Temperatures reached 105 degrees during our stay in Death Valley last year! Even sleeping with our doors wide open didn't help us beat the heat. We are hoping to add an AC unit to our little home on wheels so that we can more fully enjoy our time in the warmer climates.

We currently use a blow-up double kayak that is a bit of a pain to set up and dry off. We are hoping to upgrade to a lighter, more packable backpack kayak so that we can continue our water exploration with more ease.

While in new areas of the U.S., we enjoy trying the local cuisines. Some of our favorites have been Texas BBQ (Nate) and anything in New Orleans (Tay).

One of our favorite traditions is rewarding ourselves with a drink at a local brewery after spending a day hiking. This photo was taken after Nate proposed during a walk in Olympic National Park!

We're hoping to begin doing more overnight and long-distance hiking. We definitely will need to upgrade some of our gear, including our tent, before we can do so.

While we usually opt for free public land as our camping spots, every so often we like to splurge on showers and public restrooms.

Last year, we were able to see one of our favorite artists, Laura Jane Grace, in a venue that doubles as a Western movie set near Joshua Tree. Being able to attend shows across the country in unique places is something we are so grateful for.

As we travel, we visit many different types of museums and art installations. Some of our recent favorites have been Meow Wolf (Vegas and Houston locations), The World Erotic Art Museum in Miami, and The House on the Rock in Wisconsin.

One of our all-time favorite activities to do together is an escape room. We love working with one another to solve the puzzles. Fun fact: of the many rooms escape rooms we've entered, we have only failed to escape one time!

Even while traveling, we enjoy going to the theater on our slow days. (or when it's too hot in the southern heat!)

As many of you may have heard, we blew a head gasket in the California desert last Spring. We have since replaced the engine and have been driving smoothly. While we hope nothing quite that severe happens again anytime soon, frequent oil changes and ordinary maintenance are necessities when your home moves >30,000 miles every year.

Vander appreciates you :)

Nate's Pick: Clean Air Task Force "We push the change in technologies and policies needed to get to a zero-emissions, high-energy planet at an affordable cost. We imagine a world where the energy needs of all people are met efficiently without damaging the atmosphere." www.catf.us || Tay's Pick: Trans Lifeline "Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis." translifeline.org/

https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/n8andtay

We love supporting the parks and exploring our public land. Last year, we visited over 20 national parks!