Today dawned with a serene morning by the lake, a welcome change with cooler weather lifting our spirits. Our agenda called for another lengthy drive, spanning roughly six hours. Around 2 pm, we decided to break our journey, opting for a brief bush walk leading to a natural bridge and some caves. Amidst our exploration, we stumbled upon the ranger station where Mike snagged an America the Beautiful pass, granting us access to national parks and forests, along with campground discounts.

Typically priced at $80 annually, Mike, being a senior, secured it as a lifetime pass for a one-time fee. What’s more, it extends benefits to six individuals in the car. Already, on our inaugural camping night, we pocketed $18 in savings.

Back on the road, we’re relishing our nomadic lifestyle, particularly the tweaks we’ve made to our van. A swivel table at the heart of our lounge area tops the list, closely followed by a cover for our toilet. Plus, with solar panels now adorning our roof, we can extend our off-grid adventures. Stay tuned for an upcoming video showcasing all our van modifications.

Tomorrow, our sights are set on a hike in the Bankhead Forest, leading us to the enchanting Sougahoagdee Falls.