48StatesProject.com2024-03-28T17:50:35+00:0048StatesProject.comhttp://localhost:3563/MyAtomFeedIdOur First Blog Posthttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/our-first-blog-post2013-09-16T02:50:30.663Z<p>Welcome to our 48 States Project blog. This is where we'll update anyone who cares and let them know about our progress throughout our adventure. No doubt it will be difficult to capture the experience in a blog, but we'll do our best to give you a fl...In 6 months...https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/in-6-months2013-12-15T03:07:45.670Z<p>It is hard to believe that in 6 short months we will be beginning this 48 states project adventure that we have been talking about for nearly 2 years. It will include many firsts for us, including this--my very first blog post :)</p><p>It has be...From Hybrid to Huge Truckhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/from-hybrid-to-huge-truck2014-01-29T02:15:39.287Z<p><strong>January 13, 2014--</strong>Today was a big day for us. We picked up our pickup truck, the first major purchase toward this dream that we have been talking about for almost 2 years now. I'm not sure why, but somehow the thought of m...Simplifyinghttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/simplifying2014-02-12T05:11:17.087Z<div style="width:300px;background-color:#DEDEDE;padding:10px;padding-bottom:5px;"><p>Pray, for what do we <em>move</em> ever but to get rid of our furniture...</p><p><strong>- Henry David Thoreau, </strong><em><strong>Walden</strong></em> </p></div><p><...More stuff decisionshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/more-stuff-decisions2014-03-03T20:47:25.463Z<p>"I must have things but things must not have me."<br />--Jill Briscoe</p><p></p><p>I think I first heard these words about 20 years ago and my understanding of them has grown with time. There are many, many parts of preparing for this trip--and we are...Our new home on wheels is at our house!!https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/our-new-home-on-wheels-is-at-our-house2014-04-13T01:56:13.880Z<p><strong>April 12, 2014--</strong>After months of planning and considering this major purchase, it feels surreal to have an RV in our driveway.<span> </span>We first saw the Heartland Sundance 3300CK at the Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV sh...Behind the Wheel of Our Big Righttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/behind-the-wheel-of-our-big-rig2014-04-25T02:55:27.783Z<p>If you would have told me at any point before 2 years ago that I would be able to not only drive a pickup truck, but also tow something that fills our entire driveway, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. I like to think of myself as being ...A few notes on packing...https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/a-few-notes-on-packing2014-05-27T19:22:57.127Z<p><br /></p><p>Many people have asked, "How do you pack to be gone for a year?" My short answer is, "Good question--we're figuring it out as we go along."</p><p>My longer answer is that we are continuing to figure it out as we go along, but have b...Guest Post: 10-tips from a First Time RV'erhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/guest-post-10tips-from-a-first-time-rver2014-06-10T21:02:03.863Z<p><strong>EDITOR'S NOTE: <a href="https://twitter.com/BasemEmara" target="_blank">Basem Emara</a> has been a friend and co-worker of J.'s for the last several years. He was inspired--in part by our adventure--to taste a little of his own RV adventure. T..."So, how is it going so far?"https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/so-how-is-it-going-so-far2014-06-26T01:43:23.527Z<p>If a friend were to ask me, "So, how is it going so far on your adventure?" I would say that I feel like I am still trying to catch my breath, I am feeling scattered and like there is a lot to figure out with this new lifestyle and location.&nbs...Kind of Campinghttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/kind-of-camping2014-07-10T21:40:34.767Z<p>When someone tells me they went camping, I usually ask, "What
kind of camping do you do?" Because, in
my limited experience, I have noticed a few differences in what camping means
to different people. Some people
consider camping to on...Our Visit to the Amish Town of Jamesport, MOhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/our-visit-to-the-amish-town-of-jamesport-mo2014-07-11T21:41:27.323Z<p><span style="font-size:medium;line-height:107%;">A tour of one of the oldest and largest Amish communities west of the Mississippi was a fascinating experience for Luke, Lauren and me. I love having a tour guide explain and point out facts about new p...One month into this 48 State Projecthttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/one-month-into-this-48-state-project2014-07-15T02:19:04.357Z<p>It is hard to believe that one month ago today we pulled out of our driveway and began this crazy adventure. J. and I definitely have moments of "are we actually doing this?!?" Our truck tires have crossed the borders of 11 states (which m...Time savers and time spenders—finding thingshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/time-savers-and-time-spendersfinding-things2014-07-19T02:27:43.357Z<p>Every choice has costs and benefits, both pros and cons. Living in an RV is no exception--there are things that make it easier and others that make it more difficult.<br /></p><p>For example, life is simpler in a smaller space. It is less than 20 step...Chapter 1, Rockford, IL June 14-15, 2014https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/chapter-1-rockford-il-june-1415-20142014-07-19T02:39:54.043Z<p>Our ideal is to not travel too many miles at one time. Rockford, IL seemed like a perfect place to spend our first night after traveling about 5 or 6 hours. Illinois is "home" for me, and has been "home" for J., though now after living in ...Whose Life is This?!?https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/whose-life-is-this2014-08-04T20:03:27.340Z<p>At the moment, I am looking out my kitchen window at another 5<sup>th</sup> wheel. If I look out windows on the other side of our home on wheels, I see beautiful mountains and trees. </p><p>Sometimes I am struck by how different this life ...Chapter 2a, Savage, MNhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/chapter-2a-savage-mn2014-08-18T01:23:53.377Z<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">June 15-21, 2014</span></strong></p><p>We had 2 weeks to live and play near the Twin Cities and we wanted to make the most of the opportunity to be with family and friends so I *probably* over-scheduled...Chapter 2b, Savage, MNhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/chapter-2b-savage-mn2014-08-18T01:45:29.440Z<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">June 22-28, 2014</span></strong></p><p>We had 2 weeks to live and play near the Twin Cities and we wanted to make the most of the opportunity to be with family and friends so I *probably* overscheduled ...Chapter 3, Eagleville, MOhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/chapter-3-eagleville-mo2014-08-21T03:32:11.077Z<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">June 28-July 5, 2014</span></strong><br /></p><p>After a busy 2 weeks with friends and family, it was refreshing to be in a quiet, pastoral setting. We drove through the beautiful, peaceful hills of Iow...Chapter 4, Topeka, KShttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/chapter-4-topeka-ks2014-08-21T03:45:20.217Z<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">July 3-4, 2014</span></strong></p><p>We were thankful to be able to celebrate the Fourth of July with family we haven't seen in a while. My uncle, aunt, and grandmother live in Topeka. Another cousin an...Chapter 5, Sioux Falls, SDhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/chapter-5-sioux-falls-sd2014-08-21T03:55:12.373Z<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">July 5-6, 2014</span></strong><br /></p><p>When we had originally planned our trip, we had planned to be in Sioux Falls for a week, but when the company Disney cruise date was changed from June to July,...Confessions of my Traveling Mindsethttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/confessions-of-my-traveling-mindset2014-09-11T22:48:49.660Z<p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As we get further into this traveling adventure, I find that different places and opportunities bring out different things in me. I think people (including me) return from vacation needing a vacation or just rest because they have...Glacier and Yellowstone: Beautiful in Different Wayshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/glacier-and-yellowstone-beautiful-in-different-ways2014-09-13T22:43:21.453Z<p>Glacier and Yellowstone are both very beautiful but in very different ways. Glacier contains rich colors like the evergreen forest's rich greens and bright flowers and the crystal clear water that looks as if it were glass. The mountains are so amazin...100 days into this adventure…https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/100-days-into-this-adventure2014-09-23T15:07:23.317Z<p><br /></p><p>"Crazy pretty much sums it up," Luke responded when asked at church yesterday what he thought about this adventure. It definitely is crazy--crazy good, crazy hard, crazy fun, crazy lonely, and crazy beautiful most of all. There is so much...“IT’S NOT FAIR!”https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/its-not-fair2014-09-30T03:42:05.327Z<p>"IT'S NOT FAIR!"</p><p>I wonder if there is a parent alive who hasn't heard this phrase countless times. Especially when their child has one or more siblings. I remember saying this phrase while I was growing up, hoping that it would bring about the "...Three Kinds of Stateshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/three-kinds-of-states2014-10-02T15:29:04.080Z<p>So far on this trip we have visited 17 different states. Some we have visited for days, some for hours, and some for just minutes. </p><p>As we've scheduled our trip, we've seen that we have to be selective about where we spend our time. One year just...“You may NOT lick your dinner plate, but you MAY lick your dessert plate.”https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/you-may-not-lick-your-dinner-plate-but-you-may-lick-your-dessert-plate2014-11-13T04:50:46.177Z<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">"You may NOT lick your dinner plate, but you MAY lick your dessert plate."</span></p><p>I am a classic firstborn in many ways. I like knowing what is expected and rules are one way of communicating expectations...Running On the Roadhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/running-on-the-road---2014-12-03T05:30:52.720Z<p>Traveling brings wonderful opportunities as well as countless unknowns. This requires much more thinking and planning. When I am at home in Michigan, when I want to run I know how far certain loops are, where there are sidewalks and safer areas. When ...Rounding a Cornerhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/rounding-a-corner2014-12-15T19:14:22.653Z<p></p><p>When we arrived in Arizona a week ago, for the first time we had to change our clocks forward rather than back. Arizona doesn't observe daylight savings time, so at the moment we are living on Mountain Time. It seems kind of strange to say, but...HALF-WAY HOMEhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/halfway-home2015-01-13T21:42:27.477Z<p>Last week marked the official half-way point between when we left Michigan on June 14, 2014 and when we plan to return on August 1, 2015. Two-hundred and six days down, 206 days to go. The days often feel long, but the weeks and months have flown by. ...OUR TOP 5 (OR 7) SO FAR…https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/our-top-5-or-7-so-far2015-01-21T23:17:41.937Z<p>NATIONAL PARKS*</p><ol><li><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';"> </span>Glacier National Park, Montana</li><li><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';">  ...The Great Clips Rule: There's No Place Like Homehttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/the-great-clips-rule2015-01-24T05:40:46.150Z<p>As we've moved from place-to-place these past several months, a few locations have started--just a little--to feel like home. </p><p>Recently, as we pulled out of an RV park that felt very comfortable and homey, Brooke commented that it was very sad a...Missing Homehttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/missing-home2015-01-30T22:46:27.247Z<p>Lately, I have been feeling more homesick than ever. Yes, I am still glad we're doing this 48 States Project. Yes, I am thankful for all the beautiful & interesting things we're getting to see. Yes, it is an incredible opportunity for the kids, an...The Danger of Doing Somethinghttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/the-danger-of-doing-something2015-02-09T19:54:39.177Z<p>Last weekend we had one of our longest and most difficult travel days of the trip so far. In addition to a larger-than-advisable number of miles for one day, we also had to drive through terrible road conditions and a "winter weather advisory" for the...Portrait of a Moving Dayhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/portrait-of-a-moving-day2015-02-27T03:38:58.457Z<p>Moving the RV is something we've done a lot of this year. On average we've moved it for one reason or another about once per week or week-and-a-half. In other words, we've gotten pretty good at it out of necessity. </p><p>That doesn't mean it's gotten...Looking At Something from Different Directionshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/looking-at-something-from-different-directions2015-03-06T16:15:03.723Z<p>Looking at things from different points of view is not a new concept. However, traveling this year has added new dimensions of perspective. As I've matured from looking at things from an "either-or" to a "both-and" perspective, it has been fun to appr...My Two Primary Home/Road Schooling Feelingshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/my-two-primary-homeroad-schooling-feelings2015-06-06T20:58:35.597Z<p>The idea of homeschooling our kids for a year was one of the parts of this adventure that scared me most. And, after 9 months, I am relieved to say we got through almost all of the material I had hoped to cover. My biggest emotions right now are...We Began this 48 States Project One Year Ago Todayhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/we-began-this-48-states-project-one-year-ago-today2015-06-14T23:12:10.927Z<p>One year ago today, we pulled our truck and 5<sup>th</sup> wheel RV out of our driveway to begin this 48 States Project. When I reflect on the year, I am amazed at all we have gotten to see and do, and that we have only 4 state lines left to cross. I ...It's Not Campinghttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/its-not-camping2015-06-16T13:46:14.060Z<p>We live in an RV this year. It's our home. We know that's a bit odd, so we don't hold it against anyone when they doesn't truly understand what it's like and how different it is from "camping" for a whole year. Often we see it in peoples' eyes when we...RVing in New York Cityhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/rving-in-new-york-city2015-06-18T20:21:10.463Z<p>You probably don't think of New York City and camping as things that would go together. Neither did we. </p><p>Three years ago, when we were still planning the trip, one of us asked the other if they thought there were any RV parks close to New York C...Dear Dexter--an open letter to the dog we adopted the day we returned homehttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/dear-dexteran-open-letter-to-the-dog-we-adopted-the-day-we-returned-home2015-08-28T20:52:15.150Z<p>Dear Dexter,</p><p>It seems a little strange to be writing you a letter only a month after we met you, but since you were such a big, delightful part of the grand finale of our 48 state project, it still seems appropriate to say a few words. Especiall...Reflections on Life Back Home in the Suburbs of Grand Rapidshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/reflections-on-life-back-home-in-the-suburbs-of-grand-rapids2015-10-15T18:52:01.637Z<p>Since we returned home 80 days ago, life has felt busy and chaotic to me. We have experienced many changes in our focus and schedule over the past 2 months. Mostly, we are very thankful to be home--with the luxuries of full-sized house living, with mu...Our 48 States 11 Favorite National Parks and Monumentshttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/our-48-states-11-favorite-national-parks-and-monuments2015-10-31T18:54:15.793Z<p>We visited 19 National Parks and 9 National Monuments in our 2014-2015 travel adventure. At the end of this 408 day journey, we each gave a score on every place using a scale of 1-10. I can say that visiting ANY National Park is a wonderful experience...Check Listhttps://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/check-list2015-11-07T20:52:46.340Z<p>A couple month before returning home, we started creating a to-do list of things we'd need to do when we got back. We used one of our favorite apps, <a href="https://www.wunderlist.com/" target="_blank">Wunderlist</a>, and noted down all the big and o...Dear Sundance aka "the RV" aka "Home,"https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/dear-sundance-aka-the-rv-aka-home2015-11-12T20:32:05.150Z<p>Dear Sundance 3300CK aka "the RV" aka "Home,"</p><p>Yesterday, we handed your keys over to new owners. It is bittersweet relinquishing our title and rights to the place that we have spent so much time in, and was our home for over a year. You saw us a...Have We Really Been Home 6 Months Already?https://www.48statesproject.com:443/blog/post/have-we-really-been-home-6-months-already2016-01-27T02:43:26.317Z<p>I just realized that tomorrow marks a milestone of how long we have been home--half of a year! Time is a funny thing--it flies and drags simultaneously. The days are often long, but the months and years seem to disappear so quickly. So, of course, in ...