We got detoured off Highway 40 in Albuquerque because of a truck accident and we ran into Deborah Dew who is moving back to North Carolina from california. We met up at Taco Sal, one of the restaurants filmed in breaking Bad. #tacosal #breakingbad #albuquerque #NewMexico #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife #lifeontheroad #goodfriends #vanlife #goodfood #mexicanfood #
Power greens bought in the store- $38+ or in our kitchen- $0. We add these dehydrated greens to our morning smoothie or soups. So healthy and easy to do. Everything came from our garden. Ingredients include: strawberry green tops, carrot green tops, beets stalk and leaves, kale leaves and stalks, Swiss chard leaves and stalks, spinach, cauliflower and broccoli leaves. This is a waste free way to use the entire plant. #powergreens #greenthumb #growyourownfood #vegetablegarden #goodhealth #gardening #adventurouskari #iapotalife #eatingwell #vegetables #eatyourveggies
Dynie and I have our press passes for the 15th Annual Live in the Vineyard. Ran into founder and friend of #litv Bobbii Jacobs. #liveinthevineyard #livemusic #whetstonewinecellars #napavalley @bobbiijacobslitv @napafoodgaltravels #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota
Looking forward to our two week visit to the #napavalley beginning with our good friends, Dynie and Dana. Lots of wine will be consumed. #goodfriends #wine #winetasting #napawines #tadpolewine #vanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel @napafoodgaltravels
Our first California stop was Temecula Valley to visit our good friends, Jerry and Sandy Schulze. They surprised us with a duo guitar players who performed earlier in the evening in town. #sirhenry was mesmerized by their music. They served Napa Valley wine. #livemusic #backyardmusic #guitar #goodfriends #travel #lifeontheroad #travelwithadog #cairnterriers #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota
Good-bye #grandcanyonnationalpark . Next stop Temecula, CA. Even the wildlife came out to wish us a farewell. We saw lots of elk in the park. #nationalpark #wildlife #elk #raven #camping #travelwithadog #cairnterrier #sirhenry #vanlife #dodgepromastercampervan #lifeontheroad #adventurouskari #iapotalife
I made it to #grandcanyonnationalpark . It was breathtakingly beautiful. #lifeontheroad #vanlife #scenicviews #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #hiking #travelingwithadog #carinterrier #surhenry
We made it to the Grand Canyon National Park after pushing it yesterday on the road. #lifeontheroad #grandcanyonnationalpark #vanlife #travel #adventurouskari #iapotalife #explore #nationalpark #hiking
It’s a gorgeous day as we enter Arizona and the scenery is inviting. Next stop #grandcanyonnationalpark . #lifeontheroad #vanlife #dodgepromasterconversion #epicscenery #arizona #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapotalife #goodlife #simplelife #travel
America’s largest river, the #mississippiriver level is all-time low according to reports. Today, we drove across it at Memphis into Arkansas heading to California. It was scary low hampering river traffic. #roadtrip #drought #vanlife #lowriver #ontheroadlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #lifeontheroad
Every time we travel, we seek out the local #mooselodge . They never disappoint. West Nashville lodge peeps gave us a license plate to exchange with our Lowell, Mi or Rocky Mount, NC lodge. They are letting us camp in their parking lot. It beats Cracker Barrel. Though we love them too. This Moose Lodge even let us bring in our “Emotional Support” dog in. Sir Henry appreciated it. So happy to meet Dave and Lori at #westnashvillemooselodge #roadtrip #vanlife #moose #dodgepromasterconversion #tennessee #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #blogger
It’s a tradition. Four hours into our trip westward, we always stop at My Father's Pizza in Black Mountain, NC. Spots of color was still visible in the Blue Ridge Mountain on this hazy day and through a dirty wind shield. Our favorite is their Classic Hawaiian Pizza with bacon. Yum. Temperature rose dramatically from this morning so I had to change clothes. #lifeontheroad #vanlife #dodgepromaster #roadtrip #dodgepromasterconversionvan #adventurouskari #iapota #iapotalife
Off on another 6500-mile six-week road trip from the east coast to the west coast and beyond. #ontheroadlife #vanlife #dodgepromaster #dodgepromastercampervan #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota
Awesome game last night in Charlotte, NC. The 49ers downed George’s Panthers, but it was a win win for me. I was happy for either outcome. Got to see Deebo Samuels score a touchdown in front of me and that was a treat. #nfl #carolinapanthers #sanfrancisco49ers #football #adventurouskari #iapotalife #livefootball #sportschick
It’s October and there is an awesome selection of pumpkins at a local farm by our house to make a festive table centerpiece. #mhedwardsfarm #pumpkins #tabledecor #centerpieces #fall #favoriteseason #adventurouskari #iapotalife #celebrate #shoplocal #farmlife #supportfarms
So we were out tonight and saw this cool light go across the sky. Our friend, Steve Callis is a meteorologist and said it was a Space X Launch and our view was the rocket body landing on the drone ship. #skysite #spacex #spacexlaunch #northcarolina #science #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #nightlife #sky #skyatnight
Camping isn’t all sunshine and rock collecting. Though I did get a half a bucket full of pretty marble along the lake in between showers today. #lakecamping #jordanlakestatepark #sistersonthefly #vanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #dodgerampromastervan #travel #camping #northcarolina
In between rain showers, I took in the beauty of Jordan Lake and the exposed root system of this tree by my private beach. Some alone time is good. #relaxation #alonetime #reflection #jordanlakestatepark #northcarolina #vanlife #lakecamping #sistersonthefly #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #girlsweekend #solotravel
Perfect day for pontooning on Lake Jordan. #sistersonthefly #sotf #jordanlakestatepark #girlsweekend #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #vanlife #lakecamping
Morning coffee on this beautiful Friday morning. I have my own beach to myself until my friends arrive later today #sotf #sistersonthefly #vanlife #camping #lakecamping #dodgerampromastervan #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel
A reflection of beauty where Dotty, my newly acquired 2020 Dodge Ram Promaster Conversion Van, will sit for the next four days. I’m going solo sort of. It’s a Sisters on the Fly weekend at #jordanlakestatepark in North Carolina. Only had Dotty for three weeks and already have 4000 additional miles on her. Getting to use the slider screen for the first time. #vanlife #lakecamping #camping #girlsweekend #sotf #dodgepromastercampervan #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapotalife #simplelife #serenity #travel
After two weeks on the road with George testing out our new Van, Dotty, I’m off on my first solo trip to #jordanlakestatepark for the #sistersonthefly weekend. #dodgerampromaster #conversionvan #vanlife #girlsweekend #girlsgetaway #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel
“I’m Comin’ Home” it’s a wrap on singer songwriter Robert Earl Keen’s final performance on his final tour. 41-years he has toured, entertained fans and mentored many aspiring musical performers. In the 90’s, George first saw REK with his friend, Galen Newton in North Carolina. What a treat to see the final show with Galen and his wife, Casandra. They were lucky enough to see Keen before the show while we were out tracking down the bar, #arkeysilverdollar in Bandera that Keen always referred to in his shows. Five REK concerts in a week was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you Robert for your kindness and generosity. We hit the road today back to North Carolina.. #robertearlkeen #singersongwriter #finaltour #floorecountrystore #helotestexas #roladtrips #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #texas, #codycanada #davebeck #livemusic
More stories were told by singer songwriter, Robert Earl Keen on his final tour at the #floorecountrystore in Helotes, Tx. He honored his hero retired rodeo rider, Phil Lyon. Before REK came on stage, we endured rain for opening acts, James McMurtry and Eric Church. This was our fourth show in a week. His final final show is Sunday night and we will be there. #livemusic #uniquemusicvenue #helotestexas #roladtrips #adventurouskari #iapotalife #robertearlkeen #ericchurch #JamesMcMurtry #texas #singersongwriter #travel #vanlife #phillyon
Lil rain won’t dampen our spirits for #robertearlkeen take 4. #livwmusic #floorecountrystore #uniquemusicvenue #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #helotestexas #roladtrips #travelreels
Too much city life. We needed to get out In the country and put Dotty to real camping test. We camped at Guadalupe River State Park. Other than no showers due to conservation measures, this place is fantastic. Lots of hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Wading in the river was a highlight for us. #guadaluperiver #guadaluperiverstatepark #texas #vanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #camping #dodgepromasterconversionvan #simplelife #travel
His musical performance keeps getting better and better. We are in Helotes, Texas at the 80-year old Floore’s Country Store for Robert Earl Keen’s final weekend “I’m Coming Home”Tour. Originally from Texas, Keen chose the quaint town and unique musical venue to give his fans an incredible musical experience and that he did. His final two shows are Saturday and Sunday and we will be there. Fellow Texan, Kevin Galloway opened up the show and was fantastic. We didn’t have front row place like we did at Austin City Limits, but being further back gave us another advantage point that took in the whole audience. We met cool people who traverses from all over the US to see REK including Brenda and Michael from Wisconsin and a nice young couple, Jarrett and Summer. #helotestx #floorecountrystore #livemusic #robertearlkeen #kevingalloway #singersongwriter #finaltour #texas #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #vanlife
The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends…… #robertearlkeen night three in Helotes, Texas at the Floore’s Country Store. George went ahead and bought tickets for Saturday and Sunday, Robert’s final performance with his band. A unique place to hear music. #livemusic #floorescountrystore #finaltour #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #singersongwriter
We are in San Antonio, Tx for the next five days. Tonight we walked the famed Downtown River Walk. It was so clean and inviting….one of my favorites. #sanantonioriverwalk #sanantoniotexas #vanlife #travel #texas #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #riverwalk #margaritas
Back in Austin for more live music. James McMurtry is awesome and is rocking the house. #livemusic #austintexas #thecontinentalclub #jamesmcmurtry #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #nightlfe
Escaped the rain in Austin, Tx and drove 1.5-hours to Shiner Brewery in Shiner, Texas. #shinerbock Brewery is the largest brewery in Texas and one of the oldest. We missed the tour, but are enjoying a glass of goodness. #brewery #texasbrewery #shinerbockbrewery #beer #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel #texas
Take Two!!! Took my son, Rejean Ruel to see the second night of #robertearlkeen at #austincitylimits in #austintx. Another awesome show during Robert’s final tour. Todd Snider opened up again and was even better the second night. #livemusic #robertearlkeen #singersongwriter #texas #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel
BBQ lunch with my niece, Sam and son, Rejean in downtown #austintexas . @sambert_atx @iamboozster #bbq #ironworksbbq #austinfood #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapotalife #travel #visitingfamily❤️
Bucket list. #austincitylimits Getting ready to see #robertearlkeen again. #livemusic #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #austintexas
The boys at #liveoakbrewingcompany in #austintexas . #brewery #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #visitingfamily❤️
Time with my boys in #austintexas. Nick and Rejean showed us around #6thstreetaustin and Rainey Street. Nick works at #lazarusbrewing and gave us a tour. #roadtrip #vanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel #breweries
Nothing like camping out in your son’s apartment complex. Rejean just moved to Austin, Tx and has limited space. No problem. He had dinner ready for us when we arrived. Feeling blessed. We brought him some Red Oak Beer from North Carolina. A good trade off. #vanlife #son #visitingfamily #dodgerampromaster #promastervanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #blogger #bloggerlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #gratitude
Made it to Texas today. Change of clothes and a stroll at the Visitor Center’s boardwalk over the Blue Elbow Swamp. #vanlife #promastervanconversion #roadtrip #promastervanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel #texas #lonestarstate #campervan
Stopped in New Orleans’ French District on our way to Austin. The rain reduced to a sprinkle and we were able to go to Jackson. park, grab a Beignet at Cafe Du Monde, strolled down Burbon Street, ate at Pier 424 Seafood Market and finished our visit with a Hand Grenade mystery drink while listening to awesome live music. All this in three hours. Back on the road to get closer to Austin. #vanlife #roadtrip #dodgepromasterconversion #promastervanconversion #neworleans #bourbonstreet #frenchquarter #handgrenadedrink #benoit #cafedumonde #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travel
First night sleeping in Dotty, our 2020 Dodge Ram Promaster conversion van was heavenly. Best sleep in a long time especially with heavy rain hitting the top of the van. The cedar planks on the ceiling gives the van a cabin feel. Loving it. #vanlife #promastervanconversion #promastervanlife #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapotalife #travel #bloggerlife #blogger #alabama
Our maiden voyage in “Dotty,” our 2020 Dodge Ram Promaster conversion van. Destination- Austin, Tx to visit my son and see Robert Earl Keen’s final tour in his home state. #vanlife #roadtrip #promastervan #promastervanlife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #seeamerica
Adventurous Kari and IAPOTA Chick has a new ride. A 20-year dream has come true. Meet Dotty, my 2020 converted Dodge Ram Promaster. #vanlife #promastercampervan # #promaster #iapotachick #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel #roadtrip
It was a “BeaU2ful Day” on #lakeleelanau in #michigan . Friends Kevin and Cathy took us out on their pontoon boat. #roadtrip #leelanaupeninsula #goodfriends #boatlife #relaxing #serenity #cairnterrier #travelingwithadog #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Catching up with family in #lowellmichigan . Hiking with mom and then pizza fun with brother, Keane. #familytime #backhome #michigan #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife
#roadtrip with a dog. #sirhenry is quite loving when he can be close. #travelwithadog #cairnterrier #doglife #doglover #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Three years ago I was taken aback by the Tater Deluxe at #thedeck in downtown #fortwayneindiana . They were so good. So while George’s sister and brother-in-law were at work, we met up with friends for an early dinner. Still amazing. Tater tots with mac n cheese, green onions and andouille. The Deck over sees the St. Mary’s River. #goodcuisine #diningbytheriver #fortwayne #thedeckatthegashouse #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife
#sirhenry loves traveling with us. He used the small cooler to be closer to us. A haircut is forthcoming in the next day for sure. On route to see family in Indiana. #travelwithdogs #cairnterrier #roadtrip #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Leaving scorching North Carolina for a month long trip to Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky. Friends and family here we come. Wore my hair in wet braids to combat the heat. #roadtrip #family #friends #visitnewplaces #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Helped Amanda James pick #blueberries for her blueberry preserves. I want to learn. Such a relaxing activity. I eat blueberries everyday. #growyourownfood #blueberrypreserves #adventurouskari #iapotalife
My son, Rejean and I did a rigorous 7-mile hike in 95-degree temperatures at #umsteadstateparknc . Fortunately, most of the hike was among shaded trees, but it was still HOT. Rejean is moving soon to Austin, TX so I’m trying to get as much time with him as I can. Following the hike we went to a pub, sweat and all for a beer and lunch. #mothersontime #hiking #beattheheat #northcarolina #adventurouskari #iapotalife #outdoors #nature #getoutdoors #doitanyway
Camped out at #oldbarnfarms . Someday soon we will have it set up for a few camper sites for small trailers and vans. Perfect for #offgrid fun. #farmlife #vanlife #vwwestfalia #convertedhorsetrailer #northcarolina #adventurouskari #iapotalife
After hanging with these awesome women this past year, I’m officially the newest member of the Sisters on the Fly. A women’s only group geared to the great outdoors, #sotf has members in all 50 states. This weekend 35 members are camping in their unique campers at #jordanlakestatepark in #northcarolina . More to come. #sistersonthefly #vwwestfalia #vanlife #campingbyalake #adventurouskari #iapotalife #girltime #
On the road again. Solo trip to Jordan lake, North Carolina to meet up with some Sisters On The Fly. I love driving our 1982 Volkswagen Westfalia. #vanlife #vwwestfalia #vwcamper #lakelife #girlsweekend #girlsgetaway #adventurouskari #iapotalife #roadtrip #jordanlakenc #jordanlakestatepark
Getting ready to see #robertearlkeen in #durhamnc with good friends Galen and Cassandra. #livemusic #fridaynight #goodtimes #adventurouskari #iapotalife #carolinatheatredurham #northcarolina
After many trips to the #outerbanks , I’ve collected a boatload of shells. Until I decide what to do with them, I brought a little bit of the beach to my front yard. Still a work in progress. I have room for a couple more loads. One of my de stressors is collecting shells. #shellcollecting #beachlife #shells #frontyarddesign #adventurouskari #iapotalife
An unexpected visit with friends, Angie and Chris turned into an unforgettable adventure on Frisco Beach in the Outer Banks. Angie and I added to our already enormous shell collections. Chris drove us on the beach where only locals hang out. #sirhenry got to run in the sand again. It pays to #gowiththeflow . #northcarolinacoast #beachtime #driveonthebeach #shells #beachlife #outerbanks #adventurouskari #iapotalife #iapota #travelwithadog #cairnterrier
Another IAPOTA moment. We were supposed to go to a music festival today and board #sirhenry for the weekend. The kennel told us last minute he needed a flu shot after we asked earlier in the week what the requirements were. He has all his shots for the other kennels he recently stayed at. So instead, we are escaping the high North Carolina heat and going back to the #outerbanks for a couple of days with Sir Henry. Fun to be back in Fritz, our 1982 #vwwestfalia IAPOTA- It’s All Part of the Adventure. #escapetheheat #gowiththeflow #obx #travelingwithadog #roadtrip #vwcamper #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Finally got a strawberry after my last harvest that the squirrels didn’t get. Now I’m hoping I can catch my blueberries when they ripen before the birds get them. My goal is not to feed the wild, but feed us. Lol. #growyourownfood #frontyardgarden #gardening #strawberries #blueberries #sustainablelife #adventurouskari #iapotalife #greenthumb #fruitgarden
Having an awesome time with my son, Rejean and cousin, Desierre at the Rocky Mount Mill and Koi Pond Brewing. Live music, dancing and good brews. #koipondbrewingcompany #rockymountmills #rockymountnc #livemusic #goodtimes #mothersontime #adventurouskari #iapotalife #beer #craftbeer
Congratulations to Kimberly and Rickey on their soft opening of their new brewery #braggingroosterbeerandmead . I got to enjoy a new part of #northcarolina on our way to #warrentonnc . They serve 24 craft beers on tap and three meads with more coming. It was my first time trying a Mead. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey mixed with water, and sometimes with added ingredients such as fruits, spices, grains, or hops. The new brewery is located in the heart of historic Warrenton, NC in the old Leggett Department Store from the 1930’s. Kimberly and Rickey restored the building to its historic status. It’s close to Medoc Mountain State Park. Definitely worth the road trip about 60 minutes NE of Raleigh. #brewery #craftbeer #mead #adventurouskari #iapotalife #beer #warrentonnc
Watching the Canes vs Bruins NHL playoff game with @officiallymcconaughey ‘s #longbranch from #wildturkey . Smooth and Smokey. #bourbon #kentuckybourbon #whiskey #spirits #hockey #fan #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Made it home safely after a long weekend with the girls. I got quite the haul of shells. Pea island is the best place to get shells in the Outer Banks. I also gathered quartz rocks on the Sandune‘s by our beach house. Good vibes there. #beachlife #outerbanks #naturesbeauty #girlsweekendaway #girlsfun #shelcollecting #beach #northcarolinacoast #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Last stop before leaving the #outerbanks . #peaisland Wildlife Preserve. Texas sisters, Louise and Patty helped me fill another bag of shells for a future DIY project. #beachlife #shellcollecting #girlsweekend #relaxation #girlsgetaway #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel #northcarolina
Rose and I got up at the break of dawn and went on a 3.7-mile jaunt down the beach. Great way to start the day. Walking barefoot in the sand is an awesome workout. One of my favorite things about the beach besides sea shells are the adorable sandpipers accompanying our walk. #beach #beachlife #walkthebeach #outdoors #getupandgetgoing #girlsweekend #girltime #goodfriends #adventurouskari #iapotalife #rodanthenc #outerbanks #northcarolinacoast
Another #bucketlist done, seeing the wild Spanish Mustangs on the beach in Corolla, North Carolina. These beauties can only eat grass. Anything else will kill them. They have been grazing the Outer Banks of North Carolina for over 500-years. There are currently 106 wild horses in Corolla, the most that have been in Corolla in awhile. There are only less than 300 Spanish Mustangs in the world. Tommy “Gator” was an awesome tour guide from Back Country Safari Tours. He went above and beyond, was very informative and entertaining. I highly recommend anyone visiting the Outer Banks, to take the time for this two hour tour. Only 4WD vehicles are allowed on the 11-mile stretch of beach from Corolla to Virginia. #wildmustangs #horsesonthebeach #backcountrysafaritours #corollabeach #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel
Our entourage stopped in #ducknc to have #duckdonuts . #girlsweekend #girlsgetaway #outerbanks #girlfun #adventurouskari #iapotalife #travel
Day at the beach in #rodanthenc with my #travelbuddy Debbie. We walked to the #rodanthepier . Tried to get some big shell, but the waves were too wicked. #outerbanks #girlsweekend #northcarolina #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Girls weekend in. #rodanthenc #outerbanks #northcarolina . After wine tasting, we are watching the movie - #nightsinrodanthe with #richardgere and #dianelane . #girlsweekend #girltime #romanticmovie #relaxation #adventurouskari #iapotalife
Meet Sherry Bass, owner of #ohmylard in Elm City, NC. Seven-years ago she started her southern cuisine roadside eatery because she’s loves cooking. Fabulous food at an exceptionally great price. #southerneating #southerncuisine #northcarolinacuisine #elmcitync #adventurouskari #iapotalife #goodeating #comfortfood
Another #kentuckydistillery off our list. Today we visited #bulleitdistillery . Nice and simple. #bourbon #bourbontasting #adventurouskari #iapotalife #goodfriends #bourboncocktails #bulleitbourbon
Getting ready for the annual #thunderoverlouisville fireworks show to kick off the #kentuckyderby celebration. Perfect birthday night. #fireworks #adventurouskari #iapotalife