Our Journey – Adventures of Bryan & Caleigh

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Adventures of Bryan & Caleigh

Navigating Van Life

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Adventures of Bryan & Caleigh

Navigating Van Life

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About
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Our Journey
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Our Journey

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This weekend we enjoyed the perfect Sunday Funday

This weekend we enjoyed the perfect Sunday Funday at the beach, with 80-degree weather and the water still a refreshing 70 degrees. Living just a 15-minute walk from the beach in our new apartment along the marina in Valencia feels like living a dream. It’s incredibly dog-friendly here, and now that it’s off-season, dogs are allowed off-leash everywhere—a common sight across the city.

While I relaxed, studied some Spanish, and took a sun-soaked nap, Bryan met an English couple living on their boat just feet from our apartment. We ended up having drinks at a beachside restaurant, talking about boat life, the nomadic lifestyle, and the importance of living life to the fullest without taking a single day for granted.

We capped the day by getting cozy in the apartment, watching One True Loves—which had me sobbing most of the way through—and ordered in Chinese food. It was a the perfect wrap-up to our adventurous weekend of exploring our new city by the sea!

After three vibrant months immersed in the bustlin

After three vibrant months immersed in the bustling streets of Barcelona, with its lively energy and unique architectural charm, it felt like a breath of fresh air to venture out to Valderrobres. Nestled in the heart of the Matarraña region, Valderrobres emerges like a scene from a storybook—a picturesque medieval town framed by the majestic mountains. Stone bridges arch gracefully over the still waters of the Matarraña River, and the cobbled streets wind their way up toward the castle perched on the hill, its ancient walls watching over the terracotta-roofed houses below, each one adorned with aromatic herbs and flowers spilling from windowsills and doorsteps.

Unlike the constant buzz of the city, Valderrobres has a tranquil, almost magical atmosphere, inviting you to slow down and take in the serenity of its narrow alleys, where every so often, a shy cat might peek out from behind a corner. It’s a place that feels untouched, where the natural scenery and historic architecture blend together in perfect harmony, captivating our senses and recharging our spirits.

While there, we savored bocadillos by the river, climbed the cobblestone stairs to the imposing Castillo de Valderrobres, wandered through the cemetery with its centuries-old tombstones—each etched with religious passages and adorned by delicate porcelain art—and took family walks along the river. One of my personal favorite moments was discovering a lone, round tree ablaze with orange and yellow leaves, standing proudly in the heart of town, a vivid burst of autumn color amidst the stone hues—a reminder of nature’s beauty and the simple joys of exploring a place so timeless.

The countryside surrounding Valderrobres is a sere

The countryside surrounding Valderrobres is a serene horizon of rolling hills, olive groves, and fields of wild lavender that stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the winding roads, campervans cluster like tiny nomadic outposts, stirring a sense of nostalgia—a bittersweet reminder of our past life on the road. It’s a crossroads moment: feeling the pang of missing the simplicity and freedom of van life, yet relishing this new chapter with its stability and deeper roots.

As we drove out of Catalunya and into the state of Valencia, the terrain transformed into a sprawling mosaic of flat pastures dotted with ancient stone farmhouses, castles perched on rugged peaks, and the occasional cava winery, each one a testament to generations that have shaped this land. If that’s not setting the scene enough, imagine rows of gnarled almond and olive trees standing stoic against the deep blue sky, their twisted branches reaching outward like intricate sculptures shaped by time and weather.

Here in the Spanish countryside, the air is crisp and tinged with the earthy scent of rosemary and pine, carrying a quiet stillness that feels a world away from the constant hum of city life. We savored every sunset, stepping outside to watch the hills glow in hues of amber and gold, as the sky came alive with purples and pinks. This corner of the world exudes a sense of timeless beauty, a place where nature reigns and every view feels like a painting brought to life. And when night finally falls, we are greeted by the ultimate bonus: the Milky Way stretching across the sky in a breathtaking band of shimmering stars—a reminder of just how vast and magical the world can be. 🌌

Week 8 of living in Spain …. How am I not fluent

Week 8 of living in Spain …. How am I not fluent yet 🤦🏻‍♀️ 🇪🇸

For the last few years, we’ve been dedicated to

For the last few years, we’ve been dedicated to creating the healthiest meals possible, no matter where we find ourselves. This means utilizing only what’s available at any given moment and in each specific location.

Moving to Barcelona has reintroduced us to a culinary paradise. It’s a place brimming with endless possibilities and flavors, and we’re embracing every moment. From bustling local markets to charming plaza restaurants and exquisite fine dining establishments, we’re fully immersed in this vibrant food scene and loving every moment of it!

Passenger Princess < Airport Princess … They ar

Passenger Princess < Airport Princess …
They are equal

📍Our first day in Barcelona The architecture i

📍Our first day in Barcelona

The architecture in Barcelona is truly a sight to behold. As soon as we entered the city, we began to recognize the iconic Gaudí style at every corner. The wavy, perfectly shaped buildings with their often colorful stained glass are incredible. As we’ve been wandering around our neighborhood, getting to know our local grocery shops, coffee destinations, and retailers, we’ve been continually amazed by the architectural wonders around us. Gaudí’s masterpieces, like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, are celebrated for their imaginative forms and intricate details. But it’s not just Gaudí who makes Barcelona’s architecture iconic. The modernist brilliance of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, seen in the Palau de la Música Catalana, and the innovative designs of Josep Puig i Cadafalch, showcased in Casa Amatller, contribute to the city’s unique architectural tapestry. Together, these visionaries have crafted a cityscape that’s vibrant, whimsical, and utterly unforgettable.

#DiscoverBarcelona #ArchitecturalIcons #BarcelonaSpain #Spain #Gaudi #Domenech

Hell of a Twenty Four ❤️🫠 Boston Layover:

Hell of a Twenty Four ❤️🫠

Boston Layover:
📍 Logan Int Airport
📍 Post Office Square
📍 Boston Massacre Site
📍 Quincy Market
📍 Faneuil Hall Marketplace
📍Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
📍Fowntown Crossing
📍 Harvard Square
📍 Castle Island
📍 Boston Commons/Freedom Trail
📍 Acorn Street
📍 Logan Int Airport

Next stop Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

It’s just who we are at this point ✌🏼

It’s just who we are at this point ✌🏼

Chasing dreams is an adventure filled with twists

Chasing dreams is an adventure filled with twists and turns, but that’s what makes the journey so exciting! Every challenge you face is just another step towards your ultimate goal. Embrace the bumps in the road, knowing they’re shaping you into a stronger, more resilient person. Keep your eyes on your dreams, stay positive, and remember that every small victory brings you closer to your big success. You’ve got this, and the journey is just as important as the destination!

This week, we visited Cuyahoga Valley National Par

This week, we visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. A few hours north of Bryan’s hometown, this park is a hidden gem in the Midwest, spanning over 33,000 acres. It’s a gorgeous park full of lush trees, trails, and wildlife, with a rich history tied to the Ohio & Erie Canal. We only had time for one hike, so we chose the Blue Hen Falls trail. Although we were warned that the area hadn’t had much rain in recent days, we were pleasantly surprised to find an ice-cold, flowing waterfall upon our arrival. It wasn’t at full force, but we were satisfied with our out-and-back trail reward.

Interestingly, the park is home to over 100 waterfalls, the most famous being Brandywine Falls, which stands at 65 feet tall. We were also intrigued by the historic Towpath Trail, which follows the route of the old Ohio & Erie Canal, offering a glimpse into the past.

Gratefully, Bryan’s parents joined us for our first National Park visit together. We need to go back to really get to know the park, explore more trails, and fully appreciate all it has to offer such as the kayaking routes, bike paths, and train tours.

Hey friends! 👋🏼👋🏼 Exciting updates fr

Hey friends! 👋🏼👋🏼

Exciting updates from our corner of the world! We’ve locked in our tickets for Barcelona, Spain, departing on July 3rd after careful planning. First stop: Boston, where we’ll unwind, stretch our legs, and catch up with Bryan’s brother.

Meanwhile, here in Ohio, we’ve been keeping busy. The past weeks have been a whirlwind of organizing—rearranging the van and decluttering our storage spaces. It’s been enlightening to rediscover the sentimental value in some items and find peace in letting go of others. It feels incredibly refreshing to clear our minds and make space. We’ve also been focusing on working, seeing friends when we can, and keeping our eyes on Chiquito at all times.

Chiquito has been a real trooper during his recovery, eager to play with Yuki but impressively obedient. He’s learning the importance of resting after every burst of excitement, whether it’s a neighbor’s dog barking or a dropped piece of food.

Yuki, embracing his role as the “only child” for now, is relishing in the solo attention and playtime. He’s also enjoying a break from his little brother’s ear-chewing antics.

As we gear up for our upcoming adventure, we plan to make one more van trip to Cuyahoga Valley next weekend to get our passport stamp and enjoy some hiking.
We’re grateful for your support and can’t wait to share more of our journey with you.

Hi fam, 🏥 Life has its way of changing direct

Hi fam,

🏥 Life has its way of changing direction, & it’s about our rescue baby, Chiquito.
Over the past week, he hasn’t been feeling well, & as his symptoms worsened, we noticed he was in pain. Last night, we took him to 24/7 urgent care in Columbus

The vet immediately noticed his pain & did X-rays. Unfortunately, Chiquito was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, likely from a car accident before he came to us.

Chiquito was transferred to the emergency department then admitted to the hospital’s surgical unit. There the doctors determined surgery was the only option for his survival.

Chiquito’s surgery involved repositioning his organs from his chest cavity back to their intended places & repairing the diaphragm muscle. They were concerned about a twisted intestine or bowel obstruction but found his intestines should pass stool independently now that they have more space to properly function.

No news is good news for the rest of the day. They’re keeping his pain controlled & sending us photos of him receiving love! He’ll probably come home Thursday. Then it’s strict no activity for a few weeks.

Chiquito has a long recovery ahead, but everyone is optimistic. We’ve put travel plans on hold to focus on Chiquito’s health. ❤️‍🩹

We are grateful to be in a place where we feel welcomed to stay as long as necessary. 🤍

Moments from our last two weeks in Ohio Thank you

Moments from our last two weeks in Ohio

Thank you to everyone who’s made the time, effort, and travel to make it special and to all our friends who have opened their doors to host us 💞. We love our OH-IO Community

Interstate 70 took our breaths away as the scenic

Interstate 70 took our breaths away as the scenic route winded through the heart of the U.S. Rocky Mountains, offering views of quaint snow-covered villages dotted with ski resorts, charming shops, and inviting eateries. Each town along the way has its own unique quirks and attractions, making the drive an adventure in itself. Iconic ski destinations like Vail, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Keystone beckon travelers with their world-class slopes.

As we journeyed, we marveled at the imposing sight of Gray’s and Torrey’s Peaks, towering over 14,000 feet in the distance. These majestic peaks are among the famous Colorado 14ers, and just last year, Bryan conquered these two peaks. Staring at these mountains sparked a flurry of stories about his climbing adventure, filling our drive with lively conversation and laughter.

Our nostalgic reverie led us to make a spontaneous stop in Idaho Springs, a cozy mountain town where Bryan had previously celebrated his ascent. Eager to share the charm of this special place, we first visited The Frothy Cup for one of their inventive seasonal lattes; lattes with names like trail mix and lavender haze. Energized, we strolled down the quaint street, popping into small shops and discovering a beautiful stained glass piece that was perfect for Bryan’s mom’s Mother’s Day gift. Our exploration (and noses) led us to Beau Jo’s, where we indulged in their famously delicious Mountain crust pizza—arguably one of the best pizzas we’ve ever tasted. While waiting, we enjoyed a relaxing break at Westbound & Down Brewing Company, sipping cider and beer and soaking in the local ambiance.

After we scarfed down the pizza, our detour was complete and once again we were faced with the vast expanse of flat farmland stretching eastward—a familiar path we’ve traversed many times on our way to Ohio. Determined to make good time, we committed to long driving days, eager to reach our destination by Monday. This section of our trip, though less visually striking, was filled with the contentment of shared memories and new experiences.

Early in the morning, we left Utah, heading to Gra

Early in the morning, we left Utah, heading to Grand Junction, Colorado, for some necessary routine blood labs for me (Caleigh) and groceries. With excitement to see Bryan’s family and a long drive ahead, we decided to power through and cover the remainder of our 23-hour drive over just two days.

Amidst our marathon drive, we took a detour to cross off our 43rd national park - Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This park is as dramatic as it sounds; deep, steep, and shadowed, it appears almost black, carved through by the Gunnison River. Interestingly, the canyon’s namesake, John Williams Gunnison, never actually explored these depths. We were fascinated by tales of early explorers, one of whom was said to be lowered down the canyon’s sheer cliffs, only to remark that measuring this canyon might cost someone their life—a testament to its imposing and treacherous beauty.

Despite its allure, Black Canyon is rugged. The roads, edged by cliffs, showed signs of natural wear—dirt, potholes, and cracks adorned the pavement, hinting at the harsh weather conditions it endures. This park might need a bit more TLC, but it’s undoubtedly worth the visit.

We continued our journey until exhaustion forced us to find a resting place. We ventured up a forest road, climbing a mountain to find our spot. As soon as the van doors opened we all jumped out finding joy in the expansive space, and solace in the soothing sounds of the Colorado River rushing in the valley below.

As the sun set we began to hear stories of the northern lights peeking out throughout the US and got excited to stay awake for the viewing of a lifetime but by the time the final ray of sunlight disappeared clouds filled the sky ending all hope of seeing the colorful hues above us.
We climbed into bed and went to bed not looking forward to the road ahead.

As we continue our drive east, our surroundings ha

As we continue our drive east, our surroundings have transformed dramatically, from the snowcapped mountains of California and Nevada to the fiery red rocks of Utah. A visit to Arches National Park wasn’t initially on our itinerary, but the irresistible pull of this iconic landscape redirected our path.

Upon arriving in Moab, we had our minds set on indulging in some delicious BBQ in town, filling our bellies and leaving us with enough left-overs for another 4 meals. We then had the idea of entering the park to take in the night sky.
Entering the park, we were greeted by the towering red rock formations that guard the entrance, their majestic forms illuminated by an alpine glow that made the earth seem to radiate with neon oranges, pinks, and reds. The scene unfolded around us like a vibrant, vivid painting, permanently etching itself in our memories. We parked the van and took in the natural wonders around us as we stretched our legs along the backroads of the park. It’s nights like these when we walk as a family during a spectacular sunset that we’re confident in our lifestyle choices.

The next morning we woke up early to begin our decent back into Arches. As we drove through the park, the landscape commanded respect; the rocks, sculpted by time, told stories of endurance and beauty—from delicately balanced rocks to natural windows and deep fissures.

The thrill of returning to Arches was as intense as our first visit. Our initial stop was Double O, a manageable trail that offered us a chance to climb and explore the rocks up close. We leisurely watched other visitors scale the arch before retreating to walk Yuki and Chiquito along the park’s paved pathways.

Though we had planned for a longer hike later that day, the wet and snowy conditions prompted us to skip it. Reluctantly ready to continue our journey, we felt a twinge of sadness leaving the stunning landscapes behind. Yet, as we looked out over the vast expanse, we were reminded of the reasons we travel—this profound connection, this awe, and the humbling feeling of being a tiny part of something so grand and timeless.

Leaving California behind, we crossed into Nevada

Leaving California behind, we crossed into Nevada via the scenic route of Lake Tahoe, where the forecast threatened a snowstorm. We hustled out early to dodge the snow, yet it remained cold but clear throughout the day. After a day of driving, peppered with light flurries and stops for groceries and diesel, we were welcomed by the majestic view of luminous, snow-capped mountains as we pulled off the freeway.

Our boys relished the expansive open spaces, joyously playing in the chilly, open air with no one else in sight for miles. The freedom was a stark contrast to the confined spaces of city life.

As the temperature dropped further at night, we hunkered down inside. We kept an eye on the weather updates, lit a candle for warmth and ambiance, and set up our projector for an indoor movie night. Bryan whipped up a delicious charcuterie board, and we uncorked a bottle of wine to enjoy alongside our rom-com.

Despite the forecast, the snow held off until we woke the next morning to find a transformed world outside our window—a white winter wonderland. It was a breathtaking sight and a special first for our youngest, Chiquito. His curiosity about the snow was evident as he explored this new, frosty environment, mimicking his big brother’s every move, from making yellow snow to chasing snowballs and marveling at the snowy sky fall.

As the snow stopped midday and the air warmed slightly. Aware that the melting snow could turn the ground to mud and potentially trap our wheels, we decided it was time to leave. With a mix of reluctance and excitement for what lay ahead, we packed up and set off East, each mile steering us toward new adventures.

Each time we depart San Francisco we’re presente

Each time we depart San Francisco we’re presented with the question, “South or North?” This time, our instincts drew us northeast toward the Sierra Nevadas—a familiar decision, although as history has shown us there’s simply no wrong turn.

With the sierras in sight, our first stop was the captivating Lake Tahoe. No matter the season, this jewel has an uncanny way of greeting us with snow, draping our memories in a pristine, icy veil. Every photograph here seals a timeless escapade, anchoring a trove of treasured moments from our three years on the road.

We tend to favor the south shore for quick getaways, while the north shore offers cozy campsites and close proximity to quaint local charms, resembling a tiny yetleisurely ski village.

In the end we scrabbled for a spot and were welcomed with a brief stop at Zephyr Cove—just one night on our two-week trek to Ohio. This idyllic spot, with its unmatched access to the lake’s crystal waters, was as enchanting as ever. However, even this familiar sanctuary couldn’t dodge the all too familiar whims of Tahoe weather. At 4 a.m., a fierce snowstorm quickly enveloped our tranquil camp, turning our surroundings into a whirlwind of white and hastening our departure, with the snow nipping at our heels.

Each Tahoe trip has been extraordinarily different in location, experience, and natural sights

Where to next? I’ll never tell XOXO GG 😉
#IYKYK

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