So my original plan for our 2020 recap post was to say that after our “learning year” we now have RV traveling figured out….then along came Covid-19. And everything changed. Even so, we were able to roll with the punches and still managed to visit quite a few places.
Here is a quick recap of our 2020 adventures, which I’ve divided into 4 main trips. If you are new to our blog (or maybe just missed a post) I’ve included links to the full posts for more detailed information.
Part 1: Jan 25-Apr 4, 2020
After spending 5 weeks at home, we left San Angelo to head towards Nevada. We had signed up for our second workamping experience–this one volunteering at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Our two months there flew by and we had a great time exploring southern Nevada with our friends Steve and Joan. As you can see from the map above, we followed the same route we had taken before but we stopped to explore Phoenix this time along the way. Here are a few highlights of each post, but you can click the blue link to see the full story with lots more detail and pictures.
West to Lake Mead, Nevada: Winery, Phoenix, Workamping 2.0, Hiking Trails
Hoover Dam–An Engineering Wonder: The Dam, Fun Facts, Memorial Bridge
Two Stunning State Parks in Southern Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park
A Gold Mine, A Ghost Town, and the Liberty Bell: Eldorado Canyon, Techatticup Mine, St. Thomas, Liberty Bell Arch Hike
Lake Mead Wrap-Up….The Last Great Days Before Quarantine: Boulder City, Lake Mead, Black Mountain Trail, Lion Habitat, Las Vegas, Outdoor Nature Areas
Part 2: Apr 5- Aug 27
With the onset of Covid-19, we decided to head home to Texas. We made some great new friends while we waited out the worst of the quarantine in Lewisville at NIRVC. Once things started opening up again, we headed to Colorado to visit family and then on to South Dakota for our first RV Rally. As you can see from the map above, our travels also took us through Wyoming. Here are a few highlights of each post, but you can click the blue link to see the full story with lots more detail and pictures.
Venturing Out Again–Colorado and Wyoming: Cadillac Ranch, Colorado Springs, Bison Ranch, Devil’s Tower
South Dakota–Rugged Beauty and Dramatic History: Mammoth Site, Crazy Horse, Minuteman Missile Silo, Badlands National Park, Bear Country
Our First RV Rally: All Inclusive Motorhome Club, Mount Rushmore, ATV tour, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood
Part 3: Aug 28- Oct 8
After a stop back in San Angelo to take care of some medical appointments, we headed towards Indiana. We originally wanted to go east, but a hurricane forced us to head north instead and we enjoyed exploring some of the Midwest region. As you can see from the map above, we traveled through Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Here are a few highlights of each post, but you can click the blue link to see the full story with lots more detail and pictures.
Plan B–Exploring Eastern Kansas: Salt Mine, Oz Museum, Sunflower Farm, Greyhound Hall of Fame, State Capitol, Evel Knievel Museum
Gateway Arch National Park: History, Museum, Ride to the Top
Fast Cars and a Really Big Boat– 2 Must-See Kentucky Attractions: National Corvette Museum, Ark Encounter
Indiana– RV Capital of the World and Amish Country: RV Hall of Fame, Entegra Factory, Amish, Animal Sanctuary, Indiana Dunes National Park, Notre Dame, Orchards
Oh What Fun in Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, National Museum of the US Air Force, Columbus Zoo
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula–Fun Above the 45th Parallel: Soo Locks, Ship Museum, Tahquamenon Falls, Shipwreck Museum, Fall Colors
Part 4: Oct 9- Dec 31
We returned to Texas for a third workamping opportunity and joined our friends at Northeast Texas Community College for two months. Before making our way home for the holidays, we stopped in Fredericksburg for an RV rally. As you can see on the map above, we detoured a bit to avoid a major storm (always got to be watching the weather!). Here are a few highlights of each post, but you can click the blue link to see the full story with lots more detail and pictures.
Workamping 3.0–Northeast Texas Community College Feeding animals, remodeling projects, Paris, Sulphur Springs, Christmas lights
Fredericksburg TX–Exploring the Hill Country: War Museum, Wine Tours, AIM Rally, Elephant Preserve
This 2020 review covers just our traveling adventures. Please also check out my RV Life and Wellness pages from the main menu for other posts about our life on the road. With all of the down time during Covid-19, I tackled some new topics like favorite recipes, tips for staying in touch on the road, and a guide to visiting national parks. Happy 2021 and may it bring us all health, safety, and a return to the things we have missed!
Quite a wrap up! I just scrolled through for the highlights, but I’ll take some time later to look more closely! One of my work peeps is married to a park ranger, and they are living in Wyoming near Devil’s Tower! I think his assignment is 6 months and then they’ll be back. I know you’ve had some incredible experiences. Did you see Col. Lennon’s F-111 at the AF Museum?? Glad you’re staying well!
Yes, looking back I was amazed that we did so much during the pandemic that was 2020. Devil’s Tower was very cool–I bet your friend will love it there. We did see Col Lennon’s F-111 at the AF Museum and we also saw an F-111 from El Dorado Canyon at Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green Kentucky! Hope you are doing well and staying safe too:)
Such a great year of travel and adventure. Looking forward to seeing and reading about more!
Thanks, Sandi. It’s always fun to look back and realize how much we’ve done. We feel very blessed!
It’s amazing all the great places y’all have seen and experiences you’ve had during this past year. I love reading about all the travels.
Thanks! It looks like a lot more when you put them all together like this. I was surprised that we did so much even with Covid-19.
We enjoy your blog. Looks like so much fun! We hope to follow in your footsteps in a year or so.
Hi Greg and Vicki–thanks for checking out my travel blog! We definitely have been enjoying our travels and hope you will be able to get out on the road soon. It is a great way to see the country and have lots of fun.