northbound and out

Jack Kerouac ain’t got nothing on us. We hit the road with the compass pointed north, destination: Lake Palestine in Tyler, Texas. The piney woods of East Texas are where we plan to lay down roots—eventually. Rob loves the tall trees and green grass. I love the elevation changes, the slightly cooler temperatures, and the way the land seems to exhale after Austin’s rocky terrain.

Who is driving this rig?

As the city faded in the rearview mirror, the scenery softened—rolling hills, epic horse ranches, ponds that looked like they’d been painted into the landscape. It was beautiful. It was long. And with the rig trailing behind us like a stubborn toddler, every bump made me bite my lip, bracing for the wreckage I was sure we’d find once we parked.

Our first parking spot? An 8/10 on the difficulty meter. Unlevel terrain, perched on the edge of a pond, with an oak tree looming just behind us like a judgmental neighbor. We quickly learned that leveling blocks and wheel chocks aren’t just RV accessories—they’re survival tools. Thankfully, our new home came with one modern miracle: Amazon delivery.

Once settled, the indoor carnage was manageable. A few tossed cushions, a busted lamp shade, nothing tragic. The dogs, however, were thrilled. With water views out every window, it felt more like being on a boat than on land—slightly disorienting, incredibly beautiful.

Daisy and Luna chased frisbees into the pond like they’d been training for this moment their whole lives. And when it was time to come inside, they crashed into their beds (our bed) with the kind of contentment that only comes from muddy paws and full hearts.

It’s not perfect. But it’s a lot of fun. And as we begin to settle into this new rhythm—of wheels and water, of pine trees and possibility—we know we’re getting closer. Closer to the land. Closer to the dream. Closer to home.

For the next 9 days, this is our backyard.

Next up: The Night of the Hummingbird Mosquitos

As soon as the sun dipped below the trees, they came—mosquitos the size of hummingbirds, swarming like they’d RSVP’d to a blood buffet. Every time we cracked the door, hundreds flew in like they owned the place. Between the bites and the battle to finish our mobile office setup, it was a night to remember.