Nicole – This Family's Adventure

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# Author: Nicole

## Our time in Virginia (Oct. 2017)

We were not able to spend a ton of time in Virginia as we were pushing a timeline to get us to my mother’s by a certain date. We were able to see a few great things though.

The RV needed an oil change and I found a location on our route. Marc stayed with the RV and Rebecka and I took off in the car. We visited “Natural Bridge State Park”. This was an especially meaningful trip for me. I have a photo under this bridge with my late grandmother and myself. It is not a digital photo and in a box of other photos currently being stored in Texas. When I find it, I will be adding it to this post. Having a photo with my daughter here was on my “Must Do List”.

Virginia has many cavern tours, all equally special. It was hard to choose just one. I decided we would visit “The Grand Caverns”. We really enjoyed the tour and learned so much. If you get an opportunity to visit you will not be disappointed. Bring a jacket though, it was chilly down there.

We squeezed in a trip to the Frontier Culture Museum. This was such an educational place. Definitely check out their website. http://www.frontiermuseum.org/. Just so happened, our visit coincided with Oktoberfest. Such fun!!

## Warrior’s Path State Park in Kingston, TN

We stopped in Kingston, TN to visit with Marc’s sister and her family. It was so nice to get the chance to hang out and catch up.

We camped at Warriors’ Path State Park. It was a nice woodsy area. From our site we could see the fishing area of the lake. The whole park was very nice and we will most likely stay here again while visiting the area.

This park has a wonderful 3-acre Playground Complex. I was in awe from the moment I walked in.
We spent a few evening hours there and could easily have spent a few more. The park is design for both children with and without disabilities in mind. My photos do not do this park justice. It was amazing. Worth the stop if you have kids and are passing through the area.

## Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge Tennessee was a fun town. The main street had so much to look at. There was enough activates to keep us busy for days. Our time was limited, but we were able to squeeze in a show at the Comedy Barn, some Moonshine taste testing and some Go Kart Riding. I’m sure we will be back. Maybe next time we’ll plan to visit Dollywood.

## My 40th Birthday Celebration

My 40th Birthday Celebration
I was raised in North-East Pennsylvania with a large extended family living in New York City. Majority of holidays and special occasions, our immediate family packed up the car and traveled two hours from PA to NYC to attend.
Years go by and everyone’s life changes, older members of the family whom where the heart of these gatherings sadly pass away. The frequency of these events slowly diminished. After high school, I moved away to go to college, hardly ever making it back “home” for any of these gatherings. Then I got married and moved all the way across the country, never making it back for any of these events or even a nice visit.
Living in our RV and traveling I am finally getting an opportunity for a nice visit with my mom. She, along with my Aunt and Uncle planned a big family event during my visit. My 40th Birthday (and long overdue visit) became the special occasion. It was wonderful to see everyone and my heart swelled with love during the whole event. It meant so much to see each of you. ((Love, Hugs & Kisses)

A few photos from this memorable dinner.

## Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park

Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park

We recently visited Four Corners. This site is in the middle of Indian Reservation lands. They require a per person fee of $5 before you can drive to the site. The “idea” and concept of this site is very interesting. When you look at a map of the USA, four states meet together. Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. We took the visit as an opportunity to say we had been there and to take some photos. There were some vendor booths surrounding the site offering jewelry and other souvenirs. How often can you say you sat in four states at the same time. 

We headed to Farmington, New Mexico. “What’s there to see there?”, you might ask. My answer, “It’s not What is there, it’s “Who”!” Thoroughly enjoyed visiting with some friends we have not seen in years. I love that on this adventure we are able to reconnect with friends and family. Visiting “places” was only part of why we choose this adventure.
Mesa Verde National Park was not far from our friend’s house. An opportunity to visit and see Indian cave dwellings could not be passed up. We hopped in the car and drove North into Colorado. I became a giddy little girl when I saw snow on the mountains in the distance. You must understand. I was raised in Pennsylvania. Snow was a big part of winter. While Marc did his best to drive us to visit the snow a few times over the years, the excitement of seeing it doesn’t get old.
The drive once in the park was steep and winding as we made our way to the park’s museum. Rebecka completed another Jr. Ranger booklet, earning herself another badge. I think we will be buying her a vest to display all her hard work soon. Her eagerness to complete the lesson and activities in the booklet is encouraging my desire to continue visiting these National Parks.

I will post photos and videos. Please enjoy.
Thank you again for your continued support

## Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah

Today we spent some time at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Southern Utah.
This park allows ATVs and UTVs, however we did not rent them for this location. Honestly this part of Utah seems to be very friendly towards all OHV. I think that is great.
I will post some photos and a video Rebecka wanted to record.

## Grand Canyon/North Rim

Yesterday we left camp and drove about 80 miles south. Our destination for the day? The North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As we drove the, scenery changed, each mile more beautiful then the mile before. Kanab, Utah has an elevation of about 5000 feet above sea level. The elevation of the North Rim of the Gran Canyon is over 8000 feet above sea level. We wound upward through the Kaibab National Forest. I didn’t realized how much I missed trees. Trees as far as the eye could see. Oh, and the leaves just starting to change, a wonderful bright yellow color, truly took my breath away. There were also miles where forest fires have left there mark.
Once inside the Grand Canyon area gate ($30 by the way if you don’t have a pass) we spotted wild Buffalo grazing in a meadow. Wonderful to see such large majestic animals free to roam as they please. We were also lucky enough to see some deer on the drive back out. Spending the day surrounded by mother nature in all her beauty turned out to be a very relaxing, zen, kind of day.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon was just as beautiful as you could imagine. Rebecka completed her Jr. Ranger booklet and we all learned something new from the Ranger’s talk about the geology surrounding us.
I will attach some of our photos. However, if you ever get the opportunity to visit this beautiful region of our country in person you should. It was a wonderful, beautiful day.

## Two week trial run.

Two week trial run.

We recently spent 2 weeks in our RV “Winnie”. We traveled from San Diego, California to a small town a ways east of Oklahoma City, called “Little”. An old friend moved there years ago and we spent some time with her and her family on their farm.
On the way there our goal was to get in as many miles a day as we could. We had a timeline. We needed to get back to San Diego to finish packing up the house before the movers arrived.
The long days of driving were rough on everyone. This 2 weeks was not all “fun”, there was a side mission. We had vehicles and belongings that needed to make it to our property in Texas. Marc drove the RV towing my car, and I drove his truck towing his motorcycle. A day after we got to “Little, OK” we split up. Marc took the truck and motorcycle down to Texas. Rebecka and I stayed with my friend. The farm was beautiful. Cows, pigs, chickens, horses, what a change from city life. Cell signal was very weak, it gave me a chance to be “disconnected”. Although it also caused me a little stress, I’ll need to work on that.
A few wonderful days with my old friend was not enough.
When Marc returned (his father drove him) we discussed the “timeline”. We agreed we were too aggressive with the number of miles per day we were attempting. As we left Oklahoma and slowed things down. We still needed to get back to San Diego to prepare for the movers, but we were going to take a few more days to get there.
We spent some time in New Mexico. We visited Roswell, known for it’s possible alien crash landing. Not super exciting, but the novelty of the town was fun. We played “find an alien” as we drove. Many stores and hotels have little alien statues out front, many billboards have them, and even the street light covers were painted to look like aliens.
Another place we spent a few hours was at White Sands National Monument (still in New Mexico). Such a breathtaking place. So different from the land around it.
Some National Parks offer a Junior Ranger program. Complete a small work book that asks questions that prompt youth to learn about the park. Then return it to a Park Ranger and receive a badge. Working with Rebecka to complete the booklet encouraged us all to learn so much more about the park. The park allows you to drive an 8 mile loop back into the sand dunes. Surrounded by sand (275 miles of it) we were in awe of the land around us. We did have a chance to climb the dunes and ride a sled down, however it was over 105 degrees outside and the sand is very reflective. I think had it been a little cooler outside we may have enjoyed riding the dunes more.
Our next stop was Tucson. We needed to get to the RV dealership for a repair. While on our travels the hose that brings fresh water to the toilet had cracked. This was only a major problem when the water pump was on. That would cause water to spray all over the bathroom. Our temporary fixes helped, but not enough. We were “squeezed” in for a service appointment, and the hose was replaced. Phew, crisis averted.
While in Tucson we camped at the Air Force base and had a family friend visit with us for the night. A nice relaxing evening of board games and friendly conversation.
Then back to San Diego the next day. Lots of things still left to do in the house before the movers come.
Overall the two weeks was a great test for us. We “passed”! We know we are ready for this life of adventure. We figured out that we don’t like to drive all day, rest for the night and drive again the next day. We will keep this in mind when planning our routes. We also figured out that 200-250 travel miles a day is our sweet spot. Driving distance in the RV is different then driving distance in a car. Every bump in the road is amplified and every wind gust or passing truck affects the driver.
We’ve been “home” in San Diego for about a week now, and have continued to “live” in the RV. The three of us find it very comfortable and homey. We continue to work in the house making piles and filing boxes. Figuring out what items will be shipped to Texas and what items will be sold or donated. It is an exhausting process. Having the RV right in front of the house to utilize for breaks and meals has been very beneficial.
Movers, then yard sale, then house cleaners, then listing the house for sale. This is all really happening and we are so ready!!
Thank you all for your continued support!

## Nicole’s last day of work

My last day at work.
It’s real now! My last day of work was June 14th. Why did I choose this day? The biggest reason was for my daughter. Her last day of school is the 21st. While I was working we utilized the amazing before and after care program the school offered to help with care from 6am to 6pm. Although the program and staff are wonderful I felt I needed to drop off and pick up my daughter from her classroom for her last few days of third grade. Our lives are about to change completely. Leaving the only school she has ever attended, the friends she loves and adores. It is a roller coaster of emotions for me as an adult, my nine-year-old deserves for me to be there to support her as the realization and emotions set in. Plus, I got to be a chaperone on the last field trip of the year. As a working parent, it is hard to justify taking time off work to participate in such events. There is that little voice inside you where you are jealous of the parents who can be classroom volunteers and be so active in their child’s school life.
I took the opportunity to be a chaperone on this last field trip. The class went to Heritage of the Americas Museum. If you are in San Diego and looking for a nice little museum with lots of information and knowledgeable volunteers, then you should head to Rancho San Diego area on the Grossmont college campus and visit this hidden gem.
https://www.heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com/

My last day of work…. It’s a unique feeling to be leaving a job you like and enjoy by choice. I have been working since I was 15. I’ve had jobs that I hated and couldn’t wait to leave. I’ve had jobs that were ok, but got a better opportunity so switched jobs. I’ve had a job I was laid off from, and even one I was asked to leave due to “not being a good fit” with them.
This time the feelings are different. I really liked this job. I wish it didn’t take me so many years to realize I like math and working with numbers. If I had known sooner I may have chosen a related major in college. Anyway, I liked the job. The people are great which made it very easy to drive through traffic to get to work every day. A collage of the lovely ladies who I got to work with every day. Thank you so much for supporting me in this adventure. ((hugs))

Here is a short video I posted on Facebook before going into work that day. (need to post it here too as “not everyone is on Facebook ya know”)

The next logical question people seem to ask is “When are you starting your trip?”. Well…… We do not know exactly yet. I do KNOW that there is still a laundry list of things to do before we go and I could not concentrate on them fully while also working full time. Right now, we are shooting for the end of summer 2017, but will keep you updated. ** Thank you again for your continued support!!**

## Rebecka’s Playground Review (Yuma, AZ)

While we were in Yuma Arizona we stumbled upon a beautiful park and playground. Rebecka had a fun time exploring and wanted to share her thoughts with all of you.
Please enjoy Rebecka’s very first Playground review.