Road Trips
When the Pilot's AC Died: A $1,640 Repair and Four Days in a Rental
October 7, 2025A compressor failure on the Turnpike, a week of waiting on parts and a rental SUV. What it cost and what it changed about our fall plans.
Skidaway Island in Late June: Heat, Gnats and One Great Morning
July 18, 2025We ended the trip at a Georgia state park near Savannah in 95-degree heat. Mostly a lesson, except for one perfect marsh walk at dawn.
Two Nights in a Townsend Cabin Saved Our Smokies Trip
July 7, 2025We booked a cabin mid-trip for laundry and showers. Then it rained for two days straight. What it cost and why we'd do it again.
Biking Cades Cove on a Car-Free Wednesday
July 2, 2025The loop road closes to cars on summer Wednesdays. Rented bikes, a tag-along for Nico, an 11-mile loop and the hill that broke us.
Five Nights at Elkmont: The Smokies on a Tent-Camping Budget
June 30, 2025Little River at the edge of our site, rain most afternoons and a $15 parking tag. How five nights at Elkmont went and what they cost.
Planning a Smokies Road Trip From Miami Around the Helene Closures
May 6, 2025Two weeks, two kids, a tent and some North Carolina roads still closed. How we picked the Tennessee side and built the route.