Embrace your Pivots

  • How much does Van Life Cost? A Breakdown of Expenses
    How much does Van Life Cost? A Breakdown of Expenses

    When first researching van life and living on the road, one of the first questions that comes up is “how much does van life actually cost?” We’ve broken down the common van life expenses based on our real, personal experience and estimated costs each month. We’ve been living in our van for the past five…

  • South Rim Trail at Big Bend National Park Hiking Guide
    South Rim Trail at Big Bend National Park Hiking Guide

    The South Rim trail is one of the best hikes in Big Bend National Park and has been called one of the lower 48’s top one day hikes! It was easily our favorite hike during our 3-Day Visit in the national park in March 2025. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about hiking South…

  • 1 Day in Carlsbad Caverns: Itinerary and Ultimate Guide
    1 Day in Carlsbad Caverns: Itinerary and Ultimate Guide

    We recently visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and were completely blown away by its otherworldly underground! Although this park has lots to explore, we found it doable to see all the main attractions in a day. In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how we spent one day in the park—with time…

  • How to Sand Sled in White Sands National Park in 2025
    How to Sand Sled in White Sands National Park in 2025

    We recently visited White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico and had a blast sledding down its bright, otherworldly gypsum dunes. As the seventh national park on our journey to visit all the US National Parks, White Sands quickly became a favorite, as our dog, Ollie, was welcome everywhere—pretty rare for U.S. national parks.…

  • 3 Days in Guadalupe Mountains: Itinerary & Ultimate Guide
    3 Days in Guadalupe Mountains: Itinerary & Ultimate Guide

    Jen, Ollie, and I visited Guadalupe Mountains National Park as part of our exploration of all US National Parks and were blown away by its towering peaks, rugged canyons, and fossil-filled landscapes. Most people only visit this National Park to climb to the “Top of Texas,” but that only scratches the surface of what the…

  • Top 7 Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Top 7 Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Hiking Guadalupe Mountains National Park is hands-down the best way to experience its rugged peaks, fossil-studded canyons, and wide-open Texas views. Jen, Ollie, and I were completely blown away by the sheer variety and beauty of this national park’s 80-mile+ trail system. We spent three days in the park and hiked over 20 miles! To…

  • 3-Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary & Ultimate Guide
    3-Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary & Ultimate Guide

    On our way to visit every National Park, Elliot, Ollie, and I rolled into Big Bend National Park, eager to explore its sunny trails, wide-open vistas, and star-studded night skies. So to help you make the most of your visit, we’ve designed this 3-Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary, compiling the best things we saw…

  • 17 Must-See Attractions in Big Bend National Park
    17 Must-See Attractions in Big Bend National Park

    After spending 5 days exploring Big Bend’s dramatic landscapes, epic trails, and star-studded night skies, Elliot and I are excited to share our 17 must-see attractions in Big Bend National Park! From the iconic Lost Mine Trail to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this guide lays out all the top things to do in this…

  • The 5 Visitor Centers of Big Bend: What You Need to Know
    The 5 Visitor Centers of Big Bend: What You Need to Know

    Elliot, Ollie, and I recently went camping in Big Bend National Park in Texas and had a blast hiking its trails, stargazing at night, and even exploring Boquillas, Mexico. While exploring, we visited the park’s visitor centers, which served as essential points of contact for up-to-date trail info, bathroom breaks, and shady picnic spots. In…

  • What to Pack for Big Bend: Ultimate Packing Guide
    What to Pack for Big Bend: Ultimate Packing Guide

    Big Bend National Park in Texas is one of the most remote parks in the U.S., so being prepared can make or break your trip. After exploring the park firsthand, Elliot and I assembled this Big Bend Packing List to make packing a breeze. As peak season runs from November to April, we’re focusing on…