Three years ago, my daughter Genevieve (then 8 years old) remarked, “We are not a normal family.” I paused, waiting to hear what was next. She laughed and said, “We’re a traveling family!” Yes, we are!
I have always yearned to explore new places. Four years ago, my husband Ben and I decided to make traveling a priority for our family. Our goal is to travel around the world, one journey at a time. In between the journeys, we have plenty of time and emotional space at home to savor, and share with others, all of the things that we have experienced.
Last year, we were on the road for a total of 3 1/2 months, and this year will be about the same. Our trips can be divided into three basic categories: family international journeys, family RV travels through the U.S, and dirt bike adventures.
First, we take at least one international trip with our children each year, to allow them to experience a different culture first-hand and to see the great beauty that exists in the world. Second, we travel extensively in the United States in our RV in order to fully appreciate the magnificence and diversity of our own country.
Finally, Ben and I try to explore the nooks and crannies of a different country every year on two wheels. We initially met through a passion for motorcycles, and we now focus on dirt biking. Our kids also have discovered the joy and freedom of riding dirt bikes, and their skills and confidence continue to develop at an astounding rate. I foresee that our motorcycle escapades will soon expand (and change) as Ben and I include the children in those adventures.
Below are some of our journeys, listed chronologically from the most recent one. The BLUE titles have indepth photo-stories covering our daily activities and discoveries. We would love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions!
| 2010 Journeys |
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Glacier National Park, and Dirt Biking in the Pacific Northwest
We ended the summer with a 4-week RV trip through Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Along the way, we challenged Genevieve and Sebastian’s dirt biking skills with some fun trail rides, and we were awed by the grandeur and beauty of Glacier National Park.
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Paris, Barcelona, and the Basque area of Spain
Our summer began on a high note with a trip to Paris and the top of the Eiffel Tower. We then hopped aboard a high-speed train to northern Spain, where we spent a few days exploring the Basque area. The grand finale was a week in beautiful and vibrant Barcelona, along the Mediterranean coast.
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China
Although our suitcases were light, we packed a lot of experiences into our 17-day journey through China. The highlights include hiking the Great Wall, visiting caves that held over 50,000 carved Buddhas, seeing the Terracotta Warriors, and relishing the tranquility of a rural farming community in the “gumdrop” mountains.
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Route 66 Through the Southwest U.S.
We spent two weeks meandering along Route 66 from Santa Monica, California to Gallup, New Mexico. We also ventured off the Mother Road to visit many scenic wonders, and rang in the New Year by traversing the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West.
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| 2009 Journeys |
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Peru
In mid-September through early October, Ben and I traveled to Machu Picchu and then rode dirt bikes throughout northern Peru, in the high Andes Mountains and parts of the Amazon jungle.
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Across the United States
During the summer, our family ventured on a two-month, cross-country RV trip to experience the wonders of the United States. Our round-trip route stretched from California to the North Carolina Outer Banks, with many exciting places and activities in between.
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Mexico
In April, our family spent 18 days exploring some of the communities in the colorful state of Oaxaca, as well as Mexico City and the peaceful villages surrounding Lake Patzcuaro.
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Southern California/Death Valley
We celebrated the New Year with a two-week RV trip to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the amazing Death Valley.
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2008 Journeys |
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Bhutan and Northeastern India
In November, Ben and I spent two glorious weeks riding motorcycles along the twisty roads of the Southern Himalayas.
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Pacific Northwest
In August, we ended the summer holidays with a two-week RV trip through Oregon, Washington State, and Vancouver.
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Grand Canyon/Southwest
In June, we took an RV road trip to see the wonders of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, and Las Vegas.
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Baja, Mexico
In May, Ben and I rode our dirt bikes over some incredible trails through the high desert mountains along the Pacific Coast.
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Portugal
In March/April, our family traveled through Portugal for 16 days, exploring castles, winding our way to the central mountains near the Spanish border, and soaking in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
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2007 Journeys |
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Bolivia
In November/December, Ben and I rode motorcycles 2200 miles through the high altiplano and the jungle areas of Bolivia, including the “Death Road.”
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Baja, Mexico
In May, Ben and I rode our dirt bikes through a challenging series of trails over the mountains from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean, including the single track called the “Rockman Trail”.
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Spain
Our family spent two magical weeks in Madrid and the heavenly region of Andalusia.
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