Author Archives: Dawn

Hiking Log Entry #6 – The Oregon Trail

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Dawn

“The world is before us, and we are still on our way. The Oregon Trail is an adventure that must be lived, not just dreamed.”-Anonymous Pioneer So I didn’t really hike any part of the official “Oregon trail”, but a … Continue reading →

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Road Trip USA – Part 3 – The One with Bikers and Bison, but No Bears

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Dawn

“We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.” -John Hope Franklin Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone A National Monument, a … Continue reading →

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Road Trip USA – Part 2 – The One Where We Saw Giants

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Dawn

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” -Edward Abbey Indiana to Mount Rushmore We counted Chattanooga as the beginning of our road trip, but in reality, leaving my sister’s house in Indiana felt … Continue reading →

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Hiking Log Entry #5- The Hikes along the Way

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Dawn

We are logging endless miles in the Jeep as we drive cross country, and amongst the monuments and quirky roadside attractions, we are also taking time to find a few hikes along the way, and add some miles to our … Continue reading →

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Road Trip USA – Part 1 – The One Where We Went To College

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Dawn

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”Tony Robbins This is the story of our Vagabond Summer road trip. Just me and the hubby, a few suitcases, a Jeep, and hearts full of hope! 😉 If you are … Continue reading →

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Hiking Log Entry #4 – Hiking with Friends

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Dawn

The Pocket WildernessLocation: Soddy-Daisy TNLength: varies – we did about 2 milesElevation Gain: also varies – my watch said I did 5 flights of stairs (of rocks), plus some serious hills.Pros: pretty water views, picnic tables and parking, newly upgraded … Continue reading →

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The Vagabond Summer

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Dawn

Vagabond: [vag-uh-bond] adj. 1. wandering from place to place without any settled home; nomadic. 2. leading an unsettled or carefree life. The definition for vagabond can really go two ways. On one hand, it can be viewed negatively with words … Continue reading →

Posted in The Nomad Experience | 7 Comments

Birthday Apple Pie

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Dawn

This recipe came from a cookbook I received 34 years ago. I have no idea the name of the cookbook, or the author of the recipe, but whoever you are, you have my eternal thanks. A classic apple pie is … Continue reading →

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Whole30 – Bolognese

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Dawn

A Bolognese is a type of ragu (a meat sauce) from the Bologna region of Italy. It tends to be more meat-centric than traditional spaghetti sauce and incorporates a broader base of vegetables. It simmers longer – I use a … Continue reading →

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Whole30 – Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Dawn

Years ago, a rabbit trail of internet recipe searching brought this meal to my attention. I tried it out, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s loaded with veggies and classic buffalo flavor, and it’s completely crave-worthy even if you’re … Continue reading →

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