When Rem and I sold our place in New Hampshire, we found ourselves with a unique opportunity—no place to call home until August 24th, and a whole country stretched out before us. So, what did we do? We packed up our lives, grabbed our two dogs, and set out on an adventure to tag US high points as we made our way across the country.
As a US high pointer, this journey was about more than just reaching the highest points in each state. It was about experiencing the heart and soul of America, from its scenic landscapes to its charming small towns. We planned to hit 10-11 summits along the way, which would put me at 43-44 high points in total—a milestone I’ve been eagerly working towards.
The Journey Begins in New England
The first leg of our journey took us through New England, where we visited friends and family before officially kicking off our high-pointing adventure. We hit the Connecticut high point and then moved on to New Jersey and Delaware. The hot and humid weather made things challenging, especially with two dogs in tow, but we made it work. Finding reliable internet for work was tricky at times, but we managed by driving long hours on weekends and shorter distances during the workweek.
The Upper Peninsula: A Hidden Gem
As we made our way to the Upper Peninsula, we were blown away by its beauty—though we could have done without the mosquitoes and deer flies! The hospitality we encountered along the way was heartwarming, reminding us just how kind and welcoming people can be.
We checked off the high points in Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and South Dakota. As I write this, we’re hoping to tag North Dakota tomorrow, bringing us even closer to our goal. Update! We made the summit of North Dakota and it was a stunner!
Unexpected Joys and New Experiences
High pointing isn’t just about reaching the highest points; it’s about exploring parts of the country we might never have visited otherwise. We’ve sampled local foods, like Wisconsin cheese and pasties, and met amazing people along the way. One of our favorite memories was a random stop at a primitive campground with a bar out front. We didn’t know what to expect, but we ended up making new friends and laughing the night away—a rare and cherished experience.
We’ve seen wild rice growing in the wild, stood in awe of the Great Lakes, marveled at Mount Rushmore, and discovered new flowers we’d never seen before. Each day brings something new and exciting, making this journey truly unforgettable.
The Challenges of Van Life
Living out of a van with two dogs while working remotely is no easy feat. Our days are a balance of finding internet, driving long hours, and making time for workouts—often at Anytime Fitness gyms, where we can also grab a shower. The heat and humidity have made sleeping tough at times, but once we reached the Black Hills of South Dakota, things started to improve. The bugs thinned out, the humidity lifted, and we finally found some dry air to sleep in.
Van life is a mix of stress and fun. Our runs are short because they can’t go as long as we can, we can’t leave the dogs in the hot van, and finding time to exercise can be a challenge. Some days, when we can’t access a gym or campground shower, things can get a little smelly. But we’ve adapted—pee bottles and baby wipes have become our close friends! The trade-off is getting to see so much of the country, and even though our downtime is spent driving, it’s worth it.
The Road Ahead
With North Dakota behind us, life on the road will get a bit simpler. We’ll be able to find a place to camp for a week at a time, giving us a taste of normalcy before we reach our final destination. As much as we love this nomadic life, we’re looking forward to the next chapter. It’ll be bittersweet to settle down in a house again, but we’re excited to head to the mountains of Colorado to play at altitude. We were going to try the New Mexico high point on our way out of Colorado to Arizona but it is closed during the time we would be there so the Native Americans can celebrate and hold their native ceremonies. I think we have done enough driving for this trip and are relieved.
This trip has been an incredible adventure, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. We’ve embraced the challenges, celebrated the victories, and made memories that will last a lifetime. High pointing across the country has reminded us that life is about the journey, not just the destination.
Until the next adventure! 🏔️