Half-Way Point

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gates50states

July 24, 2022

Our recent Texas drive from Kerrville to Terlingua was a long one, and we spent some time as a family recounting our best memories of the #gates50states project to this point. It’s been quite the adventure!

Lincoln’s were his climb on Mt. Rainier in Mt. Rainier NP, Washington; witnessing the Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone NP in Wyoming; the colorful rocks in Glacier NP in Montana; the Louisiana food; and the Mississippi beach.

Lydia recalled the Badlands buttes in South Dakota; Devil’s Golf course as well as Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP, California; climbing in Theodore Roosevelt NP, North Dakota; and seeing moose in Colorado.

Henry remembered the World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana; the Lake Ozette Trail in Olympic NP, Washington; Legoland in San Diego, California; Storm King Trail in Olympic NP, Washington; and the Gateway Arch at Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri.

National World War II Museum, New Orleans, LA

It’s a funny thing. Some of these memories were predictable by Jenn and me, while others were kind of off the wall to us. But they’re their memories, and one of the key objectives of this whole project is creating memories. Mission accomplished.

We still have many states to go. Stay tuned for more.

One response to “Half-Way Point”

Kelly D Hobbs

July 25, 2022

Mission accomplished for sure! Love seeing all of this! Keep documenting and keep sharing!

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from the Gates Family!

Way back, we formed a plan to visit all fifty states with our kids before our oldest finished college. Simply passing through a state wouldn’t count as a visit. Instead, we’d investigate places and themes that make each state unique to the union.

This required choosing age-appropriate states and activities all along the way, and the plan has always been fluid. Our only obligation is to ourselves and our kids (there are no outside rules for this project) and the most difficult part of this project has always been saying, “No,” to so many cool and interesting things in so many states.

The adventures we do plan? Wonderful!

The adventures we’ve stumbled upon without planning? Amazing!

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own family, or you’ve crossed paths with us and you’re following up with our own brand of craziness, take your time as you peruse the posts. We really hope you enjoy them.