Category: Cross Country Trip

When planning this trip we were originally going to stay at my Mamaw’s house in Marana, but due to the added risks of her age and our traveling we decided it would be safer to stay in a campground nearby. Which is why we ended up staying in Tucson. I grew up going to her house often and have the best memories of her and my Papa eating lunch after church. She always made the best rolls and I felt so loved by her. She taught me how to make my bed with hospital corners and why it is important for a lady to sit and stand up straight, all things a growing girl should know. Albeit I did not appreciate all of those things then, I certainly do now. When we stayed with her while our parents were on vacation she would rock the sandwich lunch game. My mother did not have a chance at making our lunches successfully after a week with Mamaw. She would stack our sandwiches high with meat, lettuce, cheese and tomato on amazing homemade bread. I can picture them now and so can my stomach!

So you see, my Mamaw is important to me. She is special and loved and sadly I don’t get to see her as much as I used to. So this trip to see her was at the top of my list when planning.

We spent the day on her back porch remembering times before and talking about what all is ahead. She is always full of wisdom and I soak in every word she has to say. We ate an early Thanksgiving meal together and did what we could to show affection in a world riddled with the Coronavirus. I wanted to ensure her safety and we were very careful in how we interacted – even though I wanted to hug and squeeze her so tight! I did so in my mind.

We spent the rest of our day at the campstie in the pool, by the fire or riding our bikes. It was a beautiful day, one not easily forgotten.

Today we head out for Arizona! I am excited to hit the road because it means we get to see my Mamaw tomorrow! The last time I was in Arizona was when my Papa was not well and I flew out to be with him during his last moments. It is hard to not reminisce of times gone by when you are in familiar places you don’t walk often. I remember my sister and I going to Target in mourning to purchase clothes we were not prepared to buy. I was pregnant with my daughter at the time and I remember feeling comfort she was there with me.

We arrived at our new campsite around 4 and the children of course ran to the playground. I had requested this site because it was right next to the pool and the playground. Prime location when you have small children. The campsite is stunning. The views are not what we have become accustomed to but the cleanliness, full hookups, paved sites and warm weather overcome the views. And a beautiful campsite is not so bad to look at either.

We are all looking forward to a few days of rest and maybe even a few coffee shops too.

Woke up before the sun rose to get a little bit of time alone before everyone’s eyes opened to a new day. I gathered my morning quiet time essentials and quietly went outside. Wrapped warmly in my blanket as the sun rose up and covered my face with it’s glory. The most magnificent show was before me as the rays of light painted color upon the clouds.

Waking up before the sun rises opens up the day to me in a way that sleeping in does not. Once the children are up I like to start our school day and breakfast. Even in the RV I try to still keep a rhythm to our days, especially when we have down days.

We decided to hike the Organ Mountains today and because it requires a few packs to be well equipped I needed some time to gather our supplies. Thankfully I always keep some essentials like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, first aid kit with lavender and band aids, knife, water filter (just in case and for fun), compass, binoculars, chap stick and our field guides in my pack. We were packing our lunches in and lots of water. I usually always have both children carry a small pack to get used to having one, as they grow they will be asked to carry more of the load. Today’s hike I knew would be at least 3 miles around and I felt it was not a great time for my almost 5 year old to carry a pack. How great I am that he was not!

The ride to the mountain was beautiful. The mountains here are immaculate – and yet how easily accessible they are to climb around and drive to. They have not been tainted by human hands and are as they should be. On our way in we saw what we believe to be elk standing on the side of the mountain grazing.

We started our climb on the Dripping Sands Trail and decided to continue on when we reached the Fillmore Trail – we stopped for lunch on a beautiful rock. Which if I am completely transparent I must say that I have zero desire to be on an edge of anything anywhere. We ate sandwiches and crackers and got our fill of water. As we continued on the trail we kept thinking it would soon turn back towards the visitor center but we kept creeping farther up and not around. As we did eventually round out the hike we were all so ecstatic especially when we realized that we had hiked around 5 miles that day!

I am incredibly proud of my children! They stated at times how tired their legs were, or needed to sit for water but overall they pushed through and accomplished an incredible feat for a 4 and 7 year old. I did my best to encourage them along the way, we would play “would you rather,” or rhyming words and sing songs together. I spoke encouragement, reminding them of hero’s gone before who persevered and accomplished incredible tasks, battles, and overcame obstacles. This always pushes my son forward much more so than his sister, who tends to desire more hand holding than he does. God created both of them uniquely and I try my best to recognize what they need and meet them there. I or Dane held her hand and encouraged her while we let my son ‘lead’ us.

We high fived our accomplishments once we arrived at the car and went off for ice cream. Ttoday was a pretty incredible day of family accomplishments and individual achievements.

Headed west to Las Cruces and grateful it is just an hour north of the Mexican border. which means only about 2 hours from where we are. On the way we chose to stop at a historic and authentic Mexican restaurant for lunch. After much research we found ourselves in Historic Mesilla which is just south of Las Cruces. As we started driving into Mesilla I was in awe. The buildings were immaculate, I could feel the culture seeping from each corner and family home. I was drawn in and overcome with love for this place. Due to the coronavirus mandates the towns famous Plaza was closed and although I missed seeing so many people enjoying their daily life I was able to really see the entire town seemingly almost uninhabited.

We ate at La Posta de Mesilla which is on the corner of Mesilla Plaza diagonal from the Basilica of San Albino (build in 1855) and the courtroom where Billy the Kid once stood trial. If you are ever in Mesilla you must eat at La Posta! The atmosphere is enchanting with authentic décor, food and fiesta blouses worn by servers. We had the stuffed tacos and chicken with red chili sauce. From homemade chips to fresh margarita’s it did not disappoint.

We have been having some trouble with one of our slides, so we decided to split up after lunch. The children and I went exploring through the town purchasing souveniers and Christmas gifts, while Dane took Polly to get checked out. This allowed the children and I to see the Basilica, Mesilla Plaza and walk between historical Adobe buildings and greet strangers with smiles. Albeit the mask covers our mouth but you can always tell a smile by the eyebrows and eyes. Everyone was so incredibly nice and welcoming.

We rode with the windows down to our new campsite. We usually look for KOA campgrounds for a few reasons. 1^st – we enjoy the amenities of a playground, laundry, wifi and hookups and 2^nd we know they are usually pretty consistent and safe. We have and will stay at other campgrounds as we travel but when we find a good KOA we choose to stay there. Tonight we are at the KOA in Las Cruces and it is BEAUTIFUL. There is a playground for the children, but it is the views that stand out! The campground sits up on a mountain ridge overlooking the large city of Las Cruces and the Organ Mountains to the east.

The sunset was incredible, with the sun reflecting light on the mountains we had quite a show tonight. Due to the no fire ordinance we were not able to have a fire but we made do with our lanterns and enjoyed a game of Candyland with the children and I of course did not win, I don’t know what it is about Candyland but I am never ever able to win.

I am not sure what we will wake up and do tomorrow. We talked about exploring the town, going hiking on a trail recommended to us by our neighbors or enjoying some downtime. We shall see what the daylight brings friends. Enjoy yours, you never get this one back no matter what it brings you. That chain link fence or the mountains with the sun cascading off it. No matter what it brings there is Joy somewhere here.

History of Mesilla, NM

If you know me well, you know I am an idealist and chase knowledge. At the top of my list is history, all history. The history that does not just speak from the mouth of victors but also from the mouths of the oppressed, the ones who made all of the choices and those who were affected by the choice makers. It is important that we dissect and relearn the history we were taught with bias and replace it with history that is unbiased. It is the growth that springs forth from knowledge and makes way for changes in your own life while influencing the way you see things.

Seeing Mesilla is like looking upon the most beautiful crystal that is rubbed and becomes more beautiful with time.

Mesilla was first known as no-man’s land, no one claimed (US or Mexico) or they both did. However in 1845 the United States needed land to extend the Transcontinental Railway, yet they did not have the rights to the land they needed, Mesilla. The current Mexican President was Santa Anna and with his treasury empty he eventually agreed and signed the Gadsden Purchase for 30,000 miles north of the border for $10 million dollars. Due to impatience and an adjustment in the deal (originally 15 million and more miles) Santa Anna was overthrown and exiled. (That guy! He President for 12 non-consecutive years and 12 terms and was exiled many times, yet somehow always managed to come back on top.)

Santa Anna is also the reason we all are chewing gum. During his exile he brought Chicle (a substance) to the United States to convince tire makers it was a good choice to manufacture tires with. They refused, and somehow it evolved into what we all find on that top shelf at WaWas. (If you are not from the Southeast, that is a the glory of all glories Gas Stations.)

I woke up exceptionally early, I am not sure if it is the time change, train horn or the traffic I could heard or just the time change. I stole a glance out our window and saw a chain link fence and storage facility within view. If I said I was feeling thankful it would be a lie. This is the moment during a trip when you must choose to either look at the mud or the stars. I am ashamed to say that I chose the mud and decided I would see if we could move locations.

I went in my pajamas and slippers telling myself as I walked past so many empty sites that we could for sure move. Yet, I was wrong and I walked out of the office feeling sad and defeated. Being the one who planned the trip I felt a bit of a burden when things did not go as planned. This being the first time I did not really know how to deal with it.

As I walked into Polly I wanted to cry, and I looked at Dane and shook my head no. He took me in his arms and told me it was going to be okay. Nothing could take the joy away from the trip. I am grateful that when I fall apart he is a pillar of strength. As I walked outside all of a sudden saw the most beautiful landscape on the other side of Polly. Even here where chain link fences ruled and traffic drowned out peace there was beauty, God’s masterpiece. Just like us. We are His masterpieces but sometimes we choose to look at the chain link fences in our lives instead of the mountains. How glorious it was to behold his beauty.

We drove about 20 miles to White Sands National Park that afternoon with a bag of snacks, waters and slides. If you ever visit you must have the round sleds – not the flat kind (OH and must have a flat bottom!)! As we drove into the dunes there were tons of little stopping points to get out and walk – but we kept driving. Dane was determined to go all the way to the back – which is miles and miles. Our children yelled with great anticipation to stop but we kept on. Oh how happy I am we did! We ended up at the very end of the dunes where each car gets an awesome shelter and sit on picnic tables. We hiked the dunes, sled down, made sand angels, laughed together, and enjoyed life as we sat on this big mountain of sand looking at the beautiful mountains surrounding us. There are no pictures I could ever take to explain the majestic beauty of that place.

Our night ended around the campfire with smores and sticks caught on fire as torches. Well, until a blanket caught on fire by an excited ember.

Although we did find beauty in our campsite we still decided to head to a different campsite. Alamogordo is beautiful, however with the Coronavirus there are a lot of parks that only allow residents of New Mexico to visit or hike – and in the end that was our deciding factor to head West to Las Cruces.

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Today was beautiful and hard. I somehow had decided during my trip planning, that a 10 hour trip across Texas was going to be a good idea for us and Polly. I have never driven all the way across Texas, I mean let’s be real here, I have only flown to Texas to the be picked up by an uber or family. Never have I driven across the entire state in one day…not sure why I felt we could do it except we really just needed to get to NM.

The landscape was stunning, wide open plains as far as my eyes could see with the faintest glimmer of a mountain in the distance. It is incredible how different each states ecosystems and landscapes are. We drove along 3+ hours of beautiful cattle farms on Highway 20. LARGE CATTLE FARMS. 100s of acres worth of land with cattle roaming on vast plains with brush. We would drive an hour before ever seeing a homestead and sometimes we never would see anyone or anything.

When you picture a gas station without an attendant what do you picture? We were in need of gas but it had been hours since we had seen any sign of anything but ranches. We pulled up our gas app and saw there was one within 30 miles, we drove on. When we arrived it was actually just a gas pump with a pay station. And no matter, were so grateful for it. That entire area just felt nostalgic as if I was back in a time where everyone depended only on what they could grow from the land. Beautiful and simple. You don’t often, or never, drive through such vast amounts of land without having anything assault your senses – no city lights, no stores, no traffic just the grass swaying and the animals living life.

It truly was such a beautiful drive but it was also very difficult on Dane. While the children napped or I read he was not given any luxury except to drive and control this big rig for hours upon hours. Yet, not once did he complain and when we did finally arrive at our campsite he told me he had been praying the entire time once the sun went down. We were nowhere near anyone we knew, on dark desolate roads pulling 45 feet of gear and our little ones. I am grateful for his prayers and God’s faithfulness in it. When we finally got to our destination in New Mexico it was around 9pm and the campground office was closed so we successfully navigated to our site solo. We did not bother putting out the slides – I carried a sleeping Sunny to her bed while Dane looked for something to feed his growling stomach. He was wiped!

Dane and Nixon sat up eating cheese sticks and Nixon declared, “YUM this is the best lunch ever!” He is truly the funniest person in our family, he is also the most outspoken which is saying a lot with Dane and I as his parents. Our heads hit the pillow grateful for Dane’s prayers as he drove and that we had made it without any major issues.

We spent the day with family. Exploring the trails in their neighborhood, eating at a local spot, working out and relaxing. Today was one of those days you would have on repeat. It was fun, easy and filled with laughter. Honestly with the Lucas’ family there is always a whole lot of laughter and a whole lot of wrestling.

I had to spend a little bit of time getting ready for the long haul ahead to New Mexico and Dane spent some time working as well. I ordered groceries and washed clothes which only took a very short time. Thankful for my family for letting us stay a few nights, your hospitality warmed our hearts.

I sure will miss you, until next time my sweet sweet family. XO

Today was awesome! We were able to eat breakfast with our friends as the children played by the lake, jumping in kayaks and running around playing games. I love the shrill and laughter of children playing. My soul smiles with the giggles of pure joy.

As we were pulling out of the campsite all of the sweet children ran up to say bye as we yelled the same from Polly’s windows. It brought tears to my eyes to know our leap of faith on this journey has brought us so many new friends and memories that will continue all over this country. There truly are such beautiful people in this world!

We arrived in Prosper, Texas at my cousin Lukes home around dinner time. What a treat to be fed dinner and to hug my family. We stayed up late reminiscing and talking about our childhood. It is a wonder to me how our lives can be so intertwined and yet our experiences and memories can be so different. I love diving deep with those I love and learning more about why we think the way we do and how our memories shape who we are today.

God blessed me with one incredible cousin and I just adore his wife and children. Looking forward to what the next few days have for us.

Woke up to the sound of Moos and Baas from the animals around us. It was a chilly morning but beautiful. The grass was damp with dew and the breeze had a chill to it. I sat up on the top of the RV to catch a better view and I saw this magnificent cross in the middle of the cornfield behind us – as the sun rose and shone down upon it I felt as if this was a personal gift from God. The beauty took my breath away.

The children ran to play on the 11 acres of fun while we pulled in the slides to begin our journey to Mississippi. We were able to say goodbye to our hosts and hit the road. The funny thing about traveling in your home is how comfortable you get in your pajamas or with your slippers on around strangers. Which is why I guess my husband went inside of Cracker Barrel and ate his entire meal before he realized he was still in his slippers. All 4 of us just laughed and laughed because that is not something he would do. And yet it just fit so well with this adventure of ours. Just let go and have fun!

The drive wasn’t bad on Dane so that was a blessing and the children are doing so well traveling in the RV. They either are playing games together, sleeping, doing schoolwork or coloring. I purchased a few new items for them to have as surprises on the trip, and they are loving them.

We arrived in Mississippi well past dark and had to navigate through the State Park to our site. Once again the Lord blessed us. Our neighbor helped Dane get backed in and then invited us over to eat steaks. There was a whole group of neighbors camping out together with a whole slew of children.

We walked over after getting settled in – which takes a good 20 minutes for me on the inside. Setting plants back where they go. Taking bungee cords off of things that need to be held in place. Opening cabinets to ensure nothing will fall on a child’s head when they go to do so later. While Dane is outside getting our electric, water and septic hooked up outside. I will say that his job is a lot harder and dirtier than mine.

Our neighbors ended up becoming sweet friends. We ate together, laughed, and my favorite part of the whole night is when one of the couples brought out their guitar and began to sing. We all sat by the fire singing and laughing all night. I went to bed with a smile on my face and praises on my lips. The thing is when you take a trip like this you really don’t know what it will be like. Who you will meet and if you will even like where you stay. So many places look beautiful online but you don’t know until you see it with your own eyes. But when I started planning this trip I prayed – God please guide us to the right places so we can meet people, feel safe and have the best time. And he has answered my prayers over and over. I don’t believe that means we wont at some point stay somewhere that we don’t love – but I know if I just ask him he is faithful to me. It is in my asking that I can see his faithfulness – giving me peace in tough situations, bringing us joy with beautiful new friends, providing protection when a car veers too close, and surrounding us with comfort when sadness breaks through.

Yet if I never ask, I will never be aware of how faithful He is.

We are heading out today for the beginnings of our adventure. I woke up with such fervor you would have thought it was Christmas morning. We head out to South Carolina today and are staying on a farm I found on the app Hip Camp. The farm is called Denver Downs and apparently their Fall Festival will be going on as we arrive. I have not mentioned to the children yet as I am not sure what we will be pulling into, but I sure hope it is all I am expecting.

We purchased our RV early this year before the wrath of Covid took over the world. Our plan was to always travel the country but due to the state of the nation we ended up postponing it from our original dates. However, as life has it we ended up selling our home and decided what a better time to travel than now! She is named Polly after my late Grandma Barlow, a woman who loved the Lord, people and had lasting class.

Later that day …

We landed tonight in Anderson, SC and were met by Ron who obligingly filled up our water tank and led us to our campsite. He brought us to the back entrance of their fall festival to camp for the night. And let me tell you … what a festival it was. It is 12 acres of fun for the whole family. Fire pits were burning with hay stacks for seating, ninja course, ropes and walls to climb, zip lines, mini donuts, hot dogs, farm animals, a mini playground, duck water race and more! A carnival in our backyard.

We played late and went to bed even later – slept with the windows open and the breeze rushing in. Could not have asked for a better first night.