Is That Deductible? Exploring National Parks Out West With My Wife
Oct 21, 2024
As I step into this new phase of semi-retirement, Ellen and I have embraced the freedom to explore the breathtaking landscapes and serene wilderness that the United States has to offer. We’ve crafted an “adventure list” detailing our exploration plans over the next decade. Central to this list is a goal we’re both passionate about: visiting all of the national parks in the U.S.
Read More Here:
A Week in John Day, Oregon
Currently, I’m doing locums in John Day, Oregon—a charming small town surrounded by stunning landscapes. Knowing we had a non-working week ahead, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to tick off a few national parks from our adventure list. Initially, we contemplated renting a sprinter van or an RV for our travels. However, after some reflections on our preferences as non-campers, we decided that a more enjoyable approach would be to stay in cozy Airbnbs near each park, ensuring we had comfortable beds, internet access, and the chance for some unique experiences.
The weather during our week of exploration was simply perfect—temperatures hovered around 70 degrees with cloudless skies, setting the stage for our outdoor adventures.
Crater Lake National Park
Our first destination was Crater Lake National Park, a jewel in the Oregon landscape. After settling into our Airbnb, a charming loft in a converted barn, we set out to explore the park. The drive around the Crater Lake Rim was nothing short of spectacular. The views of the azure lake, formed in the caldera of a collapsed volcano, were mesmerizing. The vibrant blue water is so striking that it almost doesn’t look real, framed by steep cliffs and lush forest.
We parked at various lookout points along the rim, stepping out to snap photos and soak in the serene atmosphere. There’s something incredibly humbling about standing on the edge of such a natural wonder. After taking in the sights, we laced up our hiking boots and set off on a various scenic hikes around the park. The tranquility of the setting made every step feel special, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature.
A highlight of our Crater Lake adventure was white water kayaking down the Rogue River. The thrill of navigating through rapids and the exhilarating rush of the cool water added an extra layer of excitement to our trip. With the sound of rushing water and the thrill of adventure all around us, it was the perfect way to kick off our national park exploration. We encountered lots of wildlife and even saw a few salmon jump out of the water in search of bugs to eat!
Redwoods National Park
Next, we made our way to Redwoods National Park, where we were eager to immerse ourselves in the majestic towering trees that have been around for thousands of years. Our Airbnb for this leg of the trip was an old Airstream camper nestled in an isolated redwood forest, and it quickly became our favorite stay.
The experience of camping without the hassle of traditional setup was delightful. We enjoyed campfires under a starlit sky, grilling our dinners, and feeling isolated among the towering redwoods—all while relishing the comforts of glamping. The ambiance and the old trailer allowed for some reflective reminiscing about our fathers, who both spent their lives working in the trailer manufacturing industry.
As we explored the various redwood groves, including the Grove of the Giants, we were in awe of the ancient trees’ grandeur. Walking among these giants, we felt a deep connection to nature. Each grove had its unique charm, and we took time to enjoy short hikes through them, marveling at the intricate ecosystems that thrived beneath their canopies.
We also spent some time in Eureka, California, enjoying the historic downtown filled with bookstores and treasure shops. We found some old books, and I relished the two bowling shirts I didn't know I needed. Their emotional connection to my late father, who bowled in a league for years, made them a great souvenir!
Lassen Volcanic National Park
The final park on our journey was Lassen Volcanic National Park. We found a quaint horse farmhouse nearby that offered us a cozy retreat after our daily explorations. Here, we embarked on a three-mile hike that led us to some of the park's fascinating geothermal features.
The steam rising from the ground, bubbling mud pots, and colorful mineral deposits reminded us of the park’s volcanic history. The landscape felt like something out of a different world, with the sulfur-scented air adding an adventurous twist to our hike. Reaching the thermal area was like discovering a hidden gem, where nature’s raw power was on full display.
The Quest for Bears
One of Ellen's goals for our trip was to see a bear in the wild. Sadly, I was the only one who got to witness one as it dashed across the road while Ellen was momentarily distracted. To remedy this disappointment, I planned an impromptu side trip to a drive-through safari park in Oregon before our return flight.
The highlight of this detour was watching two bears frolic in their large enclosure. The joy on Ellen's face as we watched them play in their pond was priceless. While the encounter wasn't in the wild, it still offered a close-up experience that she thoroughly appreciated.
Balancing Adventure and Deductibles
As a self-employed physician navigating semi-retirement, I’m often asked about what expenses are deductible when traveling. For this trip, we tried to leverage my locums work into our travel plans while carefully separating personal expenses. Here’s a quick breakdown:
-
Ellen’s flight from Indiana: Personal expense.
-
My flight from Indiana to Oregon: Covered by the locums company.
-
Lodging and food expenses: Personal expenses.
-
Park fees: Personal expenses.
-
Rental truck for the week: Personal expense.
-
My car rental for returning to John Day: Covered by the locums company.
-
Food expenses for the first day back: Covered by my PC's per diem.
While we couldn’t deduct all expenses from this trip, it was a perfect blend of personal joy and professional responsibility.
Conclusion
This journey through some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States was a delightful blend of adventure, relaxation, and personal reflection. It highlighted the importance of integrating our travel goals into my semi-retirement, allowing us to enjoy life while exploring the great outdoors.
If you’re a physician looking to take control of your professional life and explore the possibilities of self-employment, consider our offerings at SimpliMD. For only $99, you can schedule a personalized micro-business consultation that includes a one-year SimpliMD membership worth $2,500 in business products.
Additionally, check out my course, “Creating A Practice Without Walls,” where you’ll learn how to create a micro-corporation that gives you agency in the marketplace.
And don’t forget our SimpliMD Business Plan Product, which provides you with a great start to creating your own micro-corporation based on your professional assets. It includes:
-
A SimpliMD Business Plan Template crafted for self-employed doctors
-
A Micro-Corporation Budget Template that will save you hours of time
-
A SWOT analysis template to help optimize your business planning
Let’s start your adventure in self-employment today!
