Wherever We Land

One of our first camping trips in our SUV, I thought I had failed. We had set out with excitement, ready for an adventure, but as the sun set and darkness swallowed the mountain, my confidence faded. The silence was deafening, the shadows stretched endlessly, and doubt crept in. Instead of embracing the night, I panicked. Sensing my unease, Snatcher whisked me away to the nearest Cracker Barrel parking lot, where we ended up sleeping for the night. 

At the time, it felt like a complete disaster. I remember sitting in the passenger seat, thinking, Maybe I’m just not cut out for this. But looking back, I see it differently. That night wasn’t a failure—it was a lesson. 

Failure is only failure if you don’t learn from it. 

That experience forced me to reevaluate what I needed to feel comfortable and safe in the outdoors. It pushed me to prepare better, research more, and gain confidence with each new trip. It was the night that sparked my passion for real camping. 

From there, we moved forward. We transitioned into tent camping, and I learned how to embrace nature, handle unexpected challenges, and find joy in the simplicity of the outdoors. Every trip refined my skills and deepened my love for camping. Now, we’re taking it even further—converting our van, Glo, into a camper so we can explore even more, on our own terms. 

What I once saw as failure was actually the foundation of something greater. That night in the Cracker Barrel parking lot wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a journey that has led me to where I am today. And I wouldn’t change a thing. 

You can watch that adventure on our YouTube channel by clicking the link below.