Nivaun and Deborah
Deborah and Nivaun have been journeying together since 1993. Backpacking, Bikepacking, and Packrafting have been the usual modes of exploration.
In 2010 we began plans to retire early and cycle tour the world. We sold our house and setup an off-grid cabin on land as a basecamp. Setup our Salsa Mukluk fatbikes to tour with. By 2017 we were riding shorter tours around home.
After family responsibilities were completed, we were free to roam the planet in 2023 and began our journey in Fairbanks Alaska. In November of the same year we arrived in Melbourne Australia with a one year visa. Our first time off the North American continent.
Nivaun aka “Longway”
My trail name is “Longway”. I am a retired photographer and sold my Kingston Washington bicycle shop, Perpetual Cycle, around 2007.
Most memorable outings…
8 months exploring Katmai National Park
Crossing the Arctic and Brooks Range
Living and exploring the Chugach on the Kenai Peninsula.
Having the Olympic National Forest/Park as a backyard.
Hiking the Bailey Range Traverse.
The PCT
Bikepacking the Pacific Coast with Deborah and Jessica.
6 months cycling around Tasmania
Deborah aka “Bunny”
On April 1993 Deborah arrived at the bike shop I was working at to surprise me in an Easter Bunny costume. We’ve been together ever since. Our official marriage date is April 1st.
I often get accused making Deborah live in off grid cabin, take her on wild biking and hiking adventure, and enduring harsh weather. The reality is that she enjoys it and everything we do is always a mutual decision. This has made all our outings a wonderful adventure that strengthens our relationship.
Most memorable outings…
The Bailey Range Traverse
Hiking the Olympic National Park/Forest
Riding the Pacific Coast Route
Skiing in Alaska
Trips to Lake Crescent Lodge in Roosevelt Cabins
Childhood family trips to Bend, Oregon
3 Sprint Triathlons
Family road trip across the US with Nivaun, Jessica and Edison.
6 months cycling around Tasmania.
Edison and Jessica
The only kids me and Deborah had were two Australian Shepherds name Edison and Jessica. Edison was born April 9, 2000 and would change our lives, even save our marriage. When he passed away on November 13, 2012 he left Jessica with some huge paws to fill and all of us struggling to cope with our loss.
Our sweet little girl Jessica was a comfort for us and she did incredibly well. Her brother Edison would be proud. Her heart would not allow her to run as she did when younger so I converted a Burley Trailer for her to ride in. For her last big adventure Deborah and I rode her down the Oregon / California coast.
Jessica was born December 31, 2002. She passed away on April 22, 2016.
We miss both you…
Memorial to Edison - originally published December 7, 2014
On November of 2011...
we lost the single most important sentient being to enter our family, an Australian Shepherd named Edison. He never left my side. Going to work with me every day, backpacking every wilderness he was allowed to, and saving our marriage. Deborah and I are only now realizing many of the subtle things he must have been trying to tell us.
Dear Edison,
This is the third year since your passing and for those that say time heals everything - They are wrong. Your last breathe floating away is still just as painful today as it always has been.
The day was spent listening to Coldplay, sitting in your grass, and a road trip to Lake Crescent. We toasted you with a bottle of Alaskan Perseverance Ale which we have saved for only this occasion. Only six bottles left.
Last June we purchased five acres with a kit cabin on it and have called it "OLUS" which stands for, Our Lighten Up Spot. Because your AKC name was Lighten-Up and you had a spot on your head the shape of a diamond. You continue to be a large part of our lives.
Jessica misses you. She still will not use your window in the truck. She always used it when you were here and we had to make her give it back to you. But now, she won't use it. She is doing her best to fill your paws. You taught her well and she is doing a job that would make you proud.
Your mom and I miss you...
_dad
In 2012 I wrote a memorial called "Our Little "B"...".
Below is the post.
Dear Edison,
Yesterday your mom and I cried. The sky was blue and the scent of freshly cut grass was mixed with apple blossoms. Birds were singing and rabbits played in the yard. You’re mom made another wonderful breakfast that was enjoyed on the deck. Everything was perfect except for one thing…you were not here. The absence of your bark breaking the silence was too much for us, all that we could do was cry. Jessica tries very hard to fill your paws as well as hers. You are just too difficult of an act to follow.
Watching your last two breathes float away and feeling the weight as you relaxed into my hands haunts me everyday. I almost wish I wasn’t there but you were always by my side when I needed a friend.
Every journal, every blog I write begins with, “Dear Edison,” in honor of all you taught me and the person you have helped me become. You kept this family together, helped me control my anger, and taught me that a heart is large enough to unconditionally love everyone as long as they were not wearing a long black coat. Still not sure what you had against those coats.
I’m sure Jessica misses you. She avoids your window of the truck, the one both of you used to fight for. In spite of her always bossing you around, you were the big brother she looked to for direction. We had no idea how much until you left.
I could go on and on but thought that I would let the thousand words of photos finish the story. Sorry that some of the photos are bad but I really wanted it to look like a family photo album full of snapshots.
I love and miss you Edison…and I hope you are resting in peace.
_dad