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Posted on by Korin Oliver

Our first month-long camping trip without the kids was bittersweet in the best way. We loved the adventure just the two of us but there were times that we missed having the kids with us! Over the course of our journey, we traveled through 15 states, visited three stunning national parks, and spent time with my sister, brother-in-law Steve, and my parents. Both kids made great choices and handled things well at home, and we’re especially thankful to Matt’s parents for being there for Eli.

We crossed off a few bucket list hikes, saw more wildlife than we expected, and soaked in landscapes that took our breath away. One of the best surprises for Matt was getting to fish the Gros Ventre River.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: God has created incredible places in this country. Get out there and see them, you won’t regret it.

Oak Grove, Missouri

Posted on by Korin Oliver

After an unforgettable stretch in the Grand Tetons, it was time to point the truck east and begin our journey home. Our first night on the road was all about convenience as we tucked in at a KOA just off the interstate. The following evening, we traded freeway noise for the quiet charm of C2T Ranch in Kansas. Horses grazed nearby, and a curious donkey kept us company.

Next, we made our way to Missouri to visit my sister and her husband. My parents were there too, with their motorhome. We went out to dinner, shared stories, watched the chickens peck around the yard, and spent time playing Settlers of Catan and Rummikub. It was a short visit, but it was so nice to see them. We’re already looking forward to seeing my parents again in a few weeks when they drive out to Delaware.

After saying our goodbyes, we drove on to Milton, Indiana, where we spent the night at Cobbler’s Knob, a peaceful corn and hay farm tucked into the countryside. The miles may be long, but these simple moments help make the trip unforgettable.

The ranch campsite with horses and a mule

Matt with one of the horses at our campsite

My favorite chicken at my sister’s house

My sister with her chickens

Grand Tetons – Part 2

Posted on by Korin Oliver

After our long Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop hike, we knew we needed a few slower days to recover. We spent them exploring the Jackson Lake Lodge, wandering through Teton Village, and enjoying a peaceful walk to Taggart Lake. Matt fished the Gros Ventre River while I happily read a couple of books. But there was one hike we’d heard about from fellow hikers that we just couldn’t skip. Delta Lake.

We set out early from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, knowing parking would fill fast. The trail to Delta Lake is unofficial meaning it’s not maintained and requires some off-trail navigation and steep rock scrambling. We’d been warned, but we were excited. The first mile of trail was cool and shaded, an easy warm-up. As we began climbing, we were treated to stunning views of Taggart and Bradley Lakes behind us. Around mile three, we broke off the main trail and began the ascent toward Delta Lake.

The route was steep, with loose dirt, exposed roots, and fields of boulders. Matt navigated using his GPS, guiding us carefully up the rugged terrain. Eventually, we crested a ridge and there it was: a glacially fed turquoise lake cradled beneath the Grand Teton. The surreal color of the water comes from glacial silt, and for a short time, we had it nearly to ourselves. We found a spot on a rock, took in the view, snacked, and let the moment sink in. As more hikers began arriving, we packed up and decided we felt pretty good. Rather than return, we pushed farther up to Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake. The switchbacks felt endless, but the reward was more than worth it. Surprise Lake was a quiet, reflective spot nestled among boulders and trees, and just beyond it, Amphitheater Lake was tucked beneath towering granite cliffs, rimmed with wildflowers and subalpine forest.

I soaked my tired feet in the cold water while we shared snacks in the peaceful, alpine silence. Knowing this would be our final hike of the trip, I felt a wave of thankfulness for the time and the healthy to explore places like this.

The descent was quick; our pace surprised us after such a long day, and we passed several other hikers. In just a few hours, we were back at the trailhead. We clocked 11 miles and 3,400 feet of elevation gain. Matt had promised me pizza and I made sure he kept that promise. What an unforgettable day, and the perfect way to end an incredible trip.

Lake big hike of the trip – Delta Lake

Matt at Taggart Lake

The view from Jackson Lake Lodge

Moose and calf

Mama Moose

Campfire

On our way to Delta Lake looking back at Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake

Delta Lake

Amphitheater Lake

Grand Tetons – Part 1

Posted on by Korin Oliver

Matt and I have been trying to get reservations at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for years through the lottery system. In December, I happened to check the website and spotted a cancellation for two nights in July. I grabbed it immediately and we kicked off our training since this hike has nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain.

Our original plan was to camp at the North Rim for one night, hike 13 miles down the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, stay for two nights, then climb out via the steep 7-mile South Kaibab Trail. But on July 4th, a lightning-sparked wildfire broke out on the North Rim. It’s still burning and our Phantom Ranch stay was rescheduled. Disappointed, we turned to my trusty National Parks guidebook and found the author’s highest-rated hike in the Grand Tetons: Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop.

All the park campgrounds were full, so we took our chances at Atherton Creek Campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. It’s first-come, first-served, and by some miracle, we pulled in just in time to grab the last site. We settled in and braced ourselves for what would be a monster of a hike the next day, one that I was honestly a little intimidated by.

We hit the String Lake Trailhead at 6:22 a.m., packs full and spirits high. The trail began gently, meandering along the lake, but as we entered Paintbrush Canyon, the elevation began to climb. Looking back, we could see views of both String Lake and Jackson Lake behind us.

From miles 3 to 6, the trail climbed steadily through dense forest and into rocky terrain until we reached the stunning alpine basin of Holly Lake. We took a much-needed break, ate our first sandwiches, and took in the view. Just as we got back on the trail, we spotted a fox carrying his kill, a pine marten. He was unbothered by our presence, although I moved on when things got a bit graphic, but Matt caught it on video if you’re curious.

Past Holly Lake, the trail became far more challenging. We powered up steep switchbacks of loose scree and crossed two snowfields before finally reaching Paintbrush Divide at 10,700 feet. It was tough, and at one point, I actually fell near the top. However, the panoramic views of the Teton Range and Paintbrush Canyon made the effort worth it.

From the divide, we began descending into the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. Waterfalls cascaded down cliffs, and Lake Solitude, cradled by dramatic peaks, appeared like a hidden gem. This view was definitely my favorite part of the hike. We hiked down the switchbacks to the lake, took off our boots, soaked our tired feet, and ate more snacks. At this point, we’d hiked 11 miles with 8 more to go.

From Lake Solitude, the trail was in between towering granite walls, and we tried to pick up the pace. Along the way, we had incredible wildlife encounters including three black bears and one grizzly. There weren’t many other hikers as we moved steadily around the west side of Jenny Lake.

Finally, after 19.9 miles, we arrived back at the truck. We were tired, dirty, sweaty, and exhilarated. If you’ve been following our adventures, you already know where we went next: straight to the pizza place. We celebrated with two whole pizzas and ice cream before heading back to our trailer to recover from one of the most epic hikes we’ve ever done.

Our first come, first serve campsite in Atherton Creek Campground

Let’s begin the monster hike!

String Lake

Crossing String Lake

The start of Paintbrush Canyon

Indian Paintbrush flowers

Getting further into Paintbrush Canyon

Looking back on String Lake and Jackson Lake

Can you find the pika?

Holly Lake

Fox eating a pine marten

At this point we are getting closer to the top and you can see the trail we just came from!

I made it!

How cool is he?

Getting ready to start the decent to Lake Solitude

Not the Grand Canyon!

Heading towards Lake Solitude

Lake Solitude

Still in good spirits!

Lake Solitude

Soaking our feet…still a long way to go!

Cascade Canyon

Made it to Jenny Lake

Matt at Jenny Lake!

I. See. The. Truck.

Celebration pizza with a view

As we headed back to the trailer, we saw an amazing sunset with a moose!

Sheridan, Montana

Posted on by Korin Oliver

From St. Mary, we made our way to Sheridan, Montana, home of our friends Bill Fraser and Donna Patterson-Fraser. Our last visit to their beautiful Ruby Valley farm was back in the summer of 2022, so we were excited to reconnect.

We tucked our trailer in front of the back barn, just outside the cow pasture, and settled in. That evening, Bill and Donna treated us to an incredible dinner at the Wells Fargo Steakhouse and Eatery in Virginia City. The food was fantastic, but the company and conversation were even better.

The next morning Bill and Matt headed out to fly-fishing on the Upper Ruby River while Donna and I enjoyed a leisurely shopping trip. That evening, we had a delicious homemade dinner, complete with dessert and plenty of laughter.

Though our visit was brief, it was great! We said our goodbyes that night since Matt and I needed to hit the road at sunrise. We’re already looking forward to our next visit and don’t worry Bill, we’ll be sure to book our stay early!

A wonderful dinner!

Bill fishing

Glacier National Park – Two Medicine Area

Posted on by Korin Oliver

On the morning of July 19th, we packed up camp at St. Mary and made our way to the quieter, wilder southwestern corner of Glacier National Park; Two Medicine. Tucked away from the crowds, this region feels more remote. We’d visited once before, but only briefly. This time, we were here for something big: the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop, a legendary 17-mile alpine trail known for its panoramic ridgelines, sapphire lakes, and grueling climb.

We planned our hike for the next day, waking up before the sun on July 20th. By 5:45 AM, we were on trail…barely. Just minutes in, we heard branches snapping. Loudly. We froze, scanning the trees. And there it was: a grizzly, right on the trail.

We slowly backed away, gave it plenty of space, and got our bear spray ready. We waited quietly as the bear lingered, then finally turned and disappeared down the trail in the opposite direction. We began our hike alert, awed, and maybe just a little amped up from adrenaline.

Starting at Pray Lake, we took the counterclockwise route. The early miles were fairly easy, winding through forest and alpine meadows before becoming steep with a series of switchbacks. As we climbed, we caught our first glimpse of Old Man Lake below us. At Pitamakan Pass, the trail opened up into a stunning panorama of two more lakes, Pitamakan and Morning Star.

From there, we headed towards Pitamakan Overlook and saw several big horn sheep and baby big horn sheep! We sat to eat a snack, and I made friends with a curious marmot. After our short break, we skirted along narrow scree-covered ledges around the backsides of Mount Morgan and Flinsch Peak, staring down into a vast, beautiful valley below. It was windy across the exposed ridges, but the views of jagged peaks and endless sky were amazing.

Eventually, we reached Dawson Pass and began the long descent. I was struggling a bit as we made our way down, and Matt did his best to keep my spirits up. We made a fishing stop at No Name Lake and Matt caught both a brook trout and a bull trout. We made it to the boat dock at Two Medicine Lake just in time, and there was space for us on the return boat ride. The boat shaved off the final 2.5 miles of trail, and we were more than happy to give our legs a break!

We celebrated the 17-mile day with cookie ice cream sandwiches at the lake store and a charcuterie board at the campsite where we were accompanied by a few bighorn sheep who congregated around our fire pit. It was one of those hikes that stays with you – majestic, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.

The next few days brought rain, and with it, a shift in plans. We ducked into Glacier Park Lodge for lunch, only to find out our reservations at Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon had been canceled due to a large fire at the North Rim (more to come later on that topic). With soggy weather settling in, we made the decision to pack up and head out of Two Medicine and head to Bill and Donna’s.

Pray Lake at sunrise

Here we go!

Sure, we will wait for you grizzly bear…no problem….

On our way!

Old Man Lake below

Old Man Lake below

Pitamakan Lake and Morning Star Lake

On our way to Pitamakan Overlook

At the Pitamakan Overlook Korin made a friend

Can you find the big horn sheep?

Almost to Pitamakan Overlook

Pitamakan Overlook!

Before Dawson Pass

Breathtaking views

Making my way down Dawson Pass

We made it to the boat dock just in time!

Big horn sheep at the campsite!

That is a lot of steps!

Glacier National Park – Sperry Chalet

Posted on by Matt Oliver

Some of my colleagues may remember that back in February, I scheduled meetings around a very specific event—the opening of reservations for Sperry Chalet. Matt and I had been trying to snag a reservation there for years. As soon as the booking window opened, we both jumped online… and struck out. Still, I wasn’t giving up. I kept checking the site, hoping for a cancellation—and finally, weeks later, I got one! I surprised Matt with a handmade card that read, “We’re going to Sperry for two nights!” It’s been displayed on our fridge ever since.

July 16: The Journey Begins

We woke up very early on July 16 to begin our hike to the historic Sperry Chalet. By 7:30am, we were on the Gunsight Pass Trail, ready for the nearly 15-mile trek. Rain the day before had left the trail WET, so we geared up in our rain gear. The thimbleberry plants lining the trail were wildly overgrown—at times, towering over my head—and soaking wet, drenching us as we pushed through for about six miles.

Eventually, we emerged at beautiful Gunsight Lake. It was our first major payoff giving us crystal clear water surrounded by peaks and worth every muddy step. Matt even managed to fish for a few peaceful minutes before we continued on.

As we climbed toward Gunsight Pass, the trail followed the lake, growing steeper and more dramatic. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, and we had the entire trail to ourselves. Higher up, we carefully crossed several snowfields using crampons which was thrilling and nerve-wracking. We passed freshly overturned boulders, a sign that bears were nearby.

At the summit, we were rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the next valley, where Lake Ellen Wilson shimmered below. The descent into the valley was steep, and I actually got emotional as I hiked down, overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. The trail then climbed again toward Lincoln Pass, leading us through alpine meadows where it felt like a mountain goat  was our welcoming committee guiding us.

And then, at last, Sperry Chalet came into view.

We checked in, dropped our gear in our room, and settled in for a dinner with two other couples—fellow hikers who quickly became trail friends. Our room was rustic (no electricity, no plumbing, with composting toilets down the path), but comfortable.

July 17: Sperry Glacier via Comeau Pass Hike

After a hot breakfast the next morning, we set out for Sperry Glacier via Comeau Pass, a stunning 9-mile round-trip hike. The trail led us past alpine ponds and through terrain dotted with—you guessed it—SO MANY MOUNTAIN GOATS, including baby goats bouncing along the rocks.

Just before the pass, we had to climb a stone staircase chiseled into a steep rock wall. It was sketchy but exhilarating, and the view from the top was unreal. We crossed at least six snowfields before reaching the glacier itself. With thunderheads starting to roll in, we didn’t stay long before heading back.

That evening brought another cozy dinner and new conversations with fellow hikers.

July 18: Down the Mountain and Beyond

On our final morning, we ate breakfast, said goodbye to our new friends, and began the 7-mile descent down Sperry Trail to Lake McDonald. Along the way, we snacked on fresh thimbleberries, raspberries, and salmonberries growing trailside. Once at the lake, we celebrated with pizza and huckleberry lemonade, exactly what our tired bodies needed. I took a quick dip in the cold lake while Matt did some fishing. Then we hopped on the shuttle toward Logan Pass.

Even with heavy packs, we decided to knock out one more iconic Glacier hike: the 3-mile round-trip to Hidden Lake Overlook. The climb felt tougher with all our gear, but once we reached the overlook, we instantly understood the trail’s popularity. The lake was serene, flanked by towering peaks, and yes, more mountain goats awaited us there too.

After a snack break, we made our way back to the Logan Pass Visitor Center to catch a final shuttle back to our truck at the Gunsight Pass trailhead.

Final Thoughts

Whew. We covered nearly 35 miles over three days and crossed through some of the most breathtaking landscapes we’ve ever seen. Pictures can’t come close to capturing the beauty or the magic of the experience. Sperry Chalet was everything we hoped for and more. A truly unforgettable adventure.

Get ready for some amazing pictures!

Starting our hike to Sperry Chalet!

Bushwacking through the thimbleberry

5 miles of bushwhacking through these plants!

Arriving at Gunsight Lake

Fishing

Heading up to Gunsight Pass

Views of Gunsight Lake

We keep climbing…hoping we aren’t bear snacks.

Amazing views of Gunsight Lake

Getting closer to the pass with Gunsight Lake in the background

At the top of Gunsight Pass. This is the hiker’s hut you can use in case of bad weather! I had cell service here and couldn’t help but start texting the kids pictures.

First look at Lake Ellen Wilson

Coming from Gunsight Pass into Lake Ellen Wilson

Waterfalls everywhere

Korin crossing a waterfall

Looking back at the saddle of Gunsight Pass

Epic views!

The mountain goat leading us to the chalet!

Sperry Chalet!

Not much to it, but still amazing

Sperry Chalet dining room

Start of our hike to Comeau Pass and Sperry Glacier

Mountain goat!

Mountain goats with BABIES!!!

Almost to Comeau Pass

They are everywhere!

The sketchy stairs to the top of Comeau Pass

Sperry Glacier

We made it!

Heading back down the sketchy stairs to the chalet

I love them…

If you look closely, you can see the chalet!

Posing goat

The chalet from the Sperry Trail as we head towards MacDonald Lake.

Snacking on berries as we hike down.

Made it down!!!

Rewards are a must…

PIZZA TIME!!!

Lake MacDonald

Mountain goats as we hike to Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake

We made it back to the Gunsight Pass Trailhead!

Glacier National Park: St. Mary’s

Posted on by Matt Oliver

We arrived at the St. Mary Campground in Glacier National Park late in the afternoon, with just enough time to explore the campground and get a feel for the surrounding area. The next morning, we set out early to hike the 11.2-mile Siyeh Pass Loop. The trail was bursting with wildflowers, and we were lucky enough to spot several snowshoe hares along the way.

Although the view from the pass was completely fogged in, making it hard to see anything beyond the mist, we took a break there to rest and enjoy some snacks. As we descended, the clouds began to lift, revealing stunning waterfalls and eventually the blue of St. Mary Lake below. We finished the hike at Sunrift Gorge, feeling tired but accomplished.

The following day was a total washout with nonstop rain, so we made the most of it by driving to Kalispell. We did laundry, picked up some rain gear, and ended the day by watching the new F1 movie.

St. Mary’s Campground

Beginning the 11.2-mile Siyeh Pass Loop!

Wildflowers!

We made it to the top!

The view we worked so hard to see.

Hiking down towards St. Mary’s Lake.

We made it down to Sunrift Gorge!

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Posted on by Matt Oliver

This was our second visit to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We first stopped here back in 2019 on route to Glacier National Park, and we were excited to return. This time, we stayed at the Medora Campground, arriving in time for dinner before heading into the park for what we like to call “animal hour”—that magical time in the evening when wildlife becomes most active. Our first stop was Prairie Dog Town, always a lively and entertaining place. From there, we drove to the Beef Corral Bottom area, where we witnessed hundreds of bison migrating from east to west, making their way toward the Little Missouri River.

Next, we walked the Wind Canyon Trail, which led us to a breathtaking overlook of the river. From that vantage point, we could see the entire bison herd crossing the water below. As the sun went down, we took a slow drive along the Scenic Loop in search of wild horses. Sure enough, we spotted several grazing in the open landscape. Just before returning to camp, a gray coyote darted across the road, capping off an incredible first evening.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park continues to impress us. It’s a hidden gem that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Bison in the Beef Corral Bottom area

Wind Canyon Trail

Bison crossing the Little Missouri River

Wild Horses

Start of Summer 2025

Posted on by Matt Oliver

We’ve had so many unforgettable summers camping and traveling through National Parks with our kids. Over the years, we managed to visit all but two of the parks in the lower 48, along with countless beautiful State Parks along the way.

But we always knew this day would come…

Summer 2025 looks a little different—it’s just Matt and me hitting the road. Samantha is off completing an internship at the University of Delaware, and Elijah is busy working as a lifeguard for the Delaware State Beach Patrol (DSBP).

So if you’re reading this, you’re stuck with me as your blog writer this summer. You won’t find Sam’s beautifully curated posts or Eli’s hilarious commentary—but I’ll do my best to keep you along for the ride!

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