2024 turned out to be a great year for this traveling Chipmunk. 17 states, 3 provinces, and hundreds of experiences I will never forget.
From the sparkling lights of Las Vegas to hearing a lion roar on the coast of Maine, it was many experiences of a lifetime!
My First Winter South
It all started with my first trip south for the winter. January, February, and March were wonder and excitement as I explored places I had never been and hugged people I had never met.
Visiting Jackson Lake Island in Alabama as the real beginning of my fun in the sun. I love that little island, and it’s cute little inhabitants. It is always on my stop and enjoy list when I go south. Want to know the enchantment of this island? Check out this blog. Stop in the next time you are through Alabama and find out for yourself. Warning! You will be addicted like me. Lol
The Right Decision
Driving towards the gulf, I had to make a decision to turn right to Georgia (Savanah is on my bucket list) or left to Arizona with a stop on the Louisiana Bayou (also on my bucket list). Right it was, and what an adventure.
Louisiana was all I thought it would be. With an invigorating stop in a beautiful campground in the Bayou and a tour of Oak Alley Plantation it could not have been a more beautiful experience. Although I did not go into New Orleans because Mardi Gras is not an experience I want to do alone, it just gives me an excuse to go back. Check out my trip through Louisiana here.
The Great State of Texas
Texas, I must say, was way more fun than I could have imagined. Experiencing an actual archeological dig of mammoths in Waco to walking back to cowboy time in the Fort Worth Stock Yards was an experience of a lifetime.
It did not end there. Living through my favourite horror movie in Denton, Texas, and meeting vanning friends I had never met, for an evening of fun and frivolity, I will be etched in my memory forever. Check out this blog for all the juicy details.
Arizona the Beautiful
At every turn, Arizona is a stop and ah moment. On some roads there were a lot of turns! They all led to beautiful places. The different landscapes around every corner were breathtaking. From a cactus taller than my van in the desert to petrified trees in a forest where you could see for miles. Arizona is amazing.
Never before had I seen landscapes quite like Arizona. My perception was that I would see rolling dunes of sand and a vast emptiness. I was so wrong! I was in 4 different deserts, all different landscapes and not one large sand dune. Lol
The Joshua Tree Parkway was as interesting as it was beautiful. I had never seen a Joshua Tree, and although beautiful, they look kind of deadly. The Painted Desert, which lies within The Petrified Forest National Park, was an amazing work of art. Camping hint: There is a free campground at the south end of the park as well as pay campground if you need hook-ups. They also have a museum and gift shop for you to enjoy.
Arizona also gave me the gift of a wonderful hug from a friend I met on Facebook but had never met. Joyce is a beautiful soul that just happens to own a campground just a few miles from the Organ Pipe National Monument. A fascinating place and cacti that more resembles trees.
I can’t talk about Arizona without mentioning the donkeys in Oatman. What a wonderful little town filled with all kinds of surprises, including wild donkeys.
There was so much in Arizona, including sleeping in a ghost town and standing on a famous corner. It needs its own blog. Stay tuned for more on Arizona.
The Sights and Sounds of Las Vegas
I had never been to Las Vegas. I am not much of a big city, bright lights kind of girl, but I think everyone needs to walk the strip at least once.
When I learned that there would be a group of vanners there, I knew that would be the time to go.
My friend Nancy and I went on a hotel tour. We went through the hotels like the Bellagio and the Venetian. They were all beautiful. We even got talked into taking pictures with Thunder Down Under. Ok so it did not take a lot of convincing. It was some pretty nice looking thunder. Lol
I think my favorite hotel was Cesar’s Palace. The statues and ambiance of that hotel were fascinating.
If you are on the strip, you have to stop at Duck’s Donuts. They actually make the donut after you order it and top with it anything and everything your heart desires. The coffee was also delicious! That’s important. Lol
Freemont Street has a life of its own. Filled with shops and Las Vegas character, it is something to be experienced. Make sure to walk Freemont Street both day and night. It’s a whole different world.
Getting to tour Counts Kustom showroom and meeting some of the incredible creators of these vehicles was something I will never forget. The party at their bar was a hoot! Horny Mike is just as much fun as he plays on the show.
What a fantastic evening. More about Vegas on another blog. I can’t wait to show you what a fabulous city it is.
Valley of Fire State Park
I heard people at the Council of Councils van event talk about the beauty of Valley of Fire State Park. I decided it was a must-see and was not disappointed. The rock formations and how the light danced on them were mesmerizing. The drive and walls were filled with stop-and-ahh moments. There was also a sign to keep your eye out for Desert Tortoises. I did not see one, but it was fun looking.
Driving Route 66
On the way back to Canada, I had to drive the infamous Route 66. What an amazing drive through history. The road actually winds back and forth and sometimes on Interstate 40. Driving through and stopping in the small towns that actually walked you back in time. When you go, do not forget to stop in at the Roadkill Cafe to see what is on the menu.
There were so many amazing places along this route that it will take up this whole blog, so we will save it for the next one. We still have many more miles to travel for the year.
Back to Canada
Driving back from the west, I had the chance to drive through Oklahoma. What a beautiful state. I stopped in a rest area and noticed they had a tornado shelter. Lol. Oh boy, here’s hoping I do not need one of those was my only thought.
I also stopped for the night at a small campground. It was a kind of chilly but sunny morning. As I sat in my van drinking my morning coffee, I thought I saw something walk through my campsite. Horses! A small group of horses leisurely walked through to stop for breakfast just across the way. Ok, that was cool!
On through Missouri and a quick view of the St. Louis Arch and I was back in Illionois to hug some great people. My next stop before the border would be Action Vans Party in Taylor Michigan. A kick off to the start of vanning season and a great time to hug some great friends after a long winter.
This my friends is where this blog will end. But never fear. We still have 6 more months and many miles to remember on this Chipmunks 2024 travel year.
See you next time.
Chipmunk
Chipmunk's RV Life 