I’m Dan the dad, about to take to the road with my lovely wife Laura and three wonderful kids. I look forward to all the adventure and new vistas. While our house here in Florida borders a forest and I see a lot of interesting creatures, I miss the hills and mountains of my youth in Southern California.
We don’t know our exact route, which is half the fun. The plan is to head up North and watch the leaves change, then flee the cold back down South. Texas, Arizona and Louisiana are all candidates for spending the winter, so suffice to say we just aren’t sure.
I’m sure I’ll love it out there, but I have no idea what to expect. Being the primary driver of the Class A, my gut feeling is to keep to the interstates and big highways when possible. But the smaller highways certainly do offer more scenic drives. Of course we’re towing a car along, so we may adopt the strategy of taking the easiest route possible to a beautiful site with hook ups, then spending the next week exploring in the car before moving on.
The plan is to visit all 48 states eventually, and a grand journey to Alaska is possible. But with our September start, 2015 will probably see the eastern states on up to New England, then deciding where to head as we watch the weather forecasts.
Yeehaw!
We’re headed your way – get ready, New England!
Hi Dan great adventure for you all and I am sure there is going to a lot of fun and stories to be told along the way. I think that home schooling the kids on a road trip is just amazing and it will certainly give them a good grounding and head start in life.
I look forward to reading your stories.
Hi Chris, we’re had some good weather and some bad – luckily we left South Carolina in time to avoid flooding by Hurricane Joaquin. The kids are having a blast and I actually enjoy driving the “mini-caravan” of our Class A towing a vehicle. Great museums in Raleigh, NC are typical of the invaluable education we hope to provide for our 3.
Hi Dan, I highly recommend making the trip to Alaska next summer if you can. My husband and I are from Tampa and traveling with our truck pulling a travel trailer. We just spent 5 weeks in Alaska and it was unbelievable. The drive through Canada was also amazing. We saw all kinds of wildlife. Bears, moose, elk, whales, marmots, otters, bison, bald eagles, etc. I had no idea I would be as smitten with the ravens as I have been. They’re everywhere and pretty interesting birds.
Sounds like you’ve got a pretty big set up with your class A and tow vehicle. Good luck. I’m sure driving it will become second nature in no time.
-Wendy
Hi Wendy, I’m fast getting the hang of the big Class A with vehicle in tow! We must be something of a sight when we roll through the small towns on state highways. We definitely are hoping for an Alaska trek at some point – totally uncharted territory for us all. After New England this fall we’ll overwinter someplace like AZ, NM or TX, then we’ll probably swing up through the northern 48 – Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, etc. Alaska will take some planning and preparation if we try it this year!
-Dan
I wonder where you kids are now…I’ve been thinking a lot about your family the past few days. And I admit, I’m a little envious! But what a fantastic journey.
We’re into Virginia, almost to DC. Actually felt good for the warmth to return the past couple days – nights were down near 50 and constant clouds with rain and drizzle. I think we left South Carolina just in time to avoid getting washed away by the rain from Hurricane Joaquin, though. But I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining – each day is loads of fun, plenty to experience.
Looking forward to the Cali part of your journey.
xxoo
Stephanie
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you guys, too!