Ralphie Rough Road

As I write this post we are currently visiting family and friends in Indiana. Parked in the kids’ driveway with the sounds of the city replacing the sounds of nature. Lawn mowers, airplanes, car alarms, emergency vehicles, construction, and traffic. It is strange to be back in the mix of it all but looking out the window I am still greeted by nature. Robins are pecking away at the grass looking for goodies. Squirrels climbing trees, birds chirping, and the occasional duck hanging out on the front lawn. The sun is shining and the weather is quite perfect right now, mid 70’s with a light breeze.

I feel torn. Happy to be visiting our loved ones and spending quality time with them. Yet I can hear the wild calling and I want to be back there too. Nestled among nature, where the only sounds are natural. It makes me realize how different our lifestyle is and I love it.

Its been two years since we hit the road. Two years on April 1st, and I cannot imagine going back to our old way of life. This nomadic lifestyle is not for everyone but it is very much for us. I feel alive and at peace on the road.

The places we explore, people we meet, experiences we have, memories we make, all of this makes up for the challenges that come up. The good parts of life on the road far outweigh the bad. We plan to continue this adventure until we no longer want to do it.

As for this blog, I’ve been thinking about what I want to do with it going forward. I enjoy sharing our stories and photos from the road. However it takes time and work to put the posts together not to mention I pay to keep this site ad free, because I despise ads.

I would love to get feedback from you, the reader of this blog. What would you like to see more of or perhaps less of something? Do you enjoy the posts? Should I keep this thing going? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

In the interest of finally getting this posted (it has been on my list for over a month now) I wish to share some photos and memories from our travels back north.

While camped at Barrington County Park in Georgia we had the opportunity to revisit an old favorite, Jekyll Island. Driftwood Beach is such a neat spot. With giant trees littering the beach, it makes a wonderful playground with trees and branches to climb around on.

Josie was intrigued by this little crab.

I loved the quote on the back of this beer.

After Georgia we went camping with the kids and their 2 dogs at the end of March. Triston, is a middle school teacher, so for his spring break we planned a meet up in North Carolina. We chose Uwharrie National Forest where free dispersed camping is available, along with plenty of fun outdoor adventures and no reservations needed.

Needless to say we had a great time. Four humans, three dogs, and one RV made for some great memories. Sure we bumped into one another here and there but I truly loved having them for the week.

We spent the week exploring hiking trails, kayaking, went off roading in the Jeep, had campfires, great conversations, and shared cooking duties. This was the first time we camped with the kids away from Indiana in the RV. Everyone had a blast!

We had a huge dispersed camping spot all to ourselves for the week. It took all of our boards to level the RV but worth it.

I set up some desk space for Amanda. She had homework to do during their stay. In May she graduated with her Master’s Degree. Congrats to Amanda for all her hard work! As you can tell I was excited for their stay, writing up a welcome message on our chalkboard (“bitches” in this context is a fun term) & preparing the over cab bunk for their stay.

Opening weekend for the off road trails coincided with their last day visiting. Before they were opened, we walked the most difficult trail to scope it out. It was too challenging for our particular Jeep but the views were spectacular. We were able to tackle all of the other trails and enjoyed every minute of it.

This is a section of the most difficult off-road trail. Photo does not do it justice but it was hard enough to hike.

We kayaked to two dams. The weather was perfect for a day out on the water.

Love a good campfire!

Lastly, honorable mention goes to Lee State Park in South Carolina. We stopped here for an overnight on our way to meet up with the kids. This was the first time in our 2 years on the road we had full hookups. Water, sewer, and electric all at our site. We took advantage of it to flush our tanks really well and take an extended shower – letting the water run, oh the luxury! The park itself was quite nice and very few people there during our weekday stay.

Filling up our water jugs at the natural spring near the old cabin built by the CCC back in the 1930’s.

Next Up: Gorge Hopping! (Because yes there will be another post – when I get to it).

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