Even as I write the title of this post I really can’t believe that today marks the 2nd anniversary of LandLopers.com. I first had the idea to start a blog early in 2010 and over a long weekend I worked out all of the kinks, learning more computer techniques than I ever thought I would know. Before then I had never written professionally other than for some trade publications, was a very amateur holiday photographer and had zero experience with web sites and online marketing. More than some nice stories and pretty photos, the site has changed my life in ways that I’m still fully realizing.
My first post on March 14, 2010 was about the dogs of Santorini, Greece. A fitting way to start really since I repeated the theme of focusing on animals and the travel experience many more times over the last two years. It looks a bit scrappy now, but that first post was the beginning of a long and strange ride. In the last two years I have published almost 800 posts, 500 daily news updates and thousands of photos. I went from having just a few loyal readers to enjoying a rich and dynamic group of readers who are engaged in the mission of LandLopers.
During the last two years I’ve also been fortunate to travel to a lot of great places and, more importantly, I’ve met many wonderful people. Mexico, Hawaii, Israel, Australia, Jordan, New Zealand, Iceland, Europe and the Caribbean are just some of the exciting places I’ve been so fortunate to visit in the last two years and there are many more adventures on the horizon.
I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without a lot of support. Support from my patient and understanding partner and support from friends and colleagues. Thank you all for indulging my dream.
So what’s next for LandLopers? The great thing about that question is that I don’t know. For the moment I will continue doing what I’ve done over the last two years, visit new places and share them with you all because ultimately that’s what I love to do the most. Without rambling on, I just want to thank you all for visiting the site and I look forward to spending another two years with you all. Here are some photos from my last two years of travel.
Congratulations on the anniversary! Looking forward to many more stories, pictures, and years from you!
Really impressive. Congratulations! Look forward to more of your adventures.
Congrats Matt
Safe to say that Im one of many that enjoy your blog and look forward to many more great posts to come.
Kudos!
Happy Anniversary, Matt! Looking forward to another two years.
Congratulations, Matt!
Thanks everyone! Really appreciate the support
Congrats on the anniversary Matt! Here’s to many more years!
Congratulations on your blogaversary! I wish you many more years of travel and new exciting locations for the future!
Yay!
Congratulations on your anniversary, Matt. Here’s wishing you many more to come. Doug at the Authentic Seacoast
Congratulations, Matt, for publishing a quality travel blog. I don’t know how you manage to post as often as you do. A round of applause from me. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and LandLopers.
VERY kind, thank you! It takes a lot of work, especially since I work a 9-5 full time job. All of my bloggy work is done in my free time, but it’s my passion and I truly love it. :)
Happy birthday! You’ve built a fantastic site, keep it up!
I had no idea you were such a relative newbie! Congrats on all the great work so far, and best of luck with the good stuff I know is to come.
Congratulations! I’m also in awe of how you are able to post so often and do so with quality. Have any secrets you can share? :)
Looking forward to seeing where the next years take you and thanks for bringing us along for the journey!
Aw thanks Audrey and I’m the one in awe of you guys! I’m just really determined and having a great time – great combo :)
What an adventure you have had! Congrats. I look forward to reading for years to come :)
congratulations! That is quite an achievement. Love the dog sled snuggle picture :)
Congratulations and best of luck. What’s in store for the next two years?