northern california: redwoods and yosemite

Officially a California convert over here. There was so much to see and do in the state it was hard to pick and choose. But we focused on the areas we were dying most to see by region. Northern California included the Redwoods and Yosemite. Both were a total hit.

We only planned on camping in the Redwoods for one night, but we ended up staying an extra night because we loved our site and our Aussie neighbors so much (huge shoutout to Matt & Bridie!). We hope to be back one day.

We’ve seen, experienced, and done so many things on this journey but I think Yosemite was my favorite. I’d highly recommend staying in Curry Village if possible; the other camp sites are somewhat removed from Yosemite Valley and Curry Village allows you to be fully immersed in the authentic culture and spirit of the park. There are so many climbers, living out of their cars, eager to talk over a beer in the parking lot. I was fascinated by them.

Another tip: book early. We have literally flown by the seat of our pants this entire trip, and almost didn’t get a campsite in Yosemite. Curry Village books up seasons in advance — we admittedly didn’t even stay there, we just spent our mornings and evenings there before we drove back to camp to sleep.

My favorite moment actually happened our final night headed back to camp. We passed El Capitan, and saw a few cars pulled off. We stopped too and realized the entire mountain was full of flickering flashlights — or headlamps to be exact. Climbers at camp all at different points in their trek up. I found it so beautiful. The world turns and we wake up and go about our day, but at any moment, there are several people climbing that mountain. Experiencing something that they’ll remember forever. I love thinking about that.

Hoping to get around to posting central and southern CA soon. Lots of coastline and sunsets and some pretty rad friends in there, too. I’m a lucky gal.

idaho & oregon

Guys. I’m officially like 3 states behind over here. We're fully into Cali but Idaho and Oregon came and went. I’ll keep it short and sweet:

Idaho is NOT Iowa (I’ve admittedly confused them my entire life). Idaho is in fact absolutely mind blowing. It’s mountainous and rugged and every single ounce of it is screaming for its picture to be taken.

And, Oregon. Oregon is everything. Mountains and coast and Portland and Bend and I could go on and on. It felt like home.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Take away: I want to come back here over and over and over again.

wyoming : yellowstone & the grand tetons

While driving through Wyoming, Christian and I looked at one another and concurred that this was the most beautiful state we’ve ever been to. Snow peaked mountains and jagged cliffs and sunsets that give you goosebumps.

After only an hour or so of crossing into the state, I made Christian pull off to snap some shots.

On our way to Yellowstone, we stopped at Devil’s Tower. Originally named something completely different by the American Indians, European explorers renamed it Devil’s Tower, and there’s still a lot of controversy over that. Who comes in out of nowhere and names something spiritual and culturally significant after the Devil?! Either way, it was super rad to see in person.

Then, Yellowstone. I’ve wanted to explore this park since before I can even remember. And it did not disappoint. Insane views, geothermal activity, everything was utterly awe-inspiring. The crowds deterred us quite a bit, but we learned to hit hot spots early in the morning or later in the evening. It saved us honestly.

Since we went in the “off-season” and still ran into a ton of crowds, it made me glad we went when we did. Quite honestly, if you really want to see Yellowstone, I’d go now before it gets even more nuts. It’s so worth it, and I can’t imagine it’s going to get less busy in upcoming years.

After Yellowstone, we thought it would be hard to find anything as magnificent. Enter the Grand Tetons. Snowy mountain peaks and the bluest lakes you’ve ever seen. Not to mention, it often felt like we had the entire park to ourselves. We were enamored. I would go back over and over again if I could. I totally recommend you go too.

After Wyoming, we crossed into Idaho. More beauty, more peaks, and the Snake River… coming soon.

south dakota: the badlands & custer state park

I’d never really thought twice about South Dakota. Before we started on our road trip, I admittedly didn’t even know the Badlands were IN South Dakota. I really should brush up on my US geography (yet another justification for why this trip was a must).

Now, after seeing the Badlands National Park in person, South Dakota has made its permanent mark. It may be one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes I’ve ever seen. It’s just so different. And simply because of that it’s something I’ll infallibly always remember.

We spent a good 3 days in the Badlands. It was just so breathtaking and camp was easy. The National Park did an outstanding job with the facilities — we had gorgeous views of the bluffs from our sight, running water, and the camp showers even had hot water. A true luxury.

Alas, the time came to head west to Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake. Another insane landscape and a drop of approximately 30 degrees. South Dakota kept us on our toes.

Gotta shoutout to the Needles Highway. Bluffs and evergreens and tunnels carved through the cliffs. The smallest tunnel we drove through was 8’ wide. Millie is approximately 7’6” wide. People thought we were nuts driving her through. Maybe we were. Worth it.

We treated ourselves to a hotel in Deadwood, SD last night. Headed to Wyoming today, freshly showered and ready for the next adventure.

wisconsin & minnesota: farm land, taliesen, & lakes (many, many lakes)

Welcome to Wisconsin. The birthplace of cheese curds, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Spotted Cow beer. There’s also corn. Lots and lots of corn.

While driving through the state, I couldn’t help but snap photos from the passenger seat. Cue this montage of farms, and county roads, and silos, and cows. In another life, I think I own a tractor. Just sayin’.

I also never knew that Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Wisconsin. I knew he had property there, but didn’t realize that he physically grew up immersed in the Wisconsin landscape. Experiencing Taliesen East, Wright’s original home and still active school of architecture, his principle of coalescing the indoors and outdoors makes that much more sense. Who wouldn’t want to look out at the rolling hills while drafting and creating? It helped me grasp and appreciate his work even more.

After Taliesen, we were lucky enough to get a campsite at Devil’s Lake National Park, in central Wisconsin. We learned from local friends that it’s voted one of the top campsites in the country every year. Duly noted, and totally valid. The next morning, we took Baxter on a hike along the lake and the bluffs.

Our final Midwestern stop was Minneapolis, Minnesota. We didn’t have the best weather, so we opted not to take the van downtown. We did walk around the Lake of the Isles and reflect on the past week of traveling. Ultimately, we want to see as much of the US as we can, but also recognize that we need to let this experience guide us, not the reverse. Minneapolis, we’ll be back to give you a full opportunity one day.

Up next, the Badlands. We’ve been driving through the middle of nowhere South Dakota for the past 24 hours and I’m very eager to see something that isn’t flat. Until then.

ohio, indiana & illinois

We’ve officially made it to the Midwest, y’all.

After living in Pittsburgh for nearly 4 years, I’ve oddly never been to Ohio. Cue Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young and endless tree lined roads. To be totally honest, I napped a lot during the drive through Ohio. Baxter and I were sleepy.

We detoured to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which was incredibly well maintained (and well attended), hiked with Baxter up to the waterfalls, and then drove to Maumee Bay State Park for the night. First night sleeping in our camper home was a success, although I’m not sure Christian or Baxter slept very well in such close quarters. I, on the other hand, slept superbly. Being little has its perks.

Next up, Indiana. I admittedly napped a bit through this state, too. But we stopped at the Indiana Dunes National Park and that woke me right up. The lake, the vegetation, the sand — it was all so beautiful. Sand and water and sky as far as the eye can see. We only spent a few hours there, but I’d love to make it back one day to explore more.

Finally, we made our way to Chicago, Illinois. A huge thank you to our friends Joe and Mandy (and their adorable daughter Sylvie) for letting us park Millie in the driveway and crash for a few nights. Chicago is an incredible city, and it felt much more like home with you guys there.

Back on the road tomorrow. We’re eager to see Wisconsin and maybe eat some cheese there. See ya then.

home on wheels

Owning a camper was never something we talked about lightly. After we got married, Christian and I agreed it was a must before settling down and having a family. Living on the road and seeing the country untethered. So here we are.

We found this 1990 Ford Chinook on Craigslist. The interior needed a lot of work but we fell head over heels for the exterior. Enter white paint, wood tones, earthy accents, linen textiles, and a whole lot of work. A huge thank you to all of our family and friends who lent their time, labor, expertise, and positive energy to help make this a reality. It did not go unnoticed.

Camper living is very different than normal habitation. Every space needs to be intentional. Utilized for storage or functionality. But my heart couldn’t help but add some earthy pottery, textiles, and art that mirror my heart on this journey (looking at you, fridge).

Ultimately, this little 22 foot van conversion feels like home. And that’s all we could ask for. Now, let’s get cruising.