Back at Landa

We are planners. We like to know where we're going and when. Where we are parking for the night...what we're having for supper...where the nearest Starbucks is. You know, the important stuff. :) I know that seems kind of contrary to the traveling "gypsy" lifestyle, but that's just how we roll. We are working on not being so "planny" and should probably enroll ourselves in Technomadia's Serendipity Challenge. It does feel good to be a little footloose and fancy free...and we have actually been known to throw our plans out the window once or twice. This was one such occasion.

After we left Hill Shade, we headed to Austin...and we were going to stay at Lonestar through the weekend. But, our friends were back in New Braunfels and our hearts said..."GO BE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!". We're so glad we listened. :) We packed up, headed south, and pulled into Landa RV Park and surprised Damien and Michelle and Kevin and Angie. Weeeee!

We hooped.

We ate...a lot. Potluck. Out for Mexican. Pancake breakfast. Yum. Eating together is always WAY more fun.

We spent some time in the park meeting some online friends in person.

And we said goodbye "for now". We always know there will be a next time. That's why we love this life so much...see you down the road friends!

Photos from our time at New Braunfels here.
All photos available for comment on Flickr here.

Families on the Road

We spent one night at the Lonestar RV Resort in Austin when we went up to see Ross and Rebecca. We love this park...if you're ever looking for a place in Austin to stay, check it out. It's spendy if you don't have a Passport America Discount (our favorite discount club), but if you have PA, it's only $21. They have a fantastic pool, it's all very green and lush and the customer service is outstanding.

It was a HOT afternoon, so we all walked down to the pool for a dip. While we were there, a couple walked in and she had some dreadlocks that were just starting out. A conversation started about the dreads and we ended up talking for about 15-20 minutes. The topic of blogs came up and she said their blog was called "Follow That Bus". And of course, I say...

"What!? I totally read your blog!"

Yes, the traveling family blogging world is small. Bill and Tara, along with their kids, Chelsea-Rain and Sage have been on the road for about a year. We continued talking and they invited us over for a little get together with another family they have been caravanning with, the "Little House on Wheels" family.

It was fun to meet Rik and Amy. Bella had a fun time hanging in the RV with their kiddos Willow and Ellery. Be sure to check out their blog...Rik is a great photographer!

It's always a joy to spend time with fellow travelers. They just "get it". There isn't much explaining to do about our lifestyle...the conversation is easy and flows comfortably. I wish we could have had more time with them, but we had other places to be. Before we left, I did get to tour their school bus.

I've had a crush on quirky school buses for a LONG time (I wanted to BE Enchanted Gypsy). But, Matt is 6'5" and we would have to cut his feet off in order for him to walk through a bus. Even the raised roof busses are too low. So I live vicariously through families like this one. They have a cozy little wood stove, beautiful wood work, bunks, and a funky enclosed patio. LOVED it. Sage has some pretty sweet dreads as well. What a fun, unexpected crossing of paths!

You can see more of their renovations here and follow their adventures here.

**Both of these families and more can be found on the website "Families on the Road".

Ticknor Tribe

One common "objection" we hear as to why a family just cannot travel full time is that they have too many kids to be on the road. Well, to that we say..."Nonsense!". And to prove our point, we introduce to you, The Ticknor Tribe.

Vaughn and Dana Ticknor are traveling the country with their 11 children this year...in a 40 foot fifth wheel pulled by an extended cab truck and followed by a 15 passenger van. Be sure to watch the video above to hear about their travels and get a tour of their rig.

When Christine came by the RV and said "there is a family rolling in with 11 kids!"...we said "SWEEEEEET!". Apparently that's not the normal reaction the Ticknors get from campgrounds :) Sometimes they won't even let them camp there. Which is crazy when you realize how fun and inviting this family is! They fit right in with the 11 other kids that were already at Hill Shade! Their arrival was quite the event...check it out:

Bella had so much fun playing in the field with everyone...


Matt shared the veggie oil love with Vaughn...

And here are a few photos of their rig:



Aren't these skylights great!?

You can see more photos of their home here...they also explain in more detail how they made this rig work for their family.

The Ticknors are from Montana...so we hope to catch up with them again someday! Be sure to check out their travels at their blog, The Ticknor Tribe.