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Dear Reader,

I've got a couple of articles for you today. (Below.)

As for this episode of my life.

I am still busy simplifying my life. I've vowed not to take on any new projects. Warren Buffett is often quoted as saying that the difference between successful people and really successful people is that "really successful people say no to almost everything."

It's difficult to say no when you have an adventurous spirit. I want to soak up everything that life has to offer. And I have endless ideas. But I am experimenting with deleting two ideas for everyone I write down. That's a start.

And, somehow, I decided to revive an old idea. I am going to bring to life the first book (technically a manuscript) that I ever wrote. It was scheduled to be published until the publisher decided that travel stories by men didn't sell very well. I'm surprised they actually told me that. Back then, women accounted for about 80% of book sales.

It's going to be a prequel to Falling Uphill.

Here you can see the manuscript taped to the walls of my apartment. If you can't tell by the computer, this photo is super old. And I have no idea why I have a stuffed cat on top of it.

This book will be called "Destination Unknown" and will focus on finding my purpose in life. So, consider your appetite whetted.

Anyway, enjoy today's stories below.

Cheers,
Scott

PS. I probably won't be back in your email box until next year. So, happy holidays.

PPS. Oops, speaking of holidays, I almost forgot. Signed books make great gifts. And if you spend $50, you'll get free shipping. I only have a handful of some books left. Scott's Bookstore.

Cycling the heart of Africa

Five days in the jungle

For many years, I’ve followed the adventures of Pat & Cat Patterson—two people who rebuilt their lives through courage, curiosity, and a shared dream to see the world by bicycle. So it’s a genuine honor to welcome them as guest authors. Their journeys have inspired me again and again, and I’m grateful to share a part of their story with you.

Pat & Cat Patterson share five intense days from their around-the-world bicycle journey. They pedaled deep into the West African jungle, navigating broken bridges, river crossings, border guards, firestorms, and moments of generosity that turned strangers into friends. A raw look at adventure at its most human and unpredictable...

​Read the whole story and see lots of pics.
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The Unexpected Benefits of Travel

I’ve long avoided writing an article about my so-called lessons learned on the road. Top ten lists of life lessons are interesting, but one life lesson I learned is that there is a big difference between the concept and the emotional reality.

So rather than feed you a list of insurmountable lessons. Here is something a little different. I call it the unexpected benefits of travel. These are ideas to help you find your own life lessons. And, I hope you find these ideas inspiring enough to travel or, maybe, just look at your own everyday life and find some unexpected benefits there.

​Read the whole story.
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