We have been packing for trips for over 17 years. We have tried different methods and different kinds of trips require different kinds of packing methods.
In the past year we have become obsessed with road trips. Don’t get us wrong we always did road trips but our roundtrips looked different before than they do now.
You see before we would drive for a long time, rent a house and stay in that house for a week. We would drive a few hours here and there to explore but we always came back to sleep in the same place. It was cheaper that way for us.
Now since we blog and have many wonderful opportunities and since we bought our “white school bus,” we don’t need to stay put in one location.
This has helped us to save time and has gifted us with the ability to see more of the United States.
My husband is extremely organized. For our road trips he writes down on separate pieces of paper the date, place, and weather of each location we will be staying. I also add notes like : pack swimsuit, we will be hiking, or we will be staying in our “white school bus”. This way we know what to pack. We usually stay in the same place for two nights; sometimes one night.
Now the benefit of packing this way is that we don’t need to bring two weeks of clothes for a family of six every time we stay in a new place.
It also makes it easier for me. Each one of us adds our own clothes to each of the bags. If we are only going away for 1 or 2 nights then I don’t supervise what my 10 or 7 year old pack but for a longer trip I help my 7 year old.
How do you pack? Do you like road trips?
The Skunk Train
We love train rides, if you haven’t noticed. We usually always spend majority of our time in the open air car. We take train rides because we feel as if we have went back in time.
The Skunk Train [Willits Section] is one of the largest tourism locations in Mendocino County. Taking a train ride is A wonderful way to see the scenery in whatever area you are in. Trains have a tendency of either being historic, luxurious, or possibly both. This is indeed a train that is historic and has some beautiful scenery. The staff is very helpful and there is a musician who knows how to play multiple instruments. I don’t think he repeated a single track during the entire ride. They have A area where snacks and drinks can be purchased. We recommend you to get on the train as quickly as possible if you want a seat. This shouldn’t be a problem if you and one other person are going but if more people are with you definitely arrive on time. This also isn’t a issue if you plan to be in the open cart which has a constant influx of people preventing it from being anywhere close to full.
Located at 299 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490.
Albion River Campground & Marina
We have been waiting to explore beautiful places while staying in our “white school bus” this entire winter. Out of our bus we had the view of the Albion River Bridge. From this campground you have access to the ocean and the river. We had planned on bringing our kayaks and canoe with us but it was supposed to rain so we decided to leave them behind this time. You can fish here as well.
We love camping because we know that our children will be spending hours outdoors. We worked on our school workbooks outside, read, and made meals outside. Fresh air helps us feel energized and connected with each other and the world.
You can set up a tent here or sleep in your RV here. To enter the campground you have to have an access code. There is a public restroom here with a shower.
Located at Albion River North Side Rd, Little River, CA 95456
Manchester State Beach
We were the only one at the beach. We were so surprised by how much driftwood we found here. The beach is stunning. We brought our jumping sacks with us and had a few fun races as a family. We love traveling as a family because we are able to divide all our attention to those we love most. Free play and traveling is how we believe relationships can be strengthened.
Point Arena Lighthouse
Point Arena Lighthouse is a place we have visited before and was as good of an experience as we remembered it. It was originally built in 1870 but in 1906 a earthquake damaged all structures on the property requiring it to be demolished. It was rebuilt in 1908 and has been operational since then. They have houses on the property that you can reserve and stay in. And the lighthouse itself is available for guided and self-guided tours. The property has other activities that come from simply walking around. It is also the tallest lighthouse on the west coast.
Located at 45500 Lighthouse Rd, Point Arena, CA.
Oz Farm and Retreat Center
Now if you don’t own a tent or RV but you still want to get close to nature, then try staying at OZ Farm and Retreat Center. They have rustic, primitive cabins that you can sleep in. It is a very environment friendly kind of place so your bathroom will be an outhouse.
If you’ve fascinated about a self sustained life then your learn a lot here.
Located at 41601 Mountain View Rd, Manchester, CA 95459.
Thank you The Skunk Train for an amazing experience.
Thank you for reading our blog post. We share a new blog post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Stacie
These shots are absolutely amazing. That is some beautiful country. I’d love to take a tour one day.
Krista
You got some really great photos here! I absolutely love the picture of you guys with the train outside! And of course the inside the empty car one too! Such amazing color. I’m a big fan of road trips too, although I imagine they’ll get a little more fun as my kids age out of the toddler phase.
Chad
I’ve never been to Mendocino county but the place looks GORGEOUS! I am glad you all had amazing fun. Can’t wait to visit it.
wander women abroad
Looks like you guys had blast! I remember going on adventures like this with my parents and those are some of favorite memories
Jenny
Y’all look like you have the BEST time together! I love it. Also, your photography is absolutely stunning!
Romy Schorr
What a beautiful trip your family went on. I loved all of the photos and you have such a beautiful family. I can imagine your children will have memories to last a lifetime.
KishaRose
How gorgeous are these photos! The scenery is perfect! Looks like a awesome vacation.
Yeah Lifestyle
I definitely love a road trip! The Skunk Train looks fantastic, I’d love to take a trip on that.
Maregry
Little River looks BEAUTIFUL! I love beaches when they’re empty and you can just roam.
Tabitha Blue
Great photos and looks like a great trip! It would be so fun to ride a train for a trip!! We usually do road trips as well.
Alicia Brownell
This looks like a fun, out-of-the-ordinary family outing. It’s good to get the young ones (and ourselves) off of screens and out exploring. Looks like you guys had fun.
Garf
These are amazing photos. What a well-spent weekend. You have a beautiful family.
Jasmine Hewitt
looks like you had a great time! what a fun trip!
Sam
This sounds like such a fun trip. There’s so much to explore! Traveling by train sounds like a lot of fun. I really enjoyed all the great photos/
Nati
You are super organized! I love the idea of your husband wirting those cards with comments about each place you visit!
Amy
Looks like you found a great spot to enjoy with your family! I haven’t been to Mendocino County but interesting destinations like this are definitely on our list!
Pooja Kawatra
How gorgeous this place looks like and so much fun you would have on this trip.