About

Who We Are

We’re Mario and Sandra, along with our English Bulldog travel companion, Frida. After years of corporate life – Mario as an R&D Director at a consumer goods company and Sandra working for multiple nonprofits improving the prospects for children – we’ve embraced the freedom to explore North America’s most remarkable natural places at our own pace.

Our Travel Philosophy

Rigid planning kills adventure; no planning kills trips. Our approach balances thorough research with spontaneous discovery and adaptability.

We plan our routes, book key campgrounds, and research must-see destinations. But we also build in buffer days, keep backup options in mind, and stay open to locals’ recommendations or weather-driven detours. Some of our best experiences happened because we had done enough planning to make an informed pivot.

We believe the best experiences happen when you slow down enough to notice the details – the call of a loon at dawn, morning mist rising from a pristine lake, or the unexpected encounter with wildlife just around the bend. Our RV gives us the freedom to linger in special places and chase the perfect lighting for photography or the ideal weather for hiking.

This philosophy extends beyond route planning to how we approach each day. We might have a hiking trail picked out, but if we spot bears along the highway or discover a hidden farmers market, we’re ready to adjust. The goal isn’t to check boxes – it’s to remain open to what each place wants to show us.

About Frida

Don’t let her bulldog appearance fool you – Frida has become quite the adventurer. She’s our unofficial campground greeter and has an impressive talent for making friends wherever we go. You’ll often see her riding in her wagon on trails or cooling off in whatever lake we’ve discovered.

Our Background

Originally from Mexico, we’ve called Cincinnati home since 2000. Our love for nature photography and hiking naturally evolved into longer adventures when we realized retirement meant we could finally take that “long way” to destinations. We’re drawn to places where nature is the main attraction – old-growth forests, crystal-clear lakes, and wildlife corridors.

What Drives Us

Beyond the landscapes and wildlife, we’re passionate about exceptional coffee, local farmers markets, and the kind of authentic regional food that makes a place memorable. Our motto: if you’re going to eat, might as well eat well. You’ll often find us planning routes around both natural wonders and culinary discoveries.

Why We Share Our Adventures

Every campground has a story, every route has hidden gems, and every trip teaches us something new. We share detailed itineraries, honest reviews, and the reality behind the Instagram photos because we believe in helping fellow travelers make the most of their own adventures.