Irie to Aurora

Rafting? Easy... or so I thought—until I was halfway through the first rapid, gulping down more canyon water than I bargained for. 🙃 Day one, and it was all screams and adrenaline right out of the gate. Between hitting the first rapid and trying to remember the emergency tips, let’s just say it was a crash course in hanging on tight. 😂 There were a few ‘WTF did I sign up for?’ moments. And let’s talk safety—because trust me, when the rapids hit, you’ll want to be ready! Tip 1️⃣: That life vest—tighten it like your life depends on it... because it does. Tip 2️⃣: Hold on with both hands—white-knuckle time. Tip 3️⃣: Scream with your mouth closed unless you want a canyon-water chug. What really got me was the rush. Halfway through the first few rapids, I was already laughing at how wild it was. I felt safe the whole time, even when the river was doing its thing. Shoutout to the @hatchriverexpeditions crew for keeping us prepped and ready for whatever came next. Day one had me screaming through the splash zone, but it wasn’t my first scream... and definitely not my last. Ever signed up for an adventure and thought, ‘Oh man, what have I gotten into?’ Let’s hear your stories! And if you’re curious about rafting, drop a question—I’m here for it. Stick around, there’s more to come! . . . . . #riverrafting #whitewaterrafting #hiddengems #coloradoriver #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #outdooradventures #arizonaoutdoors #riverrapids #outdoorsyblackwoman #adventuretravel — 🎵: Catching Up by Toby Tranter

When you’re on the water with a 70-pound adventure partner like Amara, having the right gear isn’t just helpful—it’s essential 🛶🐾 One of the reasons we trust the Ruffwear Float Coat is because of the handle. It might seem like a small detail, but when you’re trying to get a big dog back on the paddleboard after a swim, that handle is a lifesaver. It gives me the confidence to take on longer paddling trips, knowing I can easily help her back on board if needed. Amara’s got boundless energy and a love for the water that’s impossible to contain. The Float Coat’s buoyancy keeps her safe and supported, letting her swim to her heart’s content, without me worrying about her getting tired too quickly. It’s more than just a life jacket; it’s peace of mind that lets us both enjoy the adventure fully. A little tip for anyone with a big dog: make sure the fit is snug but comfortable, so your pup can move freely. And don’t forget to test the handle—it’s a game changer when your dog’s enthusiasm outweighs her sense of direction! Out here, it’s just us, the water, and the freedom to explore without holding back. Because with the right gear, every paddle becomes a new adventure. 🌊✨ #RuffwearAmbassador #MyDogIsMy . . . . #PaddlePups #OutdoorDogs #DogGear #AdventureTogether #RuffwearFloatCoat #getoutsideandplay #germanshepherds #NomadicLiving

Celebrating 42 today, and let me tell you, this life looks nothing like what I imagined. I thought I’d be in a big house, raising kids, and living in a city by now. But somewhere along the way, I realized that the ‘dream’ I was chasing wasn’t really mine. Turns out, my life doesn’t fit in a neat little box, and honestly, that’s just the way I want it. I’m all about the things you can’t buy or capture in a perfect social media post—the real, messy, unpredictable moments that make it all worth it. A year ago, I was in a completely different headspace. It’s wild how much can shift when you stop living up to everyone else’s expectations and start focusing on what you truly want. So here’s to 42—breaking the rules, choosing my own damn path, and loving every minute of it. If you’re feeling stuck, remember—you can change your story whenever you decide. Cheers to living life on our terms! 🥂 . . . . #NomadicLiving #BroncoLife #OffGridLiving #solofemalevanlife #birthdayreflections #thisis42 #ageisjustanumber #vanlife #blackvanlife #UnconventionalLife #outdooradventures

Solo travel makes you your own mechanic—and your own therapist 😅 I’ve had more one-sided conversations with my Bronco than I care to admit. Miles from anywhere, these ‘therapy sessions’ aren’t just routine—they keep me going. Tightening a bolt is proof that I’m out here, making it happen, mile by mile. There’s something honest about taking care of your own rig. Every wrench turn, every bump in the road, reinforces that sometimes best stories come from the grit, the grease, and being both driver and pit crew. And when you’re solo those stories are earned, one breakdown at a time. Ever sweet-talked a transmission into behaving? That’s real. . . . . #RoadsideTherapy #SoloFemaleVanlife #VanLife #TruckCamperLife #OverlandingLife #BlackSoloTravel #LifeOnTheRoad #NomadicLiving #SummerRoadTrip #BroncoLife #OffGridLiving #TravelTherapy #WomenWhoTravel #comedyreels

7.5 years of partnered travel, and now it’s just me—learning to love the road solo wasn’t what I expected. A year ago, I hit the road alone for the first time in almost a decade. No one to share the map, no one to split the playlist. At first, it felt like I’d lost something, like the silence was too loud, and the nights were too long. But you know what? I found out that solitude has its perks. Its Friday night, it’s just me, my Bronco, my dog, and a sky full of stars. An hour spent on skincare—massaging my body with oils that smell like freedom💆‍♀️, made a comforting meal, and enjoyed a long, walk with Amara 🐾. It’s the kind of night that makes me appreciate solo travel. It wasn’t always this smooth. Some nights, the silence was a bit too real. But now? It’s the best part of my day. This is me taking back my time, my space, my life. No distractions, no rush—just pure, unfiltered freedom. Sometimes, the best company is your own. If you know, you know. 🌙✨ . . . . #SoloTravel #FridayNights #SelfLoveJourney #VanlifeJourney #LifeonTheRoad #exploretheoutdoors #NomadicLiving #mydogismy #fordbronco

The best adult purchase I made isn’t what you’d expect… Eight years ago, I hit a crossroads— I was burned out from the 9-to-5 grind and craving something different. So, instead of following the “responsible” path, I signed the biggest check of my life—$10k on a 35-year-old VW Vanagon. I named her Irie (eye-ree). This van was my ticket to freedom. Three months later I hit the road with dreams of visiting every National Park and figuring out what really mattered. Irie wasn’t just a vehicle—she was my escape from a life that felt too fast and too predictable. But van life isn’t all sunsets and scenic drives. Irie was slow as hell, broke down more times than I can count, and left me questioning my sanity more than once. But you know what? she taught me to love the slow lane and really soak up the journey—breakdowns, meltdowns, and all. Some of the best moments were those spontaneous connections—like when old-timers at gas stations would light up at the sight of Irie and share their own tales of peace & love in a VW van. And fixing her engine in a snowstorm in Oregon and driving straight down to Baja, Mexico is a story I’ll tell forever. Irie gave me more than just miles—she shifted my perspective. I learned that joy isn’t about what you own—it’s about how you live. And sometimes, the best investment isn’t always what you’d expect. For me, it was Irie, my tan Vanagon with the bright blue canopy. . . . . #Vanlife #NomadicLiving #optoutside #VanagonLife #VanlifeJourney solofemalevanlife #campervan #blackvanlife

I don’t fight fear—I make deals with it. I’ve learned to bribe myself with promises of freedom. Instead of battling my fears head-on, I tempt myself with the excitement of new adventures. When the fear of the unknown creeps in, I remind myself of the bold steps I’ve already taken—leaving a stable career to live on the road, launching a creative business from a makeshift desk in the mountains, and discovering hidden strengths along the way—learning to repair my van on the fly to solo overlanding, and finding joy in a simple, minimalist way of life. Each challenge showed me I could adapt and thrive in any setting. This isn’t about being fearless—it’s about outsmarting fear by offering myself something even more exciting. That’s how I’ve built a life full of unexpected turns, joys, and stories worth telling. So, next time fear tries to take the wheel, remember—it’s your journey. Keep chasing those moments that make you feel alive, because they’re what make life truly exciting. Why fight fear when you can outsmart it? Just my POV, take it or leave it. . . . . #outdoorlife #campinglife #solotravel #vanlife #NomadicLiving #LifeOnTheRoad

Join me for Sunday brunch in my Bronco kitchen! 🥚 My Bronco kitchen is the tiniest kitchen I’ve ever cooked in. The cleanup is more, and managing in such a tight space can be overwhelming. So, eggs are a staple! Here’s one of my favorite 5-minute recipes that keeps me nourished without the fuss. **Recipe:** 1. Heat some coconut oil in a cast iron pan. 2. Add any leftover veggies; I usually go with cauliflower. 3. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and turmeric. 4. Crack 2-3 eggs on top and mix with a fork. 5. Toss in something green like green onions or salad mix, and sprinkle with cheese. 6. Cover and cook until set, or flip if you prefer. 7. Slide it onto a plate or eat it right out of the pan, like me. Enjoy with a tortilla and avocado, or by itself. Finding interesting ways to stay nourished is an adventure in itself. Got any go-to quick meals for extra tiny kitchens? Taking all recs! . . . #VanLife #SoloTravel #CampCooking #LifeonTheRoad  #NomadicLiving #GermanShepards #TinyLiving #OffGridLife #SimpleLiving #CampingLife

Why should road travelers consider a cruise? One word: Bliss After endless miles and campfire coffees, I decided to shake things up with a @virginvoyages cruise. And wow, it was a whole new adventure. Life on the road is an adventure, but the constant hunt for WiFi, water, and campsites can be exhausting. This cruise swapped out my Bronco for a suite with an ocean view. Talk about a much-needed break from campsite chores and endless driving. Gourmet meals, spa-days, non-stop entertainment, and all i had to do was show up. Absolute heaven. Joining the #CreatorWave retreat with @sidewalkerdaily added an extra layer of fun and connection to the journey. Instead of planning every detail, I just got to kick back and enjoy the ride. Each day, I could choose between onshore adventures like snorkeling and exploring local culture, or just soaking up the restful luxury on the ship. No meal planning or resource hunting – everything was handled. If you’re a road traveler like me, craving a break from the usual grind, consider this your sign. This cruise was a chance to ditch the road trip hustle and sink into some serious self-care. It reminded me that sometimes, it’s okay to let someone else do the planning and just enjoy the journey. And trust me, being pampered felt pretty damn good. Been on a crusie? What did you love most? Comment below 👇🏾 . . . . #VirginVoyages #SelfCareTravel #AdventureSeeker #travelinglifestyle #luxurytravel #NomadicLiving #BlackGirlSoloTravel #LifeOnTheRoad