Our Story
Travel was first born of necessity for us. 5 trips across the country, from WI to CA. We drove out west for Akinda’s study program, then the same trail for an internship, and again for her boyfriend. I carefully planned our trips to savor and draw out our time together. There were many detours and extra nights along the way, and I discovered how much I loved planning trips. With every detail organized, there was a new kind of freedom on the road. Without concerns about where to stay or eat or what to see, I could be present and more aware of my surroundings.
The new scenery opened something up in us. Our conversations were deepened by our teamwork and sensitivity to an ever-changing landscape. Our creativity flourished and we coined a road trip term we still use today, “There are no bad ideas” and we encouraged each other to explore offbeat dreams.
While we were living far apart, we planned trips to catch up and play. Akinda’s positive energy always restored my soul and our knack for curating trips taught us about the land and culture as we sought off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Now we’re both in the Midwest and focused on great getaways and little-known gems in our own backyard and we have covered some ground! We’ve found great food, hiking, and beaches. We have been practicing elevating our experience by cooking delicious meals on the road, bringing just what we need, and fine-tuning our itineraries.
Traveling is an art, a balance of movement and rest, of seeking and appreciation. It nourishes and leaves us wanting more.
Sometimes we have 1 night, other times two weeks. But we always have a trip in the books.
Meet Jen
Growing up in the Midwest, the Saint Croix River was my playground. The river valley I called home offered waterfalls and wilderness and being outdoors looking for morels and building forts shaped my early years.
I tried to follow the college path, but I couldn’t sit still. I met a guy, and we shared a dream. We turned a 1964 VW 21-window bus into a camper and traveled the country, living out of our bus. Eventually, we landed on the West Coast in a sweet community in Southern Oregon. We farmed and moved from our bus to a teepee, then a school bus, then a yurt. Akinda was born in this yurt, on the side of a mountain, off the grid, surrounded by the love of the community.
As time went on, the longing to be near family grew, and we packed up and moved back to Wisconsin. Here, we would spend our summer days playing in the same river. We explored the Great Lakes and the wilderness of the Midwest. And while we all love our adventures, there really is no place like home.
Meet Akinda
I was born in Southern Oregon, a creative, free-spirited little girl who you'd always find barefoot running wild, building forts, and playing fairies. We moved to Wisconsin when I was seven, and summer became my favorite season. We'd spend endless days at the beach, where time sat still and life was easy.
I yearned to explore when I got older and always gravitated towards water. I spent time exploring the West Coast before living in Boulder for several years. My weekends in Colorado were full of exploring and day trips into the mountains.
It wasn't until I lived away from the Midwest that I truly understood its beauty. Whenever I'd visit, I started to discover a new appreciation for the hidden gems, the access to water, and the charming communities.
Recently, my husband and I returned to the Midwest to start a new chapter full of long summer days, a return to a familiar routine, with new unexplored opportunities.