Tag: hiking

Endless Roads, Miles of Wonder

Every RV trip seems to develop a personality of its own. What starts as a carefully planned route inevitably becomes a collection of unexpected adventures, weather delays, mechanical surprises, and moments that remind us why we love life on the road. The Florida hurricane changed our RV route to a departure to the north. We had an appointment in Tishomingo, MS end of October to work on our RV so we needed to slow roll it until then before heading west. We planned to have a few weeks exploring Florida, so we took out the maps and made a new plan. Our journey through Georgia turned out to be one of those trips that perfectly balanced adventure with much-needed downtime.

Our first stop was the fascinating Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most unique ecosystems in the country. The vast blackwater swamp seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, creating a peaceful and almost otherworldly landscape. Wildlife was everywhere—from alligators basking in the sun to countless birds calling from the cypress trees. It was a reminder of how wild and untouched parts of America still remain.

While exploring the refuge, we also visited the historic Chesser Island Homestead. Walking through the preserved homestead offered a glimpse into what life was like for the early settlers who carved out a living on the edge of the swamp.

From there, we made our way to Elko, GA. We uncovered that the local fair was in town and it provided a convenient stop during our travels and gave us a chance to experience a little local Georgia hospitality. Sometimes it’s these simple stops along the way that make RV travel so enjoyable.

The highlight of our Georgia adventure, however, was our stay at Talona Ridge RV Resort near Ellijay. We had planned several activities in the area, including a scenic drive to Fort Mountain State Park, where we enjoyed beautiful mountain views and explored a bit of the park’s history. But what surprised us most was how much we simply enjoyed staying at the resort itself. Talona Ridge is one of those rare places where the destination becomes more enjoyable than the itinerary. The beautifully maintained grounds, mountain scenery, and peaceful atmosphere encouraged us to slow down and appreciate the moment. We spent hours walking the resort’s winding roads and trails, soaking in the views, chatting with fellow RVers, and enjoying the kind of quiet that can be hard to find in everyday life.

Our next adventure led us to Chattanooga, Tennessee, which turned out to be a delightful stop in the Southeast. No visit would be complete without exploring Ruby Falls, hidden deep inside Lookout Mountain. Descending into the cave and following the winding paths to the underground waterfall felt like stepping into another world. We also spent time wandering through downtown Chattanooga, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, local shops, and scenic riverfront. A visit to Lookout Mountain Battlefield added a fascinating glimpse into Civil War history while offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

From Chattanooga, we made our way to Sevierville. As always, neighboring Pigeon Forge was bursting with activity, flashing lights, attractions, and enough entertainment options to keep visitors busy for weeks. The energy of the area is unlike anywhere else.

One of the highlights of our stay was spending an afternoon at Anakeesta. High above Gatlinburg, we enjoyed breathtaking mountain views, peaceful walking trails, and the unique atmosphere that makes Anakeesta such a special destination in the Smokies.

Next came Nashville. Even though we’d visited before, there was no way we were passing through without spending some time downtown. The live music poured out of every doorway, and we found ourselves happily people-watching as musicians entertained crowds from morning until late into the night. Some places never lose their charm, and Nashville is definitely one of them.

Our route then carried us west to Memphis, where we stayed at Tom Sawyer RV Park. Located right on the Mississippi River, this campground gave us front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest shows—the endless parade of cargo ships and barges traveling up and down the river. We explored downtown Memphis, although we didn’t spend much time away from our truck due to concerns about theft. One destination we thoroughly enjoyed was the enormous Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. Even if you’re not an avid outdoors person, it’s worth seeing simply because of its incredible size and unique setting.

One of the most memorable stops of the entire trip was Cleveland, Mississippi. We parked in the parking lot at Delta State University and spent quality time with Todd and, of course, Zoey.

The simple moments often become the most meaningful. Morning coffee chats in the parking lot quickly became a daily tradition, while afternoons filled with activities and adventures with “Zojo” created memories we’ll treasure forever. Sometimes it’s not the destination that makes a stop special—it’s the people.

For a few days, Tishomingo State Park became home. The park was absolutely stunning, with the first hints of fall color beginning to emerge across the landscape. The peaceful surroundings, beautiful hiking opportunities, and crystal-clear night skies made this one of the most relaxing portions of our trip. There is something magical about sitting outside an RV beneath a sky full of stars with no city lights to compete for attention. While staying in the area, we made a trip to Tuscumbia, Alabama, to visit the legendary Rattlesnake Saloon. Calling it unique would be an understatement. Built beneath a massive rock overhang, the saloon feels almost magical. The atmosphere alone makes the visit worthwhile. Adding to the experience was Aaron’s incredible pumpkin carving, which somehow made the entire stop feel even more memorable.

Eventually, reality caught up with us, and it was time to get “Big Phat V” worked on in Tishomingo, Mississippi.

What we expected to be a relatively quick repair turned into four days in the shop. Fortunately, the technicians took good care of us, even allowing us to stay inside the RV overnight while it sat in the service bay.

Evenings were spent watching the Yankees lose in the World Series before falling asleep inside the shop. It wasn’t exactly how we planned to spend those days, but life on the road teaches flexibility.

With repairs complete, it was finally time to begin the journey home. Our first planned stop was St. Louis. The intention was simple: stay two nights and continue west. Naturally, Mother Nature had other ideas. Aaron managed to find an amazing RV park right on the river, and suddenly our short stop became much more exciting. We attended a fantastic Lainey Wilson concert and unexpectedly found ourselves at a 3 Doors Down concert as well. After enduring a major storm, we eventually pointed the RV toward Oklahoma.

I had hoped to spend time exploring Oklahoma City, but severe weather and tornado activity convinced us otherwise. Instead, we continued to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where we found another excellent riverside RV spot. While there, we visited one of the most impressive museums we’ve encountered anywhere: the U.S. Marshals Museum. The exhibits brought the history of law enforcement in the American West to life and quickly became one of the highlights of the trip.

The original plan was to take our time getting home. However, once we were back on the road, both of us began feeling like we might be coming down with COVID. Suddenly, our leisurely return transformed into a mission: get home as quickly as possible. We stopped for a few nights in Durant, Oklahoma, allowing Aaron some much-needed rest before continuing. Once he felt strong enough to travel, we hit the road and began the final push home. Our final RV stop of the season was a KOA in Wilcox, Arizona.

After months of adventures, countless miles, unforgettable landscapes, incredible friendships, unexpected concerts, mechanical delays, cargo ships, waterfalls, mountains, and more than a few weather surprises, we finally arrived home.

The RV was parked away for the season.

And just like that, another chapter of road life came to an end.

Home, sweet home.

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Roads, Roots, and Rivers

There’s something about life on the road that just slows everything down—in the best way. The hum of the tires, the freedom to change plans, and the joy of discovering hidden gems along the way. Our latest RV trip took us on an unforgettable journey through the mountains, caverns, coastlines, and even through a hurricane, from Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, all the way to St. Augustine, Florida.

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia — Where History Meets the Hills

Our journey began at the scenic confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Harper’s Ferry is one of those places where history hangs in the air—Civil War stories echo through the narrow streets, and the mountain views look like something out of a painting. We hiked to the overlook for one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the East Coast and wandered the old town, imagining what life was like a century ago.

Beckley, West Virginia — Down in the Coal Mines

Heading south, we stopped in Beckley to tour the Exhibition Coal Mine, an experience as humbling as it was fascinating. Riding the little mine cars deep underground, we got a sense of what daily life was like for miners, dark, damp, and demanding. The retired miners who lead the tours told their stories with heart and humor, bringing the past to life in a way that sticks with you long after you emerge back into daylight. A short drive from Beckley, the New River Gorge Bridge gave us a view we’ll never forget. Towering 876 feet above the New River, it’s one of the most photographed bridges in America. We watched the river cut through the ancient gorge below and stood in awe of the scale and strength of the steel arch stretching across the sky. It’s easy to understand why this part of West Virginia is called “Almost Heaven.”

Endless Caverns, Virginia — Underground Wonder

From mountain heights to underground beauty, our next stop was Endless Caverns in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. True to its name, the caverns seem to go on forever, filled with glittering stalactites and cathedral-like chambers. The quiet campground above was the perfect place to unwind—rolling hills, cool breezes, and campfires under a star-filled sky.

Asheville, North Carolina — Mountain Magic, Music, and Mansions

The drive into Asheville was breathtaking—misty ridges, fiery fall colors, and endless views. Asheville itself was full of charm: lively music, creative energy, and that easy mountain vibe.

We spent a day exploring The Biltmore Estate, and it truly exceeded every expectation. Built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s, the mansion’s grand halls, ornate woodwork, and sweeping staircases make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. We wandered the lush gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, strolled through the rose beds, and admired the glass-roofed conservatory filled with tropical blooms.

That afternoon, we treated ourselves to a bit of mountain luxury at the Omni Grove Park Inn. The historic stone lodge sits high above the city, with enormous fireplaces, cozy chairs, and the best sunset view in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Watching the sky turn from gold to deep violet as the city lights twinkled below was pure peace.

Charleston, South Carolina — Grace, Gardens, and Grand Oaks

Leaving the mountains behind, we made our way to the low-country and the timeless beauty of Charleston. The pastel homes, cobblestone streets, and salty air from the harbor gave the city its unmistakable Southern charm.

Our first stop was Middleton Place, one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. The sweeping terraces, reflecting ponds, and centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss were pure serenity. We wandered the camellia-lined paths, toured the historic home, and watched horses graze under the afternoon sun by the Ashley River—a glimpse of Charleston’s elegant past still alive today.

Next, we visited Angel Oak Park, home to the legendary Angel Oak Tree—a live oak believed to be more than 400 years old. Its sprawling branches twist and dip into the ground before arching skyward again, creating a canopy of shade and wonder. Standing beneath it felt like standing inside time itself.

A short drive from the city brought us to Wadmalaw Island and the Charleston Tea Garden, the only large-scale working tea plantation in North America. We toured the factory, learned how the leaves are harvested, and sipped sweet tea on the porch overlooking the endless green fields.

Before leaving Charleston, we couldn’t miss Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The ferry ride across Charleston Harbor offered sweeping views of the city skyline and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and walking through the old brick fort—still pockmarked by cannon fire—was both humbling and powerful. History feels very real there.

Hilton Head & Daufuskie Island, South Carolina — The Quiet Side of the Coast

From Charleston, we headed south to Hilton Head Island, a perfect mix of beaches, bike paths, and relaxed island life. We drove under moss-draped oaks, took a few laps around the lazy river, and soaked in the peaceful rhythm of what the resort had to offer.

A short ferry ride took us to Daufuskie Island, a secluded barrier island where time moves slower still. With no bridges to the mainland and only dirt roads winding between live oaks, Daufuskie feels untouched and deeply soulful. We visited local art studios, old churches, and stretches of quiet beach where the only sounds were the waves and the wind in the trees. It’s one of those rare places that feels both mysterious and comforting—part history, part heaven.

Georgia — Sweet Stops and Sea Islands

Crossing into Georgia, we continued along the coast toward another hidden treasure—Cumberland Island. Accessible only by ferry, it’s a wild, hauntingly beautiful island where nature reigns supreme. Wild horses roam the dunes, ancient live oaks form tunnels of green, and the ruins of the old Carnegie mansion whisper stories of another era. We hiked the sandy trails, found shade under the trees, and listened to the surf crash on the empty beaches. It felt like stepping into another world.

St. Augustine, Florida — Sunshine and Storms

Our final destination was St. Augustine, America’s oldest city. With its Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, and salty breeze, it felt like the perfect finale to this leg of our trip. We explored the Castillo de San Marcos, wandered through the historic district, and watched the sunset from the sea wall.

Then came an unexpected twist—a hurricane on the horizon. RV life means rolling with whatever comes, and this was the ultimate test. We hunkered down with fellow travelers at the campground, as the wind howled through the night. The power went off around midnight, so Aaron headed out to get the generator fired up. By morning, the storm had passed, but the power would be out indefinitely so a change of plans was in store.

From the deep coal mines of Beckley to the soaring bridge at New River Gorge… from the grand halls of the Biltmore to the mountain sunsets of the Grove Park Inn… from Charleston’s stately gardens and oaks to the untamed beauty of Daufuskie and Cumberland Islands—this journey had it all. It reminded us that RV travel is about more than destinations. It’s about discovery, resilience, and the freedom to chase the horizon—wherever it leads. Every storm, every sunrise, and every mile carries its own kind of magic! Until next time….Smore On!

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Rolling Through the Heartland

There’s nothing quite like summer on the open road — windows down, coffee in the cup holders, and our 5th wheel hitched up and ready for the next adventure. July was our month to wander to my ultimate destination point….Mt. Rushmore, and this month we took on six incredible states: Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Wyoming: Big Skies and Bigger Views

We left Colorado and headed north, kicking things off in Wyoming, where every horizon looks like a painting. From the geological wonder of Devils Tower to the endless grasslands, this state has a way of reminding you how small you are — in the best way. Mornings meant coffee outside the rig with mountain air in our lungs, and evenings were all about watching the sun dip behind the peaks.

Montana: Where the West Still Feels Wild

Crossing into Montana felt like stepping back in time. “Big Sky Country” didn’t disappoint — we drove through rolling hills, trout streams, and ghost towns that whispered stories of old miners and dreamers. Yellowstone was once again the showstopper, and we snagged a perfect site at Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park (with 5 Vilano’s) just in time to catch the last glimmer of a beautiful sunset on the mountains.

North Dakota: Quiet Beauty and Open Roads

North Dakota utterly captivated us. As we ventured into the enchanting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we were greeted by majestic bison wandering through the rugged badlands, and the nights were so profoundly still that you could hear the whispers of your own thoughts. It felt like a dream, an almost meditative escape — just us, the brilliant stars overhead, and the gentle hum of generators from nearby RV parks. Medora was an extraordinary town, the perfect place to bask in the magic of an outdoor musical. A blend of rich history and delightful humor radiates with a bounty of Western spirit, creating an homage to country music, America itself, Theodore Roosevelt, and the wild heart of the Badlands against an awe-inspiring canvas. Among our most cherished campgrounds was Abraham Lincoln State Park in Bismarck — the oldest State Park in North Dakota — where we dove deep into the stories of the Mandan Native Americans who once called On-a-Slant Village home, exploring our reconstructed earthlodges with a sense of wonder.

South Dakota: Monuments and Memories

From there, we confidently cruised into South Dakota, where every mile was rich with history and Americana, creating an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. Mount Rushmore, with its breathtaking granite faces of four prominent presidents, Crazy Horse, a symbol of Native American heritage still under construction, and the distinctive charm of Deadwood, steeped in Old West lore, were all on our itinerary. We camped just down the road from Mount Rushmore at the outstanding local KOA, an impressive RV park, especially during the lively 4th of July celebrations that filled the air with excitement and patriotic fervor. We enjoyed the Spearfish 4th of July parade, where we spotted “Cappie” from the home renovation show Building Outside the Lines, mingling with the crowd and sharing laughs, and witnessed the iconic shootout in Deadwood while visiting the very bar where Wild Bill Hickok met his fate, standing in awe of the history that unfolded in that very spot. Our adventure continued at Mount Moriah Cemetery, the final resting place of Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other remarkable figures, where we took a moment to reflect on their lives and the wild stories that define this legendary region, immersing ourselves in the spirit of the frontier.

Minnesota: Lakes, Loons, and Lazy Evenings

Minnesota rolled out the welcome mat with its shiny lakes and balmy summer nights—what a charmer! We chose a cozy spot off the beaten path at a National Golf Resort in McGregor, Minnesota, thinking it would be the perfect place to kick back. Little did we know, it was also prime time for RV organization and some fun maintenance adventures. This is where our thrilling saga with electrical woes began. Spoiler alert: it was our electrical cord reel playing hide-and-seek, resulting in half of the camper going dark—talk about a camping horror story lol! After hours of detective work, Aaron finally nailed down the culprit, and we wrangled ourselves an appointment the next day at a “mobile repair facility,” which turned out to be a guy’s private residence with a driveway that seemed designed for hobbits. But hey, he worked his magic and patched us up well enough to keep the wheels rolling for a few months of fun—adventure awaits!

Wisconsin: Cheese Curds and Campfires

Our final stretch for July brought us to Wisconsin — where we didn’t get a chance to explore its true beauty. Between the rolling farmland, lakeside drives, and more cheese curds than we probably should’ve eaten, it was the coziest way to wrap up our month of July!

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Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado

My parents have been rolling across the USA in their RV the past few summers, and they showed us how amazing it is to live life on the road. We’ve definitely lived life on the road for the past decade, but this time, we’d have the freedom to go wherever we wanted, when we wanted. We’d be the bosses of our own adventure!

Aaron asked me where I wanted to go for the summer, and the only place I could think of that I’ve always wanted to see was Mt. Rushmore. So, without any plans, we decided to tie up some loose ends and hit the road on June 8th. We had only one trip under our belt with our 5th wheel a year or so before, so we didn’t want to cram too much into the first day. We rolled out a bit later than expected and headed up the road to Payson, AZ, for our first night of what would turn out to be a 159-day road trip across America!

We had a bunch of new gadgets to test out and make sure we knew what we were doing for the rest of the summer. Aaron did an amazing job getting us all hooked up, and the first night set us up for great success the rest of the summer. After a great night’s sleep, we didn’t want to overdo it, so we headed to Heber, AZ, where we had the chance to sit out with our lawn chairs and enjoy a dreamy star-lit night after hitting up a local brewery. Another successful setup under our belt, and we both thought we could get used to this lifestyle pretty quickly! Our next stop was Gallup, New Mexico. We visited the El Rancho Hotel and and the Petrified Forest National Park. It was our first National Park, and we’re excited to explore more in the future. Dad, thanks for getting us an annual park pass – it’s the best gift ever!  Aaron got himself a new mug for his morning coffee and an arrow from a local Native American selling them around the RV park. That’s a story for another time!

We hit the road again and headed to the colorful state of Colorado. Our first stop in Colorado was Bayfield, CO. We took a break, enjoyed the scenery, did some laundry, and relaxed with the Blackstone in full effect. We then drove to Silverton and Ouray (the Million Dollar Highway) and visited the Mesa Verde National Park. Colorado was such a beautiful state that we took advantage of it and the weather. We visited Pegosa Springs, Del Norte, Hooper, Cañon City, Colorado Springs, and ended our time off in Fort Collins, Colorado.

After a few weeks in the camper, we decided we weren’t done yet. We were loving the adventure, so we decided to tackle Mt. Rushmore or bust!

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