About us

     For those of you who are new to the “Adventures of Robbamoto,” let us paint you a picture. Stephanie was born in Boise, Idaho but spent most of her time growing up in Washington. Michael was born and raised in Bellmawr, NJ, right outside of Philadelphia.  Although the two grew up on opposite sides of the continent; they both caught the same bug in life.  This bug is non-other than the infamous “Travel-bug.”  The symptoms occurred in a similar fashion, with the help of friends. Stephanie met Laura, later to be considered a sister, at a party she was hosting in 2002. Laura spoke about heading to France under her sister’s influence to live life like an adventure. Stephanie was more than intrigued; especially when she was invited having only known the girl for a couple hours. Michael, 3000 miles away and a year later, had a comparable experience with his childhood friend Dominic. Dom had the fortunate opportunity to travel to Italy and visit with a friend of his brothers; who also lived life like and adventure. Another small party later, a sparked interest, and an invitation, had Michael heading to Europe. Stephanie and Michael were at points of their life where their future was unknown and appearing mundane. Presented with a path to wander and a “Why not” attitude, they were infected and never to be cured of the “Travel bug.”

   Without hesitation, Stephanie flew to France with Laura for the summer. It was an inspiring moment in her life that would lead her there again the following year. The same year, Michael bought a ticket and was off to Europe with an undetermined return date.  To say the least, Michael and Stephanie had unforgettable experiences including one of significant nature. His name was Mitch, and though he would love an extensive side story of himself… we’ll leave that for another time. Stephanie ended up meeting him in Munich proceeding Oktoberfest; while Michael ran into him in the UK. This connection eventually brought them together, to a small town in the middle of the Swiss Alps.

First picture taken by the Rhine River 03'

Although Switzerland is where they met, it wasn’t until Milan that Stephanie and Michael started to make eyes. A puddle fight, laughter, and a surprise birthday cake was all it took. After the birthday fun, Mitch, Mike, and Dom headed down to Rome, while Laura and Steph went to Florence before venturing to the capital. What could have been a long stare was starting to look like a brief glace as the two went their separate ways. 

   When in Rome, Stephanie and Laura were on a bus headed to their hostel. As it stopped to let some people off, Stephanie gazed out the window and about jumped out of her seat when Michael and Mitch walked pass. Overjoyed, Stephanie started beating on the glass like a crazed mad woman. The boys looked back, as the bus took off, leaving her waving from a distance. Stephanie immediately jumped into an internet café and wrote Mitch about where they were staying and how they should meet up soon. At the time of the chance encounter, Michael and Mitch were headed to the train station to go to France. As fate would have it, the train was leaving when they arrived which led to the discovery of Steph's email. Later on that evening the girls went back to the Freedom Hostel for a pub crawl and found Mike and Mitch sitting in the game room. Stephanie’s heart raced and heat rosed her cheeks. She invited them on the bar hop but the guys declined, saying they would meet them at the last bar before the next train left. By the time Stephanie met up with Michael, she made up her mind that she was going to kiss him that night. She told Laura to distract Mitch for a little while she talked to Mike. Taking the hint she took Mitch to get a drink and now that Stephanie had the liquid courage, she moved in for the kill. She lured Michael in with a secret and grabbed his face and kissed him. Time passed and Mitch wondered where Mike was at, since their train was soon to leave without them. After seeing the two canoodling, he suddenly realized; and turned to Laura and said “I didn't know that girls had wing men.” The pair went their separate ways, but they continued to talk through email for a couple years only to lose touch as time went on. 

   Four years after their meeting, Stephanie had been living in Florida off and on between her adventures abroad. Working, saving and of course traveling too, Michael was mentally deflated from work and in need of a vacation. What better place for a getaway then the sunshine state? He wrote the girl who got away, to see if she was still there after a year of no contact. Luckily for Stephanie, she had been back in Fort Lauderdale for about a month. When she checked her mail she got butterflies all over again. Wow, four years later and the heat in her cheeks was still there. He came down a week later and they have been inseparable since.

First picture after their reunion 07'

   From then on the two have traveled to South East Asia, lived in NJ, Florida, and Rhode Island, and have been chasing work on boats for a living. For the last year and half they worked on an 85’ & 110’ Lazzara as Mate/deckhand and Cook/stewardess, traveling to the Bahama's, New York and New Jersey. They were blessed to be able to work for a wonderful Portuguese-Italian family who will always be remembered with fondness, especially the kids; a highlight of their job.  Unfortunately with a not so perfect relationship with the Captain, they were let go. Tired of working on boats, the two transients have decided to sail onto the next adventure… the PACIFIC CREST TRAIL. 

Almost 10 yrs later  

THE END... and also THE BEGINNING...