The Portrait of a Wonderer

So for you Gainesville natives, you probably will remember these faces from a front page a few weeks back, shot by one of my best friends, and fabulous photographer, Kelly Logan! You can see her shot here.

We were both downtown looking for feats, and came across this colorful group. They sat in shoe shine chairs, playing on their banjos, rolling cigarettes and really just having a good time.

We approached and asked if it would be alright were we to take their photos. Obviously, they said yes.

Thurston and her boyfriend Darwin have been traveling the country together for the past six months with their Australian Shepherd mix, Judah. In the past three weeks, they have been from Florida, to California and back to Florida once more. When the photo was taken, the couple was trying to raise money to fund future travels. Next stop? They plan to head home and fix Thurston's car so they can road trip up to Niagara Falls.

The two travel with backpacking packs, fit with rope, food, and all of the essentials. At night they sleep on rooftops. Yep. One climbs up and then lowers the rope for the other. They have yet to be caught.

While shooting, a woman approached and asked if we knew of any guitar stores in the area, as she needed to purchase a strap for her son. Darwin offered her his for $5. The woman happily agreed and ran to her car to get some money. They added the money to their banjo case. Thurston suggested they purchase coffee with it.

I'm not sure where they are now. Galavanting all over the country and having the time of their lives no doubt. It was a pleasure to meet such radiant people who truly were just happy to be alive.

Good luck you two! Niagara awaits.