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Lake Powell National Park I awoke early, the desert sun peeking through the window blinds. The boys still asleep in the loft, it was time for my morning cut to wake me from the nights embrace. Years earlier, I had lived in Seville, Spain, where my appreciation for European coffee had developed. When camping, I brewed my morning coffee with a Primula Classic stovetop espresso maker. However, crafting this delicious morning elixir requires a fire or gas stove—something the camper readily provided. Shaking the sleep from my eyes, I unsealed my fresh bag of espresso, carefully disassembling the parts to fill the

Utah & Arizona Onward, our journey pressed, ever westward. The descent from the Colorado mountains to Utah offered a spectacle of awe. As the mountains yielded, the horizon broadened, revealing the vast high plains desert. My grip on the steering wheel tightened, palms damp with trepidation, each gust of wind or pass by an 18-wheeler a cause for dread. These mammoth trucks, like thundering locomotives, pushed against us, an elemental dance I could never quite grow accustomed to. On we went, maneuvering along slender, ill-suited roads, winding between Utah and Arizona like a drunk man searching for his next drink. Navigating those

Mesa Verde National Park Our journey kicked off with a not totally unexpected twist – Connor decided to put the camper’s plumbing to the test, something that would be the normal routine through the trip. Classic Connor. With a laugh, we moved on, making our first stop at the renowned Mesa Verde National Park. The region around Durango is where the plains meet the mountains, featuring these elevated plains known as mesas. These flat-topped mountains encircle Durango, with Mesa Verde standing out as one of the most iconic.    Setting out in the camper – my first time at the helm of

Pagosa Springs and Durango After a restful night camping beneath the stars, we resumed our journey towards Durango, our spirits rejuvenated. During the drive, the idea of an unplanned detour intrigued us, leading us to an impromptu stop in Pagosa Springs. Our objective was simple – to have a meal at the Riff Riff Brewing Company and unwind in the springs. The Riff Riff Brewery was consistently a positive aspect of our Colorado trips, a place where the bar was alive with conversations and laughter, a testament to the sense of community fostered by their local brews. Following a satisfying dinner, we

Great Sand Dune National Park Our next destination was the Great Sand Dunes National Park in eastern Colorado, a mere three-hour drive from Amarillo. Securing a campsite within walking distance of the dunes, we were poised to embrace this remarkable terrain. Upon arriving at the park’s entrance, the dunes towered above, their sandy hue in delicate contrast with the surrounding mountains’ deep brown. This region held a distinction as a dark sky location, a fact that stirred both the boys and me with anticipation. Even though we had reached the park late, enthusiasm fueled our readiness for adventure. We wasted no time,

Palo Duro Canyon State Park The road stretched ahead, seemingly endless, much like the horizon over the Gulf of Mexico. I had two young companions, aged 6 and 8, full of excitement for the adventure that lay ahead. They weren’t just kids on a road trip; they were explorers, eager for adventure and joy. Their enthusiasm brought back my own love for travel, ignited by their infectious spirit. With their bright, curious eyes leading the way, we set off on our grand adventure – two young hearts filled with the spirit of youth. Our destination? Seven national parks, across deserts and mountains,