November is usually my month to slow down and reflect on all that I am grateful for over the past year. This first week, however, is not off to that same slow start. We have quite a few balls in the air as we prep the current RV for trade and make arrangements to pick up the new one in Illinois…make that Michigan, as they just rescheduled. Again. As I said, there are lots of moving parts.
I am grateful for the flexibility of our lifestyle. 2025 was all about a return to the East Coast. We passed through in 2023 on a mission to get to Maine, where I spent 6 months working at a campground. There were plenty of surprises along that route, so I knew we would be back to experience more of the history. This week, I am giving thanks for the outdoor adventures that made this year special!
2025 Snowbird in Pensacola, FL
Record snowfall...in Florida
If you have followed us for any length of time, you probably know weird weather seems to follow us around. The first year we traveled, we saw snow in Arizona and Oregon in June; snow seemed to be everywhere we went. So this year we thought, let's head to Florida to kick off the year as snowbirds. Well. It snowed. It was the first time in over 100 years that it had snowed in Pensacola. You're welcome, Florida.
Motorcycle Rides
In NY, we met Joe and Rose at Rondout Valley Campground. They invited us over for dinner and a fierce game of "bags" (aka cornhole). Joe shared a great motorcycle ride route that would take us around a couple of reservoirs. He even promised we would see eagles. Big promise, but I packed up my long lens and off we went a few days later. I found a waterfall and gorgeous water reflections as well!
Keeping An Eye on You
Unnamed Roadside Waterfall
Misty Morning Reflections
Exploring the stunning Catskills
The East Coast is often portrayed as crowded and fast-paced, but if you explore outside of the big cities, there is so much beauty to be found. It was both a surprise and a delight. We have met some wonderful people on our travels, and most share tips for great places to explore.
We spent quite a few Sunday afternoons riding through the Catskills while we were in New York. The temps were pretty nice for mid-summer in Upstate New York!
Fog Layered Trees in the Catskills
Daytona Bike Week
Usually, my "outdoor" adventures are all about hiking, but this year seemed dedicated to motorcycle rides and outdoor events. I'm thankful our RV is a toy hauler and we can bring the bike wherever we go.
If you are a motorsports fan, no trip to Florida is complete without a stop at the Daytona Motor Speedway. And, if you are also a biker, you should definitely go during Daytona Bike Week! I would say Sturgis is probably my favorite of the two, but it was pretty cool getting to attend each one in their 84th year! And then, there is a pretty cool beach!
Daytona Bike Week
Exploring Daytona Beach
Test Rides at Bike Week
Camping in the Wild
We don't mind campgrounds and the amenities they offer, but our favorite places are boondocking in out-of-the-way, rural spots. They can be established campgrounds without hookups, horse camps, wildlife management areas, or BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, but it's all off-grid. It allows us to stay in small areas, which we prefer. It is also similar to camping, where you can walk out the door and be immersed in nature. I have the best photo walks in these places!
Boondocking on the Withlacoochee River
Florida Boondocking
Florida Boondocking - Walking Path
I think spending time in nature is the best way to de-stress and remember all the good things in your life. I'm thankful every day I have the opportunity to go out and enjoy the beauty God has given us. Next week I'll share my favorite East Coast adventures. There were so many that it will be hard to narrow down. But then... who says I have to?