Meet the Brains, the Brawn & the Bark: the Crew That Keeps the Adventure Rolling

Welcome to Fern’s Big Adventure—where the road is endless, the food is unforgettable, and every day is a new adventure! I’m Danielle, and alongside my husband, James, and our adventure-loving pup, Bishop, we’ve traded a traditional life for a home on wheels, chasing experiences instead of routines.

Who We Are

I’m an explorer at heart—a traveler, a food lover, a bookworm, and someone who believes life should be lived to the fullest. I’ve never been one to follow the traditional path; instead, I carve out my own, collecting experiences, stories, and memories along the way. I’ve left pieces of my heart in so many places, and Fern’s Big Adventure is my way of sharing that journey with the world. As the navigator and planner, I map out the routes, find the hidden gems, and make sure every adventure is one worth taking.

James is the backbone of our operation—he’s the driver, fixer, and builder, the one who makes this life possible with his endless skills and adventurous spirit. From renovating Fern to installing solar panels and keeping us rolling smoothly, he’s the reason we can live off-grid and take this journey wherever we please. He’s also an inventor, always finding ways to make things better and more efficient for us—whether it’s a clever storage solution, an off-grid upgrade, or a creative fix for whatever the road throws our way. I dream it, and he brings it to life.

And then there’s Bishop, our four-legged co-pilot and the true heart of our adventure. Bishop went from city life in Chicago to roaming forests, mountains, deserts, and beaches. He’s our official backseat snoozer, professional sand-roller, and undefeated hide-and-seek champion—whether he's burrowing under the blankets for a snuggle, flopping onto his back for a good wiggle in the sand, or eagerly searching for us in the woods, he brings endless joy to every adventure.

How We Started RV Life

This lifestyle was always a dream of mine. I had followed full-time travelers online, but it felt out of reach—until I listened to a podcast by Shawn Harris (of my favorite band, The Matches) about his life on the road. It was the push I needed to realize: this is possible. When I lost my job after moving to Portland, we took it as a sign. James and I sold our house, bought Fern, and hit the road—choosing adventure over stability, experience over expectation. And we haven’t looked back.

Why “Fern”?

Honestly, the name just came to me. We found our RV in Idaho, owned by an incredible couple, Anne and Gary, who had planned to travel in her but had to sell due to health reasons. The moment we met Fern, we knew she was ours. Anne and Gary welcomed us into their home, fed us dinner, and sent us off with well wishes. The name Fern felt right from the beginning, and it’s been a perfect fit ever since.

Where We’ve Been

We’ve explored everywhere from the towering redwoods of Northern California to the rugged coastlines of Oregon, the deserts of Arizona, and the mountains of Utah. We’ve lived in a redwood grove, worked on the Sonoma Coast, and wandered through National Parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Every place has left its mark on us, and we’re always adding more to our list!

What We Love About RV Life

• Waking up in stunning locations with nature right outside our door

• Taking our home with us everywhere we go

• Meeting incredible people and immersing ourselves in different communities

• The freedom to chase new experiences, change plans, and go wherever feels right

What’s Challenging About RV Life

• Constantly moving means always saying goodbye to places and people we love

• Limited space—James and I are best friends, but sometimes, you just need room to breathe!

• Missing our favorite places—we fall in love with coffee shops, bakeries, and local spots, but we can’t always return

• The unpredictability—weather, breakdowns, and unexpected detours keep things interesting!

What’s Always in Our Fridge?

• Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza (a little taste of Chicago on the road)

• Homemade soups & curries for easy travel-day meals

• Fresh mozzarella & homemade pizza sauce

• Super firm tofu—our go-to for a quick and satisfying meal

Our Travel Traditions

• Pre-Drive Pep Talks – Coffee in hand, hands clasped, reminding ourselves that the drive will be easy and we’ll arrive safely.

• The Cozy Co-Pilot Setup – On driving days, Bishop’s bed is set up between us, but he always prefers my lap. Wrapped in my hooded blanket, I become his personal perch—sometimes he sleeps, sometimes he watches the road ahead, but he’s always right there, soaking in the adventure with us.

• Bishop’s Hide-and-Seek Game – One of us hides in the forest while the other lets Bishop go. He loves searching for us!

• Movie Night Favorites – When we first started dating, James and I bonded over A Goofy Movie, Captain Ron, and Heavyweights—three movies that are staples on the road. Now, no matter where we are, they’re always in rotation, bringing a little piece of home wherever we go. 

• Tiny Christmas Tree Tradition – We found the last lonely tree at a store and now decorate it every year in our matching dinosaur pajamas.

  
  

What Do I Hope You Take From Fern’s Big Adventure?

I want to show people that this life is possible. Society tells us to wait until retirement to truly live—but why wait? We met a young woman on the road who had a near-death experience and realized she might never make it to retirement. That conversation stuck with me. It was a reminder that we aren’t promised tomorrow, and I refuse to spend my life waiting for “someday.”

I want to inspire others to chase adventure now—whether that means RVing, traveling, or simply taking a leap toward something that excites you. Life is too short to stay in one place out of fear. If we can do this, so can you.

Where to Follow Along

• Right here on the blog – For travel stories, RV life tips, food adventures, and more.

• Instagram – For real-time updates, travel snapshots, and behind-the-scenes moments.

So, welcome aboard! We’re so glad you’re here. Adventure awaits, and we’re excited to take you along for the ride. 🚐✨