The Final Frontier (An Alaska Trip Report - UPDATED 4/25)

[Captain_Oblivious]

Thanks for sharing your big adventures with us! I can’t imagine how time consuming it must be to write these detailed reports but I sure have enjoyed them all.
Congratulations to all of you for seeing all 50 states. Hopefully Drew can put his feet on Hawaii.

Thanks for reading along! It doesn't feel as time-consuming when you're having fun, and it's fun for me to re-live the adventures. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. It means a lot!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

The Grand Finale – Part 1

Let’s go back to the beginning.

With our 50 states quest officially over, I thought it might be fun to do a series of posts looking back on the journey. When you accumulate 11 years of shared experiences, you would hope that we’ve learned a few things along the way. For this first retrospective, I thought I’d comb through our photos through the years for what will hopefully be a helpful visual guide to traveling with a family.

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of U.S. Road Trips:

DO start off with breakfast at Wawa. Every successful road trip starts with donuts. While many things change over the years, the early morning stop at Wawa for breakfast has been a constant, sure to get us off to a good start.

A lot can change in 11 years. Look at these little guys! They were so small they were willing to sit three across in the minivan! (2010)

DO bring snacks. You can handle anything on the road as long as you have enough cheese balls. (2010)

DON’T worry about your fashion choices in the moment, even if the brown-tinted sunglasses and ill-advised goatee comes back to haunt you decades later. At least tucking your t-shirt into your jeans never goes out of style. (Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – 2010)

DO push your kids to become junior rangers at national parks. Let the record show that the first Junior Ranger badges were earned at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in April 2010. This has been a constant over the years, and a very worthwhile program offered by the National Park Service. Some parks do it better than others, of course, but it really does help with engaging the kids’ interest. (Kitty Hawk, North Carolina – 2010)

DO keep a record of your travels. It’s fun to watch it fill up over the years. That 2010 map just looks so….empty, doesn’t it?

DON’T drink the Beverly! (Disney World, September 2010)

DO let your kids get as wet as they want in the jumping fountains. Or any fountains, really. At least until the cops make you leave. (2010)

DO ask for ketchup. (2010)

If you have a chance to see something unique, DO take the opportunity to go. In other words, DON’T set yourself up for regrets later in life.

So if you’re in New Hampshire, for instance, DO take the hike to see a frozen waterfall. (Flume Gorge, New Hampshire – 2011)

Or if you’re in Ohio, DO visit the restaurant with the X-Wing fighter. (Mike’s Place, Kent, Ohio - 2011)

DON’T let your kids grow up to be Dallas Cowboy fans. (Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio – 2011)

DO practice good hygiene. (Benton Harbor, Michigan – 2011)

DO try new places and experiences. One of our best rules for travel was to never eat anywhere that is readily available where we live. The meals become so much more memorable when we’re not constantly stopping at Applebee’s or McDonald’s. Trying something new yields two possibly outcomes: you either discover something you love, or you have a great story. (Lynn’s Paradise Café -sadly, now closed)- Louisville, Kentucky – 2011)

DON’T let your kids go into dangerous situations. (Louisville, Kentucky – 2011)

DON’T do…whatever this is. (Virginia – 2011)

DO swing for the fences. Look, travel is expensive. There’s no way around that. But we were able to do most of these trips as a single-income family. I’m not saying it’s possible for everyone, but I am saying it’s more possible than you think if you plan for it, save, and make it a priority. Shared experiences are so much more valuable than material items.

Like that time we surprised the kids with a few days at Disney World when they thought we were going home. Totally worth it. (Disney World – 2012)

DON’T let yourself get lazy. Nobody wants to drive 8 hours in the middle of nowhere or do the hike with 500 steps straight up, but knowing something special is at the end...totally worth it. (Oahu, Hawaii – 2013)

DO plan your routes ahead of time, and bring a map just in case. (Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii – 2013)

If you have the chance to see volcanic activity but you have to give up your sleep to do so, DO it anyway. (Hawaii – 2013)

DO be prepared for surprises along the way. (Delaware, 2014)

DON’T exasperate your kids. (Hoover Dam, Nevada – 2014)

DO take the dam photos, and make as many dam jokes as you want. (Nevada – 2014)

DO study up on photography tricks and skills. The beauty of digital photography is that you can take thousands of photos just to get lucky and get those one or two priceless shots. (Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – 2014)

DO get up early to beat the crowds. If you’ve learned nothing else from me, it should be that Rope Drop always works. (Zion National Park, Utah – 2014)

DO develop a strong stomach, and be prepared for accidents. (Arizona – 2014)

DO watch sunrises and sunsets. (Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – 2014)

(Continued next post...)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Grand Finale Part 1 continued...

DON’T make fun of the tiny castle, at least not if Alison is around. (Disneyland, California – 2014)

DO climb a mountain, at least once in your lifetime. (Pike’s Peak, Colorado – 2015)

DO stay at the Old Faithful Inn. Those old National Park Lodges may not have modern facilities, but the location and history is something special. (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – 2015)

DON’T skip the highlights. Sometimes places attract crowds for a reason. (Arches National Park, Utah – 2015)

(Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – 2015)

DO take the missile tour. That was just so cool. (Minuteman Missile NHS, South Dakota, 2016)

DO get off the main highway from time to time. But do your research, so you don’t get lost. Only for the truly wonderful places. (Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska – 2016)

DO conquer your fears, and go up in the thing. Better than regretting the lost opportunity later. (Jefferson Memorial Arch, St. Louis, Missouri – 2016)

DON’T pee in the spa. (Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas – 2017)

DON’T. Just...don’t. (Everglades National Park, Florida – 2017)

DO visit the Kennedy Space Center, which is awe-inspiring, and especially DO be thankful for your blessings when you stumble into happy accidents. (Cape Canaveral, Florida – 2017)

DO allow yourself to get excited about your travels, especially if you are leaving later that day. (Delaware – 2018)

DON’T worry if you don’t get the perfect shot. Sometimes real life is better. (Disney World, Florida – 2018)

DON’T give up on your dreams. (Florida – 2018)

DON’T blink. (North Carolina – 2018)

DO order breakfast for dinner. And then get dessert. (Frank’s Diner, Spokane, Washington – 2019)

DO stop and let the kids skip the stones. (Glacier National Park, Montana – 2019)

DO stumble into the Blue Angels performing whenever possible. (Seattle, Washington – 2019)

DO visit Tunnel View with the sun behind you once in your lifetime. (Yosemite National Park, California – 2019)

DON’T eat Taco Bell late at night. (Universal Studios, Florida – 2020)

DO save up and go to Alaska once in your lifetime. Words can’t describe the beauty of the place. (Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska – 2021)

DO cross some items off of your bucket list. The shared experiences and memories are priceless. (Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska – 2021)

Coming Up Next: I’ll share some quick, broad impressions of every state we visited. We can show you the important places that are not to be missed. And in some cases, we went there so you won’t have to!

 

[melk]

Without a doubt those last two posts are two of the best I’ve ever read on these boards. I’ve followed your adventures on here, more reading and enjoying them than commenting on them. You, as well as other trip report posters on here, motivated me to travel to more than just WDW with my family. As a result we have visited many of the places you took your kids, including many of the national parks. So I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you.

Honestly, I feel like you could combine all your adventures and publish them into a book! Thanks again for sharing your adventures!

 

[Steppesister]

Such a wonderful, wonderful list, Mark. It's been such a pleasure following along over the years and "watching" the "kids" grow up. Hard to believe they are starting to leave the nest now. You've had some real doozies for adventures along the way and those memories will last a lifetime.

 

[WDW2012]

OMG why did I read that last update at work totally crying, but I am a sap! I know I said it in my earlier comment but it still holds true: you have given your children a true gift that they will treasure long after you are gone....but plenty of time before that. I have a feeling WHEN they are older, you may be invited on their family vacations!!

 

[pkondz]

Hoo boy... So much to unpack. I won't comment on every single photo... but I easily could have.
I will however comment on (probably) too many anyways... I just gotta.

With our 50 states quest officially over, I thought it might be fun to do a series of posts looking back on the journey.

Oh, goody! Woot!

DO start off with breakfast at Wawa.

Dude! Are you sure? That's a long way to go before starting a vacation...

Look at these little guys! They were so small they were willing to sit three across in the minivan! (2010)

Oh, man... Look at how little they were!

DO bring snacks. You can handle anything on the road as long as you have enough cheese balls. (2010)

Sarah's mouthful!

DON’T worry about your fashion choices in the moment, even if the brown-tinted sunglasses and ill-advised goatee comes back to haunt you decades later.

So... that's a look.

DO keep a record of your travels. It’s fun to watch it fill up over the years. That 2010 map just looks so….empty, doesn’t it?

I have not done this... and I really need to.

DON’T drink the Beverly! (Disney World, September 2010)

DO let your kids get as wet as they want in the jumping fountains. Or any fountains, really. At least until the cops make you leave. (2010)

Um... cops? I do not know this story?

DO ask for ketchup. (2010)

I know where that was.

DO take the hike to see a frozen waterfall. (Flume Gorge, New Hampshire – 2011)

Cool! That, I have not seen. Which is ridiculous considering where I live.

DO visit the restaurant with the X-Wing fighter. (Mike’s Place, Kent, Ohio - 2011)

I feel that every restaurant should have an X-Wing in front of it.

DON’T let your kids grow up to be Dallas Cowboy fans. (Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio – 2011)

DO practice good hygiene. (Benton Harbor, Michigan – 2011)

DO try new places and experiences.

I couldn't agree more with this.
Sometimes you get in that rut where you find yourself doing the same thing...

There's a whole world out there.

Oh, gosh... I wonder how many people got concerned when they saw that?

DON’T do…whatever this is. (Virginia – 2011)

I remember that one!

Shared experiences are so much more valuable than material items.

Another one that I heartily agree on.

Like that time we surprised the kids with a few days at Disney World when they thought we were going home. Totally worth it. (Disney World – 2012)

I do remember that one! That was great.

DO plan your routes ahead of time, and bring a map just in case. (Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii – 2013)

Awesome idea.

DO be prepared for surprises along the way. (Delaware, 2014)

I do believe that might be a happy little surprise.

DO take the dam photos, and make as many dam jokes as you want. (Nevada – 2014)

Dam right!

DO develop a strong stomach, and be prepared for accidents. (Arizona – 2014)

Ah yes... remember those... accidents. Always a joy.

DO watch sunrises and sunsets. (Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – 2014)

Gorgeous shot.

DON’T make fun of the tiny castle, at least not if Alison is around. (Disneyland, California – 2014)

Too right!

DO stay at the Old Faithful Inn. Those old National Park Lodges may not have modern facilities, but the location and history is something special. (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – 2015)

I think... you said you need to book that at least a year out?

DON’T skip the highlights. Sometimes places attract crowds for a reason. (Arches National Park, Utah – 2015)

I plan on seeing that in the next few months or so.

DO take the missile tour. That was just so cool. (Minuteman Missile NHS, South Dakota, 2016)

However, this... I will not do. Not because I don't want to, but because due to covid, they're not offering the tours right now.

DON’T pee in the spa. (Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas – 2017)

Ew?

DON’T. Just...don’t. (Everglades National Park, Florida – 2017)

This still bugs you, does it?

DO visit the Kennedy Space Center, which is awe-inspiring, and especially DO be thankful for your blessings when you stumble into happy accidents. (Cape Canaveral, Florida – 2017)

Soooooo envious of this.

DON’T blink. (North Carolina – 2018)

Hmmm... don't recall why you say that? Need a refresher here.

Good Lord...

DO stumble into the Blue Angels performing whenever possible. (Seattle, Washington – 2019)

Remember that one. Pretty awesome timing.

DO visit Tunnel View with the sun behind you once in your lifetime. (Yosemite National Park, California – 2019)

Maybe some day...

DON’T eat Taco Bell late at night. (Universal Studios, Florida – 2020)

I believe that's redundant. All that's required to say is "Don't eat Taco Bell."

DON’T eat Taco Bell late at night. (Universal Studios, Florida – 2020)

DO save up and go to Alaska once in your lifetime.

September!

I’ll share some quick, broad impressions of every state we visited. We can show you the important places that are not to be missed.

Please do so before not too much longer. I'm heading out on a road trip eventually and wouldn't mind a few tips.

 

[DLHNYC]

Wow, this entire trip report + this post are two of my favorites I've seen here. I don't post often but had to after reading this one. Your family seems like a lot of fun, and what amazing memories you have created. Thanks for taking the time to share your adventures with us!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Without a doubt those last two posts are two of the best I’ve ever read on these boards. I’ve followed your adventures on here, more reading and enjoying them than commenting on them. You, as well as other trip report posters on here, motivated me to travel to more than just WDW with my family. As a result we have visited many of the places you took your kids, including many of the national parks. So I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you.

Oh wow, thank you! Here I thought I was just being goofy and kind of doing the DISboards version of a clip show. I didn't expect it to affect people that much. I guess there's something about seeing the passage of time and knowing how fast your kids grow up. We're all experiencing that.

I'm so glad you have taken the time to read along with us and that you've gone out with your family and had adventures of your own. What was your favorite?

Honestly, I feel like you could combine all your adventures and publish them into a book! Thanks again for sharing your adventures!

Ha! The problem is finding people who would read it!

Such a wonderful, wonderful list, Mark. It's been such a pleasure following along over the years and "watching" the "kids" grow up. Hard to believe they are starting to leave the nest now. You've had some real doozies for adventures along the way and those memories will last a lifetime.

I'm so glad to have friends like you who have followed along the whole way, Liesa. It's rewarding to build relationships online like this and have people who are cheering for us from afar. Thanks for being a part of the journey.

OMG why did I read that last update at work totally crying, but I am a sap! I know I said it in my earlier comment but it still holds true: you have given your children a true gift that they will treasure long after you are gone....but plenty of time before that. I have a feeling WHEN they are older, you may be invited on their family vacations!!

Well, that would be awesome! But I know how it works...I don't necessarily want to travel with my own parents all the time, and I know they'll want their own space as well. I really want to try hard not to be the overbearing parent giving too much unsolicited advice and trying to run their lives. I'd much rather be the safe place and resource if/when they need it. And if that means they do their own thing in their travels, I'm good with that.

Anyway, I'm glad this touched you and am grateful for your response.

 

[ambula603]

Whew, that got me all in my feels! The shot of your daughter DRIVING...you are correct, don't blink!

We are doing similar travels with my growing girls and we have each year planned until they graduate. I know some of our friends find us crazy but it gives us a plan and a goal, and with our youngest in 4th grade I know it will go by in a flash, it already has!

I love the appreciation for time spent together, seeing beautiful sights but also some not-so-beautiful ones. The reward for all the hard work of planning and executing these trips is the memory that you will always treasure. Thank you for allowing us a small glimpse into that!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Thank you for all your trip reports... I have them all saved for future reference for our trips... And we did the Minuteman Missile Tour in South Dakota because of you!!! So thank you for that!!!! It really was amazing to see and do!!!!

But I am curious, what's next??? What are the plans for this summer???

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hoo boy... So much to unpack. I won't comment on every single photo... but I easily could have.
I will however comment on (probably) too many anyways... I just gotta.

Bring it on!

Oh, goody! Woot!

I think you're the only one who said that.

Dude! Are you sure? That's a long way to go before starting a vacation...

Hey, those are the rules. Actually, I'm really surprised there is one that close to you.

Oh, man... Look at how little they were!

That's what I was saying! I can barely remember them that size.

Sarah's mouthful!

She had her priorities straight.

So... that's a look.

But at least Julie was still willing to be seen with me.

I have not done this... and I really need to.

Absolutely!

Um... cops? I do not know this story?

No. That was just a bit of poetic license.

I know where that was.

Very fun when the shenanigans are going on.

Cool! That, I have not seen. Which is ridiculous considering where I live.

Wow, I wouldn't have expected that!

I feel that every restaurant should have an X-Wing in front of it.

You are not wrong, sir. This would improve every single restaurant in the world.

I couldn't agree more with this.
Sometimes you get in that rut where you find yourself doing the same thing...

There's a whole world out there.

Very true. I think a lot of us fall into that trap. The familiar is comfortable.

There is also the money side, though. I really want to travel internationally but now I'm going to have multiple college bills over the next several years.

Oh, gosh... I wonder how many people got concerned when they saw that?

Not many, judging from the number of kids that were swimming there!

I remember that one!

That was so bizarre.

I do remember that one! That was great.

That was so much fun! So glad we did it. I still don't know how we pulled it off.

Awesome idea.

That's one of my favorite photos.

I do believe that might be a happy little surprise.

With time and perspective....of course.

Dam right!

That dam bridge was a nice spot to take the dam photo from.

Ah yes... remember those... accidents. Always a joy.

Yes. Especially in summer heat, in the middle of nowhere.

Gorgeous shot.

Thanks!

I think... you said you need to book that at least a year out?

Yes. So I've actually been looking into it for summer 2023 since our Disney World plans have become less appealing. They're changing their reservation system starting next month to give basically a 12-13 month booking window for future dates. It's all explained here.

I plan on seeing that in the next few months or so.

Excellent! When is this happening? Where else are you going?

However, this... I will not do. Not because I don't want to, but because due to covid, they're not offering the tours right now.

Well, that's pretty crappy. I would have thought they'd relaxed it by now. Let's hope it goes away soon.

This still bugs you, does it?

:rotlf2: I see what you did there....and, yes.

Soooooo envious of this.

I wish I could take credit for it!

Hmmm... don't recall why you say that? Need a refresher here.

It was just a reference to time going by so quickly. She was so little at the beginning of the post, and there she was driving us 7 years later.

Good Lord...

That peach cobbler was so good....I hated having to share it.

Remember that one. Pretty awesome timing.

Blind squirrels finding a nut!

Maybe some day...

That might be the single greatest scenic view I've ever beheld. Looking back, I think I can declare it my favorite.

I believe that's redundant. All that's required to say is "Don't eat Taco Bell."

Excellent point!

September!

Awesome! I'm so excited for you!

Please do so before not too much longer. I'm heading out on a road trip eventually and wouldn't mind a few tips.

Well, let's hear some details! I'll offer up whatever help I can.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Wow, this entire trip report + this post are two of my favorites I've seen here. I don't post often but had to after reading this one. Your family seems like a lot of fun, and what amazing memories you have created. Thanks for taking the time to share your adventures with us!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you saying that and taking the time to read along!

Whew, that got me all in my feels! The shot of your daughter DRIVING...you are correct, don't blink!

Yeah...it really went so fast. Now she's in college!

We are doing similar travels with my growing girls and we have each year planned until they graduate. I know some of our friends find us crazy but it gives us a plan and a goal, and with our youngest in 4th grade I know it will go by in a flash, it already has!

That's awesome! I'm a hyper-planner like that too. Usually I have a good idea of the next 3 years or so. Make sure you take advantage of the free National Park annual pass for 4th graders! It's such a good deal.

I love the appreciation for time spent together, seeing beautiful sights but also some not-so-beautiful ones. The reward for all the hard work of planning and executing these trips is the memory that you will always treasure. Thank you for allowing us a small glimpse into that!

This has become the family's BIG EVENT for each year. We all look forward to traveling so much. The memories are just priceless. It was worth every penny.

Thanks for the kind comments!

Thank you for all your trip reports... I have them all saved for future reference for our trips... And we did the Minuteman Missile Tour in South Dakota because of you!!! So thank you for that!!!! It really was amazing to see and do!!!!

You saved them?? Goodness, now I feel lots of pressure to make sure everything was correct in there.

I'm so glad you got to do the missile tour! That was one of my favorite visits. Just fascinating.

But I am curious, what's next??? What are the plans for this summer???

Well, the current plan is to visit Southern California, which we haven't explored much. Dave is graduating high school this year and we tried to plan the trip around all the things he loves. So this will involve national parks, Disney parks, and baseball. We're hoping to visit Channel Islands NP, Disneyland, and San Diego as well as see a Dodgers, Angels, and Padres game.

 

[pkondz]

I think you're the only one who said that.

The use of the word "goody" is, unfortunately, a rare treat for those upon whom it is bestowed.


Also, I'm a sucker for punishment.

Hey, those are the rules. Actually, I'm really surprised there is one that close to you.

Been there a while... founded in 1899 (according to Google.)

But at least Julie was still willing to be seen with me.

"Willing" being an interesting choice for "Tied up and unable to run screaming".

No. That was just a bit of poetic license.

Ah.

Wow, I wouldn't have expected that!

Hey, you've been to the prairies... all our water is flat.
I don't tend to travel a whole heck of a lot in winter. Unless it's to get away from frozen stuff.

Very true. I think a lot of us fall into that trap. The familiar is comfortable.

There is also the money side, though. I really want to travel internationally but now I'm going to have multiple college bills over the next several years.

Yeah.. there is that.

That's one of my favorite photos.

Totally see why.

With time and perspective....of course.

Let me know when the happy part kicks in.

Yes. Especially in summer heat, in the middle of nowhere.

Always the best time for it...

since our Disney World plans have become less appealing.

Yeah... There was an article here about reaching the tipping point..
https://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney...d-guests-finally-reached-their-tipping-point/

They're changing their reservation system starting next month to give basically a 12-13 month booking window for future dates. It's all explained here.

Thanks for the tip. I took a quick peak. Not sure when/if I'll get there... but hopefully.

Excellent! When is this happening? Where else are you going?

Whoa! Slow down. No idea yet and not really sure where. That's just one spot I'm hoping to hit... Might even go in the exact opposite direction!

Well, that's pretty crappy. I would have thought they'd relaxed it by now. Let's hope it goes away soon.

Maybe if/when I head that way, it'll be open again.

It was just a reference to time going by so quickly. She was so little at the beginning of the post, and there she was driving us 7 years later.

Ah. And... yes it do be like that.

That peach cobbler was so good....I hated having to share it.

Then go again... and hog it all to yourself.

That might be the single greatest scenic view I've ever beheld. Looking back, I think I can declare it my favorite.

I can see why.

Awesome! I'm so excited for you!

 

[Jules76126]

Long time lurker here, but wanted to say I have really enjoyed following along on your adventures. My husband and I have the push pin maps (US and Europe) and it is so exciting adding another place. We currently have a six month old and I mentioned wanted to travel to all the states. My husband was not convinced, but I have time to bring him around. It was great to see what you guys have done and how to travel on a budget as let's be real, travel is expensive. Our daughter has already crossed off three states at 6 months - the joys of living in a small area (New England). I am looking forward to following more of you adventures.

 

[irene_dsc]

The wrap-up posts were pretty incredible - thanks for doing that! I missed the early trips, so it was cool to see the tiny versions of the kids!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

The use of the word "goody" is, unfortunately, a rare treat for those upon whom it is bestowed.


Also, I'm a sucker for punishment.

There it is...the only legitimate reason to stick around.

Been there a while... founded in 1899 (according to Google.)

I checked out their wikipedia, but it doesn't say if they have good breakfast there.

"Willing" being an interesting choice for "Tied up and unable to run screaming".

Tomayto, Tomahto.

Hey, you've been to the prairies... all our water is flat.
I don't tend to travel a whole heck of a lot in winter. Unless it's to get away from frozen stuff.

Well, I can't really argue with that line of thinking.

Let me know when the happy part kicks in.

There was that one day, like 5 years ago.

Yeah... There was an article here about reaching the tipping point..
https://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney...d-guests-finally-reached-their-tipping-point/

I read through it...and I guess I must have reached that tipping point. It's just hard to see what the value is for the price that's being charged. I got to the point where I started actively looking to change my plans and vacation elsewhere. So yeah, I guess that's the tipping point.

Thanks for the tip. I took a quick peak. Not sure when/if I'll get there... but hopefully.

I'm thinking more and more we'll try for next summer. Drew will be in 4th grade so that means he'll get a free national park annual pass. Would make sense to take advantage of it.

Whoa! Slow down. No idea yet and not really sure where. That's just one spot I'm hoping to hit... Might even go in the exact opposite direction!

Ah, I gotcha. Just in the "throw ideas at the wall" stage.

Maybe if/when I head that way, it'll be open again.

I have to think most things will be open soon. Seems to be trending that way across the country.

Ah. And... yes it do be like that.

Another couple years and I'll only have one kid in the house. That'll be quite the adjustment.

Then go again... and hog it all to yourself.

Best idea yet! I'm definitely going back if I'm ever in Spokane again.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Long time lurker here, but wanted to say I have really enjoyed following along on your adventures. My husband and I have the push pin maps (US and Europe) and it is so exciting adding another place. We currently have a six month old and I mentioned wanted to travel to all the states. My husband was not convinced, but I have time to bring him around. It was great to see what you guys have done and how to travel on a budget as let's be real, travel is expensive. Our daughter has already crossed off three states at 6 months - the joys of living in a small area (New England). I am looking forward to following more of you adventures.

Welcome! Thanks for jumping in and commenting!

I wish I had a Europe map that was being filled in, but my guess is it's going to be a few more years for that. For us, the 50 states thing was more of a completist type quest and something to organize trips around. Having done it, I can safely say there are a few states I probably don't need to return to...

But one reason I wrote these TR's was to encourage people to go and explore, and especially to encourage families with young kids or tight budgets that it could still be done. I'm glad you're planning adventures of your own! Thanks for reading!

The wrap-up posts were pretty incredible - thanks for doing that! I missed the early trips, so it was cool to see the tiny versions of the kids!

Thanks! It's a little bittersweet for me, not gonna lie. But the memories are wonderful.

 

[pkondz]

There it is...the only legitimate reason to stick around.

Well....

I checked out their wikipedia, but it doesn't say if they have good breakfast there.

I can say that I have eaten there.

A&W... about 30 years ago. Does that count?

There was that one day, like 5 years ago.

You got one!?!?!?!?

I read through it...and I guess I must have reached that tipping point. It's just hard to see what the value is for the price that's being charged. I got to the point where I started actively looking to change my plans and vacation elsewhere. So yeah, I guess that's the tipping point.

Yeah... I'm close. Still love it, but... $$$$$$$$

Ah, I gotcha. Just in the "throw ideas at the wall" stage.

Oh, no. More than that. I'm looking to go sometime before my Alaska cruise, which is in September.

I have to think most things will be open soon. Seems to be trending that way across the country.

I sure hope so.

Another couple years and I'll only have one kid in the house. That'll be quite the adjustment.

You guys won't know what to do with yourselves!

 

[melk]

Oh wow, thank you! Here I thought I was just being goofy and kind of doing the DISboards version of a clip show. I didn't expect it to affect people that much. I guess there's something about seeing the passage of time and knowing how fast your kids grow up. We're all experiencing that.

I'm so glad you have taken the time to read along with us and that you've gone out with your family and had adventures of your own. What was your favorite?

I've thought about it and I couldn't pick one. But I've narrowed it down to three.

1) Our first look at Tunnel View in Yosemite
2) Taking in the incredible star covered night sky in Monument Valley
3) To the delight of my kids and the horror of my husband and I, having a black bear cross our path in Sequoia National Forest