In 2019, we had a bit of a life-changing moment. My husband lost his job of 31 years. At that time, it was a little scary. But, we decided to turn fear into adventure.
We loaded up our truck with essentials and head to Wisconsin to start a 5-week drive through as many National Parks and Monuments as we could. It was truly, life-changing in that we regained what it meant to live simply and get back in touch with nature… our friend.
We were able to make it to 19 NPS and Monuments. From the Badlands to Yellowstone to Zion, Arches and more. When we arrived home… we had a new sense of a life lived with purpose and started a lifestyle brand called Wild Routed.
Wild Routed is how we give back to the NPS and Public Lands… we give 10% of the profits from selling our designs on graphic tees, stickers and bandanas. We spend our evenings and weekends keeping track of inventory, designing new graphics and going to pop-up markets.
We meet the most amazing people… even a Park Ranger.
To keep our story of adventure rolling… we went to the Grand Canyon this winter. True unbridled amazement. Our country has so much unspoiled beauty. We spent the day walking the rim and watching hawks fly, stopping for lunch at the lodge, and just sitting still for a long sun set.
We’re still in amazement of nature and how she created this gorgeous canyon. Thanks to all the nice staff who were working and keeping this grand location running.
Grounded in Community with Wings to Wander… looking forward to the next adventure in our National Parks.
Sincerely,
Grand Canyon National Park
America’s Southwest is full of breathtaking canyons, but none as famous or as widely visited as the Grand Canyon. This world-famous landmark offers wondrous views, spectacular hiking, exhilarating whitewater rafting and countless adventures. One look across the enormous chasm confirms just why this inspirational place is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-see destination for so many travelers. The park also protects a wealth of biological diversity, including numerous endemic and threatened species and several rare ecosystems.
State(s): Arizona
Established: 1919
“We believe nature is nurture and want to see our unspoiled lands around for future generations.”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}-
Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park
Twelve years ago, my husband and I spent 3 days visiting the Grand Canyon. One of those days I suggested taking a hike down into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail. It was amazing! You don’t realize the vastness of the canyon until you’re down in it, looking up,…
-
Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park
I returned to the Grand Canyon a few months after my father passed away. I hiked solo down the crumbling switchbacks below Horseshoe Mesa and across the stark plateau to Hance Rapids. My dad introduced me to the Canyon; as a reluctant teenager we hiked down to Bright Angel campground.…
-
Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park
We’re a family of four from South Carolina that includes a son in fourth grade and a daughter in college. A tradition of ours is to take at least one vacation each year to a national park. For Christmas 2021, we planned to visit Grand Canyon National Park and Saguaro…
Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now