Tony and I are preparing for a great adventure … on April 28, we’ll drive west out of Austin, Texas, towing our yet-to-be-named, 24-foot Winnebago travel trailer, and kicking off our four-month road trip across the American west.
We’re excited. And that’s an understatement.
The idea for this trip first occurred to us about two years ago and we’ve been planning and dreaming of it ever since. At times, we didn’t know if it would be possible, or wise — are we crazy for placing our careers on pause in our 30s? Will this totally take us off track for the goals we have as a family? Isn’t RV living for retirees? What will we do with our dog, house, boat, and other responsibilities while we’re gone?
Ultimately, we decided that you only live once and waiting until we’re 65 to make this happen isn’t for us. So, here we are, taking a leap of faith and our jobs — modified to part-time hours, thanks to our gracious employers — on the road.
This blog will document the experiences we have along the way and, hopefully, help us stay connected with friends and family.
And so, friends and family, here’s where you come in: We’d love your recommendations on can’t-miss spots along the way.
Here are the places we currently plan to visit, please post a comment or send us an email with your advice and recommendations of sights to see, restaurants to visit, things to do and places we should add.
ARIZONA
The Grand Canyon
CALIFORNIA
Channel Islands National Park
Hearst Castle
Joshua Tree National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Lake Tahoe
Los Angeles
Pinnacles National Park
San Francisco
Sequoia National Park
Yosemite National Park
COLORADO
Aspen
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
IDAHO
Sierra Silver Mine
ILLINOIS
Chicago
KENTUCKY
Louisville
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis
Voyageurs National Park
MONTANA
Glacier National Park
Our Lady of the Rockies
NEVADA
Hoover Dam
Las Vegas
NEW MEXICO
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
OREGON
Crater Lake National Park
Portland
SOUTH DAKOTA
Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore
TENNESSEE
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Nashville
TEXAS
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Palo Duro Canyon
UTAH
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Natural Bridges National Monument
Zion National Park
WASHINGTON
Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park
Olympic National Park
Seattle
Second Beach
WISCONSIN
Devil’s Lake State Park
Madison
WYOMING
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Whew … Hope we can fit it all in!
Thanks in advance for your suggestions and stay tuned once we hit the road…
Recalculating... 
For the Grand Canyon, consider the north rim instead. Much quieter!
Also you can get a camping permit and camp right on the rim…at least you could 15 years ago.
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One of the craziest things I’ve ever seen was in Arizona, Meteor Crater. You have to check it out. We’re so happy you guys are doing this… best of luck.
http://meteorcrater.com
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In California Big Sur is a must! Have fun you crazy people. We will miss you so much in Austin!
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In Madison, you should see ME!! 😉 What a fun adventure! I can’t wait to see pics, and I truly hope you’ll have time to say hello for at least a little bit!
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You are literally the only thing on our Madison itinerary 😉 I figured you’d tell us what to see and do when we get there!
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The valedictorian of my high school graduating class owns a restaurant in Madison called The Roman Candle. No idea if it’s good, but if you stop in, tell Brewer that Lexie Pullen said hi!
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Arizona-
Monument Valley/Mystery Valley
Lower Antelope Canyon
Paria Canyon area
Utah-
Escalate Staircase Area, slot canyons
Boulder Area
We are going to Grand Canyon area and NM end of July first week of August. Great Festivaks in Santa Fe in August
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So excited to travel alongside you guys virtually via the blog. You are going to have a blast!
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This is so exciting!! When you go to Arizona you should try to go to Sedona also it is beautiful. The Hearst is amazing. I think there is a really cute town near there called San Luis Obispo. There’s a hotel called the Madonna Inn that is very quaint if you need a break from the RV. I can’t wait to read about your adventures. Ya’ll are going to have a great time!!
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Enjoy your travels and keep us posted.
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We did a modified 14 day trip in 1991 .. slept one night in a motel in Jackson Hole (Stacey celebrated her 8th birthday at the Mangy Moose Saloon – you have to go, and no judging please) rest of the time in a tent/the Suburban/rest area. Pack plenty of cheese and apples because you have not gone through the only place with no restaurants. North Rim of Grand Canyon: we primitive camped (tent/35 mph gusts) overlooking the canyon- out in the national forest (they gave us a handdrawn map) because we arrived one day too early for our small 8×10 campsite. Wonderful!!!! Lynda
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Picture of your home on wheels please!! And, what are you calling it? Christina, all your vehicles have had such character; it needs a name!
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I’ll get pics up in my next post, promise! We’re having trouble deciding on a name because people have suggested so many good ones. Maybe I’ll get some voting going in the next post, too, and just name this rig by popular vote!
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Don’t forget to holler when you’re headed to the PNW!! 😀
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You are not forgotten! We’re looking forward to seeing you guys … should be up your way in mid-July. We’ll be in touch when we have a more concrete date.
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