Closing a beautiful chapter in our lives and moving on to the next adventure.
I had a moment this morning.
It dawned on me that we’re not coming back when we leave here, and the emotional weight of that hit me like a lead brick.
This has been our home for over 8 years, and we have built a helluva life here. But I’ve learned that humans grow, change, and evolve. We live through phases in life. This was a great phase, but it’s time to move on.
To balance those emotions, I try to remember that this isn’t a loss but an exciting adventure leading us to the next place we need to be. Although we’re leaving much of our trip to spontaneous adventure, believe it or not, there’s a method to our madness.
But what helps the most is remembering the things that made us put our house on the market in the first place.
The Skinwalker – Beginning of the End
I always said inviting strangers into your home is a numbers game. Eventually, you’ll end up with a rotten egg. We started hosting Airbnb guests in 2017 and were incredibly blessed with a “mostly” respectful guest list until June 2022.
We had some entertaining experiences with a few guests, but nothing prepared us for this guest. We’ll call him “Doug” for anonymity.
Doug was a paranoid schizophrenic off his meds (and on lots of other drugs) who showed up for his stay at 11 o’clock at night, ranting about killing demons in the desert in Utah. He was the second person we hosted who made me feel compelled to lock our bedroom door at night. But he made the first questionable guest look like a kitten.
The following day, I watched him medicate with a sublingual suboxone strip, and within 45 minutes, I watched him transform from a somewhat stable human being into a walking coconut. He spent an hour doing laps around my pool table, chanting “God-Country-Family” and mumbling about demons and his father while wearing a straw cowboy hat painted with an American flag.
While I won’t go into the entire, horrific story of his two-day stay, I’ll fast-forward to when we started receiving his mail a few weeks later. He left our house, went to a bank, and opened an account using our address. He attempted to establish residency in our home.
This 42-year-old man wreaked havoc on our lives and robbed us of our trust. His presence changed the air in our home.
I once told the entire story to young, Native American man who was visiting our house, and he looked at me wide-eyed, and said, “You hosted a skinwalker in your home.”
I believe him.
Friends and Frequent Abusers
Let me tell you what happens when you own a disc golf course – everybody in the disc golf scene wants to be your friend. They want unrestricted access to the course and any amenities you offer. And, preferably for free.
Once these people get comfortable, they take liberties they wouldn’t take with anyone else’s business.
One “friend” saw our success with our property and decided to be predatory to cash in on our efforts. He built a course, put it on UDisc, and took advantage of simply being near our highly ranked course. So, when one of our guests arrived to play his course before checking in at our place, he convinced them not to stay with us and to stay on his property instead.
We also hosted another group on numerous occasions – I cooked food and hosted this group like they were my own kids. Their drug-fueled stays frequently involved a variety of hallucinogens, drugs, booze and glow discs, but we never had any incidents – I let them do their thing. But by 2023, they had become so comfortable that they hosted a party with 78 people, in my home, and stiffed us on an agreed fee for the event. Truthfully, I don’t think they ever intended to compensate us for our hospitality.
That same weekend, a repeat Airbnb guest arbitrarily invited a 15-year-old child to our 21+ property without asking for permission. And said ‘child’ left the only negative review our course had ever received, saying he felt like he “almost died” on our course. Thus, this arrogant, entitled little brat tanked our 4.9 rating that we had worked tirelessly for 7 years to build.
I was just done. We immediately closed the course to “by appointment only.” We had lost our tolerance for disrespect.
The Reality of Aging
Let’s get a few hard truths out of the way, shall we? Aging is a sad fact of life. Death is inevitable. Time is limited.
Burying our parents is an unfortunate rite of passage that happens in life that helps us learn to appreciate time more. Just as there are lessons in life… there are lessons in death.
Healthcare matters – and I’m not talking about making monthly appointments with your doctor to fill your prescriptions. I’m talking about taking accountability for the bad habits contributing to your demise and doing something about it.
Stagnancy leads to complacency. As people age, they tend to stay home more, exercise less, and stop living. They live life through a silver smoke screen of Fox News and QVC from an armchair in the living room.
Collecting “stuff” you think might valuable someday is a cruel way to task your children with selling all your junk once you’re gone. Unless you’re investing in gold, rare paintings, or real estate, nothing is as valuable as you think it is.
Don’t leave anything for your kids to divide—especially property. This only creates tension and resentment, particularly if you have a blended family from previous marriages.
Do it now.
Now that we’re over 50, there are important things to think about. After losing Gary’s father in 2023, we realized it wouldn’t be fair to expect our kids in Iowa to handle selling a house and all our belongings in Colorado if something happened to us.
We understood the legal battles that would ensue. Even with a will, things can go awry. It’s irresponsible for us to leave such a mess for our kids. So we’re cashing out.
Wrapping It Up
The years we’ve spent here on the ranch were precisely what we needed nine years ago. However, we are not who we were then; we’ve grown, changed, and evolved.
This home no longer serves us or our future. I don’t want to grow stagnant, give myself excuses to stop living, and surround myself with useless trinkets until the day I die, expecting someone else to clean up my mess.
Yes, closing the door on a chapter as beautiful as this one stings a little. It’s not easy to walk away from something you’ve invested your soul into, but learning to let go and trust the process is just another one of those lessons in life.
As we hit the road full-time, Gary has one mission: play as many epic disc golf courses as possible—and these ten disc golf destinations are at the top of his list.
From oceanside fairways to wooded technical trails and world-renowned pro-tour stops, this list showcases the diversity and beauty of disc golf across the U.S.
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned disc slinger, these destinations deserve a spot on your bucket list. And the best part? We’ll be recording every stop along the way as part of our Too Happy Campers journey!
Gary’s Most Anticipated Courses on our Trip
1. Wilderness Ranch DGC – Lakeside, Arizona
Currently ranked #1 in Arizona on UDisc, Wilderness Ranch is a private course known for its pristine condition, unique layout, and breathtaking high-desert terrain. The course offers a variety of elevation changes, technical woods, and open bombs—making it a favorite for advanced players. It’s located at 6,700 feet elevation, so expect a little extra glide on those drives.
2. Wildhorse DGC – Las Vegas, Nevada
This temporary championship-level course is set up each year for the Las Vegas Challenge, one of the opening events of the Disc Golf Pro Tour. It’s hosted at the Wildhorse Golf Club and features wide-open fairways, OB lines galore, and wind that keeps things spicy. If you want to test your game under pressure, this is where you do it.
3. Morley Field DGC – San Diego, California
Opened in 1978, Morley Field is one of the oldest continuously operating disc golf courses in the world. Nestled in Balboa Park, it features tight fairways, elevation shifts, and creative pin placements that rotate weekly. It’s always busy—locals love it, and is a rite of passage for disc golfers passing through SoCal.
4. DeLaveaga DGC – Santa Cruz, California
Often simply called “DeLa,” this course is iconic in disc golf history. With rolling hills, massive elevation changes, and famous holes like “Top of the World,” it’s no wonder it’s ranked among the best in California and #88 in the nation. DeLa also hosted the Masters Cup for many years, adding to its pro pedigree.
Random disc golf image
5. Mingus Park DGC – Coos Bay, Oregon
Mingus Park is a tightly wooded course located right in the heart of Coos Bay. It’s technical and short but demands precision on nearly every hole. Surrounded by coastal beauty, the park also has a pond, trails, and abundant wildlife—making this a perfect stop for a relaxing day of disc golf on the Oregon Coast.
6. Twisted Pine DGC – Newport, Oregon
Located just minutes from the ocean, Twisted Pine is a local favorite with five-star reviews across the board. Known for its immaculate upkeep, peaceful forested fairways, and challenging design, this course is a hidden gem along the Pacific Northwest. The sound of the ocean in the distance only adds to the magic.
7. Skyline DGC – Cathlamet, Washington
Skyline is a newer course gaining momentum for its picturesque views and fun design. With a mix of open drives and tight lines, it offers variety while remaining approachable. Just south of Seattle and conveniently on the route to Astoria, Oregon (yes, we’re making that Goonies pilgrimage!), this one is both a disc golf and pop culture dream stop.
8. Caliber DGC – Sandpoint, Idaho
Ranked #5 in the world on UDisc with a near-perfect 4.9 rating, Caliber is a monster of a course designed for advanced players. It’s set on private land with a dream layout that balances tight, wooded shots with massive open fairways and dramatic elevation changes. If you’re ready to get humbled—or inspired—this is the place.
9. Blue Ribbon Pines – East Bethel, Minnesota
A beloved Pro Tour course, BRP is known for its iconic tunnel shots and world-class design. With beautifully maintained fairways, signature holes like “The Gauntlet,” and on-site amenities like a pro shop and snack bar, it’s both competitive and welcoming. This one’s a must for anyone who takes the game seriously—or just wants to feel like a pro for a day.
10. Maple Hill – Leicester, Massachusetts
No list is complete without Maple Hill. Ranked #4 in the world, this legendary course sits on a Christmas tree farm and features water carries, wooded tunnels, and stunning New England scenery. Host of the MVP Open and a regular stop on the Pro Tour, it’s known for both its beauty and difficulty. With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.9 average, this one is a bucket list no-brainer—and will cap off the second half of our trip.
Let’s Go Throw Some Plastic!
As Gary eyes these top-tier disc golf destinations, we’re not just chasing birdies—we’re chasing experiences. Each of these courses offers more than just baskets and chains. They’re full of stories, community, and epic views that make the game so addictive.
We can’t wait to bring you along as we tackle each one, share travel stories, and maybe even find some hidden gems along the way. So grab your bag, lace up your trail shoes, and follow us down the fairway—it’s going to be one hell of a journey.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve lived my entire life believing that “road trip” meant stocking up on gas station snacks like a 12-year-old boy. It was practically a tradition — sour gummies, powdered donuts, maybe something hot and questionable from the roller grill. Consequently, the car would become a snack zone, and your body? Well… it would deal with it later.
Ai-generated image
But here’s the thing: Now that we GenXers are entering our 50s, later shows up faster than it used to. Thus, we have energy crashes, bloating, brain fog, and the “why did I eat that” regret — and living life on the go full-time, we are trying to prioritize wellness.
This post is our reset button. We’re trying to plan ahead with some real, practical ways to enjoy the ride and take care of ourselves at the same time.
Our Plan for Healthy Road Trip Snacks & Better Habits
🎯 1. Know Your Triggers (and Plan Ahead)
The easiest way to fall into the junk food trap is to show up unprepared — especially when you’re hungry and tired. That’s when the convenience store snack aisle becomes a siren song of salt, sugar, and instant gratification.
In fact, I’ve been known to buy a Pepsi and a package of Oreo cookies at 2 a.m. – I know my weaknesses.
So, to attempt to avoid the urge to gorge myself on sugar-laden impulse buys, I’m going to try to keep stocked with:
Pre-packed protein: hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, or roasted chickpeas
Fresh crunch: carrots, celery and peanut butter, bell pepper slices
High-fiber fuel: trail mix (hold the candy), whole grain crackers
Hydration: sparkling water, flavored electrolytes, or herbal iced tea (avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague)
Tip: Keep snacks in reach only when we plan to eat. Mindless snacking leads to regret. Fortunately, the fridge in our camper runs on 12V, so we can keep beverages and snacks cold while we’re traveling. This will force us to only get snacks when we stop for a break.
🛑 2. Rest Stops Don’t Require a Bag of Chips
We grew up in Iowa, where every small town had at least one Casey’s General Store. This is the mecca for (un) healthy road trip snacks, and home to the best gas station pizza in the world. If you can get out of a Casey’s without a slice of pizza, a container of cheesy potato bites, and a few fresh donuts, you’re a much better person than I.
But living on the go requires adapting our mindset. Stopping for gas or a restroom break doesn’t automatically mean we must emerge with an armload of snacks. Take a moment to stretch, breathe, and reset—not to test the limits of our sodium tolerance.
I plan to swap this:
Chips and soda
For this:
Sparkling water + dried fruit, almonds, or a protein bar
Luckily, many travel centers now carry better options—refrigerated grab-and-go sections offer healthier choices, too. Therefore, we just have to have the willpower to pass by the Red Vines.
🧠 3. Treat Snacks Like Fuel, Not Entertainment
Boredom can get real when driving long distances, and snacking often becomes something to do rather than something our bodies actually need. Eating out of habit or for entertainment usually ends in overdoing it. We want to avoid this.
So we’re planning to try this instead:
Schedule snack breaks during scenic stops or rest areas
Portion our snacks into small containers or snack-size bags
Keep our minds busy with podcasts, quizzing Gary on music trivia, or singing like drunken college students on karaoke night.
We’re looking at it like this, we’re not depriving ourselves — we’re choosing to avoid feeling like shit later. Also, we need to remember, 9 times out of 10, you’re not hungry, you’re bored.
🧺 4. Build a Road-Ready Snack Bin
Our hack for snacking? A well-stocked snack bin. A sort of mobile pantry — filled with items that satisfy cravings, travel well, and don’t come with a side of regret.
I’m planning to stock ours with:
Nut butter packets + crackers
Freeze-dried fruit or unsweetened dried mango
Granola or protein bars
Shelf-stable pickles or olive cups
Dark chocolate squares (dark chocolate comes with a host of benefits)
Bacon treats for Bocephus.
The goal is to keep some healthy stuff within reach, so we’ll be less tempted by the snack aisle detour.
🧘 5. Redefining What “Comfort Food” Means
Even though we’ve all felt the aftermath of gorging ourselves on Thanksgiving, comfort food shouldn’t be about punishment later. It’s about nourishment and satisfaction — food that tastes good and leaves your body feeling supported instead of sabotaged.
I grew up on a farm where every meal included meat, potatoes, and a veggie. We sat down as a family every meal and were always reminded to “clean our plates.” But fueling our bodies doesn’t have to happen via overconsumption. Rather than eat multiple full-course meals, there’s nothing wrong with a quick grab-and-go snack in place of a meal.
Cheese and crackers make a great lunch
Overnight oats take just a half cup of oats and require no cooking
I don’t care what anyone says, a sliced apple with a bit of peanut butter can be a meal
Overall, the goal is satisfaction and fuel, not a food hangover. Healthy road trip snacks can be comforting, too.
Internal Voice: You’re Not a Trash Can…
… stop treating your bodies like one.
Our upcoming road trip is exciting. But, I’m confident it is going to be full of temptations. Eating well on the road won’t be easy — thus, we’re making it about supporting how we want to feel.
Healthy road trip snacks can be delicious, satisfying, and even indulgent — just without all the negative after effects. Rest stops don’t necessarily mean we need a bag of chips. Sometimes all you need is a better option and a little self-respect.
What’s the point of mobility if you’re not taking in the attractions?You become an everyday tourist.
For 38 years, I lived in the same small Iowa town—where a “day trip” meant driving 35 miles to Des Moines (which my mom treated like an Oregon Trail-level expedition). Family vacations? Not a thing.
Gary didn’t hop on his first airplane until 2015, and didn’t see the ocean until 2016. We were two adults living separate lives of accidental domestic captivity.
And now? Now we’re flipping the script. Hard.
We’re spending the next two years doing what we do best: having fun. Like, seriously fun. Like, “let’s-go-to-a-town-that-only-exists-because-of-a-giant-toaster” kind of fun.
Ai-Generated Image – I don’t know if there’s really a town with a giant toaster or not.
Everyday Tourist Vibes Only
Since we sold our house, donated half our stuff, and packed the rest into a rolling apartment on wheels, we no longer have a “home base.” Instead, we’ve decided to become professional tourists. The kind who stop at roadside oddities, buy the goofy magnets, and fully commit to posing with life-sized dinosaur statues.
Everywhere we go, we’ll be the visitors—the guests – the everyday tourists. And that means we get to lean into every “Welcome to” sign like it’s an invitation to explore.
National parks? Yes. Weird roadside attractions? Absolutely. The world’s largest ball of twine? Hell yeah.
We want to see this country. Like, really see it. We’re not teleporting (yet), but if we wake up one morning craving clam chowder in Maine, we’re goin’. If Gary gets a hankering to visit a dispensary in the Emerald Triangle, then California it is.
Our zip code is wherever we park. So if you had the entire country in your backyard… where would you go?
Lights, Camera, Road Trip
So, Gary’s got a new obsession—and I fully support it. We’re talking about iconic movie locations. Not just the flashy ones. The deep cuts. The fan-favorite spots you only recognize if you’ve rewound the VHS tape 87 times.
Here’s a taste of what’s on our hit list:
Daniel’s apartment from The Karate Kid (bonus points if we find the beach party scene)
The Very Large Array in New Mexico, a la Contact (Hi, Jodie 👽)
Camp Crystal Lake in Pennsylvania (Friday the 13th vibes, but hopefully with fewer machetes)
The goal? Recreate the scenes. Snap the same angles. And maybe convince Gary to wear a Karate Kid headband. (No promises.)
Expect a whole series of posts on these. Maybe even some dramatic reenactments. Or bloopers. Probably both.
Disc Golf Diaries
Gary’s been playing disc golf since 1995—aka, long before most people realized it wasn’t just “frisbee in the woods.” He even built his own course back in Colorado. (A top-rated, highly sought-after course, I might add.)
Now, he’s on a mission: to play a new disc golf course nearly every day this year. He’s got over 400 courses on his wishlist, from the dusty deserts of the Southwest to the mossy forests of the Pacific Northwest.
While he’s throwing plastic, I’ll be walking the dog, snapping photos, and making sure he doesn’t end up in someone’s backyard looking for a rogue disc.
His bigger dream? To design another destination course of his own one day that combines all the best elements he discovers on the road.
He’s working on a Top 10 Most Anticipated Courses list now—watch for that drop soon.
The Green Scene: A Personal Mission 🌿
After nearly a decade of reporting on a certain leafy industry in Colorado, I am absolutely buzzing (in the professional sense, of course) to finally check out what other states have going on. Believe it or not, I’ve never visited a legit storefront outside of Colorado, so I’m ready to dive into the full experience: the shops, the lounges, the culture, the laws, and the local flavor that comes with it.
We’ll be scouting out the hot spots where people gather, sample, learn, and vibe. We’re talking infused dinners, behind-the-scenes tours, innovative products, and the passionate people making it all happen.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to attend some unforgettable events—multi-course pairing experiences, rooftop soirees, private tastings, industry expos… and yes, that one time I hotboxed a shower with Willie Nelson’s road crew. (A core memory.)
If this kind of content lights you up, check out our High Society Blog and request access to our private Facebook group. We keep it classy, we keep it fun, and we definitely keep it 21+ behind the velvet rope. 😉
So What Is this “Fun” Category, Anyway?
This category is for everything delightfully unserious.
It’s where we share the spontaneous detours, the oddities, the offbeat, the OMG-I-can’t-believe-that-happened stories. From scenic drives and silly souvenirs to haunted diners and hemp farm tours, it all lives here.
We’re leaning into joy. Into play. Into wonder.
Because if you’re gonna uproot your life and become an everyday tourist, you might as well have a ridiculous amount of fun doing it.
Without a doubt, when the average person visualizes camping, they see burgers and steaks on a grill, hot dogs over a campfire, and other meat-centered meals. However, as a vegetarian, there’s an entirely different approach to meal planning for RV life.
Consequently, while doing my own studying, I have found very few sites committed to vegetarian camping.
Before we get any further, let’s get this out of the way.
Defining “Vaguely Vegetarian”
First, I am not a vegan. Vegans don’t want any animal-based products in their lives. They don’t eat seafood, consume dairy, or use eggs. But it’s not just about their diets, they don’t even wear leather. Typically, these are folks who choose this lifestyle as a statement against animal cruelty. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but they are much more strict about their regimens.
I am also not what anyone could consider a “strict” vegetarian. I’ll cave for a bite of bacon or a slice of pepperoni pizza on occasion. I also don’t have a problem using eggs and dairy. I don’t even care if you sautéed my mushrooms and onions next to the beef for a Philly cheesesteak.
As a former co-worker once said, I don’t mind the “essence of meat,” I just don’t want to eat a big ol’ slab of animal flesh. It requires too much chewing, and after the initial flavor burst, my brain remembers what I’m gnawing on.
Here’s another thing: Every time I eat a piece of meat, I get gristle anxiety. Each time I chew, I wonder if this is the moment when I bite into that little spongy, rubbery piece of cartilage that will ruin my entire meal.
Newsflash: Veggies don’t have gristle.
Veggies-First Approach
I have started to view meat and meat-based products like fast food; okay, when consumed sparingly, but not something you want each meal based on. So we try to think veggies first, with any meat being a garnish, a flavor enhancer, and used minimally.
For example, I have no problem using chicken stock to make a chicken noodle soup – but I’m not using the chunks of chicken. Likewise, I’m sorry, but if you’re not adding bacon crumble to your egg and potato breakfast burritos, you’re missing out. Speaking of bacon, I just think green beans cooked without bacon are missing a key flavor.
On the other hand, I think grilled portobellos are better than any steak I’ve ever had. I can also make a mushroom burger or a southwest black-bean Smashburger… (recipes coming soon!) and as you’ll learn from our upcoming trip, depending on how you slice and dice them, mushrooms are a great substitute for meat in many recipes.
Have you ever tried Jackfruit? Such a delicious alternative to pulled pork – all organic and absolutely delicious. Jackfruit street tacos and BBQ sandwiches are just mouthwatering.
It’s Really About Our Health
While my decision to go “vaguely vegetarian” wasn’t born from moral outrage or an allegiance to PETA, it has become increasingly influenced by one thing: how good I feel when I eat this way. We’re not just talking about less bloating and more regular digestion (though yes, thank you, veggies).
A plant-forward diet has been linked to reduced risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers. Not to mention, veggies are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that help your body actually thrive rather than just survive between meat-laden meals.
When we started prioritizing whole plant-based foods, I noticed a huge difference in our energy levels. There was no post-meal slump or sluggish afternoons. We felt lighter, clearer, and more energized. It’s like our bodies knew they were being nourished properly.
The “veggies first” approach isn’t about deprivation—it’s about biohacking a healthier approach to dining. It’s about feeding our bodies foods they can easily process and actually use. In the RV lifestyle, where space is limited and every choice matters, we plan to stock up on colorful, versatile, locally sourced fruits and vegetables to keep things simple, fresh, and seriously satisfying.
Follow Along!
If you’re curious about what this veggie-forward RV lifestyle actually looks like on the plate, stick around—we’re just getting started. We’ll be sharing the real-life recipes we’re cooking up on the road, from smoky campfire meals to quick, healthy grab-n-go options like overnight oats and protein-packed wraps.
Whether you’re a fellow vegetarian, a flexitarian dabbling in meatless Mondays, or just someone looking for flavorful meals that don’t weigh you down, there’s something delicious coming your way. Hit that subscribe button to follow our journey—you’ll get our latest recipes, travel tips, and camp kitchen hacks delivered straight to your inbox.
What Makes This Blog Different? Let’s be real—most blogs these days are a pop-up minefield. You won’t find that here.
No ads. No pop-ups. No auto-play videos trying to sell you socks. Just clean content and good vibes.
Yes, I have a few affiliate links. But only for products I personally use and love. If it’s linked here, it’s been road-tested in real life. If I wouldn’t spend my own money on it, I’m not sending you to it either. Any purchases made through these links send a little support our way—and we’re genuinely grateful.
This whole operation? 100% homegrown. Self-funded, self-built, and self-maintained. No team, no tech squad—just one woman (and her very patient husband) building something real on the road.
