Matt Oliver – Page 2 – Pick-up and a Pop-up

San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Posted on July 29, 2023 by Matt Oliver

We typically start talking about our summer plans during Thanksgiving break. This year Eli asked if we could somehow include more surfing into the itinerary. We reached out to our friends from college, Shelley and Jeremiah, for some ideas on surf spots in Mexico. They invited us down to San Jose del Cabo where they have a house in walking distance to a well-known surf spot. We jumped at the chance to spend time with them and their four boys in a beautiful surf area.

After nearly missing our flight due to Southern California traffic, we arrived at Shelley and Jeremiah’s house. They quickly showed us around and took us down to the beach. There, we met Shelley’s Mom, brother, sister-in-law and nephew who were staying at a condo right on the water. As we jumped into the warm water and knew that the week would be unforgettable. Not only did Shelley and Jeremiah give us their bedroom, but they also cooked for us (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and brought us all over the city. They were truly the best hosts. I spent the week watching the surf, reading, enjoying the sunshine, catching up with our friends and relaxing. Matt spent the week surfing, fishing, and hanging out. Eli spent the week surfing, making new friends, surfing, playing lots of Poker, and Chess, surfing and swimming. While we were there, we went to Nine Palms surf spot, ate at Hangman’s Restaurant (twice), and snorkeled at Playa el Chileno.

We had open minds of what the week would be like, and it definitely exceeded our expectations! A huge thank you to Shelley, Jeremiah, the boys and her family. We had a wonderful time and hope to be back again.

9 Palms

The house!

View from Jill’s (Grammy) condo on the beach!

Shelley and Jeremiah’s back porch

On our way to 9 Palms surf spot

9 Palms

9 Palms

Matt, Jeremiah and Ryan getting ready to fish!

Eli

Matt

HANGMAN’S!

Dinner #2 at Hangman’s

Yosemite National Park

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Matt Oliver

During past summer road trips, we have had to change our plans on the fly, and this summer has been no exception. The truck started making a strange noise after we left Sand Dunes National Park, and we decided to head for Visalia, CA, where Matt’s parents live. In doing so, we had to skip the north rim of the Grand Canyon, where we were planning to meet my parents. We pushed on and thankfully made it to Visalia without a breakdown.

Those who know California’s geography know how close Visalia is to Yosemite National Park. We had been watching posts for months about Yosemite waterfalls being spectacular due to the record-breaking snow the Sierra Mountains received this winter. Once we knew we would be in Visalia for a few days, I jumped onto the internet while Matt was driving and scored a tent in Yosemite’s Curry Village for two nights! **BONUS PARK!!!** Getting a camping site, hotel, or tent more than six months in advance is challenging, so I’m sure we benefited from someone else’s cancellation.

We parked the trailer, and thanks to my in-laws, we left Eli and my nephew Josh to be spoiled by their grandparents in Visalia. Soon into the drive to Yosemite, we realized that this was our first trip sans kids in several years!

As always, Yosemite National Park did not disappoint. As we came into the valley, we noticed waterfalls we had never seen before due to the immense snow melt. We stopped at Bridalveil Falls and were amazed at the water coming down. Once we settled into our tent, we had pizza and wine for dinner. Since there was still some light left, we headed over to the Mist Trail and got as far as the bridge before it was too dark to go any further.

Early the following day, we took the shuttle bus to the upper Yosemite Falls trailhead. The hike took the entire day, and we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley and the waterfall. As we were hiking down, we stopped at one of the switchbacks to have a snack. The view from that switchback was one of the best I have ever seen. We sat there, talking and taking in the view for quite a while! It’s in moments like this that I realize how truly blessed I am.

Neither of us wanted to leave the following day, but we were excited to get on the road and head down to Thousand Oaks to see the Nungesters. We stopped back in Visalia and drove south towards LA with Matt’s parents. That night we had a late Father’s Day celebration and enjoyed spending time together.

Yosemite Valley 2023

Bridalveil Falls

Matt in front of our tent in Curry Village

The Mist Trail at sunset

Hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail

Matt half way up the trail!

Matt taking time to smell the Ponderosa Pines

Matt at the top!

I made it to the top!

We made it!

Beautiful sunrise as we headed south

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Matt Oliver

Blog by: Korin

After Almont, CO, we were supposed to meet my parents at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, we started to hear engine noise, and after having a mechanic look at it, we decided that we would have to skip the Grand Canyon and head straight for California. We were all disappointed, including my parents! We headed west and looked for an alternative stop for the night. Cedar Breaks National Monument was along our route, and we found an open campsite at Cedar Breaks RV Resort. After a long day of driving, we ate a quick dinner and headed out to explore and catch the sunset.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is in southwestern Utah. The monument has dramatic geological formations, vibrant-colored cliffs, hoodoos, spires, and cliffs. The main attraction is the amphitheater, a large natural bowl-shaped formation stretching over three miles long and a half mile deep. When we left the trailer, it was 85 degrees, and as we came to the first vista point, the temperature was 65! We took in the views, and before you knew it, the boys were in a full-on snowball fight. I tried to stay out of it but got caught in the crossfire! The night ended with a warm campfire and spectacular stargazing.

We made it to Cedar Breaks National Monument!

We made it in time for sunset!

The boys

Beautiful scenery

Josh enjoying the sunset

Eli and Korin right before the snowball fight

Almont, Colorado

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Matt Oliver

Blog by: Josh

After Great Sand Dunes National Park, we travelled to the beautiful town of Almont, Colorado. We pulled into our camping site and set up camp. Then, Uncle Matt went on a wading fishing trip on the Taylor River. He caught 3 fish and said that the fish were swimming all around his feet! While he was fishing, Eli and I walked around and threw the football. Then we made up a game where we had to knock over a chess piece that was placed on a big rock using small rocks, all from our camp chairs; it was hard! When Uncle Matt got back he told us fishing stories and we had dinner. Then Eli and I washed the dishes while Aunt Korin and Uncle Matt went for a run. The next day, Eli, Uncle Matt and I got up early to go on a fishing trip down the Gunnison River with our guide, Skylar. We drove to a boat ramp and set off down the river. We all caught a LOT of fish but a lot got away. The trip was SO much fun! We made jokes, ate food and fished. While were away Aunt Korin worked on her class assignments. When we came back, we relaxed, and drove into Crested Butte for dinner. Overall, Almont is now one of my top 10 favorite towns.

Josh and Eli getting ready to fish down the Gunnison River

Josh with a fish

Floating down the river

Matt with a fish

Josh with a fish!

Eli with a fish

Matt with a fish

Josh with a fish

Dinner in Crested Butte, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Posted on June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by Matt Oliver

Blog Post: Eli

After West Virginia, we stopped in Indiana to see some friends of my Uncles. Kathy, Jim, Phil and Jen were great hosts with beautiful homes right on Grandview Lake. We were able to jet ski, have a night ride on their boat, and sit in their lakeside hot tub! We had a nice night and were thankful for their hospitality. The next day we made our way to my Auntie Kat and Steve’s house in Missouri. After meeting their new dog Ozzie, we had a Kansas City BBQ for dinner. My dad took my Uncle Bubba to the airport the next morning and we drove a few hours to get to a stop over campsite in Kansas.

The next day, we arrived at Great Sand Dunes National Park and were early enough to rent a sled and two sandboards. I feel like I am on Tatooine when I’m at Great Sand Dunes, and I was excited for my cousin Josh to experience this other world. Once we set the trailer up, we made our way across the river to the dunes. This was my third time to the dunes, and I was eager to start sand boarding. Josh caught onto sand boarding quickly and after a few runs on the small hills, we started riding bigger ones. It was extremely fun and riding down the dunes was a blast. That night, we celebrated my Mom’s birthday with a big spaghetti dinner, salad, garlic toast and ice cream cookie sandwiches (her favorite).

On the second day, Josh and I headed out to sandboard in the morning. As the day went on, the wind picked up, so we headed back to camp. My parents hiked to Zapata Falls while Josh and I chilled out. That evening, my Dad and I went out and boarded together. Early the third morning, my Dad and I went out for some last runs. I was able to conquer Suicide Hill which is an extremely steep hill that had given me trouble in the past. We were happy that no one got hurt while we were sandboarding. The towering snow-covered mountaintops around us really made us feel small. Overall, it was an extremely fun experience for the entire family.

We made it to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Josh and Eli on the boat

Matt catches a fish in Grandview Lake

Eli and Josh get ready to head to the dunes

Eli sandboarding

Matt gets ready to sled down the dune

Josh sandboarding!

Eli sandboarding

Eli watching the sunset

Korin hiking to Zapata Falls

Matt and Korin hiking to Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls

Circleville, West Virginia: VIA FERRATA

Posted on June 20, 2023June 20, 2023 by Matt Oliver

Blog Post by: Josh and Eli

What you’re about to read about may be shocking, disturbing, and mildly annoying. The case files of the Via Ferrata have been a closely guarded secret until now. Reserved for only the most bloodthirsty of parents determined to kill their teens, their names: Teenager Terminators. These are their stories.

*Dun Dun*

*Switches to Josh: We wake up in the morning groggy but alive. We started our drive scared and wondering if we would make it back alive or in boxes. We were scared for our eventual death or injury.

*Switches to Eli: As the van doors open, Josh and I are thrown out and our blind folds are taken off. We’re forced to walk on the trail in the Appalachian Mountains, and we approach the two granite fins, that have claimed countless teenage lives. Josh exclaims, “No wonder we were brought here. I knew they were tired of us. Nefarious scally-wags.”

*Switches to Josh: We set off climbing straight up the trail, like sheep brought to the slaughter. We did not know when they would unclip us and push us down to our inevitable deaths. We come around the first turn and look down at the countless memorials of the fallen teens. Teen screams still echo throughout the canyon.

*Switches to Eli: “No wonder they brought us here, it’s where they could dispose bodies without getting noticed! There are countless memorials that no one could ever keep track of!” This couldn’t be happening. We thought this place was based on ghost stories we heard as kids. I look back at Josh and his face looks like a ghost. We had to find a way out and fast. But how? I quickly survey the area looking for anyway to escape, but then, “JOSH! We have to make it to the bridge!” We both nod as we frantically scramble for the bridge trying to get to the other side of the canyon.

*Switches to Josh: “Run before they get us!” We both start running fast, trying not to fall down the twelve hundred foot drop.

*Switches to Eli: The bridge starts to sway, and rock as we sprint across. The creaks echo through the canyon. Uncle Bubba had gained on us and was eager to cut the bridge ropes. We were going to have to jump for the edge. As we jump, I fall short, but Josh grabs my hand, and pulls me up. We had escaped, but now we had to survive the rest of Via Ferrata. “Let’s get this done.” Josh announces. We start to navigate the deteriorated trail as we come to grips that our own fathers were trying to kill us on Father’s Day. Hiking on the side of the mountain, I get sewing machine leg and my hands start to slip as I look down. Every step I take, the world seems to collapse around me. The creaking rungs and mind-numbing drops produces adrenaline that I can feel coursing through my veins. Each rung is a battle to hang on to. Through jagged rocks and cliffs, we press on. As we climb up, we see an opening. We pull ourselves up the final rung and both collapse next to each other. We were at the top. We had escaped the Via Ferrata and our fathers. Legend still has it that Teenage Terminators are still there today.

All in all the Via Ferrata although fun was an adrenaline inducing adventure that brought all of us to our limits. Overall, we would rate this adventure a 9/10 skulls, perfect for murdering your young teenagers.

Special Thanks to Michael Bay for making this movie-blog thingy a possibility.

The NRocks Via Ferrata Adventure begins!

Matt enjoys his Father’s Day ice cream cookie sandwich

Start of Summer 2023

Posted on June 19, 2023June 20, 2023 by Matt Oliver

When we began planning the trip back in November, we weren’t exactly sure what it would look like. Once we realized that Samantha wouldn’t be camping with us this summer, we prepped for my brother-in-law and nephew to join us during the first leg. We will miss Samantha, but she is doing amazing things as she landed a fantastic neuroscience internship at the University of Alabama.
We picked up Jon and Josh in DC at the start of the trip. They had flown in the night before and spent the morning seeing several DC sights. We made our way to the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia. The Seneca Shadows campground had nice sites close to the Via Ferrata hike. The hike boasted rugged cliffs and steep terrain, which required us to be secured to a fixed cable. The hike perfectly blended excitement and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable adventure. Stay tuned to hear all about it!

Summer adventure begins!

Seneca Shadows Campground

Home!

Posted on August 6, 2022August 8, 2022 by Matt Oliver

After 44 nights camping this summer, we are back in our home state of Delaware. Like many trips, the end of this one is bittersweet especially as Samantha will be moving to college in just a few days. We are very thankful that we had no injuries, no significant sicknesses, and safe travels. This year we were blessed to see our parents, sister Kathleen and brother-in-law Steve, Bill and Donna, and Uncle Dan and Aunt Heidi. We hiked 116 miles! We drove 7,895 miles which included 17 states. We visited 2 National Forests, 1 State Park, 1 National Monument, 2 National Landmarks and 7 National Parks. As a family, we have now visited 50 of the 63 national parks. In addition, Matt and I have now been in all 50 states!

Let us know what your favorite places are and maybe we will visit them next summer!

VIDEO BELOW

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Posted on August 5, 2022August 6, 2022 by Matt Oliver

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. It was established as a National River in 1978 and became a National Park in 2020. Despite the name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent. The national park protects 53 miles of the New River and over 70,000 acres of the gorge that the river created. The New River Gorge is home to some of the country’s best white-water rafting. I wanted to stop at the park on our way home last year, but we just couldn’t make it work. So this year, we made sure it was on the itinerary!

When we researched the park, we realized that there were no campgrounds within the park boundaries. We decided to reserve a campsite at Adventures on the Gorge which is a resort and outfitter company that offers all sorts of accommodations including cabins, campsites, glamping, and houses as well as many different types of activities. We were supposed to arrive at the resort on the 2^nd of August but were delayed a night due to some truck issues. Long story short, we pulled into a KOA around 11:30pm on the 2^nd and got up very early the 3^rd to make our white-water rafting trip. Upon arrival, we were all very tired but excited to get on the river. We got our gear, safety orientation, and headed for the bus to take us upstream for a full day on the river. It was a hot day, and the river water was a refreshing temperature. After the first set of rapids, we were all awake, wet, and full of anticipation for what was to come. Matt and Eli even were brave enough to do some “swimming rapids”! Between rapids, our guide told us all about the history of the gorge and the people who worked in the coal mines along the river. After lunch we were allowed to jump in and float down the river and later, we climbed up to a rock and jumped in. The last few rapids were class V and quite intense, but we made it through without anyone falling out of the boat. To top off the amazing day, we jumped out of the boat and floated downstream under the New River Bridge! We all agreed that rafting was a fabulous way to see New River National Park! That night we were all beat and were in bed by 9pm.

The morning of the 4^th, Matt and Eli headed out for a fish float trip at 7am. The fishing ended up being so-so as they only caught eight fish. Samantha and I headed to the resort pool to lounge the day away. The boys joined us after lunch and into the afternoon. That night, we celebrated Eli’s 14^th birthday with hamburgers and dairy free ice cream. We capped the night off with the MoonTrek Adventure which was an obstacle course challenge with the magic of a moonlit forest night. There were several courses in the tree canopy that included bridges, nets and ziplines. Our family had a blast navigating through the obstacles!

We didn’t have time to do and see everything New River National Park and Preserve has to offer but we had a great time while we were there. We will be back to do more rafting and ziplining!

Matt and Korin in front of the New River Bridge

Kansas City, Missouri

Posted on August 5, 2022August 6, 2022 by Matt Oliver

After leaving the mountains, we had a very long drive and arrived at Kathleen and Steve’s house in Kansas City after dinner. My parents were already there! We sat on the porch that night catching up all the while missing my oldest sister Kristin and her family. The next morning, Matt, Samantha, Eli, and my parents headed to the World War 1 museum. Matt and Eli had visited last year but wanted to go back to go experience the virtual reality program that put you on the western front in the trenches. The experience was realistic, eye opening, and haunting. Overall, the museum was informative and gave them the opportunity to understand that time period and the realities of war. That night, we were spoiled by Steve who smoked two racks of ribs for us all to enjoy!

The following day, we ran some needed errands including groceries and had the truck serviced. We also spent time with Grandma and Papa playing cards and talking. That evening, we headed to Steve’s parents’ house for tacos. They were fabulous hosts, and everyone enjoyed the tacos. Our time together was short but I’m so glad we were able to spend a few more days with my family!