Soles of My Traveling Shoes

Formerly airplanes and hotels, now a travel trailer and boondocking.

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Formerly airplanes and hotels, now a travel trailer and boondocking.

New York

NY, NY – Family, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island

October 18, 2014 by solestraveling Leave a Comment

Today was a huge day! I met my cousin Rina (and her family) today! Let me first give you a bit of background. My paternal grandfather’s parents and elder sister were born in Finland and later moved to the US, where my grandfather was born. When my grandfather was about 17, his parents and sister moved … [Read more…]

Posted in: New Jersey, New York, Travel Adventures

About Me

I travel, write, photo, experience, learn. I’m a wanderlust addict and prefer the window seat — be it on a plane or in the R-Pod. Relocated to Raleigh in 2016 after nine years in Seattle, but still a Detroiter at heart. Next destination: wherever.

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SolesTraveling on Instagram

solestraveling

solestraveling
We hiked Bighorn Overlook Trail to Jack Rabbit Tra We hiked Bighorn Overlook Trail to Jack Rabbit Trail before work in Palm Springs -- and found a Christmas tree, complete with lights and decor, at the top of the hill. 

#hiking #hikinginthedesert #deserthike #palmsspringshike #bighornoverlooktrail #bighornoverlook
New blog post! My Guide to RV Toilets and RV Black New blog post! My Guide to RV Toilets and RV Black and Grey Tanks. Link in profile. 

Curious about RV life but feel overwhelmed by everything you need to know about emptying RV tanks, and taking care of the RV toilet? I promise, if I could learn how to do it, so can you. Check out my RV Toilet Guide for more info.

(And yes, if anyone told me one year ago I'd be writing about, ahem, waste and  toilets, I would have thought they were nuts.)

#rvfulltime #RVlife #rpod192 #rpodding #rpodders #rpodnation #rpodlife #traveltrailerlifestyle #rvtanks #rvtoilet #blacktanks #greytanks #rvdumping #rv #traveltrailer #rpod #rvguide #homeiswhereyouparkit #rvblogger #rving #rvamerica #rvadventures
A few weeks ago, I got to meet up with a good frie A few weeks ago, I got to meet up with a good friend, @kojoteblau, (COVID style, masks and distancing) and he showed me around his neighborbood. We met early for coffee and walked our dogs around DTLA, visiting China Town, Union Station, Grand Park, and everything along the way. 

While I've spent a lot of time in LA, it's mostly been for work and even then mostly to Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. It was nice to see this part of LA. 

#dtla #citywalker #laduringcovid #traveling #rvlife #losangeles #losangelesca
The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is home to The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is home to the most viewed telescope in the world. Viewing is free for visitors, as the observatory's benefactor required in his will. The observatory is currently closed due to COVID, but the grounds and trails are still open! You can drive to the paid parking lot at the top and catch the views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. 

#losangeles #whattodoinla #laduringcovid #griffithobservatory
Have you ever short-term stored your RV while full Have you ever short-term stored your RV while full-timing? 

We stayed at my aunt and uncle's guest house in LA for a week, but the trailer couldn't come to Silver Lake. Finding a short term storage solution was difficult. We called over 40 RV and boat storage places from Simi Valley to Long Beach and out to Riverside and everything was full or they didn't do short-term. Finally, one of the RV storage places told me to check the fairgrounds in Pamona. Thankfully Fairplex Fairgrounds (booked through @fairplex RV park) had space AND did short-term space rentals. We did a month because it was a little cheaper than the day rate for 7 days, but we're so thankful to have a place to park the R-Pod. If you find yourself needing storage, this was a great and safe place to park and about 10 miles from Ontario airport and 40 from LAX. 

#RVlife #rvlifestyle #fulltimerv #rvstorage #pomonaca #fairplexrv #fairplexfairgrounds #lacountyfairgrounds #rpodnation #rpodlife #rpodliving #rpodfulltime #losangelesrvstorage
What's the tightest camp spot you've stayed in? What's the tightest camp spot you've stayed in? 

This is the Santa Rosa campground in @carpinteriastatebeach campground -- the only campground in the park with full hook ups. It was a very tight spot! All spaces are parallel (not angled) so backing in was quite rough. The max length for our particular spot was 21ft, and we used every inch. Thankfully we don't have slides, if we did we would have had to park our Jeep quite a bit away. Also, I have never heard so many fights between partners and friends before. Literally every parked RV was a fight to get it there. 

I will say the campground was just a few steps to the beach, amazing trails, cliffs, and tide pools. 

Because we stay places a but longer due to my work schedule, and have decided to stay in FHU spots only (to not use public restrooms due to COVID), sometimes our options are limited. We found this spot because of a cancelation (thankfully) but not sure we'd stay at this park again. 

#californiacampgrounds #calicamping #carpinteriastatebeach #rvparkinglot #carpinteria #tightspot #rvlife #happycamper #homeiswhereyouparkit #rpodnation #rpodlife #Rpod192
My top posts for 2020 are all from the last two mo My top posts for 2020 are all from the last two months, and all in California. I have an idea as to why (I got fed a ton of traffic in November thanks to something I wrote), but I swear we did a lot of cool, socially distanced stuff this year in other states, too! 

Here's to 2021, and more social distancing! 

#instagrambestnine #instagramtopnine #instagrambest9 #rvfulltime  #rvtravel  #rvstickermap #rpodlife  #Rpod192 #JeepGladiator
Happy 2nd Gotcha day to @sinatradoggy (aka Frankie Happy 2nd Gotcha day to @sinatradoggy (aka Frankie dog) -- the best darn #traveldog, #rvdog, and #rpoddog ever! 

#rvlife #rvdogs #rpod192dog #gotchaday #sinatradoggy #sinatradog #lazydog #dogtravel #beachdog #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogs #shihpootibetanterrier #shihpoo
Sliding down the concrete slides at the @pismobeac Sliding down the concrete slides at the @pismobeachpier in @pismobeachca! The slides are super fun, but super fast and not a lot of space to slow down. Chad made it look effortless but I totally busted my ass and bruised my tailbone (which is still sore 4 weeks later!). I slo-moed for your viewing pleasure. 

#pismobeach #pismobeachslides #pismobeach #pismobeachca #pismobeachcalifornia #slides #concreteslide #whattodoinpismobeach #pismobeachslide #adultslide
#funinthesun
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SolesTraveling

SolesTraveling
YouTube Video UCM50DedHcj4itYFFdYvjerw_dbFHdHfCVEE Cathedral Palms RV Resort (an All American RV Resort) is near Palm Springs and not too far from Joshua Tree. It's located near shopping (Target, Trader Joes) and has many large spots to accommodate all sorts of RVs. We really enjoyed this park, as our site was quite large and the park was quiet. It also has nice amenities like a pool, hot tub, laundry, dog park, pickleball courts, and more. 

Check in: December 13, 2020 
Check out: December 20, 2020

Please subscribe on YouTube!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

RV Gear we recommend (shop by category):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/solestrav...

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Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo - https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
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Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF

#CathedralPalmsRVResort #CaliforniaCampgrounds #PalmSpringsRVParks
Cathedral Palms RV Resort (an All American RV Resort) is near Palm Springs and not too far from Joshua Tree. It's located near shopping (Target, Trader Joes) and has many large spots to accommodate all sorts of RVs. We really enjoyed this park, as our site was quite large and the park was quiet. It also has nice amenities like a pool, hot tub, laundry, dog park, pickleball courts, and more. 

Check in: December 13, 2020 
Check out: December 20, 2020

Please subscribe on YouTube!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

RV Gear we recommend (shop by category):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/solestrav...

Stay in touch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solestravel...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolesTraveling/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/solestraveling

Video Gear:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ - https://amzn.to/32tPeZS
Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo - https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
Point & Shoot: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 - https://amzn.to/2IkGCOu
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF

#CathedralPalmsRVResort #CaliforniaCampgrounds #PalmSpringsRVParks
Cathedral Palms RV Resort | Cathedral City, California | RV Camping
YouTube Video UCM50DedHcj4itYFFdYvjerw_dbFHdHfCVEE
Did you know you can drive on the beach in at Oceano Dunes in Pismo Beach, California? All you need is a car that can handle sand and a $5 day pass! See the full video here: https://youtu.be/glQRtVQmlgw. Subscribe for more full-time RV videos and travel adventures: https://www.youtube.com/SolesTraveling 
#shorts
Driving on Pismo Beach | Jeep | #Shorts
YouTube Video UCM50DedHcj4itYFFdYvjerw_40siUTTOJ58
Carpinteria State Beach is a large oceanside state because with RV and tent camping, as well as day-use surfing, bodyboarding, etc. The park has three sections, one with full hook-ups. The park has a lot of oceanside camping spots, but all of the spots are very small and tight. I'd make sure to check the side of your spot to make sure your camper will fit -- as there is not much room for error. The state park is also adjacent to the Carpinteria Tar Pits and offers amazing bluffs and sunset views. 

Check in: December 4, 2020
Check out: December 6, 2020

Please subscribe on YouTube!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

RV Gear we recommend (shop by category):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/solestrav...

Stay in touch:
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Video Gear:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ - https://amzn.to/32tPeZS
Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo - https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
Point & Shoot: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 - https://amzn.to/2IkGCOu
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF

#CarpinteriaStateBeach #CaliforniaCampgrounds
RV Camping at Carpinteria State Beach Camping RV Park | Carpinteria, California
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3LmdRME1vRTE5Tkx3
#shorts driving through the Tour Thru Tree in Klamath, CA with the Jeep Gladiator Overland. See the full video here: https://youtu.be/dDsF95rbfuE. 
Subscribe for more camping and adventure videos: https://www.youtube.com/solestraveling
Driving through a Redwood Tree | Klamath, CA Tour Thru Tree #Shorts
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3Lmw2WWlRSWZkdTJz
Sliding down the concrete slides at Pismo Beach Pier is super fun. The slide starts at the playground and drops you to the beach. It's pretty fast and there isn't a lot of room to stop. My husband wore running shoes with grip, so he didn't have an issue but my flip flops didn't have enough traction to stop me. Watch as I bust my butt and probably actually bruised my coccyx (tailbone) pretty badly, as it still hurts four weeks later. We went to the Pier at 7am in early December to avoid crowds. The pier was recently redone and features airstream trailers for concessions, a modern artsy playground (with climbing equipment, the slides) and a large promenade. While dogs are not permitted on the pier, they are permitted on the beach. Definitely add Pismo Beach Pier Slides to your free things to do in Pismo Beach list!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

RV Gear we recommend (shop by category):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/solestraveling

Stay in touch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solestraveling/
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Video Gear:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ - https://amzn.to/32tPeZS
Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo -  https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
Point & Shoot: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 - https://amzn.to/2IkGCOu
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF

#PismoBeach #PismoBeachPier #PismoBeachSlides
Sliding Down the Pismo Beach Pier Slides | Pismo Beach, California
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3LmdsUVJ0VlFtbGd3
Oceano Memorial Campground is a San Luis Obispo county park campground (not to be confused with Oceano Campground at Pismo
 Beach State Park). The RV park is small, and every site has full hook ups. The park backs up to Oceano airport and biplanes take off every hour or so. The campground is just a quick drive or 15 minute walk to the beach, and about a 7 minute drive to downtown Pismo Beach. 

Check in: 11/29/2020
Check out: 12/4/2020

Please subscribe on YouTube!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

RV Gear we recommend (shop by category):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/solestraveling

Stay in touch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solestraveling/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolesTraveling/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/solestraveling

Video Gear:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ - https://amzn.to/32tPeZS
Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo - https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
Point & Shoot: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 - https://amzn.to/2IkGCOu
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF

#pismobeachcampground #oceanomemorialcampground #californiacoastcampgrounds
RV Camping at Oceano Memorial Campground | Pismo Beach, California
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3Ljl2OHRUNWVCUkNJ
Santa Cruz RV Ranch is a Thousand Trails and Encore RV Park. It's located in Scott's Valley, just a few miles north of Santa Cruz and about 40 mins south of San Jose. It's within a mile of all the shops you can think of, and a lot of great restaurants, too. The laundry room is huge, and in non-COVID times the RV park has a lot of amenities. 

Check in: November 21, 2020
Check out: November 27, 2020

Please subscribe on YouTube!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

RV Gear we recommend (shop by category):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/solestraveling

Stay in touch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solestraveling/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolesTraveling/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/solestraveling

Video Gear:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ - https://amzn.to/32tPeZS
Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo - https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
Point & Shoot: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 - https://amzn.to/2IkGCOu
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF

#santacruzcampground #santacruzrvranch #californiacampground
RV Camping at Santa Cruz RV Ranch (Encore/Thousand Trails) | Scotts Valley, California
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3LmItamNCZWJkY080
We stayed in a 1 bedroom king suite at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Monterey (Seaside, California) during the week of Thanksgiving 2020 -- during COVID-19. The hotel was super clean, and masks were required, and only two people to the elevator at a time. The pool, gym, bar, restaurant, and dining areas were closed. Food was available for takeout or room service at the hotel restaurant, and the coffee bar/gift shop was open during limited hours. We loved the location of this hotel. It was a 10 minute walk from the beach, on a trail around the lagoon, walkable to Chili's, In-N-Out, a cannabis shop and just a few miles away from downtown Monterey. Also, it had a big parking lot for our travel trailer!

Check in: November 26, 2020
Check out: November 29, 2020
#hotelroomtour #embassysuites #montereycalifornia
Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside | 1 Bedroom King Suite | Hotel Room Tour
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3LkdtelNmcjlXNzhR
Harbor RV Park is a smaller RV park in Fort Bragg, California backing up to Pomo Bluffs park and just a few steps away from beautiful ocean and cliff views. The park is centrally located in downtown Fort Bragg, and even walkable to a few shops and restaurants. The park has few amenities (no picnic tables, fire rings, playground, etc.) but this was one of our favorite parks due to it's location and views. 

Check In: November 15, 2020
Check Out: November 21, 2020

Please subscribe on YouTube!

For more on full-time travel trailer/RV Living stories, tips, tricks, visit: http://www.solesofmytravelingshoes.com

Stay in touch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solestraveling/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolesTraveling/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/solestraveling

Video Gear:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ - https://amzn.to/32tPeZS
Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo - https://amzn.to/3n6NbD1
Point & Shoot: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 - https://amzn.to/2IkGCOu
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini - https://amzn.to/38ooWfz
Time Lapse: Go Pro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/3lgFrxF
Ocean RV Camping at Harbor RV Park | Fort Bragg, California
YouTube Video VVVNNTBEZWRIY2o0aXRZRkZkWXZqZXJ3LlUxMEoyLTVYdklV
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