An American couple, Ryan and Rebecca Means, is on a mission to identify the most remote locations in each state in the US, embarking on documentary expeditions to these wilderness sites with their 10-year-old daughter, Skyla.
Ryan (47) and Rebecca (46) Means, conservation biologists and science educators from Wakulla County in Florida, started Project Remote a decade ago. They calculate and document the most remote location in each state, defined as the spot farthest from a road. Their goal is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving remote and roadless areas, given their significance for wildlife and ecological processes.
Both Ryan and Rebecca have a deep passion for wilderness travel, having backpacked together across various continents before the arrival of Skyla. Her presence has not curtailed their adventurous spirits; rather, they aim to inspire families to explore the great outdoors with their children.
‘We wanted Skyla to experience the rewards of escaping the noise and distractions associated with modern life,’ shares Rebecca. ‘When you carry everything you need for weeks, you realize how little you truly need in life. We surround ourselves with excess, but ultimately, we just need food, water, shelter, and breathtaking scenery. As wilderness seekers, we understand the psychological benefits of being in roadless areas.’
Ryan and Rebecca are also the directors of a small non-profit organization, the Coastal Plains Institute, dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of the Coastal Plain region in southeastern US. They have launched a new citizen science project that involves other conservation explorers in documenting what remains in areas between roads. More details can be found here.
While homeschooling Skyla, the Means incorporate Project Remote into her learning platform, particularly in history and geography. They teach her in a relaxed manner throughout the year, aiming to make learning enjoyable rather than a chore. Ryan notes, ‘Skyla learns more with us, and we get to be together, allowing us to engage in amazing experiences throughout our lives. She loves it too.’
To prepare for their trips, the Means teach Skyla about the states they plan to visit in advance. During their adventures, they focus on destinations that offer lessons in history and literature. ‘Our homeschool community is active with biography fairs, science fairs, social studies fairs, and more throughout the year,’ adds Rebecca. ‘Project Remote complements these experiences. Skyla has completed science fair projects like ‘Learning to be a naturalist in the rocky mountains of Montana’ and ‘Volcanic features from my recent trips.’
The Means family believes that their lifestyle offers numerous advantages, including the joy of sharing incredible outdoor adventures, which strengthens their familial bonds. ‘Traveling with Skyla has been both amazing and fulfilling,’ Ryan remarks. ‘The only minor downside to traveling with young children is that it limits the pace at which you can travel and the level of strenuous expeditions you can undertake.’
‘The challenges tend to resolve themselves as children grow and adapt,’ he continues. ‘We have preserved the more demanding state of Alaska for our final endeavor for Project Remote, intending to make a month-long, 300-mile wilderness voyage to its remotest spot as a family in the next couple of years.’
With 13 states remaining to explore, Ryan recalls a memorable week-long expedition in Idaho, where they hiked to the center of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness. ‘We were surrounded by snow and breathtaking mountain scenery and were awakened by howling wolves outside our tent under a full moon in the wilderness,’ he recalls.
Ryan and Rebecca offer this advice to other families considering similar adventures: slow down. ‘Embracing this will make your travels easier and more enjoyable,’ suggests Rebecca. ‘Keep in mind that when traveling with children, the pace will likely slow. Additionally, you don’t need a plethora of toys or gadgets to keep them entertained.’
‘When you provide opportunities for children to explore and play, they will create their own fun, like building homes for critters or observing wildlife,’ adds Rebecca. ‘Skyla had her two dolls, Cracker Barrel and Paris, which gave her years of entertainment. She devised ways for them to swim in creeks, build shelters, and more.’
The Means emphasize the importance of helping children feel comfortable early on, promoting their independence later. Skyla willingly sleeps in a tent alone due to the fond memories they have built. ‘If your kids are over five or six, involve them in your planning. Share details about your destination and ask them what they would like to see or do like visiting museums or trying new dining experiences,’ they suggest.
Skyla enjoys traveling and has an easygoing nature; however, as she matures, she increasingly reflects on the events she misses. ‘She occasionally mentions missing Thanksgiving or the homeschool craft fair,’ Rebecca laughs. ‘Before we leave, we collaborate to create her ‘car box’ filled with entertainment options for the journey. Coupled with audiobooks, this makes the road trips enjoyable for her.’
Ryan acknowledges that moments of conflict or navigating less enjoyable aspects of the trip do occur. Nevertheless, he views these moments as a natural part of life, making them all worthwhile while sharing incredible experiences together. The couple draws on their intellect and wilderness experience to overcome challenges. ‘Lightning and hail were intimidating in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness Area, but we found a boulder with an overhang to shelter under,’ he recounts.
‘Canoeing through Boquillas Canyon of the Rio Grande in Texas presented us with challenging rapids that tested our paddling skills. We faced a perilous river crossing in Maine where a single slip could have serious consequences. However, we crossed slowly and thoughtfully, preparing contingencies in case of an accident. Even a grizzly in Montana chose to retreat rather than confront us, showing that even big carnivores often avoid human interaction when approached correctly.’
So, what drives the Means family to explore remote locations? ‘There is a profound inner connection and attraction I feel when in a vast wilderness; it evokes euphoria and belonging,’ Ryan expresses. ‘I tell Skyla that the outdoors is where life resonates and feels meaningful. It seems that many of us share a connection to the natural world beyond the everyday chaos of urban life.’
Follow the Means family’s journeys and updates on their Project Remote website, Instagram, and Facebook.
