Day 25

In our 25 days and 3,000+ miles on the road, we have only so far camped for 5 nights. But in just a few moments, we will be getting in the car, driving out of LA, and into our last 9 nights of this first leg of the journey. All of which will likely be in the tent. We are heading to Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion National Parks. 9 days from now we will arrive in Denver where we will do our best to settle in for 2 months.

The past 3 and a half weeks have been mostly about seeing people, but we have also visited 4 amazing parks. John Day, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. We moved much too quickly through each one as we fit them in between visits with family and friends. But these places are so magical, even the smallest amount of time in each is something to remember.

Growing up sandwiched between two rugged national parks in Washington, I never really knew how national parks were any differnt than a city park. But over our few years of exploring, I've come to understand that these places are each their own phenomenon. When you arrive in the park boundaries, suddenly you are no longer in California, or Arizona, or Texas. You are in that park. You are in that specific world.The beauty there is for all of us. And for once, when in these places, I feel something magical about our country.