Rachel Harris

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Rachel Harris

22 • 4/7 continents • 4 years nomadic
Mexico -> Alaska with my rescue pup
(4)

30/03/2023

Adventures in my rumpl 💛

I have been really struggling to keep warm this winter, having my rumpl blanket with me has been a game changer keeping me cozy! At night I hang it across the door of my camper to keep my home more insulated! I love that it clips around my neck too and I can literally walk around in my blanket😇

I’m so ready for some warmer weather, Fado and I have been in the desert but have been caught in snow, hail, and wind storms as well as lots of rain. Hoping for better weather soon🌞

27/03/2023

life is ever changing but I can always find a constant and comfort in your love 🤍

Since the day I brought fado home from the shelter, we’ve been inseparable. Fado keeps me grounded, but not too grounded. Everyday he inspires me to live life fully, to be present and excited for each day. I truly believe we are so deeply connected, he will follow me anywhere. Fado puts a smile on my face every day. He’s truly the best friend I could ask for. All of the sacrifices that comes with the responsibility of having a dog is so worth it.

26/03/2023

sunsets, views & ✨

I am so passionate about what I do, and I love creating and sharing on here. My main passion is not to inspire others that they need to lose all of their belongings and live minimally and free on the road to be happy - I mean I’m all for that but it’s definitely not for everyone -

What drives me is my hope that I am inspiring others to be bold, to chase their dreams fearlessly and to be unapologetically themselves.

I love the challenges and difficulties of living on the road, I love being scared, accepting my fears but continuing anyways, I love being alone and having to lean on myself during any obstacles.

The road has taught me so much. I feel so strong, in so many ways. I feel capable of anything. I know I am, and you are too.

This is a quote I absolutely live by, and I’m sure I’ve shared it multiple times but I want you to read it and really think about it.

"I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

18/03/2023

As long as you’re with me I can’t get lost ♡

As much as I loved my experience traveling Mexico with my friends, I love my solitude and I am excited to be back on the road just Fado & I

We’ve been spending quiet time in the desert the last few days. Going on long walks, exploring, watching the sunset.. I’ve been reading, journaling, playing music.. really enjoying the quiet.

Also trying to stay warm, it’s chilly hear in the desert, thankfully my new camper has a heater, which is literally a game changer. I am so ready for it to be summer🌞🌞🌞

14/03/2023

I don’t want to go,
But it’s time to leave

Mexico was such a hard goodbye. At the beginning of this trip I was nervous and scared for the uncertainty that was to come, even in my head I knew it was going to work out I still had to fight my nerves to begin this journey, and I am so glad I did. My experience in Mexico was completely magical.

1,000 miles of my 5,000 mile journey to Alaska is completed, the journey goes on ✨

08/03/2023

women need to know they are brave, strong, and capable of doing what they imagine.

I am so happy I found it in myself to find the courage to live the life I craved so intensely. Coming from a conservative, rural North Carolina town, it seemed being strong and independent was discouraged, and when I first started solo traveling, I was told I was dumb and naive, I didn’t care though, I knew I wanted more.

My last 4 years have only been huge rollercoasters of instability, adventure, mistakes and freedom - and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

I love the challenges of my lifestyle, I love the uncertainty of the road. It’s boring to do something you know you can do. When I am overwhelmed or scared, I remind myself this: I am brave, I am strong and I am resilient.

Happy international women’s day 💛🌈🌿🌸

05/03/2023

sunshine, whale watching, good vibes & 🌞

For the last few days and I have been driving across Baja. It’s been such a sweet time filled with sun soaking, ocean swims, meaningful conversation, dance parties, playing with our dogs, sunset dates & cooking amazing meals together.

I knew Baja was going to be an amazing experience for me but I had no idea I was going to gain a new best friend. I love you Val💛

03/03/2023

Utah is calling…🌝🌿💫

My time in Mexico is coming to an end, it’s a long road to Alaska!

This month I’ll be slowly making my way to Utah, 1500 miles away… I don’t mind long drives. I always jam to music, call friends or listen to podcasts. My favorite podcast is . My favorite episode is when she interviews , the author of the alchemist. It’s two episodes and I really recommend listening to it. 🦋

25/02/2023

tomorrow I’ll be 22 🌙

I’m currently living in my truck camper in Mexico making an income as a photographer.

At 21 I was just divorced, fresh out of college, living on my friends couch working as a waitress.

At 20 I was living in Brazil with my partner and our two dogs in a house we built from scratch on a big plot of land in a national park doing my Biology degree online.

At 19 I was backpacking Europe and Africa when I decided to move to rural Brazil to work in a hostel.

Paulo Coelho, the author of The Alchemist, said the biggest lie is that you loose control of your life. I want to remind you that you’re the one writing your story, you’re in charge of creating the life you want and you are capable of everything you dream about so chase it relentlessly 💛

13/02/2023

If I loved you… p.1

If I loved you, I would first take you to my state, I would show you how powerful watching the sun come up from the ocean can be.
If I loved you, I would take you to the island I fell in love with at 16. The island my sister and I arrived with no plans, hitchhiked the way around, where I found my passion for adventure, and love for the unknown. Where I would return many times alone, and have an experience I didn’t even know it was spiritual.
If I loved you, I would take you to Africa. I want you to look in the eyes of a wild lion and have the same life-changing experience I had at 18.
If I loved you, I would show you Brazil. First I would show you where my family came from in the north, and then I would take you to the majestic South. If I really loved you, I would take you to the most special place in the world. Nestled in the mountains, my town, where I once fell in love. I would show you the tallest waterfall you have ever seen in your life, and tell you stories on how I used to bring tourist here. I would take you to the swimming hole I would go daily with my dogs to be naked and free in the mountain water. I would take you to the market where we would buy fresh fruits, handmade, art, and dance in the square.
if I truly loved you, I would show you these places not because they are places to check off a list, but because they are the core of my soul. Where I have left pieces of my heart and places I carry with me everywhere I go.

28/01/2023

the synonym for solitude is clarity

my time in the pnw this summer was one of the most reformative moments in my life. It was the beginning of August, I had spent June and July hopping from one friend to the other - I have a pattern of just drifting in and out of places. I drove from Texas to Utah, to Arizona and made my way from Southern California up north. After NorCal I had no friends in my path, little money saved and zero plans. I left Tahoe anyways and went onto Oregon.
I spent three weeks there, three very alone weeks. I wasn’t lonely though, in fact it was one of the happiest times of my life. I swam nearly everyday, I took long walks, played guitar and spent so much time in the woods.
How much time have you spend alone with your thoughts? When was the last time you did something you enjoy alone? I believe strongly community and friendships is the most valuable thing you can have, really, but I also believe many people don’t know who they really are, they’re just a reflection of their environment. Do you know who you are without the comfort of your friend group, your job, wherever you’re most comfortable. Who would you be if you were taken out of the familiar?

17/01/2023

who could’ve known how colorful the desert can be 🌞

11/01/2023

there is no love like a dogs love💛🌿💫

I rescued Fado from a shelter when he was just a puppy. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. We moved into my car when he was 4 months old, the beginning was a journey in itself, adjusting to our new life. Fast forward a year and a half later, I feel Fado & I’s connection is unexplainable, we’re so in sync. Partners for life 💕

07/01/2023

there's a language between flowers and sunlight that I think we all should speak to each other. 🌿

Feeling extra gratitude for the new year, my community, my plans & goals and just life in general :)

I often get asked if I get lonely living on the road. Genuinely I have never had this much community in my whole entire life then the way I do now. I try to put a lot of effort into my friendships. One of the ways I maintain this while living on the road is having a call list. I have friends that I call multiple times a week, once a week or once or twice a month. It is literally once of my biggest hacks for full time solo travel.

this is me telling you to go on a long walk and call your friends 😚

30/12/2022

Cheers to the New Year, for having big dreams and chasing them relentlessly 💫

This is a little slide of my story since I finished high school 3 years ago. I never imagined my life to turn out the way it has and I still have no idea where I am going - and that’s okay by me :-)

This last year was a lot of healing & redefining myself. This next year I look forward to continuing this new life I’ve made for myself 🌞

25/12/2022

wherever you are, whatever you’re celebrating, appreciate it.

My uncle told me this quote that I thought he came up with but apparently it’s from kung fu panda…

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."

Merry Christmas friends 💫

21/12/2022

questions I get asked about traveling with my pup 🌙

how did I off leash train?
I did all I could in terms of off leash training Fado by myself. I started positive reinforcing his recall as soon as I brought him home and was extremely consistent with it. Once he got older and more confident, his prey drive became super strong and I could not trust his recall. So I had him professionally off leash trained with . Now I trust him in almost any scenario off leash.

how do I leave him in the car safely?
Fado and I have been living in the car since he’s 4 months old. The car to him is home & a safe space, so when I leave him in the car he doesn’t get anxious. These are the general rules I follow for leaving him in the car; if the weather is 75+, I leave the car running with the AC on, or I park in the shade with windows down if it’s not too hot. If it’s under 75 he’s okay with the windows down. Fado is a husky so there isn’t a temperature that’s “too cold”, in Colorado he’d literally burry himself in snow and sleep lol. Plus he can cuddle up in bed. I always leave him with water as well. If it’s an urban area or I know ill be gone for more than a bit, sometimes I’ll leave a note on the dash with my number.

how do I find dog friendly places on the road?
I use for dog friendly hotels, to find dog friendly trails, and when I have to do something I can’t bring him with, I use to find a trusted sitter

what are some necessities for traveling with a dog?
I always have pet wipes and a designated towel for wiping Fado off. I keep treats handy always. I have a long lead & harness for when he can’t be off leash, I have tags on all his collars and harnesses. I have pet insurance for him and I make sure he always gets his proper check up’s and up to date on shots!

And for those of you who were asking, Fado is an almost 2 year old husky mix. He is trained in Portuguese, his name is a type of music genre really popular in Portugal :) he’s a sweet boy, really energetic, always down for any adventure, loves swimming and running, he can literally climb like a mountain goat. He’s the best adventure partner I could ask for.

18/12/2022

happiest outside 🌿

one of my favorite podcasts is Oprah’s podcast, . I like to go on really long walks and listen to this podcast, I always right down things that’s resonates with me.

“unused creativity is not benign”

I believe being able to be creative in some kind of way is vital for the human experience.

I grew up playing piano since I was 8 and I went on to learn guitar, harmonica & ukulele. Playing music as a kid was so important for my mental health and it is now. Somehow I’ve managed to fit my guitar in my car this whole time haha, but it’s such a vital creative outlet to me.

Photography has become another important creative outlet for me. I never used to think of photography as a form of art but it truly is. This year especially I’ve met so many talented creators who have taught me so much and inspired me immensely. 💫

go get creative in whatever way feels right :)

16/12/2022

I have some rules on living life

Be kind to people always, even if there is no reason to be.

leave places better than you found it (people too)

you can learn something from everyone.

if you have a positive thought, say it out loud. tell a stranger they look lovely today and tell your friend you are proud of them

be unapologetically yourself and protect your peace

you’re not better than anyone and nobody else is better than you

be humble & listen more

lastly is dream big. this one is kind of new to me, this year I have met so many incredible humans who have inspired me to dream big and chase it relentlessly. so I am encouraging you to do the same :)

11/12/2022

have you seen my website?

this summer I designed my site, sunnyvibesonly.com where I have my blog, prints & art for sale, you should check it out if you want :)

these photos are the prints I have for sale!

link in bio

07/12/2022

chasing my dream, following my happiness

That’s the most accurate answer I can give to anyone who asks me the question “why do you live in your car”

I have a lot of big dreams and aspirations for my life, they change often. Living in my car has been the way I’ve been able to live free, explore with little limitations, and go wherever feels right. It’s a privilege to live so freely and I am so grateful for it.

I always dreamed of running away, following the sun, not looking back. It’s my definition of chasing my own happiness. Note that I said my own happiness, not what happiness looks like to somebody else. Spending most of my time in nature with my dog in peace and solitude is just bliss.

So yeah, I might live in a little box, but the world is my backyard, so it’s worth it 🌞

Address

Website

https://withkoji.com/@sunnrayy

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