day 108—back on the road

After a whirlwind stretch of van life and a much-needed pause, we’re finally back on the road, and so excited for what summer has in store.

We spent the past month back in Colorado, catching up with family, reconnecting with friends, and making progress on our wedding. With big milestones like the venue and date locked in, we can finally breathe a little.

As much as we feel the itch to explore new places, part of us has been aching for routine and stability—and honestly, we see that as a good sign. Before we started this grand adventure, we wondered if a year on the road would be enough. While we weren’t naive about van life’s challenges, we may have underestimated just how much we’d miss having a home. At least one not on wheels.

When we tell people we live in a van, the first question is always: “How is it being in such a small space together?” And our answer has stayed the same: surprisingly great. I think people expect us to say we bicker or get on each other’s nerves, but we don’t. (Okay, verryyy rarely.)

Turns out, communication and comfortable silence go a long way. We joke this adventure has been the best premarital counseling money couldn’t buy.

That’s not to say it’s been all mountain views and bluebird skies. Things have gone wrong. Often. Like the van’s electric system that still refuses to cooperate. Or the campsites we had our hearts set on, already full by the time we arrived. The long drives. The mornings after a night of tossing and turning (mostly me, tbh). The uncertainty of when and where our next shower will be.

And then there’s the homesickness. Longing to be somewhere else. The fear of missing out. And the guilt that comes with doing something so few others do.

But even in those moments—maybe especially in those moments—we’ve never wavered. We’ve never raised our voices at each other, stormed away, or doubted our decision to pursue this adventure.

We’re learning when to push through, when to pull over, and when to just laugh and remember what really matters. Sign up for that for the rest of my life? Don’t mind if I do.

The early months weren’t exactly what we pictured, but they’ve given us more than we asked for, and we can’t wait for what’s to come in the six months we have left.

For those of you who asked how the blog was going, thank you. But fear not, I’m not writing this to make money or replace a job—I’m writing it to remember what it felt like to take a leap and see it through, and to remind myself the joy of writing for the fun of it.

Now, let’s get back to it. Next stop: Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.