HELLO!

We’re the Hocking family—Jim, Cara, Amaia, Beckett, Stellan, and Hendrix. In 2021, we sold our dream house, moved into a converted school bus, and hit the road to explore the U.S. together. Since then, we’ve visited 48 states, 49 national parks, and discovered that living tiny can lead to the biggest adventures.

From tips on skoolie life, finding community, roadschooling, and travel with kids to free campsites and family-friendly hikes, we’re here to help you simplify, connect, and hit the road with confidence.

Live Small. Travel Big.

Whether you’re dreaming of a bus conversion, planning your first road trip, or looking for a community that just gets it—welcome to the journey.

Our bus 🚌 has driven to all of the lower 48 states—but what most people don’t realize is that we’ve been flat towing a car 🚗 behind us the entire time. Honestly…we couldn’t imagine full-time travel without it.

Once we arrive at a new destination, we park the bus 🚌 and use our car for everything else—grocery runs, scenic drives, National Park adventures, and errands. There are so many places we simply couldn’t access with the bus 🚌, and towing a vehicle gives us the flexibility to explore deeper, easier, and more spontaneously.

For our family of six, it also doubles as extra storage space and backup transportation. When the bus has broken down, our car 🚙 has been a lifesaver—letting us still get around while waiting on repairs.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling full-time in a bus 🚌 or RV, this is something we highly recommend considering.

What are your thoughts 💭 on towing a vehicle? What questions do you have?

#BusLife #FullTimeFamily #TinyLivingBigAdventures #SkoolieTravel #TowingLife #FamilyTravelTips #RoadTripUSA #36FootBus #HomeOnWheels #TowedVehicle #48StatesAndCounting #skoolie #buslife #thab

From school bus 🚌 to speedway … this dad finally got to pass someone 🏁! [ad] How fast do you think Jim drove 🚗💨?

Jim typically drives a 36-foot converted school bus — cruising at 55 mph on a good day, and gets passed by everyone 🚌💨. Thanks to NASCAR Racing Experience, he finally got to trade slow and steady for speed and adrenaline.

He experienced both the 8-minute driving experience and the high-speed ride-along at Nashville Superspeedway — and let’s just say, the smile didn’t leave his face all day 😎.

Whether you want to drive solo or ride shotgun with a pro, there’s an option for every thrill level:
🚙 Drive Experiences: Take the wheel of a real NASCAR race car for timed sessions ranging from 5 to 48 minutes.
🚙 Ride-Along Experiences: Buckle up for 3 or 6 high-speed laps with a professional racing instructor.

Want to give dad something unforgettable this Father’s Day? With 17 locations nationwide 🇺🇸, it’s easy to find a track near you! Choose a drive or ride-along experience and give dad a gift he won’t forget!

🎁 Comment “fast” and we will send you the link to book your experience!
👉 Would your dad enjoy this for Father’s Day? Tag a dad who would love a gift like this!

#NASCARRacingExperience #DriveNASCAR #BucketList #BestExperienceEver #fathersday #makingmemories #thab #skooliedad #lovelifeyourway #nascarfan #racingexperience

Is this the best spring 💧 in Florida? Our kids think so—and we might agree! We don’t know why we waited so long to visit, but Devil’s Den Spring in Williston, Florida totally lived up to the hype 🌟. [ad]

This isn’t just a cool place to snorkel—it’s a prehistoric spring with fossils dating back over 10,000 years!

Here’s what you need to know before you go:
✅ Reservations are required.
✅ Mask, snorkel & fins are mandatory (rentals available).
✅ Water stays a crisp 72°F year-round.
✅ Max depth of 54 feet.
✅ There is a swimming pond on the property that we also enjoyed!
✅ They have cabin rentals, RV and tent sites.
✅ Entry fee applies—but it’s worth every penny!

If you’re planning a Florida adventure, definitely add this hidden gem 💎 to your list!!!

Would you swim 🏊 in this ancient underground spring?

✅ Save this post
👯‍♀️ Tag a friend you want to explore it with!

#bucketlist #visitflorida #DevilsDen #FloridaSprings #FamilyAdventure #SwimThroughHistory #floridasprings #TinyLivingBigAdventures #snorkelflorida #TravelWithKids #HiddenGemsFlorida #scubafun

Want to see the ultimate family paddle setup 🌟? We showed you where we store all of our paddle boards as we travel full time across the country 🇺🇸…now let’s take a look at the exact setup that works for our family of six 🏄! [ad]

Each of us has our own board—except Hendrix, who rides along with Jim or me:

💧Jim: HD Aero 11’6” Full Trax
💧Cara: HD Aero 11’6” Full Trax
💧Amaia: Wulf Aero 10’4
💧Beckett: HD Aero 11’6” Full Trax
💧Stellan: Flow Aero 8
💧Hendrix: Co-pilot with Jim or me

In addition to our inflatable boards, we also love our Kula coolers that double as a seat, our water proof bags, our rechargeable electric pump, and drink ware that attaches to our boards!

If you want more details about our setup along with links to each item, comment “setup” and we will send you a link to our blog where we listed it all out for you 💫 !

And if you’re ready to gear up, use code “HOCKINGS10” for 10% off at BOTEboard.com ❤️!

What questions do you have about paddling and our setup?!? Who else loves time on the water 💧? This setup has changed our adventures in the BEST way!

#skooliefamily #skoolielife #TheHockingAdventureBus #BOTEBoards #FamilyPaddleSetup #TinyLivingBigAdventure #FullTimeFamily #BOTEPartner #PaddleBoardingLife #supsetup #familysup

Planning a Florida ☀️ adventure? Here’s why you should add Rainbow Springs 🌈 State Park to your list:
💧 Admission is only $6 per car for the day.
💧 There is a campground (10 minute drive to the headspring) and RV sites include electric, water and sewer hook ups.
💧You can launch paddleboards right from the campground.
💧If you’re camping onsite, access to the paddle/kayak launch and headspring is included in your nightly fee.
💧The water is crystal clear and stays 72°F year-round—perfect for cooling off.

We spent six days here and loved how easy it was to explore the river straight from camp. We used our BOTE inflatable boards to paddle 🏄 upstream to the headspring, swam in the spring, then floated back down to camp.

The Florida beaches 🏝️ are great but if you’re looking for something different in Florida, save ✅ this post for your next trip and tag someone who needs a spring day in their life!

What fun things do you have planned for summer ☀️?!?

#RainbowSprings #FloridaSprings #StateParkAdventures #Paddleboarding #FamilyTravel #BusLife #FullTimeTravel #SpringHopping #TravelTips #HiddenGemsFlorida #SaveForLater #TagYourAdventureBuddy #bote #boteboards

What’s soft, adorable, and gets used every single day 💫?!? Living in a tiny space means everything we bring in the bus 🚌 needs to be practical and multipurpose—and Pillow Pets fit right in 👍. [ad] These cuddly characters have been bringing joy to people of all ages since 2003. They are part plush toy, part pillow, and 100% adorable. With one quick flip of the Velcro strap, these go from snuggly stuffed animal to cozy pillow in seconds. Ours kids use theirs for movie nights 🎥 on the floor, back support on the couch, hangouts outside, and bedtime snuggles 😴. Whether your child needs a travel buddy or a nap-time companion, this two-in-one solves it all. If you’ve never tried one (or just forgot how awesome they are), now’s the time to bring one home.

Did your kids have one growing up—or did you? Which one is your favorite ❤️?

Comment “PLUSH” and we will send you a link to grab a Pillow Pet! Use code “THAB” at checkout to save 10% off your order 💫.

#originalpillowpets #PillowPets #TinyLiving #FamilyTravel #CozyVibes #HomeOnWheels #Roadschooling #RVLifeWithKids #BusLifeAdventure #StuffedAnimalLove #FamilyMemories

Have you ever visited a Florida spring 💧? Juniper Springs, in the Ocala National Forest is easily one of the prettiest springs we’ve visited so far 🤩. This natural swimming hole with crystal-clear water that stays 72°F year-round is surrounded by lush palms 🌴 and ferns that make you feel like you are in the jungle. One unique feature is the concrete ledge that wraps around the spring. The kids loved taking a break on the ledge before jumping in and swimming 🏊 again—and we loved that it felt safe and easy to supervise 👀.

We booked our campsite using the @arviecamping one-click booking feature and loved that camping onsite (no hookups) included spring access. The best part? The spring was just a short walk from our site.

Have you been to a Florida Spring yet? Would you swim here?

#JuniperSprings #FloridaSprings #GoArvie #OcalaNationalForest #FamilyTravel #FullTimeTravel #SpringHopping #BusLifeFamily #CampingWithKids #TinyLivingBigAdventures #NatureLovers #HiddenGems #visitflorida

If you want an experience your kids will never forget, bring them to the SUN ‘n FUN aerospace expo ✈️ in Lakeland, Florida! [ad]

It’s not just about the amazing airshows and entertainment — it’s an incredible learning experience filled with aviation, science, and STEM-based activities that spark curiosity and inspire future pilots, engineers, and explorers. From hopping into flight simulators to trying hands-on activities, SUN ’n FUN is packed with family-friendly fun.

Our kids spent hours at The Florida Air Museum and Future ‘n Flight Plaza diving into hands-on exhibits. They also explored several different flight simulators, and even got to meet the Blue Angels — a moment they’ll never forget.

Whether it was flying virtual planes, learning about real ones, or just soaking up the airshow energy, SUN ’n FUN makes aviation come to life for the next generation.

Would your kids find this fun? Would YOU?!? Save the date: April 14–19, 2026 ✅!
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#SunNFun2025 #VisitCentralFlorida #FamilyTravel #AirshowAdventure #BlueAngels #FamilyFun #STEMEducation #AviationKids #TravelWithKids #FuturePilots #AirshowLife #HomeschoolOnTheRoad #RoadschoolingLife #FullTimeTravelFamily #lakelandflorida #visitcentralfl #homeschoolfun

Our family of six has been traveling full time 🚌 for nearly four years now and we have accumulated some extra stuff along the way! When we decided to get our BOTE inflatable paddle boards three years ago, we also needed a storage solution. We bought the biggest cargo box we could find. Somehow it fits five paddle boards 🏄, six life jackets, six paddles, a pump, and a few other odds and ends. We love that it’s all stored on the car 🚙 so that we are ready to hit the water anytime.

Traveling full-time means being intentional with every inch of space, and this setup has given us so many great memories on the water 💙.

Can you believe this all fits in our cargo box?!? What would you store in this precious space if you lived tiny?

#FullTimeFamily #BusLife #PaddleBoardAdventure #CargoBoxStorage #tinyliving #TinyLivingBigAdventure #SkoolieLife #RoadTripReady #FamilyOnTheGo #YakimaBox #MinimalistTravel #travelwithkids #bote #botenation #boteboards

Alexander Springs might be our favorite Florida spring 💧 yet. The water is unbelievably clear, the head spring is huge, and it’s one of the best spots we’ve found for swimming and snorkeling. We spent hours in the water—diving down, exploring, and even the younger two are getting more adventurous each time.

Here’s what you need to know:
💧Admission is $13 per person (ages 6+).
💧The spring stays a refreshing 72°F year-round and pumps out over 100 million gallons a day.
💧 Make sure you bring goggles and snorkels.
💧 We use life jackets as flotation devices but pool noodles and small tubes are also allowed here.
💧There’s a paddle launch and a shady picnic area.
💧You can camp right on-site (no hookups), and swimming admission is included with your stay.
💧We booked our spot through Arvie.com (link in bio!), which made the process super easy.

Whether you want to swim, snorkel, paddle, or just relax in nature—Alexander Springs is a solid favorite for our family.

Have you ever visited Alexander Springs—or is it on your list? Make sure to save this post ✅.

#AlexanderSprings
#FloridaSprings
#OcalaNationalForest
#SwimFlorida
#FloridaAdventure
#FamilyTravelTribe
#FullTimeTravelFamily
#SpringHopping
#ClearWaterSprings
#SwimSnorkelExplore
#PaddleFlorida
#NatureLoversParadise
#CampingWithKids
#TravelWithKids
#HockingAdventureBus #thab

Don’t miss the end…we weren’t alone in the spring 👀. We started our Florida springs 💧 tour at one that totally surprised us in a good way…Salt Springs! This crystal-clear gem 💎 is located in the Ocala National Forest and unlike the other springs in Florida, it contains a natural amount of salt—thanks to ancient seawater trapped underground. It stays a constant 72°F year-round and pumps out over 53 million gallons of water every day!

Salt Springs is shallow and calm, making it perfect for exploring with kids. There are tons of rocky nooks, little ledges, and pockets filled with fish 🐟, blue crabs 🦀—and yes, we even spotted a tiny gator 🐊 peeking out at us (don’t worry, he was more scared of us than we were of him).

Make sure to bring goggles and snorkels 🤿 and life jackets if you need. Admission is $12 (+tax) per person, but if you’re camping in the Salt Springs Recreation Area, admission to the spring is included.
The campground ⛺️ has electric/water hookups and provides easy access to the spring.

This was the perfect place to kick off our Florida springs adventure 🌟. We have several others on our list before we head north.

Which other springs should we visit? Have you been to a Florida Spring? Which ones is your favorite ❤️!

Make sure to save ✅ this for your next Florida adventure and tag a friend you want to swim 🏊 here with!

*We love sharing these natural wonders, but please remember they are fragile ecosystems that need our care. Please respect nature and keep Florida’s springs clear and thriving for generations to come 💙.*
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#SaltSpringsFlorida
#FloridaSprings
#ExploreFlorida
#SpringHopping
#FamilyAdventure
#HiddenGemsFlorida
#NatureLovers
#CrystalClearWater
#TravelWithKids
#CampingInFlorida
#VisitFlorida
#FloridaOutdoors
#FullTimeTravelFamily
#SwimWithFish
#NaturalFlorida

Did you know SUN ’n FUN in Lakeland, Florida is the second largest airshow in the United States ✈️?!? ad

SUN ’n FUN 2025 was packed with live music 🎵, daily airshows, jaw-dropping night airshows ✈️ featuring fireworks 🎆 and drones, and the unforgettable roar of the Blue Angels — plus so many other incredible pilots. From hopping into flight simulators to dancing 🕺 along with Uncle Kracker and Tyler Hubbard on opening night, there truly was something for everyone.

Have you been to an airshow ✈️? Already dreaming about next year? We are!

Save the date: April 14–19, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida!

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#SunNFun2025 #snf2025 #snf2026 #VisitCentralFlorida #AirshowLife #FamilyTravel #BlueAngels #AirShowAdventure #SunNFunFlyIn #FullTimeTravelFamily #Roadschooling #HomeschoolAdventures #MilitaryOutreach #FamilyFunOnTheRoad #CentralFloridaEvents #visitcentralfl

Sweet 16 in St. Augustine 🥳. We started bus 🚌 life when Amaia was 12. It took her five months—and a new puppy 🐶—before she fully embraced this lifestyle and she has never looked back. We are so proud of her 💜. She started her own small business (@busbeads) from the road and has built an amazing community of customers and other small business owners like her 💫. She’s creative and kind, helpful, adventurous, and works so hard at everything she does. She has the most amazing group of friends on the road and we were lucky enough to spend her birthday with another bus family (@thunderbolt_the_wonderbus) ❤️.

Amaia planned her whole birthday in St. Augustine—from the farmers market to a beach 🏖️ stop, lunch at Crave, a Circle K run, getting her ears pierced at the oldest tattoo parlor in town, and exploring this beautiful historic city.

We couldn’t be more proud of you, Amaia. You’re growing into someone the world 🌎 needs more of, and we can’t wait to see where you take it ⭐️. But for now, keep living your best life adventuring 🚌 with us ☺️. We love you!!!

Comment “order” and I’ll send you a link to her online store where you can order bus beads jewelry (the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!). Let’s keep the birthday girl busy 🥳!
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#Sweet16OnTheRoad #NomadBirthday #TravelTeen #FullTimeTravelFamily #BusLifeBirthday #AdventureAwaits #RoadLifeCelebration #SixteenAndWandering #BirthdayOnTheGo #SkoolieLife #WanderlustBirthday #BusLifeKids #NomadicTeens #HockingAdventureBus #BirthdayAdventures

After nearly 4 years of full-time travel 🚌 and using a Berkey system for our drinking water 💧, we recently made the switch to a Boroux filtration system. After using the Boroux for the past month, we can confidently say it’s been a great alternative for us, and we’re really happy we made the switch 👍. [ad] When you travel full-time, having a reliable water source is a must—but honestly, this system is just as valuable for your tap water at home 🏡. It’s easy to set up, passed the red food dye test with flying colors, and comes in black, white, or stainless steel to match your style 🥰. The Boroux system gives us peace of mind by filtering out contaminants and providing clean, great-tasting water wherever we are 🤩.

If you’re still buying plastic bottles because you don’t trust your drinking water 💧, this is your sign to make the switch‼️

Want the link to get your own 🤚? Comment “H2O” and we’ll send it your way 💫 !

Who drinks bottled water because you don’t like or trust your water 💧?

#ReelLife #TravelReels #TinyHomeLiving #SkoolieLife #WaterFilter #FullTimeFamily #HomeOnWheels #AdventureFamily #RoadTripUSA #WanderlustFamily #RVLiving #VanLifeGoals #OffGridFamily #SustainableLiving #FamilyTravelVibes #Boroux

Happy 11th Birthday Stellan 🥳! I’m a little late posting, but the celebration was right on time. We spent his day doing all his favorite things with friends in Florida ☀️ — opening presents, playing with his new Pokémon cards, eating cake 🎂, getting competitive with Ultimate Werewolf (@beziergames) , riding four-wheelers, and ending the night with a movie on the side of the bus.

And because one day wasn’t enough, the boys hit the theater the next day to catch the new Minecraft movie!

Stellan has always been our easygoing kid — the one who made us think we had this whole parenting thing figured out. (Spoiler: it was just him being awesome.) We love you so much Stellan ❤️. Thanks for making life lighter, funnier, and better just by being you ☺️.

What was your most memorable birthday growing up? What’s one of your favorite birthday traditions?

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#FullTimeTravel
#BusLifeAdventure
#HomeschoolFamily
#FamilyTravelGoals
#NomadicLifestyle
#BirthdayAdventures
#TravelingFamily
#RoadschoolingLife
#LifeOnTheRoad
#TinyHomeFamily
#AdventureFamily
#SkoolieLife
#BusLifeKids
#FamilyBirthdayCelebration
#RaisingWildlings

Homeschooling 📚, remote work, and a big leap of faith gave us the freedom to spend Mondays like this—with 24 friends and a whole lot of sunshine ☀️. We spent the day exploring Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida —starting with a quick swim 🏊 in the headspring before launching our BOTE inflatable paddle boards for a paddle down the Rainbow River. Since we were with a group, we were able to drop vehicles 🚗 at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, a take-out point 6 miles downstream. It was a great day filled with swimming 🏊‍♀️, paddling, and lots of Florida sunshine ☀️. We also saw gators 🐊, otters 🦦, turtles 🐢, birds 🦢 and fish 🐟.

Admission to the park is just $5 per vehicle 🚗, and you can launch right next to the headspring for no additional cost. If you don’t have boards, you can rent them!

The springs were beautiful, but it’s the people we adventured with that made the day unforgettable ❤️.

What’s your go-to adventure with friends? Have you ever explored a spring 💧 in Florida?

✅ Make sure to save this post for your adventure and send it to a friend you want to go with ❤️.

#RainbowRiver #FloridaSpringsAdventure #NomadicFamilies #BusLifeAdventures #PaddleLife #TravelingFriends #SpringHopping #FullTimeTravelFamily #WanderTogether #RiverDaysAreTheBest #visitflorida

We camped at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida and got front-row seats to planes ✈️ soaring over our bus 🚌. The views were epic, and having everything within walking distance made the experience even better. [ad]

Mark your calendars—next year’s Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo is happening April 14–19, 2026, and you don’t want to miss it!

Who wants views like these 🙋🏻‍♀️?

#visitcentralfl #visitflorida #visitcentralflorida #snf2025 #snf2026 #boondocking
#buslife #sunandfun2026 #aviationlovers #familytravel #fulltimetravel #skoolielife

When you live full-time in a bus 🚌, you learn to adapt. [ad] We have figured out how to live off of solar power ☀️, minimize water 💧 usage, and survive in a small space without losing our minds 🤯. But staying cool during a heat wave 🥵? That’s still a challenge.

The temps in Florida have been in the 90’s, but luckily we have TORRAS COOLiFY iva portable fans. They’re surprisingly powerful and last up to 12 hours on a single charge…perfect for long days in the sun ☀️. The foldable clip fits easily around your belt loop or on a backpack 🎒, and it’s even small enough to fit in your pocket. These fans have been a game changer for keeping us cool, not only at the bus 🚌, but also outside in the heat 🥵.

Living tiny doesn’t always mean sacrificing comfort—sometimes it just means finding the right tools to make it work 💫. If you need help staying cool, check out the link in our bio to learn more or comment “COOL” and we will send you a message with the link ✅.

What do YOU do to stay cool during a heat wave 🥵?

#torras #torrascoolify #coolify #coolifyiva #HandheldFan #airshow #thab #skoolie #travelfamily #itshot #staycool

What did we see underwater at Ichetucknee Spring State Park? Turtles 🐢, fish 🐟, a manatee 🦈 …and water so clear and colorful that it felt unreal. Above the water we saw gators 🐊, birds, 🦌 and even a snake 🐍.

It felt so good to get our @boteboards out again. We paddle boarded down the river, had a picnic 🧺, swam at the main spring, and ended the day swimming in the Blue Hole 💙.

Our goal is to visit as many Florida springs 💧 as possible in the next month. Where should we go? Have you been here?

#ichetuckneesprings #floridasprings #underwateradventure #paddleboardingfun #familytravel #springvibes #bluespringwater #travelfamily #visitflorida #boteboards #sup

We live in a converted school bus 🚌 with four kids and have been traveling full-time for nearly four years! Homeschooling 📚 used to feel overwhelming…until we found Time4Learning. [ad]

This all-in-one online curriculum gives us total flexibility—so our kids can work through their lessons independently, no matter where we are. From Pre-K through 12th grade 🎓, everything they need is right at their fingertips. Less stress for us, more freedom to learn through life and adventure ✨!

You can try it risk-free for 14 days at time4learning.com and see how it works for your family!

Would you ever try homeschooling? What scares 😨 you the most? If you already homeschool, what do you love ❤️ most about it? We love the flexibility and freedom it gives us!

#Time4Learning_Partner
#homeschool
#homeschooling
#fulltimetravel
#roadschool
#buslifeadventures
#homeschoolontheroad
#unschool
#homeschoolfamily
#rvlivingwithkids
#worldschooling
#travelingfamily
#time4learning
#thab

Can you spot the bus 🚌? Three years ago, a stranger invited us to park in his driveway for a beach 🏖️ cleanup and block party in Ormond Beach, Florida. We said yes—and that one “yes” turned into a friendship and an annual tradition we look forward to every spring.

It’s a full-blown celebration 🥳 with surfing 🏄‍♀️ (thank you @travisajay and @daytonabeachboardriders), food, live music 🎵 (shoutout to @afelectric), the blood bus 🚌, a giant water slide, ping-pong battles, and community vibes. It’s also a fundraiser 💰 for a non-profit, Explorations in Communications, @explorationsincommunications.

This year, we even had friends and family come join the fun! We are so grateful for the connections this lifestyle brings ❤️.

Have you ever said yes to something spontaneous that turned into something special 💫?

#BeachCleanup
#FullTimeFamily
#SkoolieLife
#BusLifeAdventures
#OrmondBeach
#VanlifeCommunity
#TravelWithKids
#FamilyTravel
#SayYesToAdventure
#BeachVibes
#NomadicFamily
#TinyLivingBigAdventures
#EcoFriendlyLiving
#BusLifeNation

What does a day at SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo ✈️ look like? Come spend the day with us! We are camping 🚌 onsite (which we absolutely recommend!) so we started the day by rolling out of the bus 🚌 and heading straight for the planes…including Elvis’s former private jet 🎸✈️. [ad]

Next stop…soda refills at Wild Bill’s 🥤. We’ve been storing these cups in the bus 🚌 for a year now for our discounted refills 😂!

We caught part of the day air show ☀️, then made our way to the Future n’ Flight Junior ACES area where the kids dove into STEM activities and got inspired by all things aviation ✈️. We also visited the Buehler Building for incredible flight simulators.

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better… the night air show blew us away 💫!!! Planes ✈️, explosions 💥, a drone show, and fireworks 🎆 lit up the sky for the perfect ending to a great day!!!

If you’re anywhere near Lakeland, Florida, don’t miss SUN ‘n FUN and the next night air show happening Saturday, April 5th — it’s absolutely worth it! SUN ‘n FUN 2025 runs through April 6th ✈️.

Have you ever been to an airshow ✈️? Which part of the day would have been your favorite?

#sunandfun2025 #aerospaceexpo #airshowlife #travelingfamily #buslifeadventures #homeschoolontheroad #junioraces #nightairshow #tinyhomeonwheels #floridafun #snf25 #visitcentralflorida #visitcentralfl #lakeland #visitflorida #homeschool #stemactivities

Hendrix is EIGHT 🥳!!! Nearly half of Hendrix’s life has been spent traveling the country 🇺🇸 in our bus 🚌. He was four when we sold our house 🏡 and set off on this adventure.

He’s always been our strong-willed, determined, and stubborn kid — but also super sweet and loving ❤️. He keeps us laughing 😆… and definitely keeps us on our toes!

Hendrix had a great 8th birthday celebrating with friends in Florida. We opened presents 🎁, painted pictures, played Ultimate Werewolf, sang Happy Birthday 🥳, and enjoyed a cake 🎂 made by his sister. Happy birthday, Hendrix 🥳. We love you ❤️!

What’s your favorite birthday tradition with your kids?

#buslife #tinyhomeonwheels #fulltimetravel #birthdayontheroad #travelingfamily #homeschoollife #hockingadventurebus #ultimatewerewolf #skooliefamily #kidbirthdayfun

We had no idea Citrus County would become one of our favorite spots in Florida ☀️! [ad] The small-town charm and unique experiences had us hooked from the start. From swimming with manatees 🐋 to scenic boardwalks 🌿, wildlife encounters 🐊, and an airboat ride, it was nonstop adventure. We stayed at @thecoveresortandpub, a beautiful campground 🚌 that made the perfect home base—with food right on-site 🍽 and a peaceful place to recharge after exploring 🌴.

If you’re craving a Florida ☀️ getaway filled with nature, adventure, and charm—come visit Citrus County ✨!

Make sure to save ✅ this itinerary for your next trip to Florida!

Have you been to any of these spots? Which activity would you want to try first?

#discovercr
#CitrusCountyFL
#VisitFlorida
#FamilyTravel
#FullTimeFamily
#BusLifeAdventures
#TravelFlorida
#SwimWithManatees
#FloridaHiddenGems
#NatureLovers
#Roadschooling
#TinyLivingBigAdventures
#HomosassaSprings
#CrystalRiverFL
#ExploreFlorida

Time flies when you’re having fun! Can you believe that it’s been over 3 years since we did our first family jump? We were broke down ⚒️ in California at the time and had just started trying to grow our social media page that had recently hit 1,000 followers ☺️. So much has changed since that first jump. Our kids have grown…A LOT, we have added a few gray hairs 😅, and we have been to 48 states 🇺🇸! What changes stand out to you? Let us know in the comments 👇!

#skoolielife #familyontheroad #buslifeadventures #growinguponthego #48statesandcounting #travelwithkids #fulltimetravel #fulltimefamily #thab #skoolie

How do you keep 25 kids entertained at a nomad 🚌 event? Bring out Ultimate Werewolf by @beziergames! [ad]

Our family was first introduced to this game back in December, and ever since, it’s been our go-to game. Every time we are at a large event, this is the one we always pull out, and it never disappoints.

It’s more than just fun. It’s strategy, social skills, and creative thinking rolled into one, perfect for homeschool families and curious minds.

Ultimate Werewolf is best with 8 or more players and can handle groups as big as 30—perfect for camps, meetups, or big family gatherings.

Got an even larger crew? Check out Ultimate Werewolf: Extreme, designed for massive games with up to 75 players!

You can grab your own copy online at BezierGames.com or on Amazon.com.

What’s your go to game for group gatherings? Does this game sound fun to you?

#UltimateWerewolf #BezierGames #NomadLife #Roadschool #HomeschoolGames #FamilyGameNight #TravelFamily #FulltimeFamily #BusLife #skoolielife #homeschoolfamily

Did you know there is only one place in the U.S. 🇺🇸 where it’s legal to swim with manatees? That place is Crystal River, Florida ☀️ and thanks to @crystalriverwatersports and @discovercrystalriver, we had an EPIC morning swimming alongside these gentle giants. [ad] We were even lucky enough to swim all the way back into Three Sister Springs where the water is crystal clear 👀 and stays 72 degrees year round!

Manatees are incredibly curious and peaceful, but it’s important to respect their space. No chasing, no touching, just passive observation. Watching 👀 them in their natural habitat is nothing short of magical 💫!!! We are still in awe ❤️ as we watch these video clips and reflect on our morning!

Would you swim with manatees if you had the chance? Comment “EPIC” and we will send you information!

Make sure to save ✅ this bucket 🪣 list adventure and share with a friend you want to go with! Is anyone visiting Crystal River for spring break? You should be!

#SwimWithManatees #CrystalRiver #FamilyTravel #FloridaBucketList #TheHockingAdventureBus #EcoTourism #bucketlist #visitflorida #threesistersprings #fulltimefamily #familyadventures #discovercr #springbreak #manatees

Sun ‘n Fun 2025 in Lakeland, Florida is calling, and we’re heading back April 1-6th ✈️! [ad]

If you’ve never been, here are 5 reasons you don’t want to miss it:
1️⃣ Night Airshows (Wednesday and Saturday) – Because fireworks + planes + drones = pure magic 🌟!
2️⃣ Live Music – Tyler Hubbard and Uncle Kracker will kick off the event with live music on April 1st 🎶.
3️⃣ Daily Airshows – Watch jaw-dropping aerobatics that’ll leave you speechless.
4️⃣ Junior ACES Program – Perfect for kids who love aviation and hands-on learning 👩‍✈️!
5️⃣ Aircraft Displays – Get up close with everything from vintage warbirds to new planes with cutting-edge technology.

Who’s joining us this year?! Drop a ✈️ in the comments if you’re going! Have you ever been to an airshow?

#FlySnF #AviationAdventure
#SunNFun2025 #AviationLovers #AirShowLife #NightAirShow #AviationAdventure #AirshowAddict #PlaneSpotting #AeroExpo #LetsFly #fulltimetravel #visitcentralflorida

🚌 We have 270 square foot of indoor living space for our family of six (plus cat 🐈 and dog 🐕) and we have everything we need ❤️. We have explored all 48 lower states 🇺🇸 in our bus 🚌 and have created memories that will last a lifetime!

Could you LIVE with less to EXPERIENCE more 💫?

#SkoolieTour #Skoolie #TinyHomeTour #TinyHouseOnWheels #BusLife #NomadicLiving #HomeOnWheels #VanLifeCommunity #OffGridLiving #MinimalistLiving #busfamily #tinyhometour #tinyhouse #liveyourlife #familyofsix #homeschool #roadschool

How many gators 🐊 did we see on our airboat adventure in Inverness, Florida? [ad] We lost count! Flying across the Withlacoochee River with Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours, we got an up-close look at Florida’s gators 🐊, birds 🦅, deer 🦌 and more as we sped through the marsh. This was our first time in an airboat and it was an experience we won’t forget!!!

This is the side of Florida ☀️ that so many people miss, the untouched beauty, the hidden waterways, and the incredible wildlife 🐊. If you’ve only seen the beaches 🏖️ and theme parks, it’s time to add this to your bucket 🪣 list!

Have you ever taken an airboat 🚤 ride? Would you go if you had the chance?

#DiscoverCrystalRiver #VisitFlorida #AirboatAdventures #FloridaWildlife #WildBillsAirboatTours #bucketlist #WithlacoocheeRiver #NomadicFamily #FullTimeTravel #AdventureWithKids #travelflorida #discovercr

But what about prom 👗? It’s a question we hear a lot, right up there with “Aren’t your kids missing out on friends?”

Our kids get to do prom their way! No overpriced dresses 👗, no uncomfortable shoes, just friends, fun, and making memories in a way that fits our lifestyle 💫. They thrift their outfits, throw on their favorite sneakers 👟, and dance the night away with friends they’ve connected with on the road. The parents get dressed up and join in too!!!

It’s moments like this that remind us they’re not missing out at all. They’re experiencing something different but just as special ❤️!

Did you attend your high school prom 💕?!? Would you have rocked sneakers 👟 at prom?

#fulltimetravel #nomadicfamily #buslifeadventure #TinyLivingBigDreams#Roadschooling #travelwithkids #skoolielife #adventurefamily #homeiswhereyouparkit #WanderTogether

Watching a movie 🎥 under the stars ✨ from the top of our buses 🚌? Yes, please 🍿! We rolled into the Ocala Drive-In with eight other skoolies 🚌and had the ultimate movie night—some of us on the roof, some of us in our buses and others in chairs outside. And the best part? We got to camp overnight right at the theater 🚎! The Ocala Drive-In, located in Ocala, Florida is a Harvest Host that allows an overnight stay with admission to the movie. If you have never heard of Harvest Host, comment “HOST” and we will send you a link and discount code.

Have you ever been to a drive-in movie 🎥?!?

#SkoolieLife #DriveInMovie #buslifeadventures #skoolie #fulltimetravel #nomads #nomadfamily #ocalaflorida

Peace ☮️, Love ❤️, Vans 🚐…and one unforgettable weekend 💫!!! [ad]

We just wrapped up an incredible weekend at Peace, Love, & Vans in Dade City, Florida—an annual gathering of over 500 vans filled with live music 🎶, workshops, vendors, yoga 🧘‍♀️, rig tours, and an amazing community ❤️.

With only three skoolies 🚌 in the mix this year (including us!), we had an absolute blast—but we’d love to see even more families and skoolies here next year. Let’s fill this place up in 2026 🚍✨!!! Who’s in?!?

If you’ve ever been van-curious, this is the perfect place to check out the lifestyle! They offer rig tours all weekend and even sell day passes, so you can explore without needing to camp 🏕️ overnight.

Have you ever been to a nomad gathering? If not, would you go?

#VanLifeCommunity #NomadicLiving #HomeOnWheels #TinyLivingMovement #SkoolieLife #VanLifeGathering #RigTour #FullTimeTravel #VanLifeFestival #PeaceLoveVans #thab #skoolie #nomad

Ever wondered where we store everything in our skoolie 🚌? As a family of six traveling full time with a cat 🐈 and a dog 🐕, storage is critical in our tiny space! Here’s a peek at all of the storage we have packed into the front of our bus from pet food to utensils to pantry essentials. What part of tiny living do you want us to share next? What other storage hacks are you curious about? Does anyone else have a closet that is overflowing with stuff?
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#SkoolieLife #BusLife #TinyLiving #HomeOnWheels #SkoolieConversion #MinimalistLiving #NomadicFamily #RVLife #VanLifeInspiration #TinyHomeOnWheels

Ever dreamed of a getaway to a cozy cabin in the woods 🌲? Our stay at the El Gordo Cabin at Opossum Creek Retreat in Lansing, West Virginia was an ideal blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. With three bedrooms (that sleep up to eight), a warm fireplace 🔥, WiFi, onsite laundry and a private hot tub, it was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventuring. Opossum Creek Retreat offers nine unique cabins nestled in nature just minutes from New River Gorge National Park and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. This area is known for year round adventures, from whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking in the summer to skiing and snow tubing in the winter!

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a couple’s retreat, or a vacation with friends, Opossum Creek Retreat is the perfect home base for your West Virginia adventure. Have you ever stayed at a cabin in the woods 🪵?
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#AlmostHeaven #WVTPartner #OpossumCreekRetreat #NewRiverGorge #WestVirginiaAdventures #FamilyTravel #TravelWestVirginia

Do you know how to snow ski ⛷️? Save this post if you want to learn ✅!

Snow skiing has been on our family bucket 🪣 list for years, and out of all of the amazing winter adventures we had planned in West Virginia, it was what we were most excited for as a family. Since Cara was the only one in our family that had ever been snow skiing (and hadn’t been in over 20 years) we knew we all needed a lesson! We were so lucky to connect with @skiwinterplace for our first skiing experience! They are known as the #1 place for learning to ski in the Southeast USA, and they were ready for us ☺️. They set us up with all of the gear we needed (skis, bibs, boots, poles, and helmets), and also set us up with a lesson.
If you have never been skiing, we recommend getting a lesson before you go. It helped to learn the basics from how to take our skis off and off, to stopping, to using the carpet and ski lift, before hitting the slopes. All of the staff at Winterplace were helpful, patient, and fun, and by the end of our lesson we were all comfortable with the bunny hill.
Once we were released to the slopes we had some spills, and some laughs 😅, and we were all grateful for learning something new. Overall it was an awesome first experience skiing and we can’t wait to go again!
Need a winter ❄️ weekend or spring break getaway idea? Check out Winterplace Ski Resort and you can create a new memory just like we did! Have you ever been skiing? What advice do you have for us for next time?

#AlmostHeaven #NewRiverGorge #WestVirginiaAdventures #FamilyTravel #WinterplaceSkiResort #TravelWestVirginia

After years of thinking 🤔 about it, we finally took the plunge and added BOTE inflatable furniture to the bus 🚌. [ad] We set them up before VanFest and put them to the ultimate test with dozens of adults and kids using them. Just like our paddle boards, they proved to be super durable…and yes, they survived 😆! We are loving the extra outdoor living space they’ve added to our setup and we are wondering why we waited so long!!!

Want to save 10% off ANY BOTE product? Comment “SIT”, and we will send a coupon code right to your inbox.

What’s your favorite way to create a cozy outdoor space? Would you like to try inflatable furniture? Have you tried it? What did you think 🤔?!?

#VanLifeAdventures
#OutdoorLivingSpace
#InflatableFurniture
#BOTEOutdoors
#CampingEssentials
#AdventureReady
#OutdoorComfort
#RoadTripGear
#PortableFurniture
#skoolie
#fulltimetravel
#fulltimefamily

Think you need a big house 🏡 to raise kids? Think again! We are a part of a huge community of families who travel full-time, and events like VanFest are a big part of our journey. We prioritize family friendly events because they bring our kids together with their travel friends. The kids have a blast playing games, listening to music 🎶, dancing 🕺 and just being kids.

At VanFest we also opened our bus 🚌 doors for tours, inviting people in to see what life in a skoolie is really like. Outside the bus, the kids spent hours lounging and playing games on our new BOTE inflatable furniture.

Have you ever been to a van 🚐 life or nomadic festival? Does it look like fun 🤩? We’ve got something in the works that we can’t wait to share with you 🤐!

#VanFest #NomadicLife #BusLife #TravelCommunity #bote #fulltimetravel #fulltimefamily #skoolie #vanlife #nomadfamily #nomadlife #

🚌 Arvie made finding campgrounds a breeze as we were hustling 🏃‍♂️ through the west! (ad)

From breathtaking desert sunsets 🌅 to peaceful forest hideaways, we booked four incredible campgrounds on our recent trip out west, all through Arvie.com. With Arvie you can use one simple interface to search over 35 top booking sites, with instant booking for over 258k different camping spots 🏕️!! Bonus: Doheny Beach was a last-minute SOS Auto-Book that saved us when we needed a spot fast! With the SOS feature Arvie will find last minute cancellations and book them for you!! It’s a perfect option for getting spots in campgrounds that are hard to reserve!

🏕️ Each clip in this reel shows a glimpse of where we stayed, from cozy campsites to scenic pull-throughs. Whether you’re a planner or a spontaneous traveler like us, @arviecamping has you covered.

Comment BOOK and we will send you a link to learn more about Arvie!

Where’s your dream campsite? Let us know below!

#FamilyAdventures #RVTrips #TravelWithRV #familytravel #fulltimetravel #rvbooking #sos #camping #campsite #travelfamily

🚌 Ever wonder what it’s like living tiny with 4 kids? 🌟 We’ve opened up our home to the public at @vanfestusa USA in Melbourne, FL, where hundreds of vans, skoolies 🚌, and rigs have taken over ✨.

The event is going for one more day, so if you are in the area come say hi, check out our bus 🚌, and see how our kids are making memories with their nomad friends. Tours are open from 11-4pm today! In addition to the hundreds of tiny homes, there are also vendors, workshops ✏️, food 🍟, music 🎶 and more 🤍!

👀 Did you notice our new outdoor furniture from @boteboards ? Comment “BOTE” and we will send you a link!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a tiny home?

#VanFest #BusLife #TinyLiving #NomadCommunity #FamilyOnTheRoad #SkoolieLife

Did you catch the spectators’ voices at the end 😂?! Our daughter @amaiahocking put this behind-the-scenes reel together from something we shot the other day. Let’s just say things don’t always go as planned. The chaos, the laughs 😆, and the unexpected moments are half the fun of creating. It’s always fun to watch the end result as well ❤️! This one definitely has me laughing!!! We hope it makes you smile 😊 or laugh as well. Is this what you expected our behind the scenes to look like?!? 😂 Could you create content with your family?

#FamilyAdventures
#BehindTheScenes
#ContentCreationJourney
#FamilyLifeUnfiltered
#FullTimeTravelFamily
#NomadicFamily
#FamilyLaughs
#MakingMemories
#LifeOnTheRoad
#FamilyGoals
#TravelFamilyLife
#EverydayChaos
#TinyLivingBigAdventures
#FamilyContentCreators
#UnscriptedMoments

Can you believe this is SAND?!? Ever dreamed of moving your house wherever the adventure takes you? 🚌✨?!? Our 270-square-foot home on wheels 🚌 has carried us through all 48 states 🇺🇸, creating memories in incredible places like White Sands National Park. If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
#tinyhouseonwheels #TinyLivingBigAdventure #thab #thehockingadventurebus #tinyhousetour #skoolie #bus #buslife #nomadfamily

Will we go back to the OG Skooliepalooza 🚌 with all the drama this year 🤔? Three years ago, we attended Skooliepalooza and had the BEST time 💫. This year, we returned to the original gathering and there was definitely a lot of drama going on, although most of it was on Facebook and not in real life 😂. Thankfully we had a great family group outside of the drama and focused on the positives: BEAUTIFUL sunsets 🌅, great music 🎶, warm fires 🔥, new friends, and making memories as a family. Would we go again? We are still deciding…but for now, we’re grateful for the good times 🥳! What have you heard about Skooliepalooza 🚌? Would you go 🚌?

#Skooliepalooza #OGSkooliepalooza #NomadsInTheDesert #Boondocking #BusLife #Skoolie #SkoolieFamily #Nomads #VanLife #TinyLiving #HomeOnWheels #BusConversion #AdventureLife #OffGridLiving #RoadTripping #thab #thehockingadventurebus

Can you tell where we are driving the bus 🚌? The views from our bus windows 🪟 are unlike any we have experienced 🤩. It’s white all around…but it’s not snow 🤔!

This is our second time visiting White Sands National Park in New Mexico, but it’s the first time we brought our bus 🚌 into the park! It’s just as breathtaking as we remembered 😍. The endless white dunes feel like another world 🌎.

Did you think this was snow ❄️? Have you ever heard of this National Park? We had a great day playing in the sand and even went sledding 🛷. Make sure to save this post and share with a friend you want to visit with!
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#whitesands #nationalparks #familytravel #thab #thehockingadventurebus #buslifeadventures #roadtripusa #nomadlife #buslife #nomadfamily #thab #thehockingadventurebus

They were wrong 🥳! From the beginning of our journey 🚌 3.5 years ago, we have prioritized building connections while traveling full-time. Last month, we welcomed the New Year by spending seven days with several other families at a nomadic gathering in Southern California at the amazing Good Vibes Ranch. We shared stories, played games, enjoyed campfires 🔥, and celebrated the beauty of community on the road.

Our journey has shown us that life on the road doesn’t mean sacrificing community; it means discovering and embracing new ones 💫!

Did you expect us to find community on the road? Have you ever attended a nomadic gathering? Would you like to?!?

#NomadLife #TravelCommunity #FullTimeTravel #NewYearNewFriends #busfamily #nomadfamily #skoolie #nomadcommunity

Imagine cruising through the ocean 🌊 and suddenly being surrounded by a pod of playful dolphins 🐬 at sunset 🌅! That’s exactly what happened during our visit to National Park #49, the Channel Islands. This park is located off the coast of Southern California and consists of five different islands 🏝️. It is often called the “Galapagos of North America” because of its isolation and biodiversity 🌿. Channel Islands was our 9th and final National Park to visit in California, and we have now visited all but two of the 51 national parks in the lower 48 states 🇺🇸!

Tips for Visiting Channel Islands National Park:
1️⃣ Plan Ahead: Access to the islands is only possible via boat 🚤 or plane, so book your ferry through Island Packers Cruises early, especially during peak seasons. Round trip tickets 🎫 run between $50-$70 per person.
2️⃣ Pack for the Day: There are no food services or water sources on the islands. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
3️⃣ Choose Your Adventure: Whether it’s hiking, kayaking through the sea caves, snorkeling with marine life, or simply enjoying a picnic with ocean views, there is something for everyone. We visited Prisoner’s Harbor on Santa Cruz Island where we hiked the Pelican Bay Trail.
4️⃣ Watch for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for the famous island fox 🦊, seabirds 🦤, and marine life 🦭. The dolphins we saw were just one part of the vibrant ecosystem here. We also spotted whales 🐋 and the island fox on our adventure!
5️⃣ Practice Leave No Trace: The islands are pristine, and it’s up to us to keep them that way. Pack out everything you bring in!

Have you heard of the Channel Islands? Have you ever seen dolphins 🐬 in the wild? Let us know in the comments below.

#ChannelIslands #NationalParks #DolphinSighting #FamilyTravel #TinyLivingAdventures #NatureLovers
#ChannelIslandsNationalPark #Dolphins #NationalParkAdventures #HockingAdventureBus

We love the southwest, but the wind 💨 and dry deserts 🏜️ in Arizona have us dreaming about Florida Springs💧! We’ve visited 16 over the past two years, and these are our top 5 favorites for swimming 🏊 —no kayak or paddleboard required (though they make it even more fun)!

📍 Ginnie Springs – Our #1! With 7 springs to explore, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or tubing. Weekdays are best for a quieter experience.
📍 Silver Glen Springs – Crystal clear water with shallow and deep areas for all ages. The boat hangout nearby is a fun bonus!
📍 Alexander Springs – Incredible visibility and a fun head spring to dive into. Plus, there’s a great picnic area and paddle trail.
📍 Rainbow Springs – Big swim area + SUP rentals = family fun! The Rainbow River is ideal for paddling and snorkeling.
📍 Ichetucknee Springs – Gorgeous and clear! Don’t miss the Blue Hole Spring, just a short walk from the headspring.

Things to know:
🐊 Alligators aren’t common in swimming areas due to the cold spring temps (68-72°F year-round) but it’s always good to be aware 👀.
🤿 Bring goggles, snorkels, and a pool noodle or life jacket to float on for the best experience!
🌱 Leave no trace so these treasures stay beautiful.

💡 SAVE this post to plan your next adventure! Now tell us—which springs would you add to this list? Did we miss your favorite?

#FloridaSprings #VisitFlorida #NaturalFlorida #SpringAdventures #FloridaTravel #ExploreFL #NatureLovers #SwimmingHoles #ClearWater #TravelFlorida #FloridaVacation #FamilyTravel #DiscoverFlorida #BucketListAdventures #OutdoorFun

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Paddle Board Adventures for SIX: Our Favorite Family Gear Setup from BOTE

When you live full-time on the road with four kids, a dog, and a cat—space matters. But so does adventure. Three years ago, we really wanted a paddle board setup that could handle our family of six, pack down small, and actually last. That’s when we found BOTE , and honestly, we’ve never looked back. We’ve explored springs, lakes, rivers, and oceans across the country with our BOTE gear, and it’s become one of the most-loved parts of our travels.

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Paddle Board Adventures for SIX: Our Favorite Family Gear Setup from BOTE

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