After spending most of my life in a climate where it starts snowing in October/November and doesn’t let up until April or May – I couldn’t care less if I ever see another snowflake so long as I live. And if I do, I want it to be by choice… I’ll drive to a higher elevation to get a snow fix – at least then I know I can come back down to sunshine and warmth.
With a neck full of metal and a failed cervical neck fusion, cold temperatures rarely do Gary any favors. By staying where the weather is above freezing, we hope to make his life easier.
Me? I’ve always loathed winter. I commuted to work in treacherous conditions for decades. I’m so over white-knuckle gripping the steering wheel, driving 20mph, and praying to all that’s holy to get me to work in one piece.
I want to forget what it’s like to get “bundled up” for a snowy drive into the office.
I never want to walk outside and have my nostrils freeze shut again.
Hiking boots are the only boots I ever want to own from here on out.
I want to go where the lakes never freeze, shovels are for gardening, ice is for drinks, and the locals wear winter parkas when it drops below 60 degrees.
Now, here are a few disclosures about the map above—much of it estimates where we want to be and when. We are fully aware that life will create detours. That’s the whole point of mobility—we’re going to go where the universe calls us to go.
Some of these stops are simply to estimate our destination and visualize the whole trip’s layout.
Although I traveled a lot in my professional career, as a couple, we haven’t done nearly enough exploring. We lived most of our lives sheltered in small-town Iowa, only breaking free of the Midwest about ten years ago. We want to see what we’ve missed, and we want to explore the countryside together.
After selling our house, we have money to invest elsewhere. However, this time around, we’re taking our time.
When we moved to our home in Colorado, we did so under duress. We had been living in a terrible neighborhood, and we were ready for anything to get us out of that dreadful apartment complex. We jumped into our house, going from offer to closing in just 16 days.
But here’s where we screwed up… we didn’t explore the community more. We figured we would be living in the middle of nowhere, so who cares about the vibe in town? Boy… were we wrong. We didn’t take long to learn that we had “moved into enemy territory.”
I wish we had spent more time getting to know the people here – if we had, we never would’ve moved here in the first place. In terms of “community,” this was one of the least hospitable, least welcoming places we’ve ever been.
We know good people exist – we want to go find our people.
Goal #3 – Healthy Transformation
Although we’ve both aged beyond the half-century mark, we’ve actively worked on improving our health for the last decade. We have done a lot to change the way we live, eat, exercise, and approach health and wellness. But much like a weight loss journey, sometimes you hit a plateau, and it helps to shake things up.
So, as we transition to RV life, we’re taking this opportunity to revamp our diets, learn new ways to eat on the go, and incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into campfire-style cooking and recipes designed for small kitchens.
Additionally, we are rewriting our priority list. Work schedules will be strategically placed behind exercise, self-care, and exploration. Yes, I’m going to be freelancing along the way, but I’m putting myself first this time. When I am nurtured, cared for, and healthy, I’ll have more creative energy for content creation.
I believe the key to aging is staying active. That being said, we’ll deliberately block time every day for exploration, hiking, disc golfing, and doing something that keeps us moving.
Goal #4 – Financial Stress Reduction
We did all the “grown-up” stuff.
Over the next two years, we’ve secured a financial plan to cover the majority of our expenses. Our insurance premiums are fully paid, all debts have been cleared, and investment funds have been set up for our children’s future. Additionally, we capitalized on market opportunities by investing during a downturn and ensured our wills are up to date.
The goal for the next two years is to live life—explore, travel, hike, and play while our money works for us.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m a workaholic. I’m going to work, write, continue to freelance, and work on side gigs and projects. Who knows, I may even get a few “real jobs” along the way in hospitality. Gary will be looking for opportunities to build disc golf courses. But I want working to be a choice, not an obligation.
Then, when our journey is over, we will need to decide—do we want to continue traveling? Do we want to choose a location (or locations) to reinvest in land or do we just want to find a quiet job a small coffee shop? Do we want to purchase a bed and breakfast in one of our favorite places? Will Gary build another disc golf course? We’ll have choices.
Goal #5 – While We’re Still Young…
Let’s face it… for being in our early 50s, we are blessed with good health and vitality. Everything we did in our 40s to improve our health, worked. We are in better shape and better health now than ever. But there’s no guarantee that we’ll feel this way in another ten or twenty years. For us, it really became a statement of “it’s now or never.”
Here’s the brutal truth – you can’t avoid aging. It’s going to happen. No matter how many Botox shots you get, eventually, we all get old. But here’s the kicker – when we talk about getting old, most of us envision little, old, gray-haired ladies with a walker. The reality is that most of us will not see that mental image of “old.”
My parents barely made it into their 70s when they died.
Gary’s father was just 69 years old when he passed.
My sister was just 53 when cancer took her life.
There are no guarantees in life. You either live with reckless abandon or risk leaving your bucket list unchecked.
Road Trip Goal #6 – Friends & Family
Do you know what happens when you move to the middle of nowhere? No one wants to visit you. Your friendship comes with a distance barrier. Factor in poor cellular signal and crappy satellite internet – you get excommunicated from everything.
We’ve realized that when you live in seclusion, that’s what happens: you become secluded and excluded.
We also know that we’re in a better position to be mobile than our family is. So rather than expect our friends and family to spend their hard-earned money to travel to us – we’re just going to show up in their driveway, camper in tow – like Cousin Eddie in Christmas Vacation – but the cloud of smoke billowing from our RV won’t be exhaust. <wink>
I’ll be honest – I’m new to the overnight oats fad. I really wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy cold oatmeal, but believe me, once you try a few of these recipes I found… not only will you marvel at the simplicity of them, but you’ll be amazed at how tasty (and filling) they are!
These are great for weekly meal prepping because they can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. So make them on a Sunday night, and you’ll have breakfast for the rest of the week. (That is if you can manage not to snack on them in the afternoon, too!)
Plus, once you buy the staples for these recipes, you can make several rounds of breakfast on just a few dollars. In fact, $30 pays for nearly an entire month of plain overnight oats for two people. Add a few chocolate chips, peanut butter, or fruit for flavor and nutrition.
Chia Seeds – A Wellness Hack
Now, if you’re like me, texture is important in foods. If I can’t get past the texture, I’m not going to eat it again. While it may look like chia seeds are going to add a funky texture to your oats, let me reassure you… they don’t. Honestly, you can’t even really tell they’re there. Chia seeds absorb liquid and become almost gelatinous, and combined with your oats and almond milk, they’ll make your overnight oats silky smooth.
But the benefits of chia seeds go beyond texture – they are packed with health benefits. Chia seeds are tiny but mighty when it comes to nutrition.
They’re loaded with fiber, which helps keep you full longer and supports digestion—an underrated win when you’re on the road and out of your usual routine.
They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Plus, they’re a solid source of plant-based protein, antioxidants, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
All that, and they basically disappear into your oats? Total wellness hack.
I absolutely adore Ree Drummond’s recipes, because typically they remind me of my childhood, full of flavor and typically not too difficult to make. Gary and I both love a good tiramisu, so why not make a healthy version for breakfast? We agree… why not?
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk (I prefer Almond Milk – and it has a longer shelf life than dairy milk)
In a large measuring cup, combine the milk, coffee, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla. Divide the mixture among 4 jars or airtight containers.
Stir 1/2 cup of oats and 2 teaspoons of chia seeds into each container, ensuring the oats are submerged in liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.
In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth. Whisk in the yogurt, the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla until well combined and creamy.
Spoon the yogurt mixture over the oats, spreading into a smooth layer. Dust with cocoa powder and serve chilled.
So, I believe you can never go wrong when you combine chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas. This is just one of those flavor combinations that just never gets old.
Ingredients
2 cups unsweetened almond milk or other nut or dairy milk, divided
Our Favorite Herbal Essentials for Life on the Road
If you’ve ever tried to keep your wellness rituals alive while living out of an RV, tent, or suitcase, you know: space is limited, storage is precious, and anything you pack better earn its place.
When you’re living the mobile life—chasing sunsets, hiking trails, and avoiding algorithms—there’s nothing better than having your green routine dialed in. Over the years, we’ve curated a tight lineup of tools and devices that travel beautifully, keep our sessions classy, and support our values of health, intention, and ease.
Here’s a peek into our “green companion” kit—tried, tested, and totally roadworthy.
Affiliate Disclosure: We use affiliate links in our content – which just means that if you should decide to purchase something from our website, then we’ll make a small commission. It will not impact your pricing at all and we appreciate the support!
🧠 For the Conscious Smoker: Weedgets Pipe & Accessories
Let’s be real—burning your herbs isn’t technically the healthiest route. But, when you’re on a mountain at dusk and craving a classic ritual, this pipe steps in like the evolved version of your old glass bowl.
The Weedgets Pipe is all about harm reduction. With a waterless filtration system, smooth pull, and easy-to-clean design, it offers a more lung-friendly experience. Then, add in their filters and accessories, and you’ve got yourself a setup that respects both your breath and your botanicals.
🍷 For the Sophisticated Session: Stündenglass Modul
If James Bond had a consumption device, this would be it. The Stündenglass Modul is sleek, modern, and looks more like high-end tech than anything else.
It’s portable enough to be part of your kit and stylish enough to double as decor. And it’s perfect for those nights when you want to elevate your experience without shouting it from the rooftops.
🔐 For the Stealthy Stasher: KEEP
Discretion meets design. The KEEP device is our go-to for storing our herbal companions while keeping everything locked up, organized, and out of sight.
With Bluetooth lock access, humidity control, and a form factor that could be mistaken for a fancy alarm clock, KEEP makes sure your stash stays secure, scent-free, and smart.
🥤 For the On-the-Go Glow-Up: Dr. Dabber Boost EVO
Small but mighty, this little guy has become our ride or dab. The Boost EVO is just slightly bigger than a Coke bottle and fits perfectly in our travel bag.
It heats up fast, hits smooth, and feels like the future. Whether we’re camped out in the desert or posted up at a lakeside cabin, this has become our go-to device for instant elevation without a hassle.
🍯 For the DIY Infuser: Butter Brewer
Yes, we brought the kitchen with us. The Butter Brewer is like the slow cooker’s cooler cousin—made specifically for infusions.
Whether we’re whipping up wellness mocktails or baking road-friendly edibles, this machine handles it all without the mess or the guesswork. It’s compact enough for RV countertops but powerful enough to support a full herbal chef routine.
🎉 For the Center of the Party: Stündenglass Gravity Hookah
This one’s not optional. The Stündenglass Gravity Hookah is less of a device and more of a statement. It’s the conversation piece at any social gathering and makes every group session feel like an occasion.
We’ve hosted gatherings under the stars where this piece literally became the centerpiece—smooth, show-stopping, and unforgettable.
💅 For the Organized Explorer: Blazy Susan Tray
Living in a tiny space doesn’t mean living in chaos. The Blazy Susan spinning tray keeps our tools, accessories, papers, and gadgets right where we want them—organized, accessible, and (let’s be honest) Instagrammable.
It’s cute, functional, and perfect for anyone trying to keep the “tiny mess” problem under control.
🛠️ Bonus Tip: Build Your Own Herbal Essentials Kit
You don’t need all of these, but you do need a setup that fits your lifestyle. Here’s what we recommend for every traveler:
One stealthy storage device
One reliable on-the-go tool
One at-home (or at-camp) ritual centerpiece
One infusion method, if you like to cook
One organizational tool to keep it all tight
Whether you’re a minimalist or a full-on mobile connoisseur, your green companion kit should reflect your pace, your place, and your personal flavor.
🌲 See You On the Trail
Traveling with your rituals doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can stay intentional, organized, and elevated—without ever breaking stride.
Got a favorite item we didn’t mention? Drop us a message or tag us @toohappycampers—we love discovering new ways to stay lifted on the go.
Until then, pack wisely, respect the vibe, and never underestimate the power of a good sunset ritual.
Avoiding the The C-Word That Rhymes with “Banana-bis” (C*a*n*n*a*b*i*s)
Hey friends,
Let’s just get this out of the way: if you’ve followed me for a minute, you likely already know I’m a big fan of plants. Not just any plants—but the plant. The one that’s been misunderstood, criminalized, and stigmatized for decades. Besides that, now it is also being censored to oblivion by social media algorithms and AI bots that don’t know the difference between a joint and a geranium.
By everyone else’s standards, I’m probably an addict. On the other hand, to others, I’m just an herbalist. It has become more than a lifestyle for us; it is a calling.
But, whatever you want to call it, the internet gods aren’t happy about us discussing it.
I Am Done Using the “C-Word”
So here’s the scoop: I’m done using the “C-word.” Thus, I need to layout a few ground rules for our site.
Not because I’m ashamed of it—far from it—but because I’m tired of watching thoughtful, helpful, and honest content get buried by invisible digital overlords just because it dares to mention a certain leafy green.
My blog is about travel, wellness, aging boldly, and yes, enjoying nature in all the ways that feel good, true, and elevated. But in order to keep sharing the goods without getting shadowbanned, filtered, or flagged into oblivion, I’ve decided to get a little creative.
Yes, I want to continue creating content about the herb that I’m so passionate about. However, after 8 years of freelancing in this space, I know that if I say it, type it, or even use an image of it – my site can get blocked from search engine results.
So, we are going to be discreet traveling hippies. But rest assured, we will always keep it classy, respectful, and focused on responsible consumption. Besides, there’s nothing in the stoner handbook that says, “Thall shalt be a chode.”
From now on, when I refer to you-know-what, I’ll be using a handful of playful, intentional euphemisms. They’re subtle enough to fly under the radar, but clear enough for those of us in-the-know.
Because let’s be real—if we can’t talk openly, we can at least talk cleverly.
🗝️ The High Society Glossary
Consequently, I’ve created a Guide to Staying Lifted Without Getting Shadowbanned. If these GenZ kids can have their own language, likewise, we can have code words too.
🔐 Codeword
🌿 Translation
✨ Vibe
The Plant
You-know-what
Sacred. Simple. Classic.
Loose Herbs
Flower
Earthy, raw, real.
Lifted
Infused
Edibles, topicals, tinctures…
Sunset/Sunrise Ritual
Smoke session
A respite as the day begins & ends.
Go Pet the Butterflies
Outdoor sesh
A mindful mingle with nature.
Herbal Essentials
Travel stash
Essentials for mindful travel.
Mood Enhancer
Any product with benefits
Mind/body balance without labels.
Elevated Adventure
Hike with some help
Deepening the nature connection.
Relaxation Tools
Our wellness tools & devices
Tools, tech, and a pinch of green.
Secret Sauce
Products
The magic behind the mood.
High Society
Responsible users
Mature consumers, big vibes.
Why It Matters
We’re living in a world where algorithms can’t tell the difference between education and misinformation. Sadly, educational content about wellness and plant medicine gets treated like spam, while influencers selling sugar-laced diet pills get free rein. Want Ozempic – just ask your doctor, but heaven-forbid you find a natural remedy.
So I’m adapting—not by censoring my values but protecting them.
Therefore, I’m here for the thinkers, the feelers, and the free spirits. The over-50s who are curious, but don’t know who to ask. We are the nature lovers, the explorers, the wellness warriors. Because if you know, you know. Likewise, if you’re just joining the party—don’t worry, you’ll pick up the lingo fast.
💌 Let’s Keep It Lifted – No C-Word Needed
Nevertheless, this is a space for people who respect nature, crave adventure, and believe in taking the edge off without losing clarity. So grab your herbal essentials, tune into your sunset ritual, and let’s keep this community grounded, glowing, and totally untraceable by bots.
Join us online for exclusive, live content! The High Society Private Group on Facebook allows us to connect with our followers, share reviews of our favorite new products, and show you all the fun things we find along the way! But we gotta keep it on the down-low!
I haven’t met too many people who don’t romanticize a life on the road. Since Gary and I made this decision, I cannot tell you the number of times people have oohed and ahhed over our plans.
But I’m a realist and a reader—it’s been a year and a half since we decided to sell our home for a camper. I’ve read thousands of first-person perspective articles since then. Many people (like us) have chosen to make their journey public, and fortunately, there are dozens of blogs and YouTube channels following full-time RV travelers.
I’ve read many of them, and I know this journey will not be all sunshine and rainbows… shit happens. Things break. Tires blow. Challenges are inevitable.
“To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.”
oscar wilde
Life on the Road Seeking Peace of Mind
I don’t want to worry—for two years. I want life to be easy, carefree, and on my terms for the duration of this trip. Thus, we’ve taken steps to ensure that we covered everything.
We deliberately purchased a new 2025 Chevy Truck and a new 2025 Rockwood travel trailer. Why brand new? One word. Warranty. I want the assurance that if anything goes wrong while we’re traveling for the next two years, it’s covered under warranty.
But, think about this for a minute – if something breaks in our RV, and needs to go into the shop for repair… that’s our home. Where do you go? What do you do? You have to plan for the unexpected when living life on the road.
We also plan to have ALL the insurance, so anything that isn’t covered under warranty is covered by our insurance plan. This includes full coverage on the truck, full coverage on the RV, and all the extra RV protection packages offered by our dealer. Plus, our RV insurance also covers the expense of a hotel when necessary for repairs.
We also plan to get a GoodSam membership (like AAA for RV travelers) to help when things go awry while we’re on the road. If we’re stranded and need a tow, I want to know it’s covered.
I expect something to go wrong, and I want to know that help is a phone call away.
Life on the Road & Keeping Expenses to a Minimum
If you think living in an RV is cheap, you’ve not done your research. In addition to all those insurance packages and protections I mentioned above, there are also things like gas for travel, overnight stays, and food.
Gasoline isn’t cheap.
Much like you need electricity to power your home, we need gasoline to power ours. Lord knows, gas isn’t exactly “cheap.” However, in an effort to keep those costs at a minimum, we’re enrolling in multiple gas club memberships for the discounts. We’ll also be using Gas Buddy to locate the cheapest gas in the area. Naturally, we’re going to do our best to conserve gas expense, but fuel is a necessity for full-time travelers.
RV Parks aren’t free.
Our RV does allow us to boondock (camp without electricity), but it’s a hard, cold truth that solar power can only power so many things when you’re off-grid. To take advantage of all the creature features that make our RV feel like home, it’s best to park where you have full hookups. RV parks can vary from $30/night to $100/night or more, depending on the location and amenities. However, we’ve found a few ways to reduce our expenses:
Thousand Trails membership – with this membership, you pay for your membership fee upfront based on the region you plan to be in, and then, you stay for free at participating Thousand Trails campgrounds.
Harvest Hosts– this membership allows you to boondock for 1-3 days for free on private property – so maybe it’s a farm, or a winery, or someone with land to spare. The only catch is that they ask you to spend a little money on whatever the host is peddling.
State Parks & BLM land – although state parks aren’t typically free, they do tend to cost less than other private RV parks. BLM is dispersed camping that you can use for up to 14 days at a time for free. However, getting to some of these spots with a 35′ camper can be difficult.
Friends & Family – of course, as we travel, we plan to visit friends and family along the way. We do have plans to boondock at some of these locations, too. (Got room for us? Let us know!)
Lowe’s & Walmart – while these definitely aren’t long-term stays, we can stop for a night at these locations to rest up before we continue our travels the next morning. Maybe not ideal, but they’ll serve a purpose when necessary.
Food is expensive everywhere.
Since we’ve been living in the middle of nowhere for nine years, I anticipate a strong temptation to overindulge in a newly rediscovered access to fast food and gas station snacks once we begin life on the road. Therefore, I want to put special emphasis on what we eat. Plan ahead for easy, healthy meals. Create our scrumptious meals over a campfire or on the griddle outside our camper. Indulge in local markets and explore budget-friendly options.
Freelance Discipline
“Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.”
Margaret Thatcher
Since I’m going back to freelancing, once again, I will have to dig deep and muster up the discipline to spend a few hours every day doing something productive. When we first moved to the ranch, it took time to develop the willpower to ignore the beauty outside my door, and I can imagine it will be just as challenging with our life on the road.
On the flip side, I’m going into this with eyes wide open. I know that freelancing can become overwhelming if you don’t set boundaries, and this time, I’m putting my self-care first by limiting my desk time and focusing on the journey.
Just as an athlete envisions a win, by envisioning a schedule, I can see that I am dedicating 5-7 hours a day toward productivity, but I’m also blocking time specifically for physical activity, exploration, and relaxation.
My Envisioned Schedule
The key to discipline while freelancing is to commit to a schedule.
Wake up between 5 and 6 a.m. Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who like to wake up early. I enjoy the tranquility of a sunrise when the world hasn’t started to stir. This early morning hour allows me to drink my coffee, maybe do some self-care with stretching or meditation, and have time to think and greet the day with a plan.
Spend a little desk time. I’d like to get 4 to 5 hours of desk time out of the way first thing in the morning so that by 11 am or so, I’m winding down, so we can do something like hiking, exploring, or visiting a destination during the mid-afternoon. However, climate plays a role in timing.
Mid-Day Exploration. I want us to incorporate exploration into our day, such as finding a hiking trail, going to a disc golf course, or finding a fascinating destination near our stay. Each day we’re parked somewhere, I want us to schedule time to get out and see what’s out there.
Evening Windown and Debrief. At night, I look forward to cooking meals, relaxing around a campfire, and discussing the day’s events. I want to use this time to review our photos and videos, do some content work, and maybe work in a little social media time.
Bedtime Self-Care. This journey is about taking care of ourselves, inside and out. Besides basic hygiene and skincare, as a married couple, we also need to care for each other. We want to protect time for intimacy in our marriage.
A Life on the Road Deliberately Lived
This trip isn’t about escape—it’s about intention. It’s about choosing to live deliberately, with eyes wide open and a clear understanding that while the road may be bumpy, the journey is worth it. Gary and I aren’t chasing some idealized Instagram version of van life; we’re embracing every flat tire, unexpected detour, and jaw-dropping vista as part of the package.
We know it won’t always be easy, but we’ve stacked the deck in our favor. We’ve planned, prepped, insured, budgeted, and scheduled. But we’ve also left room for spontaneity, magic, and peace that only comes when you’re not running on someone else’s clock.
So here we go—two people and their dog, one truck, one camper, and an open road ahead. With a bit of grit, a lot of grace, and a good sense of humor, we’re ready to roll. Here’s to the next chapter, written in miles and a chance to live life on the road.
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.
