As it turns out, national parks are the best medicine for homesickness. They’re also a source of comfort and inclusion, especially for a hiking-obsessed gay man hoofing it through red states.
America’s national parks have long been a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for my husband Brad and I. When the opportunity presented itself to live in an RV and visit these beautiful places, I dove in head-first. This decision was daunting—considering I prefer to tiptoe into things rather than plunge all at once.
Embracing the RV Lifestyle
Why the plunge? Brad and I needed to create a living arrangement that matched our on-the-go lifestyles. Since we were both traveling so much for work, we spent less and less time together at home in Chicago, eventually going weeks without seeing one another. It was Brad’s idea to explore purchasing an RV, something I had only fantasized about until I realized its viability for our situation. We work remotely, travel constantly, and love national parks. This unique opportunity was something we didn’t want to miss, and I’m so glad we didn’t.
Adventures on the Road
A large part of our move into an RV is driven by Brad’s role as events manager at Burton’s Maplewood Farm, an Indiana-based maple syrup farm that’s grown its national presence through farmers’ markets and special events. His events dictate our schedule and routes as we hit the road. At first, long travel hours felt arduous and overwhelming, especially with a small dog adjusting to this new lifestyle. However, things began to normalize and feel comfortable as we made stops in fun places like Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta, Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, and Disney World for Epcot Food & Wine.
Along the way, we always prioritize time for national parks. Although there are technically 61 national parks in the country, more than 400 units are managed by the National Park Service in every state, including national seashores, monuments, and battlefields. Therefore, no matter our itinerary, there’s almost always a national park we can visit, and they’ve become a recurring theme of our RV life.
Craving Adventure
I crave the dynamic lifestyle that comes with RV-ing through national parks. I get bored quickly if we’re stagnant in one place, which is how living on wheels has started to feel like home, especially amidst pristine wilderness. Leaving Chicago, where I lived for 13 years, was incredibly difficult. As excited as I was for this new chapter with my husband, saying goodbye to friends and our cozy neighborhood was emotionally challenging. Even after more than a year of living on the road, a common topic for Brad and me is reminiscing about the Chicago bars and restaurants we miss.
After a few weeks living in the RV, our homesickness was tempered by the adventures we embarked on, from attending a Christmas parade near Arches National Park to kayaking amidst crocodiles at Everglades National Park. In every way, we began to live our lives to the fullest, experiencing things that would stick with us forever. Although I still experience homesickness, America’s national parks have made this journey worthwhile.
Creating a Podcast
A few months into RV living, we conceptualized a podcast focusing on our journey in an RV while visiting national parks. In summer 2019, Parklandia was born—a show produced by iHeartRadio, Christopher Hassiotis, and Myke Johns, featuring episodes centered on the national parks we’ve visited. It’s vital for us to discuss issues like history, climate change, and cultural aspects while keeping the tone fun and engaging.
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Of course, it hasn’t been all laughter and adventure. The RV lifestyle has its challenges, some anticipated, like significant downsizing and using laundromats. Others, such as dealing with homesickness, have surprised me. Brad has an incredible talent for making our RV feel homey with personal touches. However, I’ve had to grapple with my identity as a gay man in less accepting places than my hometown.
In larger cities, I rarely worry about how I present myself. In the RV, my wardrobe is less colorful, and I feel self-conscious in areas far from my comfort zone. I sometimes feel ashamed that I allow outside influences to affect my confidence, especially when it comes to showing affection in public with Brad. An incident in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where I faced a homophobic slur, rattled me. Yet a sweet gesture from a barista reminded me of the kindness in the world during difficult times.
National parks have felt like ultimate safe spaces. They provide common ground for people of all backgrounds, showcasing a melting pot of cultures, ages, and sexual orientations. We aim to highlight this on the podcast, illustrating how national parks aren’t just for hardcore backpackers but are accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Our first year of RV living was a blend of highs and lows. This lifestyle is not a glamorous vacation; it offers various physical and emotional challenges. Fortunately, we’ve created a comfortable groove in our RV, making it feel like home. Despite the hurdles—from managing physical mail to the occasional lack of WiFi—the adventure is worth it. I am also finding greater comfort in myself again. I’m okay with my voice, my style, and holding my husband’s hand on any street or trail.
