by Tim Lynch

Back in 2003, I promised my lovely, newly married French bride Régine that I’d show her America. Fast forward to 2025—promise kept! We packed up, hit the gas, and completed a 141-day, 14,500-mile odyssey (April 20–Sept 14) across the U.S. and Eastern Canada. In the immortal words of Simon & Garfunkel, we went “Off to look for America”—and, good news, we actually found it. Spoiler: it’s as exciting and inviting as advertised.

What made it unforgettable?

Of course, the showstoppers were the American National Parks—each one a world-class natural cathedral. But honestly, in these chaotic and turbulent times, the biggest gift was rediscovering the kindness, laughter, and joy people carry around like spare change. And most specifically a huge shout-out to our SERVAS hosts, who for 21 of those days welcomed and revived we road weary vagabonds like long-lost family members with bottomless hospitality.

Our Travel Anthem 

We took our cue from Walt Whitman’s Song of the Open Road (1856):

“Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,

Healthy, free, the world before me,

The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.”

Whitman said he doesn’t ask for good fortune—he is good fortune. We figured that was as good a travel motto as any.

Along the Way, We Became…

Adopted grandparents to sweet Vivee & Cameron—courtesy of the delightful Megan and Colin King in Albuquerque, NM (April 26–28). Little did they know, they spoiled and filled us with hugs and road-trip stories. Potluck pilgrims thanks to the radiant Tashima Wildrose, who swept us into her meditation circle and community feast in Santa Fe, NM (April 29–May 2). Inner peace plus casseroles = winning combo. Resurrected travelers when Carole Putnam welcomed us to her heaven in Fresno, CA (May 27–29). We all joined Shawn Joost for an evening that was refreshing like a “spa treatment,” only with friendship, food, song and laughter. Surfside philosophers-therapist with Larry Soll— He transfixed us with his life of the quintessential California surfer-dude-musician—in Trinidad, CA (June 17–20). We didn’t quite hang ten, but we nodded like pros. Home builders (and we the admirers) with Christine and Alan Amdahl in Sioux Falls, SD (July 11–13). Their stunning new builds—and equally stunning hospitality—made us feel like long-lost cousins who’d finally shown up. Medical marvels with Dr. Mary Winnett and her wonderful son in Minneapolis–St. Paul (July 17–20).  Healing stories, heartwarming conversations, and shared lives that made our road to and their presence feel like we’d arrived home. Sauna daredevils with Andrea and Andre Welz in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada (July 22–25) intimately brought us into their amazing world.  Picture this: roasting in a wood-fired sauna, then launching ourselves into Lake Superior. Shock, awe, and a few shrieks. Worth every goosebump. 14,500+ miles. Dozens of kind souls. A suitcase full of memories. And yes, Régine has now officially seen America.