday’s blizzard!
Erika
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Erika,
I grew up in Philadelphia and have cousins in Bethlehem – one of whom works at Lehigh.
Nice to *meet* you (again).
Amy
Hi Erika,
I work at AU’s College of Arts and Sciences and wanted to see if I could link to the piece you wrote about commencement. I really enjoyed reading it. Please email me when you have a chance at eschmidt@american.edu.
Thanks,
Emily
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Hi again Erika. I have been reading your blog about your time in Greece and you sound as if you really enjoyed it. I said that my favourite place was Delphi but of course there are so many more just as interesting such as, Santorini. It was a shame you did’nt get time to go to the Museum at Delphi I have some photo’s I took when we were there last year would you like me to send a couple to you. Incidently I admire your positive thinking, and doing the things you most love to do especially travel, thats if one gets the oportunities of course. I did just this and took the plunge by selling up my home and everything to move to Crete, this was at my retirement age,everyone of my friends thought I was nuts,but I do have a lovely partner John who was willing to do this with me.But now I have the urge to travel to other places,have been to Egypt and loved it. I would like to go and see Machu Pichu but worry that the journey is to long so may settle for Rome instead.
Hi again Rita,
It sounds like we are kindred spirits! I would cherish the opportunity to see your photos. I’ll send you an e-mail about it.
Congrats on taking the plunge and moving to Crete! I admire your courage.
Erika
Hi Erika, Just to say thankyou so much for publishing my story on Beyond the Gray. I will continue reading other stories on your blog. I will also let you know if I am lucky enough to have my book published.
You are doing a great job helping others to cope with their life with your positive advice.
Thanks for sharing your story, Rita!
Keep in touch,
Erika
Hi Erika. I’ve been lurking around your site and enjoying it. I would like to touch base with you about my upcoming book Big In China, which I think will be of interest. More info in an email. Can you possibly drop me a line?
Thanks.
Alan Paul, The Expat Life columnist, WSJ.com
Hi Alan,
Nice to meet you. I sent you an e-mail this afternoon.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Erika
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I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Hi Zilvinas,
Thanks for letting me know your thoughts about the design and layout of my blog. To answer your question, yes, I’ve been considering updating the design to help readers have a more meaninful connection here. I appreciate your suggestion about adding more photos and spacing. I will keep that in mind as I investigate my options.
Thanks again
Erika
Hi Ericka, I can’t believe it took me so long to follow your blog, but I truly enjoy it and I can see why you were picked as a finalist.
And I love that you have aspired to write and travel since you were young. I have had the writing and travel bug since I was little, dreaming about the places I could go and luckily I married a man who has the same traveling bug.
Keep up the writing!
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I’m so glad you found my blog and are enjoying what you’re reading here. Sounds like we have a lot in common!
Happy writing (and travels)!!
Erika