Embarking on a 25,000-mile journey from Miami to Phoenix, with detours up to the breathtaking landscapes of Canada, was a decision fueled by our thirst for adventure and discovery. Our mode of transport and home for this epic escapade was our trusty 2013 Ford F150, which reliably towed our 2019 Jayco JayFeather X213, affectionately known as our “home on wheels”. Along the way, we explored 20 phenomenal national parks, including the iconic Yellowstone, the majestic Glacier, and the vast Big Bend, spanning 20 states over the course of nine magical months.
Our Trusted Home on Wheels: The Jayco JayFeather X213
When we first purchased our travel trailer for $15k, it was temporarily registered in Florida and permanently registered under a Kango Anywhere LLC as we passed through Montana. The Jayco JayFeather X213 offered us the perfect balance of comfort and mobility. Its rear king-size bed, complete with cozy bedding, made sleeping under the stars as comfortable as being at home. With a length of just over 24 feet, it provided enough space for living while remaining light enough for efficient towing with our Ford F150.
Exploring the Vast Landscapes
The scope of the adventures we embarked upon can hardly be expressed in mere words. Here’s a brief overview of just some of the highlights from our incredible journey:
- Yellowstone National Park [Link]
- Glacier National Park [Link]
- Big Bend National Park [Link]
- …and 17 more, each offering unique wonders.
To explore these places, we navigated through scenic highways, historical routes, and off-the-beaten-path trails. This journey took us through a total of 20 states. Each destination offered something distinctive, from the geothermal geysers of Yellowstone to the rugged mountains of Glacier.
National Parks Highlights
Here are some of the unforgettable experiences across these national parks:
- Yellowstone National Park: Witnessed Old Faithful’s predictably unpredictable eruptions.
- Glacier National Park: Drove along the Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking vistas.
- Big Bend National Park: Stood in awe at the stunning Santa Elena Canyon.
You can review our entire route here.
Saying Goodbye – Selling Our Travel Trailer
After completing our extensive journey, we sold our Jayco Jay Feather privately in Phoenix for $13k cash. While this meant incurring a slight financial loss, the wealth of memories and experiences made the investment invaluable. Selling the trailer was bittersweet. On one hand, it symbolized the end of our incredible road trip; on the other, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
The sense of nostalgia is palpable as we say goodbye to our “home on wheels.” Here are some emotions we wrestled with during this transition:
- Sadness in parting with a space filled with cherished memories.
- Gratitude for the ability to explore so freely during these past months.
- Excitement for the next phase and where the road might lead us next.
While the sale of our travel trailer marks the end of one journey, it’s also an invitation to start planning our next. We’ve crossed landscapes that have forever changed our hearts and seen sights that will fuel stories for years to come. Perhaps we’ll find ourselves once again taking up the call of the open road before too long. Until then, our memories and the call of adventure will always linger.
