Mixed emotions came flooding to the surface as we woke up in the RV for the last time. We couldn’t help but think back over the adventures we had completed and the memories we had made.
Adam got an early start and prepared the RV to go into storage. That included a lot of extra work that he didn't need to do throughout the trip as we moved from campground to campground. After he finished if we had to go to the bathroom we had to do a brief walk over to the campground’s main building. When I journeyed over I couldn’t help but notice the great merchandise they had in their store. As I had to continue walking over with the girls when they had to use the restroom I continued to peruse their goods. We all ended up getting a t-shirt. The girls and I each got neon colored sweatshirt hoodie jackets. I figured these would be great to wear around our future campfires. I also saw these cute hats for the girls. Lily loves tigers so of course that is what she got, and Ella got a giraffe one.
We all decided to wear our new t-shirts for the ride home. Of course, before we left the girls had to play on the indoor playground. They were having the best time and it was hard to pull them away. While sad that our journey had come to an end, I was looking forward to seeing our family, friends and Tyson.
At 11am we were on the road to complete the last leg of this 82 day excursion. By 2pm we were at the storage facility to park the RV. Adam got out of the truck to move our car. We had parked it in the RV spot while we were away for the summer. He tried to start the car but did not have success. Since it was not used for such a long period of time the battery had died. Jump starting it with the truck would be very difficult because we would have to unhitch to get the truck close enough to the car to jump. Then we would have to hitch again to move the RV into our spot. This would be A LOT of extra work and time.
As we were trying to figure out what to do our amazing neighbor (at the storage facility) Tom pulled up. He was excited to see us and hear about our trip. We were excited to tell him but also were feeling relieved because he is always willing to help. As soon as he heard what was happening he offered his assistance. The girls and I stayed in the truck while Adam and Tom jump started our car. They were successful, and we were so grateful for Tom’s help and impeccable timing.
We pulled our car out of the spot and finally were able to back the RV in too. Next, we transferred everything we needed to the car and truck to haul home. Finally, we could be on our way! I did not drive the entire trip so it felt a little funny getting into my car to drive back home. Shortly after we got back we were able to happily reunite with our family, friends and neighbors.
Our travels took us 12,072 driving miles from beginning to end (9,081 of these while towing). All four of us walked 245 miles. We captured 18,528 moments in a photograph. We ventured through 27 states and explored 7 big cities. Our National Park Passport had 26 cancellation stamps added during our visits to parks, monuments and historical sites. Ella and Lily each earned 16 national park jr ranger badges. The girls collected 47 pressed souvenir pennies. We were so very fortunate and thankful as we had zero days rained out, zero sicknesses and zero injuries. Our minds have been expanded. Our love of nature has grown. Our appreciation for this country has been magnified. The memories made will stay with us a lifetime.
