54 hours, 11 states, and 2,936 miles

Over the past 3 weeks we've been in 11 different states, sat in the car for 54 hours, and driven almost 3,000 miles! Buuuut... We've made it! It's not until I look at a map that it hits me we've traveled REALLY FAR! We had a blast during our final days in SLC, a rowdy week in Missoula, & some nice down time in Denver. It wasn't until we left the comforts of my parents house & hit the road for Banner Elk that the adventure really began. 

(Us with my dad before we hit the road)

Joe and I got up bright and early at 5:30 in the morning on Thursday to start our journey out east. The plan was to drive 8 1/2 hours to Lawrence, KS (Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!), explore the town, and camp for the night. Unfortunately, the weather had a different idea. We hit some really gnarly rain and decided it would be pointless to camp, so we would continue on to St. Louis.

(Sam, co-pilot & the best road trippin dog EVER!)

After a fun little detour through downtown Kansas City (and nearly running out of gas in a "less than desirable" neighborhood) we trekked on.  Downtown St. Louis was so rad at night! The baseball stadium was all lit up and the freeway takes you right next to the arch. 

Around 1am we got pretty tired & started the search for a rest stop. At 2:30am after 19 hours of driving and no luck finding a rest stop we sucked it up and pulled into a Walmart parking lot.

For those of you who don't know, camping is allowed in the parking lot of any Walmart (Thanks Kelly for letting me in on that secret). In fact, we pulled in for the night joining a handful of semi-trucks and RV's.

(Our "home" for the evening)

After 3 hours of driving through southeastern Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee we arrived in Nashville.  The drive in was gorgeous! So much green and huge trees. We turned the bend & BAM! downtown Nashville. After a stop at a park to throw the ball for Sam and lunch we headed out for Rock Island to camp & kayak. The area was gorgeous, but the wave wasn't in and camping was full. So we got back in the car & headed for Banner Elk.

(Joe & I at Rock Island State Park)

At 11 o'clock at night we pulled into our final destination.. Banner Elk, North Carolina!  Jake has been wonderful enough to let Joe, Sam & I crash while we try to find a place (and I try to find a job).  His place is gorgeous & we're so excited to be here.

(Our temporary home)

Let the summer begin!! 

Love,

Jess, Joe, & Sam