What’s in the van? – The Front Porch
LL Bean Waterhog Helinox - Savanna Kuma Outdoors - Bear Buddy Chair ENO - Lounger DL Helinox - One Table
Van Life Resources
I want to share some resources that I have found over time. This is in no way an endorsement of the work or services of what is listed. I won't list anyone who has provided me with bad service, but some of the below are things I've found, but not used. [...]
Van Life For Me
I’m eight weeks into Van Life… but staying in a house. Not exactly how I imagined it, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned already, it’s this: Van Life Rule #1 — Be Flexible. For years, I followed #VanLife on Instagram, dreaming of the day I’d hit the road in a cozy, customized van. I made [...]
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a great spot to explore while visiting the Northern Neck of Virginia. As you walk through the grounds, you are transported to another time and can imagine what life may have been like for George growing up.
Trail Review: Lake Loop Trail – Fort Mountain State Park (Georgia)
Trail Review: Lake Loop Trail (Fort Mountain State Park - Georgia) Lake Loop is a very easy hike. It's fairly level (though be aware of swampy puddles if it's rained) and mostly sandy dirt. The views of the lake are really beautiful and peaceful. We started our hike from the lakeside campground, but you can also [...]
Fort Mountain State Park (Georgia)
Welcome to Fort Mountain State Park. And what a welcome it was! I drove up the very steep and winding mountain road, through the thick clouds, before entering the park. It was dramatic and mystical. Now, I know not everyone will have such luck, but it was a stunning way to creep up the mountain. Upon entering, you are [...]
On the road again – kickstarting van life
I can't believe this day is here. Nearly a year ago, I decided to buy a van and set the end of March as my departure date. Now I'm turning in the keys to my house, closing the door on the storage unit, and hitting the road. [...]
Protect Our Parks – Lincoln Memorial
Saturday, March 15, 2025 Lincoln Memorial Washington, DC John Goodwin, a retired National Park Service Ranger, decided to take an Amtrak from San Francisco to Washington, DC. He shared on his socials that he was planning to protest at the Lincoln Memorial and invited anyone who wanted to [...]
Lancelot Jones
When I visited Biscayne National Park, I was welcomed by vistas of clear water, palm trees, and a few dolphins. I took a boat trip with Biscayne National Park Institute and was introduced to the Jones family through their entrepreneurship stories. The Jones family was a fixture in the region. And while others were [...]
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in 1822. She was separated from her father as a young child. When she was 6 years old, Harriet was separated from her mother and rented out to other slaveholders. Harriet worked the marshland of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, learning how to navigate the area and making [...]
What to wear for winter park adventures
My grandfather used to say "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing." I'm sure it's not an original quote, but I will always think of him when I hear it. So what is good clothing for winter park-going? In this video, we tackle what to wear when you are [...]
KeeKee Plush
If you have followed us for long, you will have seen KeeKee and Flat KeeKee in photos. KeeKee is a character in Shannon Jones' "KeeKee's Big Adventures" book series. KeeKee's Big Adventures is also a great resource for family travel adventures. The plush is new in 2024 and a great gift to bring to life the stories of KeeKee [...]
Solo Stove
Campfires spark joy and nostalgia for me. With Solo Stoves tabletop stove you can quickly roast s'mores, warm your hands, and create a cozy ambiance. I also pack my stove to go camping and hiking. It allows me to have a small fire and cup of warm tea during a winter hike. My thoughts: Compact and easy to [...]
Gift Guide 2024
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! As you prepare for all of the festive gift giving or are stocking up on gear during holiday sales, I've put together a guide of some of my favorite gear. You can also find other products on the gear page. Happy shopping! Please know that some of these brands are [...]
Election Week Survival Guide
Think through your week and put a plan together. By thinking about it now, you can give yourself time and space to make sure you are including activities that bring you joy and peace. Consider starting this weekend by doing things you love. Fill your cup with joyful [...]
Tucker Park (Maidens, VA)
Tucker Park is located in Maidens, Virginia (Goochland County) along the James River. And this small park packs quite a punch to soak up some park time. Walking Path The park has a 3/4 mile (approximately) walking path around the perimeter of the park. It's positioned so that a canopy of trees allows for shade on hot [...]
Packing for Pup
When you are preparing for your trip, make sure you have a packing list for your pup. Below is a list I use...and will continue to update it as my adventures evolve. Car essentials Leash (consider short one for walking and long leash to allow your dog some freedom to run) Water & water bowl [...]
Meet Tootsie
Meet Tootsie! In January 2022 I welcomed a new member to my family. When I adopted Tootsie I knew that I wanted a pet that could explore the country with me, was a good hiker, and could become a good camper. Tootsie is the perfect "best friend" for the job. Tootsie is a 4-year old [...]
Gift Guide: Father’s Day
Need some gift ideas for your dad this holiday? Check out some of my favorite gear. 1 ENO DoubleNest Hammock A hammock will give dad a get opportunity to kick back and relax in the backyard, a campground, a park, and more. 2 [...]
Trail Review: Ousel Falls (Big Sky, MT)
Trail Review: Ousel Falls (Big Sky, Montana) Welcome to Ousel Falls. This trail holds a special place for me. This was my first solo winter hike when I started my year-long adventures. Now it's a regular "must-do" hike when I'm in the area. Ousel Falls is a nearly 2 mile out-and-back hike. While an "easy" hike, [...]
Chasing the Northern Lights
I'm sitting down to write this post when I'm still basking in the awe of the weekend. It was a weekend spent chasing the Aurora Borealis on Instagram, every news article I could find, and finally on the road to Shenandoah National Park to see it for myself. In January of 2024, I [...]
Pompeys Pillar National Monument
Pompeys Pillar is a great stop along I-94 filled with great history and stunning views of the eastern Montana plains. The Pillar is a unique break in the rims that stretch along the Yellowstone River. And is known for having the signature of William Clark, of the Lewis & Clark expedition, etched into the stone. When [...]
Packing up your tent
You've just returned from a great camping trip. You were active, enjoyed nature, saw stars, ate s'mores....life is good. When it comes to tent camping, the trip isn't over when you get home. Now it's time to set out your gear to dry and prepare it for storage. TIPS FOR PACKING YOUR TENT [...]
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
I thought I knew a lot about the story of Harriet Tubman, but what I was taught was the tip of the iceberg. I'm so grateful for this park, and a place to go to learn more about her story, struggles, and major impact that she made on this country. The headquarters location is home to a [...]
Home on the road
Building out my car I've been dreaming of this trip for a long time. Twenty years, actually. But it was probably in 2018 that I started to pay attention and thinking about what life on the road may look like and feel like. My "mindless scrolling" would be on #vanlife, #subarucamping, and [...]
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
“Val-Kill is where I used to find myself and grow. At Val-Kill I emerged as an individual.” -Eleanor Roosevelt I'm writing this post 2 years after visiting Val-Kill, the cottage known as Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. It's fun to go back and read journal entries about the visit. It was such a different time. [...]
Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
I've dusted off journals to share more details about parks and attractions that I visited during my year-long sabbatical. In September 2020, I traveled from New York City north to Hyde Park, New York. It was challenging to be in New York City during Covid. When I caved and bought a car, it provided me with the [...]
Holliday Lake State Park (Virginia)
Park Stats Location: Appomattox, Virginia Park established: 1972 Park size: 560 acres Fun facts: 6 hiking trails 6.7 mile loop around the lake 1 aquatic trail 150-acre lake Home to activities like swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, Near Appomattox Courthhouse National Historical Park - General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865. [...]
Death Valley National Park
Park Stats Park Location: Death Valley, California Park #: 53 Park established: October 31, 1994 (designated as a National Monument in 1933) President in office: President Bill Clinton Park size: 3.4 million acres Highest elevation: 11,049 feet (Telescope Peak Summit) Lowest elevation: -282 feet (Badwater Basin) Visitors: 1,128,862 in 2022 Fun facts: 5th Largest National Park [...]
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Park Stats Park established: May 2, 1924 (National Monument) President in office: Calvin Coolidge Park size: 750,000 acres Highest elevation: 7729 ft (foothills of the Pioneer Mountains) Visitors: 237,774 in 2022 Fun facts: 16.2 miles of hiking trails Nocturnal animals include packrats, skunks, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bats, owls and more Some animals that are only [...]
Trail Review: Uplands Trail Loop (Big Sky, MT)
Trail Review: Upland Loop Trail (Big Sky, Montana) The Uplands Loop Trail is a great hike outside the Town Center in Big Sky, MT. While labeled moderate, it's entirely doable for a beginner. While the hill is steep (they all are in Big Sky), pace yourself and you'll handle it like a pro. They have several benches [...]
Shenandoah National Park
Park Stats Location: Western Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains Park #: 22 Park established: December 26, 1935 President in office: Franklin D. Roosevelt Park size: 198,000 acres Highest elevation: 4,050 ft - Hawksbill Mountain Lowest elevation: 550 ft Visitors: 1,449,300 in 2022 Fun facts: One of the parks that utilized the Civilian Conservation Corps in [...]
Pie Iron Pizza Recipe
In my "The Parks Podcast" interview with Karl Rand from Shenandoah National Park, he mentioned that "Pie Iron Pizza" was his favorite campfire activity. It was clear that I needed to expand my horizons by learning about and testing a pie iron. I took my nephew, Teddy, along for the ride. Step 1 [...]
Introducing The Parks Podcast (Episode 0)
Welcome to The Parks Podcast. Before we kick off the series, learn more about what to expect from episodes and why I was inspired to host these conversations.
Introducing The Parks Podcast (Episode 0)
Welcome to The Parks Podcast. Before we kick off the series, learn more about what to expect from episodes and why I was inspired to host these conversations.
Hot Springs National Park
Park Stats Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Park established: March 4, 1921 Park #: 18th National Park President in office: President Woodrow Wilson Park size: 5000 Acres Visitors: 2.6 million in 2022 Fun facts: The hot springs were believed to have healing properties and was turned into a spa town in 1832 It is the oldest park [...]
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Park Stats Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Park established: November 6, 1998 President in office: Bill Clinton Park size: 28 Acres Visitors: 92,108 in 2022 Fun fact: It is the only National Park Sight unit with a functioning high school as its focal point I spent much more time at Little Rock Central High School [...]
National Park Week 2023 – April 26
#MyParkStory... ...where you were grateful to just be or experience. Yosemite National Park holds a special place in my heart. When people ask me about it I say “it’s spiritual.” By the time I got to Yosemite I was more comfortable with my process, yet the learning [...]
National Park Week 2023 – April 24
#MyParkStory... ....where you conquered a personal health, wellness, or physical challenge I pulled out of my driveway in 2021 with great confidence in the year-long trip I had planned. I had prepared for many scenarios of challenging times. I was ready to conquer what was ahead. My [...]
National Park Week 2023 – April 25
#MyParkStory... ...where you created your own tradition with family, friends, or yourself When I began to explore my interest in parks and nature, I thought experiences needed to be planned, mapped out and structured. More like a big vacation than an afternoon of exploring. Through experience, and [...]
National Park Week 2023 – April 23
#MyParkStory... ....where you discovered a personal or family history connection While on my year-long camping and hiking trip around the United States, I visited my brother in Montana. He told me he had my grandparent's journals from their travels around the US & Mexico. My grandparents were avid [...]
National Park Week 2023 – April 22
#MyParkStory... ....where you connect with to improve your mental, physical, and spiritual health, in honor of Park RxDay Most of my healing is done among the trees. Being surrounded by them, particularly tall pines or redwoods, helps me think more clearly and breathe deeper. I realized this [...]
Trail Review: Beaver Lake Trail
Trail Review: Beaver Lake Trail Beaver Lake Trail was the first trail I explored in Pocahontas State Park. I selected it because I love a loop trail, it didn't seem strenuous, and it was a good distance. This was the day I was going to take my new dog hiking. I held my breath that this 2.5 [...]
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park is located about 30 minutes outside of Richmond, VA. It's a convenient spot for a lot of outdoor activities. I love to pop down for hikes. They have a wide variety of trails for skill level, length, and interest. The park seems to have a lot of other activities - biking, swimming, camping, and hunting. I've [...]
Yellowstone National Park
I am so lucky to have gotten to visit Yellowstone quite a bit over the years. During my 2021 adventures, I used Big Sky, MT as my home base. It's about an hour from the West Yellowstone entrance. During the off-season I would pop into the park for a few hours. It afforded me the opportunity to see the [...]
Trail Review: Deep Run Park Perimeter Trail
Trail Review: Deep Run Park Perimeter Trail I've been to Deep Run Park multiple times over the past 20 years. At first, it was with nieces and nephews and we would frequent the playground. Eventually, some walking paths were added. When I relocated to Richmond a few months ago I made a commitment to get to know more [...]
Tips For Your National Park Visit
National Parks make for an amazing vacation. But making a plan can be very stressful and confusing. There are so many resources available at your fingertips...but where to start. Plan in advance - The Parks are incredibly popular. If you are able, visit during the off-season (for most parks that is before Memorial [...]
A Stroll Through Paris
Paris is as romantic and glamorous as it's portrayed in every movie. The 2000-year-old city mixes modern luxuries with charm-filled history. At times I would pause and realize the people that were walking around these same streets. I'm here for work and have a sunny winter Saturday to explore. In my opinion, when the sun shines in Paris, [...]
355 Days
I hit the 1 year anniversary of my departure for a year-long sabbatical. ONE YEAR! That's crazy how the time flew by. I took a moment to look through photos, review journals, and make some notes on the adventure. Here's what I have to share... I drove 46,070 miles I hiked 320 miles I visited 39 states I toured [...]
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Park Stats Park established: October 31, 1941 President in office: Franklin D. Roosevelt Mount Rushmore is a must-see as you drive through South Dakota. The view is really impressive. Turn off I-90 at Rapid City. If you need gas, a place to stay, or some food, this is your best option. Follow signs [...]
Trail Review: Angels Landing
I wasn't sure if I could do this trail. I even hiked two shorter trails to warm up...get the nerve...to try Angel's Landing. I've heard so much about it, but it was cold, snow was predicted, and my ego was getting the best of me. After a 2-mile pep-talk I took a left on the trail towards Angel's Landing. [...]
Trail Review: Sullivan’s Knob Trail
Do you ever have those moments where the world stops and you can just soak in the beauty of the moment? That's what this hike was for me. I didn't do much planning for this trip. I was on my way from Boulder, CO to Billings, MT, and had some time to kill. I'd heard about the [...]
Vermontasaurus
I was told that Vermontasaurus was a "must-see" as I made my way through Vermont. It was a gloomy travel day and this pit-stop was a bright spot. It's a quick stop. We pulled off the road towards the airport. Then just walked around the structures. It's amazing what the artist, Brian Boland, has done. His creativity is inspiring [...]
Trail Review: Natural Bridge
I love this trail! You have two parking options - one off of the main road and the other at the marina. The marina option has more spaces. The trail is along a service road. It's wide and has a slight incline, but not at all strenuous. I parked at the Marina and took the trail along [...]
The Universe Was Talking…Time to Listen
When I was in college I had a dream to take a year and travel the United States. Friends were contemplating exchange programs in Europe. I wanted to see America. At the time I dismissed the idea in exchange for getting a job. I started my career with gusto, quickly adopting workaholic ways. When I would approach burnout, the [...]
Trail Review: Tower Trail
Devils Tower National Monument was one of the first stops of my trip. On a cold winter day, during Covid, I pulled into the nearly empty parking lot. The Visitor Center was closed, but they left the stamp out for my National Park Passport. The trail is a walking path around the Tower. It takes you around the [...]
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower was one of the first stops on my trip. I took the detour off of I-90 with my fingers crossed that it was even open. I lucked out. Right off of the parking lot is a visitors center and toilets. While the visitors center was closed, they still had a stand for stamping your National Parks Passport. [...]