Chapter 1: Spring on the East Coast — History, Harbors & Small-Town New England
- stephaniemilligan4
- Dec 24, 2025
- 21 min read
This stretch of travel took us from the Shenandoah Valley through some of the most history-rich cities in the country, then up the New England coast and into northern New England as spring turned into early summer.
Chapter 1 – Trip Details at a Glance
Dates: April 21– May 26, 2025
Route: Luray, VA → Washington, DC → Gettysburg, PA → Philadelphia, PA → Stonington, CT → Middletown, RI → Cape Cod, MA → Contoocook, NH → Burlington, VT
Where We Stayed
Luray, VA: Spacious Skies Campgrounds, Shenandoah Views, VA (4 nights)
Washington, DC area: Cherry Hill Park, College Park, MD (7 nights)
Gettysburg, PA: Drummer Boy Campground, Gettysburg, PA (3 nights)
Philadelphia, PA area: Philadelphia Clarksboro KOA, Clarksboro, NJ (4 nights)
Stonington, CT: Mystic KOA Holiday, Stonington, CT (3 nights)
Middletown, RI: Meadowlark Mobile Home RV Park, Middletown, RI (5 nights)
Cape Cod, MA Area: Gateway to Cape Cod, Rochester, MA (7 nights)
Contoocook, NH: Sandy Beach RV & Camping Resort, Contoocook, NH (2 nights)
Burlington, VT: North Beach Campground, Burlington, VT (5 nights)
Section 1: The History Corridor
This first stretch of spring travel was anchored by history-heavy stops that naturally grouped themselves together. Moving from the quiet landscapes of Virginia into some of the most well-known cities in the country, we balanced scenic drives, long walks, and places that encourage you to slow down and pay attention. Each stop offered a different perspective on American history, from natural landmarks to defining moments that still feel very present today.
Luray, Virginia
Luray was the calm, scenic start to this chapter and an easy place to shift out of winter mode. Surrounded by the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, it felt like a gentle transition before heading into busier, more urban destinations. Between the landscape and the slower pace, it was a reminder of how much we enjoy beginning a travel stretch somewhere that feels grounded and unhurried.
Shenandoah National Park (Little Stony Man Hike)
Sierra's Cow Encounter. She lay quietly on the grass as the cows walked over to her. One even gave her a kiss!
Washington, DC
Washington, DC was entirely different from Luray, but the change was definitely worthwhile. Even though we had visited the city in the past, we still enjoyed strolling through the National Mall and its nearby areas. We visited the amazing Library of Congress for the first time. We checked out The People's House, a cutting edge, interactive museum that offered an inside view of the history and daily life of the White House. Some of the exhibits include a full-scale Oval Office and an interactive cabinet room. I visited the National Museum of Natural History while Pat remained at the RV with Sierra and could have easily spent the entire day in this remarkable and educational building!
The People's House
Library of Congress
National Arboretum
National Museum of Natural History
Out and about in DC.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Moving from the energy of DC to Gettysburg brought a noticeable shift toward a more somber, quiet atmosphere. The weight of the history there is felt in the landscape itself, so you don't really need a guide to tell you how significant it is. It was the kind of place that naturally made us slow down and reflect, which felt incredibly grounding after the fast pace of the city.
Gettysburg, PA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly brought us back into city life, but in a way that felt approachable and walkable. The historic core, combined with great food and an easy rhythm for exploring on foot, made it one of those cities that feels manageable even on a shorter stay. One of the highlights of our time in "City of Brotherly Love", was a visit to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, a vibrant , immersive art space, created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. Walls, tunnels, and stairways are covered in colorful mosaics made from mirrors, tiles, bottles, and found objects, creating a maze-like experience that fells both quirky and deeply personal. Every corner of this area was so interesting, and we were happy it was pup-friendly, too. We couldn't help ourselves from taking a ton of pics. It was a fitting end to this history-focused stretch before shifting toward the coast.
Fun in Philly.
By the time we left Philadelphia, we were ready for a change of scenery—less history, more water, and the quieter charm of New England towns just beginning to wake up for the season.
Section 2: Coastal New England Charm
Stonington, Connecticut → Middletown, Rhode Island → Cape Cod, Massachusetts
After several stops centered around history and cities, the New England coast felt like a welcome shift in pace. This part of the journey was about smaller towns, water views, and moving more slowly—trading museums and monuments for harbors, sidewalks, and places that encourage wandering without a plan. Traveling through these coastal areas in spring also meant fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a chance to see these towns before the busy summer season fully arrived.
Stonington, Connecticut
Stonington was our first taste of classic coastal New England on this route, and it immediately set the tone. The village itself felt compact and walkable, with harbor views, historic homes, and a quieter, more local feel than some nearby towns. Being so close to Mystic made it easy to spend time exploring Mystic Seaport, walking along the waterfront, and watching the boats move through the river and visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum, before heading back to Stonington at the end of the day.
The charming town of Mystic, CT on the Mystic River.
Middletown, Rhode Island
Middletown worked well as a relaxed home base while we spent most of our time exploring nearby Newport. From cliffside walks to the harbor and historic streets, Newport offered plenty to see and do without feeling overwhelming. Having a quieter place to stay made it easier to enjoy busy days out and then return somewhere that felt less hectic in the evenings.
Cliffwalks around Newport, RI
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod was the heart of this coastal stretch and gave us a great mix of relaxed beach time and easy day trips. Even in spring, it had that unmistakable Cape feel—wide-open skies, quieter beaches, and a slower pace before the summer crowds arrived. We used our time here to explore beyond the Cape as well, making day trips to Boston and Plymouth. Each offered something different, from historic streets and waterfront views to small harbor towns that felt distinctly New England. Plymouth Rock was a little underwhelming, though, as it looked like it could have been any plain, old rock.☺️
Plymouth, MA
Day trip to Boston.
Section 3: Northern New England
Contoocook, New Hampshire → Burlington, Vermont
As we moved farther north, the pace of travel naturally slowed. The crowds thinned, the temperatures cooled, and the landscape began to feel more open and green. This part of the journey felt like a transition—not just geographically, but mentally—as spring gave way to early summer and our days became less about moving and more about settling in.
Contoocook, New Hampshire
Contoocook was a short, stop that served as a gentle bridge between the coast and Vermont. Surrounded by nature and small-town scenery, it was the kind of place that didn’t require much planning. Simple walks, fresh air, and a slower rhythm made it an easy and welcome pause along the way.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington felt like a reward at the end of this chapter. Set along Lake Champlain with the Green Mountains in the distance, it struck a balance between an active outdoor vibe and a relaxed, walkable downtown. We spent our time enjoying the lakefront, wandering Church Street, and soaking in the early-summer energy that made it easy to see why Burlington is such a favorite stop. It was a fitting place to slow down, reflect, and wrap up this spring chapter before heading home to NY State for a month-long reset.
Spring walks in Burlington.
This northern stretch reminded us how much we appreciate ending a travel chapter somewhere that encourages staying put for a bit. Burlington, in particular, gave us space to breathe and settle in—exactly what we needed before shifting into the next phase of our journey.
Chapter 2: A Month at Home — Resetting in Rochester & Buffalo
After weeks of moving steadily across the East Coast and New England, we hit pause and headed home for the month of June. Spending time in Rochester and Buffalo has become an important part of our rhythm on the road—a chance to reconnect with family and friends, take care of appointments and projects, and enjoy the familiar routines that ground us. This chapter wasn’t about sightseeing or covering miles, but about slowing down, recharging, and preparing for the long journey west that was still ahead.
Chapter 2 – Trip Details at a Glance
Dates: June 1 – June 29, 2025
Locations: Rochester, NY & Buffalo, NY
Life Between the Trips
We split our time at home between two places that shaped the rhythm of the month. The first two weeks were spent in Spencerport at our friends Matt and Kathleen’s home, where they generously let us stay on their full-hookup RV pad alongside the house. Having a familiar place to park made it easy to settle in, visit with family and friends, and take care of things like annual physicals and appointments that are much easier to handle while we’re home.
For the second half of the month, we stayed in Williamsville with my sister Tricia and brother-in-law Marc. Marc even installed electric so we could continue living in the RV while spending time there—one of those thoughtful gestures that made the stay feel seamless and comfortable without giving up our routine. Sierra absolutely loved spending time with everyone and playing in the large yard at my sister's house!
What truly defined this month, though, was time together. Our sons Eric and Ryan and grandson Ethan, all flew in, turning June into a stretch filled with shared meals, long conversations, and easy days spent together. It was one of those rare windows where everyone (except Alyssa 😔) was in the same place at the same time, and that made the month feel both special and memorable.
Special times in NY State with family and friends.
After spending 4 years on the road, we have truly come to appreciate our time back home with our loved ones. We plan to make it a point to continue this tradition moving forward and will make a point to spend this meaningful time with the important people in our lives. We are so grateful that the RV lifestyle lends itself to allowing us the freedom to come back home during the summertime.
Chapter 3: From the Midwest to the Rockies — Crossing Into Canada
After a month at home, we pointed the RV west and began one of the longest continuous stretches of travel so far this year. This chapter took us across the Midwest, through Canada, and into the heart of the Rockies—a route defined as much by long driving days and wide-open landscapes as by the moments that made the miles worthwhile. Some stops were brief and practical, others were destinations we lingered in, but together they formed a clear turning point in the journey as we made our way toward the mountains.
Chapter 3 – Trip Details at a Glance
Dates: June 29 – September 2, 2025
Route: Milwaukee, WI → Sturgeon Bay, WI → Minneapolis, MN → Fargo, ND → Winnipeg, MB → Brandon, MB → Regina, SK → Medicine Hat, AB → Calgary, AB → Banff, AB → Jasper, AB
Where We Stayed
• Milwaukee, WI: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, W. Allis, WI —7 nights
• Sturgeon Bay, WI: Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, Sturgeon Bay, WI — 7 nights
• Minneapolis, MN Area: Minneapolis KOA Journey, Maple Grove, MN — 4 nights
• Fargo, ND: Lindenwood Campground, Fargo, ND — 3 nights
• Winnipeg, MB: Town & Country Campground, Winnipeg, MB — 7 nights
• Brandon, MB: Meadowlark Campground & RV Park, Brandon, MB — 4 nights
• Regina, SK: King Aces Campground, Regina, SK — 4 nights
• Medicine Hat, AB: Gas City Medicine Hat, AB — 3 nights
• Calgary, AB Area: Mountain View Camping, Calgary, AB — 3 nights
• Banff, AB: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, Banff NP —5 nights
• Jasper, AB: Whistlers Campground, Jasper NP — 5 nights
Section 1: The Midwest Stretch
Milwaukee, Wisconsin → Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin → Minneapolis, Minnesota
This first stretch through the Midwest eased us back into travel mode after a month at home. The distances were manageable, the driving straightforward, and each stop offered something a little different—making it a comfortable way to begin moving west again before the longer days on the road ahead.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee surprised us in the best way. Set along Lake Michigan, the city felt both relaxed and lively, with easy access to the waterfront and a strong local character. It was a good place to stretch our legs, explore on foot, and enjoy a city that doesn’t feel overwhelming, especially after time spent at home. We loved strolling through Lakeshore Park where we witnessed some beautiful sunsets and Mitchell Park home to the Horticultural Conservatory. We rode out bikes to the Milwaukee Public Market, where we wandered through vendors offering everything from fresh baked goods to local specialties. We even took Sierra on a bike ride along the Menomonee River in her trailer.
Making memories in Milwaukee.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay may have felt quieter than Milwaukee, but we didn’t waste any time once we arrived. We got out on our bikes and rode to Potawatomi State Park, rolling through wooded trails and along the shoreline, which was a great way to experience the area. We also spent time walking around Whitefish Dunes State Park, where the scenery shifts to sandy paths, lake views, and a very different feel from the rocky coastlines we’d seen earlier in the trip.
One evening, we joined a classic Door County tradition with a fish boil at Waterfront Mary’s. Fish boils date back to Scandinavian settlers in the area, who cooked whitefish caught fresh from Lake Michigan in large outdoor kettles over open fires. The dramatic boil-over—created by throwing kerosene on the fire at just the right moment—was originally a practical way to quickly bring the water back to a rolling boil and cook the fish efficiently. Today it’s as much about the experience as the meal, and it was a fun, memorable way to connect with the local history while enjoying a simple, delicious dinner. The meal even came with cherry pie, a main-stay in door county where they are known for growing cherries.
Sturgeon Bay and Door County Wisconsin
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis struck a great balance between city life and green space, and we spent much of our time on foot. Having visited here before, we explored a few new places this time. A visit to Minnehaha Regional Park was an easy highlight, with its waterfalls and wooded paths offering a refreshing break from urban streets. Downtown, we walked through different neighborhoods, getting a feel for the city’s layout and energy while taking advantage of how connected everything felt.
We also stopped by the Mill City Museum, which added context to Minneapolis’s history along the Mississippi River and its role in the flour milling industry. Another favorite area was Bde Maka Ska Park, where miles of paths loop the lake and invite long, uninterrupted walks. Together, these experiences made Minneapolis feel both active and approachable—a fitting final stop before heading into longer drives and more open landscapes.
Minneapolis, MN
Section 2: Across the Plains
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo was a quick but meaningful stop for us, simply because it was new. We had never stayed in North Dakota before, and this overnight visit officially checked another state off our map. It wasn’t about sightseeing or lingering—it was about passing through somewhere unfamiliar and adding one more place to our growing list of stops along the way.
Fargo, ND
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg was our first extended stop after crossing into Canada, and staying a full week gave us time to settle in and really explore. We spent a lot of time on foot, walking different neighborhoods and getting a feel for the city’s everyday rhythm.
One place we kept coming back to was The Forks, which quickly became a favorite hangout. Sitting where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, it’s an easy spot to walk, grab something to eat, people-watch, and linger by the water. With paths along the river, shops, and open spaces, it felt like a place locals actually use—and that always makes a city more enjoyable for us.
We also spent time at Assiniboine Park, wandering through the gardens and paths and appreciating how much green space is built right into the city. Another highlight was a pet-friendly boat ride on the Red River with Winnipeg Waterways, which turned out to be a great way to see the city from the water. Cruising along the rivers gave us a different perspective and helped us better understand Winnipeg’s layout and history.
Winnipeg felt welcoming, easy to navigate, and very livable—making it an ideal place to pause before continuing west across the prairies.
Wandering around Winnipeg
Brandon, Regina & Medicine Hat
The remaining prairie stops—Brandon, Regina, and Medicine Hat—served an important purpose in breaking up the long drive across the plains. These were practical, overnight-style stops rather than destinations we explored deeply, but they played a key role in keeping the travel days manageable. Long stretches of open road, big skies, and quiet evenings defined this part of the route, and by the time we reached Medicine Hat, it felt clear that the landscape was about to change.
In Brandon, we stopped at a quirky place called Crow’s, filled with vintage pieces and an eclectic mix of odds and ends. The owner insisted I do a quick photo shoot inside the shop. He directed me to pose with various props around the store, making sure he snapped a photo of me from every angle, proving how proud he was of this nostalgic space. It was an unexpected stop, but it turned out to be a very unique experience.
Brandon, MB and Crow's
Regina deserved a quick shout-out as well. As the capital of Saskatchewan, it felt a bit more polished than our other prairie stops. We spent time walking around Wascana Centre and taking photos of the surrounding historic, government buildings, which made it a pleasant and worthwhile pause on the drive west.
Regina, Manitoba
Medicine Hat, AB
Section 3: The Rockies Ahead
Calgary → Banff → Jasper
After days of flat terrain and open horizons, arriving in Calgary marked a noticeable shift. This stop was especially meaningful because Alyssa flew in from Los Angeles to join us, turning Calgary into both a transition point and a family gathering spot.
Calgary, Alberta
Arriving in Calgary marked a clear transition point in the journey, and it became especially meaningful when Alyssa flew in from Los Angeles to join us for this portion of the trip. Having her there turned Calgary into more than just a stopping point. We visited the Calgary Tower for sweeping views of the city, walked across the Peace Bridge, and spent time exploring on foot. One highlight was a day trip to Canmore, where we hiked the Grassi Lakes Trail—an unforgettable introduction to the mountain scenery ahead and a great way to spend time together before continuing on.
Calgary, Canmore, and Grassi Lakes Hike.
After saying goodbye to Alyssa, we pointed the RV west and continued on toward Banff and Jasper, where the mountains quickly became the focus of the journey.
Banff National Park
Banff was, without question, one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. The scale of the mountains, the color of the lakes, and the way the scenery surrounds you in every direction felt almost unreal. To make the most of our time there, we hired a private tour company for a full-day outing that took us to many of the area’s major highlights. It was just us on the tour—including Sierra—which made the day feel relaxed, personal, and easy to enjoy.
Over the course of the day, we stopped at Peyto Lake, Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, Marble Canyon, and Johnston Canyon, each one more impressive than the last. Not having to worry about driving, parking, or timing allowed us to really take in each stop and appreciate just how extraordinary the landscape is.
We took a bus tour to Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, and the color of the water was almost hard to believe—each a striking shade of blue and green. These lakes get their vibrant color from glacier flour, fine rock particles created by glaciers that remain suspended in the water and reflect sunlight, giving the lakes their distinctive glow.
On a different day, we also rode the Banff gondola, which offered sweeping views that put the breadth of the surrounding mountains into perspective. Between the guided tour and exploring on our own, Banff left a lasting impression and set a new benchmark for what “beautiful” really means to us.
Beautiful Banff National Park
Jasper National Park
Jasper felt noticeably different from Banff, and that contrast made it especially memorable. The park is more spread out and quieter, with long scenic drives that feel like part of the experience rather than just a way to get somewhere. While parts of the area showed the effects of the 2024 wildfires, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the landscape. If anything, it added another layer of perspective—reminding us how resilient these places are and how much there still is to appreciate.
One of the most unforgettable parts of our time in Jasper was driving the Icefields Parkway, a scenic highway that connects Banff and Jasper and is often considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. We stopped to see the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in North America and a visible remnant of the Columbia Icefield, which feeds several major river systems. We also took a cruise on Maligne Lake, where the surrounding peaks and calm water created a peaceful, almost surreal setting, and rode the Jasper SkyTram for sweeping views of the valley and mountains below.
Back at the campground, we loved seeing elk wandering through the area, which somehow made the whole experience feel even more special and rooted in daily life in the mountains. Jasper felt less about iconic, crowded stops and more about taking in the scenery as a whole—a quieter, more expansive experience and a fitting way to round out our time in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper National Park
Banff and Jasper were more than just stops along the way—they were places that left a lasting impression. Our days were spent hiking to some of the most remarkable places on Earth. From the mountain scenery and vivid lakes to the wildlife and sheer sense of scale, every part of this stretch felt special. The long drives to get there were absolutely worth it, making this one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
Chapter 4: Heading South & West — Family Stops, Big Cities, and Back to the Desert
(Late Summer–Fall 2025)
After leaving the Rockies behind, the route shifted again—this time toward warmer climates, familiar cities, and a slower descent back into desert life. This chapter took us through a mix of family visits, big-city stops, and shorter stays that helped bridge the distance between the mountains and the Southwest. It was less about sightseeing checklists and more about reconnecting, repositioning, and gradually easing back into our winter rhythm.
Chapter 4 – Trip Details at a Glance
Dates: 9/2– 1/1, 2026
Route: Idaho Falls, ID → Ogden, UT → Las Vegas, NV → Acton, CA → San Diego, CA → Yuma, AZ → Mesa, AZ → Tucson, AZ
Where We Stayed
• Idaho Falls, ID: Snake River Park & Campground, Idaho Falls— 5 nights
• Layton, UT: Staying with Eric — 14 nights
• Las Vegas, NV: Oasis Las Vegas, Las Vegas — 7 nights
• Acton, CA: Soledad Canyon, Acton, CA — 21 nights
• San Diego, CA: San Diego RV Resort — 13 nights
• Yuma, AZ: Mesa Verde, Yuma, AZ — 15 nights
• Mesa, AZ: Mesa Spirit, Mesa, AZ — 21 nights
• Tucson, AZ: Voyager RV Resort, Tucson, AZ —21 nights
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls was a familiar stop for us, so this time we kept things simple. Rather than trying to see something new in town, we focused on getting outside and visiting Mesa Falls. The hike there was well worth it, with views of the powerful waterfalls and the surrounding landscape making it an easy highlight. It was a low-key stop, but a good one—an active break before continuing on to Utah.
Idaho Falls and visit to Mesa Falls
Layton, Utah
Our stop in Layton revolved entirely around family. Eric had recently bought a new house off the Air Force Base, and it turned out to be the perfect place for everyone to gather. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, there was plenty of space to host family members who flew in to spend time together. My parents came in from Buffalo, and Apryl, Ethan, and Lauren flew in from Denver, turning our stay into a full-on family reunion.
The house also came with a large RV pad on the side, and Eric had electric installed so we could stay comfortably in the RV while still being right there with everyone. That setup made it easy for us to keep our routine while being part of everything going on in the house. While we were there, we helped Eric get settled into his new home—Pat tackled a long list of fixes and projects, and I focused on picking up things to make the space feel more homey. It was one of those stays that felt productive, meaningful, and exactly how we like to spend time with family.
Family fun in Utah
It was hard to leave Ogden, but it felt good knowing we now have a comfortable place to return to and spend more time with Eric in the future.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas was another repeat stop for us, but this time we had one specific goal in mind—seeing the Sphere. Ryan flew in from Sarasota to join us, and since he had never been to Vegas, it gave us the perfect excuse to lean into some of the classic experiences along with something completely new.
The Sphere is a massive, state-of-the-art entertainment venue just off the Strip, known for its enormous LED exterior and fully immersive interior. Inside, the curved screen surrounds you, with visuals, sound, and even physical effects designed to make you feel part of the experience rather than just watching it. We saw The Wizard of Oz, and it was so much fun—creative, immersive, and unlike anything we’d ever experienced before.
While Ryan was in town, we did all the touristy things you’re supposed to do in Vegas—walking the Strip, soaking in the energy, and showing him why the city is such a spectacle the first time you see it. After Ryan headed home, Pat and I slowed things down a bit and visited the ARTE Museum, which ended up being a standout experience. ARTE is an immersive digital art museum, with large-scale rooms filled with moving projections, sound, and light that change as you walk through them. It felt creative, calming, and surprisingly engaging—one of those places where you want to linger and take it all in. The photos don't really do this place justice.
Even on a return visit, Vegas managed to surprise us, especially when we focused on experiences that felt new and memorable rather than just familiar.
Viva Las Vegas
After Vegas, we headed west into California, trading neon lights and crowds for a much quieter stop in Acton.
Acton, California
We keep returning to Acton for one simple reason—it’s the closest park within our Thousand Trails membership that puts us about an hour from Alyssa in Los Angeles. It’s not a destination stop for us, but it’s convenient and works well as a base when we want to spend time nearby without being in the city itself.
This stay turned out to be a little more eventful than we expected. While we were still in Vegas, Alyssa’s car was rear-ended and deemed totaled, so some of our time was spent helping her figure out a replacement. It definitely wasn’t what we had planned, but that’s real life on the road. Being close made it much easier to help, and it reminded us why having a convenient place to stay near Alyssa is so helpful.
Car shopping and spending time with Alyssa in LA
San Diego
San Diego is one of those cities I never get tired of coming back to. I love the mix of mountains and ocean, the weather, and the overall vibe of the city just works for me every time. It always feels easy to settle in here, whether we’re walking, going to my favorite Kombucha place, being near the water, or just enjoying the scenery that seems to surround you no matter where you are.
Alyssa drove her new car down to join us for a few days, which made the stop even better. While we were there, we made a spontaneous decision to turn around and drive back to LA so we could attend one of her dance performances. We found a dog-friendly hotel near the venue, spent the night, and made it work. It ended up being about six hours of driving round trip, but it was absolutely worth it to see her perform.
That quick turnaround pretty much summed up the stop—rolling with last-minute plans, spending time with family, and doing what you do when it matters. San Diego came through once again, not just as a city we love, but as a really great place to land while making memories we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Sunny San Diego
Leaving the coast behind, we crossed into the desert and continued on to Yuma.
Yuma, Arizona
Yuma was another familiar stop for us, and we didn’t feel the need to reinvent it this time around. One of the main reasons we keep coming back is the easy access to Los Algodones, also known as Molar City, where we schedule our dental cleanings. It’s become part of our routine, and it’s hard to beat how convenient and affordable it is.
Beyond that, we kept things simple—getting outside for some hiking and biking and enjoying the desert scenery. While we were there, we also celebrated Sierra’s first birthday on November 16th. It was hard to believe how much ground she’s covered in her first year of RV life, tagging along through cities, small towns, mountains, and deserts. Yuma felt like a fitting place to pause and mark that milestone before continuing on.
Yuma and Happy Birthday to Sierra!
Mesa
Mesa is another place we’ve returned to more than once, and it continues to check all the boxes for us. The weather is usually just about perfect this time of year, we’re close to everything we need, and there’s no shortage of ways to stay active. It’s an easy place to settle in and enjoy everyday life without feeling like we have to be constantly on the move.
We spent a lot of time hiking, with outings to Papago Park and the Superstition Mountains, both of which never disappoint. When we weren’t on the trails, we took full advantage of the resort pool, squeezing in plenty of swimming and downtime. We also biked to one of our favorite vegan restaurants in Agritopia, which is always a fun ride and a great excuse to linger over a meal. There were also some great Farmer's Markets nearby that made for great meet and greets for Sierra.
We mixed in some family time too, visiting the OdySea Aquarium and having lunch with our cousins, Charles and Suzy, who live in Scottsdale. One of the things we enjoy most about staying in Mesa is how easy it is to connect with people, and this visit was no exception—we made new friends at a neighboring park and spent time walking along the canal in Scottsdale, enjoying the Christmas decorations lit up for the season.
Mesa continues to feel comfortable, active, and welcoming—one of those places that just fits our lifestyle really well.
Mesa and surrounding Phoenix area
Tucson: Part 1
Tucson felt like a natural place to land again, and a big reason we came back is how much we enjoy staying at Voyager RV Resort. The pool complex is beautiful, the amenities are plentiful, and it’s an easy place to settle into a comfortable routine. It’s the kind of spot where you can be as active—or as relaxed—as you want.
Most of our days have been spent biking the Julian Wash Greenway, swimming, and taking long walks around the resort and the nearby desert trails with Sierra. It’s been a nice balance of movement and downtime, exactly what we were looking for as the year winds
Up next: Tucson Part 1 conclusion and End of year Reflection.
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