Thursday, January 21, 2021
Carlsbad, New Mexico
ODOMETER: 83,078 | MILES TRAVELED: 5,133
by Jana
Today was largely dedicated to school for the kids and maintenance and cleaning for Grant and myself. Grant spent time installing a cell booster to ensure we get the best internet connection possible in areas of low signal in order for Jack and Stellie to have the best shot at virtual school. Our WiFi works off of Sprint cell signal, which means that in remote areas without signal we can’t get any internet. After a lot of research prior to our trip, Grant determined that this was the best option for us, given that virtual school happens via Zoom and we need consistent bandwidth. Overall, we have been very happy with our choice and even though it’s not perfect, it is the best available option out there. In three months, Jack and Stellie have missed two days of school due to no internet service, both while in Big Bend National Park.
This was a conscious choice on our part, as we felt that the experiential value of visiting a place like this was worth missing two days of virtual school. We’d make the same choice a thousand times over.
In fact, if it was up to me, Jack and Stellie would not be doing virtual school at all and instead would focus on our travels 100%. This statement may sound controversial to some, but I have to say that virtual school is a bust. The opportunity for Jack and Stellie to learn through experiences on the road is far greater than spending their time learning about the Civil War or Columbus for the fourth time. I’ve mentioned this before, but I think that virtual school is demonstrating the shortcomings of our public education system. A lot of the curriculum is outdated and irrelevant, but most importantly the modes of learning employed by the system are ineffective. All of this comes down to the fact that education in the United States is undervalued and as a result underfunded and so far there hasn’t been a politician in power with big enough balls to invest in future generations over special interest like the military industrial complex, for example. I guess for this, the establisment needs to be toppled and the government needs to go back to being “for the people.”
I’d very gladly homeschool but I have to work so that someday, if they so choose, Jack and Stellie have the opportunity to go to college which in this country is also becoming a privilege for fewer and fewer kids.
For example, the in-state tuition for the University of Virginia, my alma mater, is $17,798/year these days.
At this point, based on their experience with formal education to date, both Jack and Stellie reject the societal construct of higher education. I can’t say I blame them, though I will support them no matter what education choices they end up making in order to be happy and well. I got two degrees from UVA and have never used either of them in my professional career, which has been a successful one so far. I didn’t finish paying off my student loans until I was about 38 years old and had I realized that this was going to be the case as a naive 19-year old paying for her own education, I probably would have fainted on the spot.
Regardless of education, I am certain that both Jack and Stellie will be just fine. They are both brilliant in their own way and if they choose not to go to college, the lack of a degree can’t stop them from living happy lives. I’m proud of them for not falling prey to societal expectations that don’t serve them and seeing them for what they are. This world certainly needs more natural leaders and out-of-the-box thinkers.
To get back on our day: after school, we all took the puppies back to Lake Brantley and afterward, Grant and I went for a run/ride through the windy desert.
At this point, based on their experience with formal education to date, both Jack and Stellie reject the societal construct of higher education.
Travel with us:
Travel Diary
Travel
This is a daily log and photos of what we’re up to.
Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Leg 4: Fiji to Brisbane Passage
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Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Leg 3: Bora Bora to Fiji Passage
After having waited in French Polynesia for two and a half months, we excitedly sailed out of Bora Bora around 7:30 am on Saturday, September 4th. Like the rest of French Polynesia, Bora Bora was in COVID lockdown, and we had spent the last week waiting for our departure paperwork to go through all the requisite bureaucratic channels. This required multiple trips to the local gendarmerie (police station), where Grant quickly befriended the two kind and helpful officers, Alex and Bruno.
Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Leg 2: Mo’orea to Bora Bora
It took us about 24 hours to get from Mo’orea to Bora Bora on August 28 2021. Like the rest of French Polynesia, Bora Bora was in COVID lockdown, and we spent a week there waiting for our departure paperwork to go through all the requisite bureaucratic channels. This required multiple trips to the local gendarmerie (police station), where Grant quickly befriended the two kind and helpful officers, Alex and Bruno.
We made trips to get water, fuel and provisions, but apart from that we had to stay on the boat. We passed the time snorkeling (saw a giant moray eel!) and inventing new water sports.
Once we received our exit paperwork, we were finally free to leave for Fiji.
Reflections
Reflections
These are our personal thoughts on some of our experiences.
How Big Is Too Big?
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My 10 Favorite Books of 2020
My 10 Favorite Books of 2020Welcome to 2021! Most of us couldn't wait to see the back of 2020, looking forward to better times with hope and anticipation. If you are at all astrologically inclined like I am, you know that on December 21st, our world experienced a rare...
♥️🎈21🎈♥️
Father’s Day 2025
Mount Jerusalem National Park
Happy Birthday to My Greatest Adventure Partner!
Happy 20th Birthday, Jack!
Grant’s built homes, companies, and communities, but the most beautiful thing he’s built is the life we’ve gotten to share for more than 21 years now. It’s a life grounded in love, kindness, and deep gratitude for our family and all the experiences we get to have together, thanks to him.
I love Grant’s integrity, purpose, passion, and his heart-centered generosity of spirit — whether he’s working on visionary wellness communities or transforming an abandoned shack into our next family home.
Right now, I’m so grateful for Grant’s support during the hardest health challenge of my life, whether it be helping me walk down the stairs, dressing me, driving me to endless appointments, or reminding me of my own strength when things get scary. He holds space for all of who I am, supporting the choices I make for my healing, and supporting my dreams with unwavering belief in me, in sickness and in health.
At the same time, Grant is the best dad to Jack and Ellie. Watching him with them, celebrating their gifts, supporting their journeys, and being their safe harbor is a blessing and a joy. He parents with empathy, kindness, an open mind and endless patience, and show them, every day, what it means to be a man who leads with his heart.
At work, Grant is a force of nature. He inspires positive change, connection, and makes the world better, one project at a time. But beyond his impressive accomplishments, it’s his humility, his servant leadership, and his genuine care for people that truly set him apart. Grant doesn’t just work to improve businesses, he works to improve lives.
He’s taught me that true success is measured not by what we achieve but by how much we care. And Grant cares so much; about his family, his friends, his community, and this planet we all share.
Grantly, thank you for being wild and free, for embracing life’s chaos with open arms, and for loving me and our family unconditionally.
Happy Birthday!
Today, as you begin your twenties, we want to pause and celebrate the beautiful human you are. Your authenticity is a light, shining through in everything you do. You live your truth with a courage that inspires all of us. Your creativity is captivating, lifting the spirits of those who witness it. We admire your dedication to your own art and your profound connection to music, film and art in all forms.
Your unwavering selflessness, kindness and compassion are strengths that move quietly but profoundly, touching lives in ways you don’t always realize. The warmth and care you extend to others is a true reflection of your being. It’s a gift to watch you uplift those around you, always consciously mindful, always compassionate.
As you continue on your artistic journey, know that we are with you, supporting you always. We believe in your art, unlimited by commercial constraints and free from the mainstream’s narrow definitions of success. Your authentic vision, your voice, and your perspective are important and needed in this world.
Keep following your passions. Keep being you—because who you are is truly a gift to this world. Here’s to more years of creativity, joy, and the pure expression of your true self.
We love you so much, Jack. Happy 20th Birthday!
With all our love and admiration,
Mum & Dad
Our Trip
Trip
Our Trip
Trip
TRAVEL WITH US!
We are currently sailing the South Pacific to Australia.
Thank you for joining us, have a great day!