In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

Albany, OR – Family Time

On Sunday, October 19, we made our way to Albany, Oregon to meet up with my parents and enjoy some much-needed family time. Our RV park was the perfect home base—plenty of room for biking and walking, plus an indoor pool that we definitely took advantage of. It was such a gift to spend four days with my parents, though as always, the time went by far too quickly.

One of the highlights of our stay was visiting the Albany Carousel & Museum. Every animal on the carousel is hand-carved and painted on site—a true labor of love that takes nearly a decade to complete from start to finish.

We also had the chance to reconnect with my dad’s cousins and their families, and even meet a few new faces for the first time. It was such a special week, full of laughter, memories, and that familiar feeling of home.

We’re already looking forward to returning next fall for another visit.

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Terrebonne – Alpaca Ranch

Before heading back to Hood River, we made a stop in Terrebonne to stay at a Harvest Host location that happened to be an alpaca ranch. We absolutely loved it! There were over 1,000 alpacas right outside our RV windows, and watching them throughout the day was such a fun and unique experience.

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Redmond – Camping with Family

From Terrebonne, we traveled to Redmond to camp with Derek’s brother and our niece and nephew. We found a quiet reservoir and enjoyed two nights of camping there. The weather wasn’t always ideal, but we made the best of it.

We were especially grateful to be camping with family—not just because it was fun and we want Trygg to make memories with his cousins—but because I ended up needing to take Derek to the ER at 3 a.m.

Derek had been dealing with horrible back and stomach pain, mixed with waves of nausea. Turns out, he had kidney stones. (It’s kidney stones!—if you’re a Friends fan, you know the reference; if not, just ignore me.)

Thankfully, he started feeling better, and we were still able to explore some nearby caves and lava tubes with the kids, which was a pretty neat experience.

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Hood River – Cousins & Halloween

From Redmond, we made our way back to Hood River for our final six days in Oregon. Trygg got more cousin time, including a fun sleepover, and the highlight of the week was celebrating Halloween together. Hood River really knows how to do Halloween right! Despite the rain, it was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, candy, and memories we’ll treasure.

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Friday afternoon and evening marked our final day with the West Coast McCorisons. We always love getting to spend time with them and already can’t wait to visit again next year—though probably a bit earlier in the fall, so we can enjoy some nicer weather!

Looking Ahead

As we packed up and said our goodbyes, we were reminded once again that this journey isn’t just about the places we go—it’s about the people we share them with. Time with family is always too short, but it fills our hearts in ways that miles on the road never could. From unexpected detours to moments of laughter and connection, these are the memories that make our travels truly meaningful. Still, as the rain lingered and the cool fall air settled in, we knew it was time to chase a bit of sunshine and continue our journey south in search of warmer days.

We know this life isn’t always easy, but we know this: every challenge brings growth, every adventure adds to our story, and in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

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From mountain passes to quiet lakesides, our Renegade Valencia 35MB has taken us to so many beautiful places already— and after one month on the road, it’s truly become home. We’ve had a lot of people ask what it looks like inside, so we thought it was time to share a peek!

It may be smaller than a traditional house, but it’s filled with everything we need — and plenty of the comforts that make it ours. From morning coffee in the kitchen to game nights at the dining “room” table, this space has become the heart of our adventures. And while we already love it as is, we have a few ideas in mind to keep making it feel even more us — little touches and projects to make our RV feel more customized, comfortable, and uniquely our own.

The Living Area

Our living space is cozy but open — perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring or hiding out on a rainy afternoon. Big windows make it feel bright and airy, and the comfy couch has become the perfect spot for games, books, and the occasional nap.

The Kitchen

Compact but mighty! Our kitchen in the Valencia has everything we need for life on the road — from coffee first thing in the morning to family dinners at the end of the day. We’ve learned that with the right setup (and a few creative storage ideas), even a tiny kitchen can feel just right.

The Bedroom

This is our little retreat after a long day of travel and adventure. There’s just enough storage for the essentials, and it’s the coziest spot when the nights get chilly.

Trygg’s Space

Trygg has his own cozy corner — complete with Lego storage, a great window view, and just enough space to spread out when we’re parked for a few days. It’s small but perfectly his, and that’s what makes it special.

The Bathroom

Small but surprisingly functional! Everything has its place, and we’ve found that a little organization goes a long way. When we hit the road full-time, this tiny space was one of the biggest adjustments — but now it’s just another part of the rhythm of RV life.

Although we won’t include a picture of it here, the cupboard next to the vanity sink is one of our favorite clever storage spots — it houses our washer/dryer combo unit on the bottom and a pantry on the top. It’s a perfect example of how every inch in the RV is put to good use.

Workout Gear Storage

We removed the outside TV—because let’s be honest, we barely use the ones inside—and turned that space into the perfect storage area for my workout gear. It’s such a simple change, but it makes the space feel more functional and more us.

Closing Thoughts

Life on the road may not have all the space in the world, but it’s full of laughter, memories, and freedom — and that’s what makes this little home so special. We know this life isn’t always easy, but we know this: every challenge brings growth, every adventure adds to our story, and in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

From Devils Tower to Montana

Devils Tower, Wyoming. Seeing our nation’s first national monument up close was incredible. We hiked the loop trail around the base before continuing on to Tongue River Reservoir for the night. Even with rain and chilly temps, it was a gorgeous place to camp.

The next morning, we made a rainy but fun stop at ZooMontana before spending three quiet nights at Itch-Kep-Pe City Park in Columbus, MT.  Derek’s parents joined us once again for two of the three nights.  This little town was such a gem — peaceful, friendly, and easy to explore by bike. We checked out the local museum, park, coffee shop, and bakery (the bakery was a hit!).

From there, we headed to Divide Bridge Campground in Divide, Montana — a beautiful Bureau of Land Management site along the Big Hole River between Wisdom and Melrose. We practically had the whole campground to ourselves for three nights, surrounded by mountain views and fall colors.  Divide Bridge Campground quickly became our new favorite camping spot.  Montana in general has won us over with it’s breathtaking views.  Despite being chased out of the area due to an impending snow storm, we’re already looking forward to spending more time in Montana next year. 

From Divide to the Pacific Northwest

From Divide, MT, we ventured west to Missoula to check out their amazing public library — and wow, it did not disappoint! The second floor has an interactive science museum that kept Trygg completely entertained. One thing we learned along the way: always check town events before rolling in. Turns out, it was homecoming weekend for the University of Montana, so finding parking was a bit of a challenge. The upside? We stumbled onto a parade! The walk to the library ended up being a nice chance to stretch our legs, and the whole afternoon was such a fun surprise.

From Missoula, we drove to Wallace, ID — a charming little mining town tucked into the mountains. Derek got his first taste of a real mountain pass, and despite the rain and fog, he did an awesome job navigating it! We took the Sierra Silver Mine tour, and since no one else was brave enough to venture out in the freezing rain, we got a private tour. Wallace was so adorable that we wished we had more time to explore, but the Idaho weather had other plans. With freezing temps chasing us, we decided to keep heading west. Idaho definitely earned a spot on our “come back next year” list!

From Wallace, we made our way to Ritzville, WA, and decided to call it a night at the local fairgrounds. Nothing fancy, but it worked perfectly for a quick stop. The next day, we finished our drive to Hood River, OR, where we’ve been soaking up some family time with Derek’s parents, his brother, and their crew. It’s been such a treat to stay parked in one spot for almost a week! Taking a little break from driving helped us realize that hitting the road on weekdays after Derek wraps up work just isn’t sustainable. Lesson learned.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow we’re meeting up with my parents for five days of camping and exploring another part of Oregon — we can’t wait to see them! After that, we’ll reconnect with Derek’s family again for some time on the coast. The adventure continues!

Until Next Time

As we keep rolling west, we’re reminded that this journey is as much about learning as it is about exploring. Some days bring smooth roads and sunshine, others bring rain, fog, and unexpected detours — but that’s all part of the adventure. Every challenge brings growth, every adventure adds to our story, and in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

Our favorite kind of evening view — wide open skies and no place we’d rather be.

It’s wild how time works out here. Some days it feels like we’ve been gone for months, and other days it feels like we just pulled away from my parent’s driveway. The days have been full, the views have been beautiful, and we’re slowly finding our rhythm in this new way of living.

South Dakota Adventures

Our temporary home among the rugged beauty of the Badlands

Our first travel day was a long one. We wanted to make it well into South Dakota so Derek would have a shorter drive on his first workday. Our glamorous first night? A Love’s parking lot. Not exactly scenic, but it worked — and we all slept surprisingly well.

The next morning, we rolled into Wall, South Dakota, to take in all that Wall has to offer… if you’ve been there, you know!

Our main reason for stopping was to boondock near the Badlands. (Boondocking is self-sufficient camping without hookups like water or electricity — often on public lands.) The Badlands Boondocking area did not disappoint. It was absolutely stunning and quickly became one of our favorite stops so far.

Derek’s parents joined us for a night as they made their own way west. We spent our days exploring and hiking, and I already can’t wait to go back. Trygg especially loved this spot because a nearby family had three kids around his age. He made friends instantly, and we happily adjusted our homeschool schedule so he could soak up as much playtime as possible.

Custer, KOAs, and Mount Rushmore

From the Badlands, we continued west to a KOA in Custer. If you know us, you know KOAs and RV parks aren’t exactly our style — but we needed full hookups for a few days (laundry waits for no one!). The bonus was its perfect location near Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Needles Highway. We spent a couple of days exploring these incredible spots before hitting the road again.

Roadschooling Update

🎨 Art class with a view – Learning looks a little different out here — fresh air, open space, and creativity inspired by the landscape.

Homeschooling — or roadschooling, as we like to call it — is going pretty well. We still have good days and not-so-good days, but being able to step outside whenever we need a break has been wonderful. Most days, Trygg spends at least five hours outdoors — doing schoolwork, biking, playing, or exploring.

On the tougher days, I’ll jokingly ask if he’d like to enroll in a nearby public school. His quick “No!” always makes me laugh — so despite the bumps, I think he’s loving the freedom and adventure that come with homeschooling.

The hardest part for him has been meeting other kids. And honestly, that’s been tough on me too. When your kiddo is struggling or feeling lonely, you feel it right alongside them. We’re learning as we go and finding new ways to help him connect and make friends on the road.

Looking Ahead

In a few days we will roll into Oregon to spend 18 days with some of our favorite people. Trygg has been counting down the days to see his cousins — he’s absolutely thrilled.

And, in one week, my parents will be meeting us there, too. We can’t wait to camp and explore with them (and a few other family members who live nearby).

Our biggest lesson so far? Long travel days and workdays don’t mix well. Once we leave Oregon, we’ll be tweaking our travel schedule to make things run a bit smoother.

We feel so fortunate to have the flexibility to do that — to work, travel, homeschool, and explore all at once. Two weeks in, and this adventure already feels like exactly where we’re meant to be.

🌅 As the sun set over the Badlands, we were reminded that the best views come after the climb — and the best moments are the ones we share together.

Thanks for Following Along

Thanks for following along on our journey! We’re so grateful to share this adventure with all of you — who cheer us on from near and far. We know this life isn’t always easy, but we know this: every challenge brings growth, every adventure adds to our story, and in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

Here’s to more miles, more memories, and more stories to tell.

Tucked In & Rolling Out

Our boat is all tucked in for the winter months. It’s always a little bittersweet when sailing season ends, but this year we’re trading sails for wheels. As much as we’ll miss life on the water, there’s also a spark of excitement (and yes, a bit of nervous energy) about this next chapter.

All tucked in and ready for winter—our floating home is officially on dry land until next season

We officially moved into the RV about three weeks ago. For now, we’ve been parked at my parents’ place, which has been such a gift as we’ve figured out our new rhythm. In just two days, it’s time to actually hit the road! The transition from boat to RV went pretty smoothly—there’s a little more elbow room here (not much, but every inch counts when you’re living small).

These first weeks have been about settling in—finding a flow between living, working, and homeschooling. It’s definitely taken some creativity (thank you, outdoor space and nice weather!), but little by little, we’re finding our groove.

A Day in the RV

A typical day looks something like this:
I get up early (though not quite as early as I’d like since it’s still dark when my alarm goes off) to get in a walk and workout. While I’m out, Trygg enjoys some reading time. When I return, he and I usually do yoga or a short “brain break” video together to get some movement in before his school day starts.

Derek sets up his workstation while I wrangle breakfast and coffee. Trygg starts school around 8:00–8:30, and depending on the day, he’s done somewhere between l1:30 and 1:00. Afternoons are a mix of library runs, outside play, and (let’s be honest) giving Derek some much-needed quiet for work. Evenings have been filled with little projects to get the RV road-ready.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s ours—and slowly starting to feel like home.

Wild Wind Homeschool

People often ask how homeschooling is going. The short answer? Some days are awesome, and some days are… well, not.

There are mornings when Trygg breezes through his work with focus and hardly a complaint. Then there are days when just getting started feels like climbing Everest.  Despite the ups and downs, I am so incredibly proud of him. We’ve turned his world upside down—selling our house, moving onto a boat, then into an RV. He’s navigating a small living space, missing school friends, and trying to adjust to a whole new lifestyle.

Yes, there are moments when I think, what on earth are we doing? But then I breathe and remember: more time together, more adventures, and more memories we wouldn’t trade for anything.

We’re also finding ways to keep him connected. If you know Trygg, you know he’s very social and loves making new friends. He’ll be sending postcards and letters to his friends back home, and we’re looking forward to finding new connections once we start traveling.

RV Lessons (So Far)

Three weeks in, and the RV has already taught us a few important lessons:

• Don’t use glass—if it falls, the counter will win.
• Don’t store heavy objects in overhead cabinets unless you want to dodge flying projectiles when you hit a bump.
• And most importantly: if the black tank says it’s full (even if it’s not), the toilet won’t flush. Enough said.

Gratitude & Goodbyes

As we prepare to leave in two days, I want to say a huge thank you to my parents for letting us live in their driveway these past weeks. This may end up being one of the hardest parts of our transition. Trygg has always been close to them—seeing them a few times each week, and now every day while we’ve been here. When he needs a break from school, he just runs over to Grandma’s house for some extra love.

Pulling away in two days will be tough, maybe tougher than I’ve let myself admit. Thankfully, we’ll see them again in October when they travel west to visit family. We’ll get to camp together for a few days before parting ways once more.

We are so grateful to have family who not only support our adventure but encourage us to live the life we dream of (even if they might be questioning that decision just a little right now).
Leaving won’t be easy, but we know this: every challenge brings growth, every adventure adds to our story, and in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

Life Aboard: 14 Weeks on Our Floating Home

It’s official—we’ve been living aboard our 32-foot catamaran for 14 weeks! What started as a big leap into something new has quickly become our “normal.” We’ve learned to adapt, laugh at the challenges, and soak in the moments that make this adventure so worth it.

Yes, there are times we feel a little cramped. But whenever the walls feel like they’re closing in, all we need to do is step outside. The horizon stretches out before us, and suddenly we remember: our home comes with unlimited waterfront property!

Favorite (and Not-So-Favorite) Things

One of the best parts about this adventure is hearing how each of us experiences life aboard a little differently.

Derek’s Highlights:
✅ Sleeps better than ever
✅ Loves how this lifestyle has brought us closer as a family
✅ Wherever we go, home comes with us

Derek’s Challenge:
🌬 Getting slammed into the dock on windy nights

Trygg’s Highlight:
✨ When our boat moves, our house moves because we live in it!

Trygg’s Challenge:
📦 There’s not much extra space!

Jillian’s Highlights:
💛 Growing closer as a family
🧹 Cleaning the boat takes way less time than a house
🏡 Feeling at home wherever we go

Jillian’s Challenge:
🍳 Not a lot of space for food prep

Sailing Adventures

In July we set out for Silver Bay with friends and family. The trip there was… let’s just say “character building.” Think rain, gray skies, and lightning right before we made it to the marina. We arrived safely, but I quickly confirmed what I already suspected: I am a fair-weather sailor!

Thankfully, the sail back was dreamy—calm winds, smooth water, and sunshine. Just the kind of day that makes you forget the stormy ones.

August brought our annual trip to Cornucopia, WI. We had hoped to sail, but with zero wind, we ended up motoring five hours instead. From Corny we continued on to Little Sand Bay, with a forecast that promised perfect sailing conditions. Reality? Not so much. We battled 3–4 foot waves at first, and I’ll admit, I had a moment (or ten) of questioning all our life choices. Halfway across, though, the wind shifted, the waves eased, and suddenly it was smooth sailing again. Just like that, I remembered why I love this life.

A Day in the Life

Life aboard may sound exotic, but most days have a simple rhythm:

• Morning: I sneak out early for a workout and a walk while Derek and Trygg ease into their day. By the time I return, Derek is already working, and Trygg is reading or watching a show. I brew the coffee, make breakfast, and get us moving.
• Midday: In June and July, Trygg attended an incredible outdoor camp four days a week, which freed up time for Derek to work without interruptions and for me to dive into projects—planning Vacation Bible School, organizing a silent auction fundraiser, and tackling boat and RV to-dos.
• Evenings: Swimming lessons, beach walks, board games, or just quiet family downtime before dinner.

Summer days well spent!

Looking Ahead

With summer winding down, our focus has shifted to prepping the boat for winter. That means:

• Building a frame to support our winter cover
• Clearing out anything that can’t stay aboard
• Winterizing the engine and water lines

As bittersweet as it is to wrap up this chapter, I have to admit—I’m beyond excited to move into our RV! We’ve already started mapping routes, planning stops, and dreaming about our trip out west.

Living aboard has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing us to grow in ways we never imagined. And while moments of doubt creep in, they’re quickly outweighed by the memories we’re making.

As we continue this journey—whether it’s out on the water or down the open road—we’re reminded that every challenge brings growth and every adventure adds to the story we’re writing together. In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

Hello from the Traveling Trio – Derek, Jillian & Trygg!

We’re about to embark on a grand adventure, and we couldn’t be more excited (or nervous… or exhausted… or all of the above!).

On June 27, we closed a chapter—maybe even an entire book—to begin writing a brand-new one.

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The Spark

This past February, while enjoying our annual family vacation down south, soaking up the sunshine and spending time with loved ones, we found ourselves wishing that this could  be our everyday life. While hiking in the desert, Derek and I began asking a question we couldn’t ignore: “Could this really be our life?”

We’ve always imagined ourselves traveling someday—someday when we were retired. But sometimes life delivers a wake-up call. A few months ago, Derek lost a relative unexpectedly, and we were reminded just how uncertain life can be. Retirement and growing old together aren’t guaranteed. Life is unpredictable—and incredibly precious.

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The Decision

After a lot of soul-searching, we decided it was time to stop waiting. It was finally time to start living the life we’d always dreamed of—one full of travel, adventure, sailing, and, most importantly, time spent together. That meant selling our house, moving aboard our 32-foot catamaran, and buying an RV that we could live, travel, work, and homeschool in.

Sounds simple, right?

Well… let’s just say, we had about 50 unfinished house projects standing in our way—not to mention the enormous task of downsizing our possessions and becoming RV experts overnight. Most people would give themselves at least a year for a transition like this. But if you know me (Jillian), you know once I set my mind to something, there’s no stopping me. So I told Derek, “Let’s have the house listed by June 1”—a goal we missed by just one day.

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The Journey So Far

March, April & May Recap

The spring was a whirlwind of change and preparation:

🛠️ Long days (and nights) tackling project after project
📦 Sorting, donating, and major downsizing
⛵ Outfitting our sailboat for full-time life on the water
🚐 And diving head-first into the wild world of RV research
  (I now know way too much about RVs!)

June & July Recap

The past two months have been full of adventure and big transitions:

⚓ Countless boat projects
🚐 Touring (so many) RVs
✅ Finally purchasing our RV!
🏡 Adjusting to life in 400 sq. ft. on the boat (goodbye, 1100 sq. ft. house)
⛵ Plenty of sailing
💛 Even more time spent together

It’s been exhausting. But as we stand on the edge of this new life, we know every sacrifice and sleepless night will be worth it.

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Thank You

We want to give a huge thank you to both our families for their unwavering support. We couldn’t have done this without you—and we’re so grateful.

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Follow Our Adventure

We’ll be updating this blog as often as we can to share the joys (and struggles!) of life on the road in our 35-foot Super C RV and on the water aboard our 32 foot catamaran. We hope you’ll join us for the ride, the lessons, the laughter—and everything in between.

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

Let the adventure begin!

– Derek, Jillian & Trygg
Traveling Trio