Day 2 – #SoloRoadTrip: Coffee Chats, Customs, and Alpacas

27 Wednesday Aug 2025

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Business, community, friendship, SoloRoad, Travel, Uncategorized

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family, friendship, happiness, SoloRoadTrip

Today kicked off with something I’ve really been missing lately: in-person magic.

☕ Coffee in Calgary – And a Reminder to Show Up

Mirna and I hosted a fun CELS Coffee Chat this morning at The Ampersand in downtown Calgary. It was casual, intimate, and sparked all the right conversations! The turnout was exactly what Mirna and I had hoped for … thoughtful founders, curious ecosystem folks, and lots of energy around what’s next. It reminded me just how important it is to physically show up in-market. There’s something powerful about being face-to-face in the places where your community lives and works.

Even though it was just a casual meetup, the number of people asking “When’s the next one?” made me pause. Maybe it’s time to sprinkle in a few more IRL Canadian moments on the calendar. There’s clearly an appetite for connection. But until then … I’m grateful that Mirna can carry the torch and keep the conversations going!

🚐 On the Road Again – Highway Time and Border Nerves

After that, it was back on the road again. 🎶 A straight shot South from Calgary, through the prairies and into Montana. I didn’t make many stops … just a few gas stations and leg stretches along the way.

As I was approaching the Coutts border crossing, Paul Brandt’s Alberta Bound came on the radio. OMG, tears were choking me up! That song gets me every time, and I guess that could be the point.

And why is it that crossing the border always makes me a little nervous? I still find myself rehearsing if asked ‘anything to declare?’ … I’m ready to answer clearly and succinct … “um, a couple of apples, bananas and of course, a couple extra bottles of alcohol beyond the limit”. I don’t think I will actually say the “of course” part, but for those that know me, you know that of course I over index on alcohol. LOL But I was through in minutes after a stoic, but encouraging “welcome back!”. And like that, I was officially back in the U.S. of A!

As I headed into the U.S. though, I saw this familiar sign which always makes me smile. I know if my Mom were to see it, she’d say “YES, Joanne … “return to Canada!”. Oh how I love how much my Mom has never let up in 26 years on me returning to Canada to live. ♥️ 🏡

🦙 Tonight’s Stay: Alpacas and Solitude

I’m now cozied up at a beautiful alpaca farm in Montana, thanks to the Harvest Hosts app. Trooper is parked, the night is quiet, and it’s shaping up to be a perfectly restful evening — just what I needed. I’ll be reading shortly, reflecting, and soaking in the solitude. There’s something nourishing about being truly alone with your thoughts after a day of #windshieldtime, as my friend Jane calls it.

Aside from more #CarelessPeople audible and scrolling for reactions to the book over a “meal for champions” that consisted of a Costco frozen burrito and a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, that’s all for Day 2! Nothing wildly profound to say, but today felt good. Grounding. Peaceful. And tomorrow, the road calls again. 🚙

But, as I wrap this up I figure that I might as well end the evening with a little night cap … seeing I did successfully bring across this yummy bottle of whiskey into the country. 🥃

Day 4 – #SoloRoadTrip+1: Border Crossings, Backroads, and a Starlink Save

04 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Family, Inspiration, LifePlanning, Love, SoloRoad, Travel, Uncategorized

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We woke up this morning in the big field behind Birdsview Brewing, still feeling inspired from yesterday’s North Cascades views. Scott had a work call scheduled for the morning, so we were planning a Starbucks stop for Wi-Fi … but the universe had other plans. The call was canceled. 🙌🏼

That gave us a slow, lovely start to the day. I made Joanne’s Famous breakfast again (naturally), and we eventually hit the road northbound … headed “home”. 🏡

Of course, we did find a Starbucks along the way. Would it even be a road trip without one?

Just before hitting the border, we did a final purge of Trooper’s fridge. Out went anything questionable —because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you don’t mess around with fresh food at the border. #PreviousEdmontonExperience.

Crossing at Abbotsford was smooth and friendly. I handed over my Canadian passport (lesson learned years ago when I got scolded for presenting my U.S. one while entering Canada), and the officer simply asked about my U.S. status. I proudly told him I have a U.S. passport too, and he said, “Great, have a nice day.” That was it. No inspection. No questions. Just a kind welcome home.

One thing I love about these crossings are the back roads leading up to them. The small towns, the farmer’s fields, the cows and barns … it all feels so grounding, like a soft welcome mat at the edge of the country.

After we crossed into B.C., we joined Highway 5, also known as the Yellowhead Highway, and needed to find a spot for Scott to take a call. He wasn’t about to risk being on video in the back of a moving van again (lesson learned from Day 1). We pulled into a perfect roadside rest area … seemingly in the middle of nowhere …… and within minutes, I had Starlink up and running with excellent Wi-Fi. The universe provides.

Scott jumped on his call. I finished and posted my Day 3 blog. There was even a roadside restaurant at the stop, so I grabbed us some lunch since we had absolutely no food left after the border purge. It all worked out perfectly.

Back on the road, I popped on Audible – I caved and starting listening to Let Them. I don’t know that I really love Mel Robbins, but I do like the content and intention she has for making us move through life in a better, healthier way. In all honesty and being completely vulnerable here, Scott sometimes prefers to focus on his work and listen to his music over my rambling or future casting … and I’m learning to honor that (plus get something out of my solo time too!). Win-win. 😅

As we approached dusk, we were gifted the most beautiful pink and purple sky! We pulled Trooper and snapped some photos. Now THAT was worth waiting for!

A few other fun signs we saw along the way that made me smile, and proud to be a Canadian farmer’s daughter …

Just before 10pm we rolled into an RV site … Trooper’s (and ours!) very first campground stay. All our previous nights had been Harvest Hosts stops at breweries, orchards, and farm fields. But tonight, Trooper is plugged in like a proper van and we’ve got a few neighbors around.

More tomorrow… for now, we’re just soaking up this stillness, settling into Canada, and figuring out how to slow down a little so we’re ready to spend time with the ‘rents. Who, btw, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary today! I can’t wait to give my parents a long, big hug! We recorded an anniversary video and picked up the winning lotto ticket for my parents. 💰💰 What will we do with all the lotto winnings?!

🗺️ Day 4 at a glance

2 extra hours given to us (who doesn’t secretly love when work calls get cancelled!)
1 final fridge purge pre-border
1 Starbucks, obviously
1 proud dual passport moment 🇨🇦🇺🇸
1 Starlink hero moment
1 order of french fries AND gravy (one of my favorite food groups 🙂
1 audible, 1 working passenger
1 first-time RV park experience for Trooper

— Joanne (and Scott)

Day 3 – #SoloRoadTrip+1: Aqua Lakes, Last Day in the U.S., Border Contraband

03 Sunday Aug 2025

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Health & Exercise, Inspiration, LifePlanning, Love, SoloRoad, stress, Travel, Uncategorized

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Today was all about the North Cascades National Park, nestled up in northern Washington. We had hopes of getting up early and out the door, but let’s be real … we are on vacation and “all the things” take WAY more time than we expect. ⏰

We made a delicious breakfast (the Joanne Famous) 🍳 and took a few moments to soak in the peaceful orchard we had stayed at overnight. As part of the Harvest Hosts agreement, we stopped at the farm stand on our way out and picked up some cherries, tomatoes, and pickled green beans. But then we remembered we can’t take fresh produce across the Canadian border!! 😩 And our fridge? Still full. So, we spent the day looking up what is allowed and snacking on everything we could, doing our best to minimize border contraband. 😅

Then came the real adventure. ⛰️ We entered the North Cascades, winding our way through the mountain range, and our first stop was Washington Pass Overlook. And it was an expansive overlook with a long way down!!

Once my stomach made it back to where it belongs, we arrived at the Blue Lake Trail – a nearly 5-mile round-trip hike, which was beyond perfect. The trail was a dirt, single track trail, with a steady climb that resulted in 850ft of elevation gain and a beautiful reward at the top. Blue Lake was serene and quiet and the previous glacier still had snow nestled in several spots. We had a little snack up top, snapped some photos, and took in the views before heading back down. What goes up, thankfully, must come down!

What Scott and I always love about National Parks is the diversity of people you see out on the trails … grandparents, toddlers, families, couples, solo hikers, packs of girlfriends, groups of guys. It’s like a little outdoor community parade, and we both love seeing people from all parts of the world enjoying nature.

After the hike, we continued west across the park along Highway 20, stopping at one of the most breathtaking overlooks of the trip – Diablo Lake Vista Point. It was insanely windy, but the views … OMG – drop dead gorgeous. The turquoise water made us stop in our tracks. Scott wandered right up to the edge (as usual) while I stayed a healthy distance from the guardrails, my legs definitely get a little wobbly with that kind of height.

Farther along we took in the views of the Gorge Dam before hitting the small town of Newhalem and taking in a small hike at the Trail of the Cedars. Complete with a suspension bridge and tucked near a hydroelectric power plant, this small town had an early-1900s industrial-meets-wilderness vibe.

By early evening, we arrived at our next Harvest Hosts spot, a brewery right off Highway 20. We were a little too late to hit the taproom, but we parked in a big open field with plenty of space and fresh air. The sky was overcast, which made for great hiking weather earlier but didn’t offer much of a sunset. Still, it was peaceful and calm, and the perfect way to end a full day.

Todays’s highlights:

The hike to Blue Lake … peaceful, quiet, and absolutely stunning!
The aqua waters throughout the park nestled between towering peaks!
The family that asked Scott to take a picture at Diablo Lake Vista … and then another one … and then a family video!! I don’t know how he finagled his way out of a full blown producer role, but we ran into them again at the suspension bridge. The man practically accosted Scott … as Scott acted like he didn’t know the man. 🤣
That feeling of winding through majestic mountain terrain and Trooper’s first official National Park outing!

Trooper did great! The roads were twisty – had a few big drop offs and long stretches with high winds, so I definitely had some stomach-dropping moments … but Trooper handled it like a champ.

🗺️ Day 3 at a glance

1 farm stand stop, with at the silver lining being the ice cream purchase that is allowed to cross into 🇨🇦
1 final fridge cleanout mission – definitely a lesson learned
Many great conversation topics on our 5-mile hike to Blue Lake (much to Scott’s chagrin … yes I love to talk on hikes while Scott loves to “just enjoy the moment” LOL)
Several stunning National Park overlooks
1 suspension bridge as our final goodbye to the North Cascade Mountains!
1 closed brewery … but 1 quiet night with the beer we brought along 🍻
1 nervous stomach (the downside of the beautiful vistas)
1 peaceful, proud Trooper moment and first National Park visit complete!

Tomorrow is a big day — crossing into Canada 🇨🇦, just in time for a holiday. It’s “August Long Weekend”, which in Alberta is often referred to as Heritage Day. There’s a big annual festival in Edmonton this weekend to celebrate it so I hope my family and friends are enjoying the extra break from work. Except Quebec … funny enough, it’s not a holiday in Quebec. They celebrate some french guy later in August 🤣 so they still get a day off this month. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrates the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher and prophet. [In case anyone was curious.] 😊

And that’s a wrap of Day 3, SRT+1, 2025!

— Joanne (and Scott)

Day 4 #SoloRoadTrip – Reimagining

28 Sunday Jul 2024

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Uncategorized

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friends, happiness, SoloRoadTrip, woo-woo

The sun was shining but the day got even brighter immediately after I got a phone call from my good friend, and mentor, Dafne.

I heard all about her current travels and upcoming work event (break a leg, lady – it’s going to be GREAT!) and then the conversation turned to me and what’s going on in my world. And we had the best jam session ever. Well, it was actually like most of our jam sessions which are always “the best ever”. Her energy is infectious and one can’t help but feel amazing and empowered after a conversation with Dafne!

I was smiling the whole way to Calgary!

I picked up one of my sister’s favorite snacks as my Starbucks was long gone in no time and again, no Starbucks along the way. I found a few natural restrooms though so it was a more successful day in that regard! ha ha But no photos from those stops #Trish!

On this trip I had decided that I was going to look for a pink vehicle, as a sign from the Universe that I’m headed in the right direction.

Why a pink vehicle? Well, because one of the fun things that Dafne and I do together is pick a unique and random object to look for in our everyday lives and use it as a sign. For those readers that are not woo-woo, you are probably laughing out loud … but trust me. This law of attraction stuff works! I saw a car first and then this truck! Luckily we were on a hill so I had enough time to take a snap. How fun!!

Something else fun along the way was hearing this song on the radio – #albertagirl – and listening to this podcast, which I learned a few tricks on how to stop the ‘bingo balls’ that run through your head, as my Mom likes to say – #alwaysgrowing.

I ended the evening at one of my favorite Canadian restaurants. I know I know … it’s not super creative but I LOVE their chicken wings! I got a booth with an electrical plug (not an easy task but the hostess was gracious enough to seek one out for me) … I had 2 minutes to place my happy hour order (can you guess what it was?) 🍷

And then I dove into this book which I have been listening to but decided I ALSO needed it in the physical form. And wouldn’t you know it, there was an Indigo Books in the same shopping area as the Earls. Thank you, Universe.

Tomorrow holds a few meetings and then on the road 🚗 for my final day. The easiest of them all with a quick 3-hour drive to my parents. See you soon, Mom and Dad!

Day 2 #SoloRoadTrip – Picture Perfect View

26 Friday Jul 2024

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in friendship, Life's Lessons, Organization, Travel, Uncategorized

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friends, happiness, SoloRoadTrip, truth

I’m going to start with the end because the view from my friend’s place is out of this world. I walked in and saw a beautifully set dinner table, complete with wine glass and fresh flowers. And then I turned around and saw the view and said out loud – holy f*&^! WOW #stunning. Tyler said, yeah, that is how most people react. And I’m like, no shit. #Breathtaking.

So now, back to the beginning of the day.

It started off cold in Crescent City this morning. So cold I had to turn my seat warmer on for the first part of my drive! I winded my way through the last miles of California, through majestic forest and a single lane road. I had planned to start my day with some work calls but nature said ‘not yet, Joanne’. So I breathed it all in and enjoyed every moment before I hit the interstate.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got onto Interstate 5 that I still had beautiful mountains and farmer’s fields on either side of the road for what was probably at least 100 miles. I was whizzing along at 75 mph and there was no place to stop for a quick photo so you’ll have to believe me. 😆

Internet found me in time to salvage a few work calls. Of note was my call with Lee-Anne, a founder who participated in Pathway in 2023, my signature program in San Francisco for female founders. Back then, Lee-Anne had eagerly absorbed the lessons shared by the program mentors and investors, and I knew Lee-Ann was someone that had the grit, determination, and grace, to make it big with her idea. And today was the chance for me to catch up and hear an update.

Lee-Anne spoke with such confidence and ease that I smiled more brightly with each element of the business she updated me on. I always love it when I meet a founder that I know I am going to be able to say “I knew her when …”. And I will undoubtedly say that about Lee-Anne.

When we talked about the growth she’s experiencing, mixed in with the daily grind and relentless determination needed to succeed, Lee-Anne embraced both sides of table. “When fear and opportunity hold hands” she said, referring to the incredible excitement and challenges that comes with realizing our dreams.

I’m going to hold that saying close to me. It’s a good reminder that on any giving day, life gives us “yes, and” responses to our prayers.

I ran into brutal traffic along the 5 as I headed East to my friend’s place. The extra 45 minutes wasn’t in my calculations and well, let’s just say I was keeping well hydrated. Turns out the Oregoneans are pretty fussy about the use of their public restrooms. Took 3 stops to find a place I could duck into the washroom unnoticed and not feel the pressure to be a patron. But then again, it was a Starbucks so you know, I indulged and supported … as a token of my appreciation. 🙂

I finally made it to my friends and as you already read in my opening paragraph, their view is stunning. It threw me off balance when I took my first steps into their home. I enveloped the breathtaking view just steps away. Ahhhh …. now I know why you moved to Seattle, Pavan. Well done, my friend. Well done.

Tyler cooked a meal for kings and queens, complete with wine (and more wine) and then some ice cream. The three of us had fun catching up on work, life, and more work. I remembered back to the first time I met Pavan at the Vault in San Francisco when she first arrived on the SF scene. We became instant friends, but then again, if you meet Pavan, you can’t help but create that category together. Her curiosity, matched with her generosity, makes her one pretty amazing human.

While we didn’t solve all of the world’s problems tonight … we did have some really good laughs at how similar our leadership style is and that we recognize the “bar” we set in our own businesses. And no, not that bar.

My eyes are heavy bc it’s much later than the time I set for this to be published. So, until tomorrow. Good night from Seattle. area. ish.

Day 1 #SoloRoadTrip – California Coast

25 Thursday Jul 2024

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#WindshieldTime. It never disappoints.

I started the day with a workout. Vowing “this time” be more active, not only when I am in Edmonton for a few weeks, but also while on the road. I’m saying it out loud here so that my accountability partners keep me honest. 💪

After that I said goodbyes to two loves in my life. I was able to get Torrie in for a quick photo before I took off. She’s very camera shy. 🐾

For those that live in San Francisco or know its weather patterns, these 3 images of the Golden Gate Bridge depict our infamous “micro climates”. The images were taken at the beginning, middle and end of the bridge. All in 1.7 miles (2.7 Km). Wow! And don’t worry, Mom & Dad and Scott, I was going very slow and being very safe when I snapped those photos. 😎 📷

I started listening to my friend Jane’s new book, coming out in September. I’m hono(u)red to be part of her “Launch Squad” and to receive an advance copy of the book (and audiobook). I’ve known Jane for over a decade and we’ve had 100’s of o’dark hundred morning runs together. Over the years she’s opened up about being a sibling sexual abuse (SSA) survivor and all of us in the running gang have been on the journey with her as she’s become an advocate for SSA. I encourage everyone to watch her TEDx talk, which I and a few other close friends of Jane, was privileged enough to attend and support her reaching that major milestone. And I see you’re at 650K views, Jane – wow – amazing!

“I Feel Real Guilty” is Jane’s memoir and I encourage everyone to follow Jane and share her story with family, friends and colleagues, because SSA is something that is not talked about or understood. Thank you for being so brave, Jane, and for writing with such vulnerability. I’m blown away by your journey.

Meanwhile, it was hard to pay attention to the road when the California coastline is so absolutely stunning. I did this route back in 2019 for my inaugural #SoloRoadTrip and the beauty doesn’t get old.

Along the way, not only did the forest and coastline tempt me to stop for photos, so did the wineries and the rustic little shops! #Wine and #MeatShop. Next time I have to plan more time in my trip for much longer random stops! 🍕 🍷

And then I was reminded that some things are not as they seem.

This looked like a cool old hotel but when I took the turn off the highway to take a snap, well, it looks like the Thatcher Hotel has seen better days!

The temperatures were high today! Mostly between 32C (89F) and 39C (102F). But I kept well hydrated. A few Gatorade Zeros. Okay, plus two Starbucks Chai Lattes #myfav! and copious amounts of water. So yeah, frequent stops were in order. I balanced some healthy eating 🍏 (an apple a day keeps the doctor away!) with a little candy (Cheetos Flaming Hot is my fav! The ones that make your fingers turn orange. Yum!)

Grateful to have the chance to take this time off and appreciate my team for having my back and holding down the fort. Thank you Kennedy, Lydia and Funmbi! You guys rock!

I drove into my destination with the sun setting along the water. A little cooler at the coast but a welcome relief after a hot day.

And now … my evening gratitudes followed by The Thursday Murder Club. While not all folks in my book club liked it, or even finished it, I loved it (after the first few chapters) and am into book #3. So I highly recommend! And it’s coming to the big screen so Thida, you’re on for a Watch Party!

#SoloRoadTrip 2024 🚗 🇨🇦

24 Wednesday Jul 2024

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happiness, SoloRoadTrip

It’s that time of year again. The time when I embark on my #SoloRoadTrip and I.cannot.wait!

I truly love windshield time as my friend Jane calls it!

A friend asked me “how will you use all the alone time?” … and what is so beautiful about this time on the road is that yeah I have my “books on tape” (ha, showing my age!) … and I’ve got some friends that I look forward to catching up with … of course I’ll take a few work calls … and there is always SiriusXM and the Highway, nevermind the endless list of podcasts of course. But mostly I’m interested in just driving solo and likely being in silence a lot.

I pray that no wildfires spring up along my route, and I’m praying for all of the people that have had to evacuate in Jasper, and all those impacted in other parts of Canada or the US. #StaySafe everyone.

So in total the SRT 2024 will look something like this:

5 days
4 nights
1,800 miles (2,900 km)
1 hotel night
3 couches I will surf (thank you friends!)
1 must read/listen to audio book
30 hours of priceless time alone
and for those that know me well, a few glasses of 🍷🍷

I look forward to sharing my journey!

🚗 🇨🇦

Thanks to my running gang for hanging with me today. My body will appreciate the movement before I start my journey tomorrow!

Wicked Lucky

29 Thursday Jun 2023

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happiness, RoadTrip

A lot has happened since my last post in August 2021. And thankfully, a lot of good things that I am very excited to share!!

But since it’s been soooooo long since I last wrote, I feel like there needs to be a bridge between August 2021 and July 2023 … and so that bridge is this post.

I saw a shirt the other day that said “Wicked Lucky” and I thought, that’s exactly how I feel!

It also represents a lot of the good things that have transpired in the last few years, so it definitely feels like an appropriate title for today’s post.

I promise I will fill in the blanks on why I feel so wicked lucky, but over time, because right now I am embarking on another Road Trip …. so it only seems fitting that I jump back into my Being Superwoman blog to document it!

This Road Trip isn’t solo though (although you will still see more #SoloRoadTrip from me in the future). This one involves one person in-particular that you’ll see throughout. Spoiler alert. He’s my wicked lucky. 🙂

In other news, it feels good to be back writing. Or well, planning to be back to writing. Although I have, like 3 followers, the point of this blog has always been about the joy that it brings me. Getting out my frustrations or sadness – or documenting some of the simple things that keep me grounded and bring me joy. Like wine and whiskey. Or writing about my wine and whiskey. 🙂

So I’m excited to be back! It’s definitely wicked cool!

wick-ed
In slang wicked means perfect or excellent. Typically used as an exclamation, and used more often in British English than in the American one. In New England, the term is used as a substitution for “really” or “very”.

#SoloRoadTrip – Final Day

28 Wednesday Jul 2021

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family, friends, SoloRoadTrip

Almost home …

And …. I have arrived! My Dad was sitting outside relaxing on the bench after mowing the lawn .. just waiting for me to arrive 😆🚙.

Mom, Dad and Trish — thanks for being there with me every morning, noon and night. I am happy to be home! #SoloRoadTrip

Final Video post ..

13 Days
2 Hotel Stops, 2 Sofas and 3 Friend’s Extra Beds (Thx again Beth, Mike, Courtney, Sean & Tania and June & Jordan!)
6 States – California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana
1 Province – Alberta
20 Podcasts
1 Music Station
Starting Mileage – 57,582
Ending Mileage – 60,244
Total Miles – 2,662

Solo #WindshieldTime … Priceless