The summer has arrived and we had to make sure that the boat is ready.
Our boat insurance required a new survey, the bottom needed a new paint and we always wanted to spend our savings on a bow thruster 😂. A bow thruster helps to control our big bow (front of the boat) and will make our docking much less exciting when the wind is stronger.
Our neighbor Marina Liberty Landing made everything possible – they were aiming for 10 days and almost made it…., even replacing a debt finder and a seacock. if it wasn’t for this one tiny little part which was missing to close the thru-hull …important part to insure the boat doesn’t sink.
Amazingly we could stay on the boat, only a few days during the weekends we escaped from the heat and stayed with friends or rented a hotel room. We could not use our air conditioning on the boat yard as we were not connected to electricity and our solar panels were not strong enough.
Thank so much for everyone helping us to make that happen, it is always scary to cut holes in the boat, but this one was definetly worth it.
And as it ended up being a longer stay, with a heat wave torturing us 😂, we’re very grateful for our friends’ getaways!
And then there was the 4th of July with the 250th birthday of America, a big celebration. Our plan was to meet up with our friends Noelva and Alex, take the boat out and spend the night on anchor next to the Stature of Liberty. On the next day, watch the parade of the large sailboats and then watch the firework.
Unfortunatly that did not go to plan. We went out anchored with a hundred other boats. After we settled in a storm approached and very strong winds with up to 70 miles an hour, after a while the anchor did not hold any more and hundreds of boats were drifting in the New York harbor. We were very lucky that we did not got hit by any of the boats. I think this one was under the top 3 most scariest times on the boat. Luckily we escaped with only a ripped bimini and made it back to the marina.
After the storm was over we had the most amazing sunset, we were all tiered and went back to the marina for the night. Next day we saw the firework in the canal from our little dingy.
Some nice pictures taken from a friend of ours during the parade of the big ships, including the German Gorch Fock.
Soon we will be on our way to Fire Island were we will be spending our summer break, with more stories to come.
On the way back we took the more northern route…..
We started our return from Las Vegas and caught up with our skydiving friends Thereza and Collin at a Sky Family party in Las Vegas
Jolanda didn’t wanted to leave the west – she loves the wide open, to be able to stay anywhere you like (public land), to hike and the sun smiling at you most of the time…
Below thanks to a flight school to take us up over Moab / Utah.
Valley of Fire – spectacular
Did we mention how beautiful the United States is? We absolutely admire the landscapes from the Public Land, Deserts, State Parks, National Parks and anything in between….
On top we were surprised as we continued East how much we still enjoyed our trip when it became green and lush – we stayed at mountain tops, state parks, lakes, forests, drop zones with huge green grass fields.
Marcus made it back in the sky after a two-year break! ✈️🪂 I had a blast at Skydive Perris, Skydive Moab, Skydive Lincoln Nebraska, and Skydive Chicago. A huge thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcome—it was great to reconnect with the skydiving community and rediscover why I love this sport so much.
On the last weekend of our trip, we spent time with our former neighbor at our New Jersey Marina in Philadelphia. Despite the rainy weather, we had a wonderful time. They made us fall in love with Philadelphia and even joined us to do our beloved Chi Gong in the morning, despite the challening weather.
We also had the opportunity to connect with fellow boaters who run a YouTube channel Technomadia, which gave us plenty of new ideas and inspiration for our own boating adventures.
During a hike, a stone came lose and Jolanda’s knee was hit by that rock, forcing her to rest and take a break from hiking and running. Thankfully, after 6 weeks of recovery, she’s back on the trails and running again. Even with the unexpected detour, we still had a fantastic hike, as the photos show. 😊
This was the route back to our home in NJ, overall more than 3,000 miles.
I was not 100% convinced that our truck camper would make the 6,000 miles trip – however it did and we even have more appreciation for our camper
small enough to park anywhere
off road wording to be able to go anywhere
Big enough to be self contained
In the end only new tieres and an oil change needed to be done. We appreciate our wonderful truck camper.
Not sure if I ever mentioned this, but I have the most wonderful sisters anyone could ever wish for. Both of them are always there for me — they support me, lift me up, laugh and cry with me, and love me unconditionally!
So when my baby sister asked me to help her plan her 50th birthday week celebration, I was absolutely fire and flame… (I still can’t believe my baby sister is turning 50! 🎂)
Thanks to my friend Michelle, we found the most wonderful island: Mallorca.
Thanks to my friend Ewa, I found a hotel in Deià — wow, what a magical mountain village. We truly found paradise.
Thanks to a customer of mine who lives in Mallorca, I found the perfect birthday celebration venue.
Somehow I also had this crazy idea to also organize a boat tour… oh yeah, in Mallorca, on April 6th, when average temperatures are around 15°C… 🚢😅
As you can imagine, there were some doubtful moments and more than a few sleepless nights — however the more nervous I am, the better things tend to turn out. And I truly couldn’t have wished for more. 🙏
I arrived early with my wonderful girlfriend Patricia and her partner Arben. The next day our great friend Michelle and her daughter Dakota joined us — which gave me time to check a few things, enjoy a hike or two, and take a breath before Priska and the majority of the guests arrived.
Every day we had a special plan and every day had his own magic.
There is a saying picture are more than 1000 words – enjoy
We loved to start our day with Chi Gong at the pool and end the day with a drink at the pool again….. It even had a cute gym which made me extra happy.
The friends of my sister were the coolest guest you can dream off, the hotel was perfect with two swimming pools and one even heated.
Birthday Celebration Day – As you can see below the birthday venue was beautiful, the weather was just above spectacular
At 20+ C on the day of the boat tour
One day we drove across the island to Porto Cristo to visit my customers Studio and then being surprised by him and his wife with a boat trip – what a wonderful experience
The last day we enjoyed a wonderful bike ride to Banyalbufar 50 miles round trip – lucky we had e-bikes….
Enjoying time with my sister Karin, her family, Michelle and Dakota and our god children
After we arrived in California we had a few beach and public life spots to explore while being super busy with work. Jolanda had 2 exhibition to attend and the yearly overview at her California client and Marcus had to finalized an Audit besides preparing for his teaching classes….
There’s a saying that when your mind is in the right place, everything begins to flow more clearly—and we truly felt that. These surroundings didn’t just impress us, they energized us, sparked new ideas, and shifted our perspective in the best possible way. It’s amazing how the right environment can open your thinking and bring out your best.
Thornhill Broome Beach
Our first stay right on the beach, great walks and awesome sunsets.
On a side note the last hike you see Jolanda hike down on all 4th…. it was the scariest hike she has done… the gravel was lose and she was worried that she would be flying of the cliff… so much for wearing proper hiking shoes….
Borrego Springs
Another scenic public land location, we were all by ourself.
Did we tell you about Public Land?
Public land is land which doesn’t belong to anybody in the United States and anybody can go there and stay there – for us it isn’t just a place to park—it’s freedom. No schedules, no crowds, just open space and the choice to wake up wherever the view inspires you. For campers like us, it’s where we slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the simple things—the quiet, the light, the moment. It reminds us why we travel this way: for experiences that feel real and unforgettable.
Ocean Beach
Visiting our friend Heyka at her home. She showed us around and we went for a hike and a very nice dinner. Another precious memory build with a special friend.
Two Campgrounds north of San Diego (Carlsbad and San Elijo)
Two of our most favorite camping spots right at the beach, Anna and her friend came for a night hanging out and making Margaritas for us. We are so lucky to have our friends in our lives.
Afton Canyon BLM
Another spot in the desert to camp.
Hole In The Wall
Kelso Dunes
The spectacular majestic sand piles of Kelso Dunes are our most popular hike destination for good reason. When hikers reach the summit, they are rewarded with a surreal backdrop of sand that seems to extend forever. Although this is the most popular trail at the Mojave Preserve, potential hikers can still expect solitude.
Sometimes the best adventures begin with a simple idea: pack the truck, fill the camper, and head west.
This winter we set out on a road trip from Jersey City to California, trading the cold winter in the North East for deserts, beaches, vineyards, and wide-open landscapes. What started as a drive across the country quickly turned into something much more meaningful — a reminder of how freeing it is to slow down, live simply, and explore the incredible beauty of the United States.
Richmond, Virginia — Celebrating Marcus’ Birthday Jan 30 – Feb 1
Our journey began with a short first leg to Richmond / Short Pump, where we celebrated Marcus’ birthday at a Hilton. It gave us a warm start to the trip. It was still far to cold to stay in the camper overnight. Jolanda served a nice birthday breakfast in bed. We had a nice dinner in a nearby Seafood restaurant.
Lavonia, Georgia
Feb 3 – Feb 5
Not every stop on a road trip becomes a highlight.
Our stay at the Hampton Inn in Lavonia was… memorable, but not in the best way. The room felt like Siberia with the air conditioning blasting and seemingly no way to turn it off. Sleep was short, but at least it made the next stops feel even better.
Oxford / Anniston, Alabama
Feb 5 – Feb 7
Things improved quickly in Alabama. At the Hilton Garden Inn we were upgraded to a wonderful room and finally had time to get the camper properly organized so for the next stop we would be able to sleep inside.
In search of healthy food for dinner we asked ChatGPT for recommendations. The result? Probably the most unusual sushi meal we’ve had in a long time — healthy maybe for the area, but definitely not something we’ll crave anytime soon.
On the way to Alabama – drivers in North Carolina were not used to winterly conditions so we could see them sliding of the road left and right, luckily we have our four by four option.
Louisiana – Wine and Wonderful Neighbors – Lousiana
Feb 7 – Feb 8
Our first overnight stop in the camper was at Landry Vineyards near Monroe, Louisiana. Rolling vineyards, a beautiful tasting room, and incredibly friendly people made this one of those places you immediately feel welcome.
The highlight might have been meeting our neighbors in a nearby Airstream, who turned out to be some of the nicest people we met on the trip.
Fort Worth, Texas – Super Bowl & Climbing – Texas
Feb 8 – Feb 9
We use Harvest Host oganization to stay for free in exchange to buy their services at wineries, breweries but also other unusual places. In Fort Worth we discovered The Blok Climbing Co., a nice climbing gym where we spent the evening watching the Super Bowl in the parking lot. It was an interesting to spend the night at. Jolanda organized some beer from Whole Foods, which got delivered within an hour. Unfortunately no coffees in walking distance
Lake Colorado City State Park – Texas
Feb 9 – Feb 11
Our first real taste of quiet Texas nature came at Lake Colorado City State Park. Sunset walks under a huge open sky reminded us why we love road trips so much.
We enjoyed a nice evening walk and realized that when you leave the cities behind, the stars suddenly come back.
Sand Dunes and Desert Driving – Texas
Feb 11 – Feb 13
Heading west, the landscape changed dramatically. We found ourselves surrounded by dunes and open desert where we tried sand driving for the first time. It was both exhilarating and humbling — the desert always reminds you who is in charge.
Three Missions Brewery – El Paso – Texas
Feb 13 – Feb 14
This stop had fantastic vibes. A great food truck, friendly people, and across the street one of the best shrimp cocktails we’ve ever had.
Sometimes road trip magic happens in the most unexpected places.
RV Wild West – Desert Mornings – Texas
Feb 14 – Feb 15
One of our favorite moments of the trip happened here.
Waking up in the desert, sipping a matcha tea and doing Qi Gong while looking out over a vast open landscape. Then finishing with a hot shower.
It’s the simplest moments like these that make you feel like a million dollars — calm, grounded, and completely alive.
Painted Canyon – Our First Off-Road Adventure
Feb 15 – Feb 16
At Painted Canyon we took our first real off-road drive with the camper. The colors of the canyon walls and the quiet desert landscape made it feel like we had entered another world – on top we experienced the most amazing hike.
O’Neill Regional Park – Rain in California
Feb 16 – Feb 21
When we reached Southern California we were greeted with something we didn’t expect: rain — and a lot of it.
Five days at O’Neill Regional Park brought some of the heaviest rain we’ve experienced on any trip. Fortunately the camper stayed completely dry. The cold showers at the campground were… refreshing, to say the least.
Still, being surrounded by green hills and fresh air made it a beautiful place to wait out the storms.
We also spent some great time with our West Coast friends—visiting Connie for a few days, hiking with Anna, and meeting Sarah for a walk near her workplace. We enjoyed a cozy cheese fondue evening with Monique and Juan. Marcus even managed to bring Monique’s car back to life after it had been sitting unused for months.
Crystal Cove State Park – California
Feb 22 – Feb 24
Finally: the Pacific Ocean.
Crystal Cove is one of the most beautiful coastal parks in California. Waking up with ocean views and falling asleep to the sound of waves reminded us how special this coastline is.
Doheny Beach – Dana Point
Feb 24 – Feb 26
More beach days followed at Doheny State Beach. Warm sun, surfers, and long walks along the water made it easy to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
What We Learned on the Road
One of the most exciting discoveries of this trip was the concept of public land camping in the United States. In many areas you can camp freely in nature, explore incredible hiking trails, and experience true solitude.
For us, this kind of travel feels incredibly liberating.
Working remotely makes it possible to explore these places without giving up our daily routines. Marcus even brought his skydiving rig, hoping to sneak in a few jumps along the way.
Overal that trip was 3200 miles in 18 days and 13 stops across America
The Road Ahead
This journey from Jersey City to California reminded us how vast and diverse the country really is.
From vineyards in Louisiana to deserts in Texas, from mountain parks to the Pacific Ocean — every stop had its own story.
And perhaps the greatest luxury of all was simply having the freedom to go where the road leads.
