“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Day 45, part 1

We drove Crystal through 18 states, Peggy through another one (Wyoming) and we walked into 2 states (Arizona and North Carolina) for a total of 21 states visited in 45 days. We slept in 11 states, in 18 different campgrounds and 1 hotel. We visited 13 national parks, at least 3 state parks, 1 amusement park, and numerous national monuments, forests, grasslands…

This trip was everything I wanted it to be and even better than I could have hoped. Crystal proved to be a great home away from home. We were always comfortable, and I think that made the difference for lasting contentedly so long on the road. Beyond grateful for this experience.

This morning Mat drove Crystal and I drove Peggy back to Rapid City for our airport departure. Sad to say goodbye but happy to have done “that thing we always said we wanted to do”. And looking back at the goals I posted on day 1, I am more than satisfied with accomplishing them all. Quick takeaways from this trip while sitting at the airport:

My kids are awesome travelers by ground and air. We’ll have to try by sea and train next.
I will treasure this time I had with my family, watching my girls bond, and sharing such a special summer together.
Their favorite day of the road trip was the one spent with friends in Arches, noted. It may be harder to get in family trips as they get older and more social. Glad we did this one now.
Mat really is the best partner ever. I already knew that but everyday I seem to like him even more.
I am definitely more of a lake girl than a desert girl.
I don’t think I will ever tire of seeing new places and ways of life. Even when it’s hot, uncomfortable, full of snakes or undesirable critters.
Next trip we’ll have to figure out how to share our adventures in a more social context. This blog was fun for me to keep a journal for myself but it didn’t connect us at all to friends and family at home.

Until next time,

Kim