Welp, that didn’t last long. A lot of our friends and family asked what happened to our weekly videos (again). I don’t know what to say, other than we’ve gotten so immersed in our travels that we haven’t made the time to film and edit a video.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the road for seven months. It’s crazy that we have all the time in the world now, but everything is going so fast. Before this all started, I thought about how much extra time I would have – for personal projects, learning new skills, exercising, and meeting new people.
I’ll try to start at least posting a blog update here each Monday, but don’t get your hopes down! We will try to start making videos more regularly as well.
But time is flying by! So much of the day gets filled by logistics, driving to the things, doing the things, finding a place to camp, etc. The basic everyday things in the van just take a little longer than they did back home.
I sort of like this though – when showering, doing dishes, making food, etc have a little bit of added complexity, you end up doing these things with a bit more intention. That is, you focus on the thing you are doing instead of thinking about the next thing you have to get done (I think that’s that whole “mindfulness” thing?)
Anyway, here’s the quick rundown of everything that’s happened since we last talked to y’all:
- We left California!
- Spent some time in Reno… then sped through Nevada! Not much between Reno and Salt Lake.
- We loved Salt Lake! It was absolutely gorgeous and everyone there was lovely.
- “We” got our van stuck in the dirt on BLM land outside of Twin Falls.
- Jason spent some quality time in Boise while I went to Austin for an ophthalmologist appointment. Boise has a “Dog Island” that Thumper was obsessed with.
- We visited Portland and saw some pretty great waterfalls! I still regret not getting Voodoo.
- We visited family and a friend in Seattle. And saw the Astros play! I’m not used to hearing that many people “Boo” at Altuve.
- We went to Canada!
- We had our van searched when re-entering the US because we had illicit produce. They checked under the van for produce. With a flashlight.
- Montana! Missoula, Glacier National Park, Billings.
- WE SAW A BEAR!!! At Yellowstone!
- North Dakota – weather was bad! So we didn’t get to do too much other than drive through Medora and a town called “Beach.” I don’t know if they know what a beach is.
- The Black Hills! My dad talked about them while I was growing up, and (Dad, I hope you aren’t made when I say this) I really didn’t believe they were so beautiful! We hiked up to Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the state. My jaw was dropping and I didn’t want to climb back down. Which is, I’m sure, will be reminiscent of how I’ll feel after this trip is over.
- Quick stops in Omaha and Des Moines to cross Nebraska and Iowa off the list
- Minnesota!
And now we are on the way to see THE LARGEST BALL OF TWINE IN MINNESOTA.
Will post an update next week. I promise. I think.