Hello and happy summer!
What is it about summer that makes time feel as though it has sped up? Was it not just a few days ago that I was writing to you in May? And yet here it is the start of July 🤯. Since last landing in your inbox, Mark and I have spent time in Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, before returning to Colorado (maybe that’s why June gave me whiplash). Now that summer is here you can count on us slowing down our travels, getting to work, and savoring what I would argue are the four best months to spend in the Rocky Mountains.
Before I dive into the highlights from our June travels I wanted to remind you that by joining our Patreon (for as little as $5/mo) you can get access to our monthly podcast where Mark and I talk candidly about our travels and our nomadic lifestyle. This month we tell some fun stories and share observations about camping in the midwest. For all those who subscribe and tune in, we hope you enjoy it!
Ok, on to the highlights from June…
Iowa
The motivation for this trip was to visit Mark’s family in Iowa and some of our dear friends in Michigan. Our time this past winter in Mexico left us feeling both literally and figuratively distant from our friends and family and so this trip was a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with people we love.
Aside from quality time with family, a highlight of our time in Iowa was the opportunity to witness lighting bugs for only the second time in my life. Seeing these insects that look like stringless twinkle lights suspended in the night sky was mesmerizing. I sat outside and watched them every night while feeling completely overcome with awe and wonder for what nature is capable of.
Michigan
Our time in Michigan was devoted to spending time with our dear friends Claire & Brandon. Claire & Brandon used to live on the road full-time and were amazing travel companions whom we have endless great memories with. They have since settled down and created a beautiful life for themselves in rural Michigan. Their property is a bounty of life including an impressive garden, many chickens, and the sweetest dogs and cats you could ever meet. Mark and I don’t plan on settling down anytime soon but I love seeing what’s possible. Those who have once been nomads have a way of building a creative and unconventional live whether on wheels or a solid foundation. I love the way Claire & Brandon have gone about building a life that feels so authentic to their true nature.
After departing Claire & Brandon’s we made our way to the Upper Peninsula where we experienced more mosquitoes than we’ve ever encountered and learned that early June isn’t the best time to camp in the UP. We did however enjoy some charming towns on the shoreline of Lake Superior before we continued on to Wisconsin.
The mighty Mackinac Bridge that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. 
We were greeted by a cloud of mosquitoes on our first night in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 
I love a good mural and this one in Manistique, MI was incredible.
Nebraska
On our way back to Colorado I got to experience my first severe thunderstorm in the midwest; something Mark is very familiar with having grown up in Iowa. Just as we were ready to stop driving for the day, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued and included warnings for large hail and 70+ mph winds. We knew it wasn’t a good idea to pop the top of the camper in that kind of wind so we kept driving and spent about an hour on the road in some nerve-wracking conditions. I spotted a few small funnel clouds but no full-blown tornadoes took shape, thank goodness. I’ve never seen a tornado and as much as I’d like to keep it that way, I didn’t expect to be so captivated by the storm. It was a breathtaking force of nature to witness.
Colorado
Our time in the midwest was a whirlwind and a delight all at the same time. After several thousand miles traveling across several states, we were reminded how much we love mountains and terrain. In the west we are quite spoiled by rapidly changing views no matter which direction you go. The lush greenery of Michigan and Wisconsin had a beauty all its own but left me craving the expansive views I’ve become accustomed to. While rugged terrain may be our preference, we still have a lot of love for just how much variety this country has to offer and are quite grateful for the opportunity to see so many new places this month.
Glenwood Canyon, one of my favorite stretches of highway in Colorado. 
Back home where the views go on for days.
Wedding season begins
We got back to Colorado just in time to kick off wedding season. From now until winter arrives we’ll be bouncing around Colorado photographing weddings on one mountain or another; a job we’re endlessly grateful for as it is has been the foundation from which we’ve been able to create this travel-centric lifestyle that we love so much.
That’s all for June! We hope your staying cool wherever you are and that your summer is off to a great start.
Cheers!
Mark & Michele
