Welcome to the Why in the Road.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I –
I took the one less traveled by.”
Robert Frost
We each travel our own road and each of us has our own why. When we pause at the crossroads our stories intersect and we all are richer for it. May this be such a place. Here is our story.
Hello. We are Kara and Dan. We are on a lifelong quest to see and experience the world as best we can. Immersing ourselves in nature has always been an important part of that for us.
We were primarily tent campers for most of our lives, with a particular fondness for the North Woods of Minnesota. We have also rented class C RVs on a couple occasions, once for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and once in Alaska. For three weeks we traveled around New Zealand in a small minivan camper. We even piloted a houseboat around Voyageur National Park. We still enjoy tent camping but on one especially rain soaked weekend we began to consider alternatives.
The next year we purchased an Aliner hard-side popup camper. For six seasons that beloved trailer was the base for our adventures, including a 7800 mile road trip from Minnesota to Alaska and back.
Then we began preparing for a whole new life altogether, life on the road full time. This summer we sold our Aliner but it was comforting to have it go to someone who will enjoy it as much as we did. To give us more room to live in we bought a Grand Design fifth-wheel.
Currently we are getting ready to sell our house and this fall we will begin our travels around the U.S. experiencing this land in every corner we can get to. City parks, county parks, state parks and of course National Parks. Roads, highways, trails. Prairies, lakes, oceans, rivers, mountains.
We want to be travelers, not just tourists, taking enough time to listen to stories from friends we have yet to meet and getting to know the character of a place. Along the way we will share our own story for those who want to follow our experiences and for those who might be inspired to seek out their own experiences.
Come along and join us at the Why in the Road.
A Year of Awe-laska
There are many reasons to experience Alaska, whether to find yourself in the adventure and sport or to lose yourself in its immense natural beauty. It is difficult to adequately describe the awe and mystery of Alaska. One can simply experience this land for yourself and then describe what it means to you. The wonder…
Over the Mountains
Mountains are beautiful. Mountains are inspiring. Mountains are also intimidating when you need to get to the other side of the range and you have your house in tow behind you, but you just need to get over it. We won’t be able to give you all the details of our travels over the mountains…
A Year Down the Road
A year ago we pulled out of William O’Brien State Park in Minnesota and headed off into our new full-time RV life. In this first year we have experienced and learned so much. It has reinforced lessons we already knew and taught us new lessons along the way. Here are a few insights from our…
the Why in the Road 