Top picks 2018

I want to summarize all the destinations that we visited in 2018 and show you my top picks.There are so many other amazing destinations, but I have to narrow it down to only the places we saw since our Journey started in August 2018. That is when we bought our Winnebago and started traveling fulltime.
My top pick to dry camp ,secluded from civilization with spectacular views of mountains , nestled in between boulders with carved out fire pits is- Alabama Hills in California Top pick for Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Usually campgrounds located near lakes with Electric and Water hookups for $22 per day. This one goes to- Lake Cochiti, New Mexico
Not only does Lake Cochiti have a fabulous campground, it also gets my pick as most impressive hike - Tent Rock National Monument is breathtaking
The most strenuous hike this year was at Red Rock SP. Once you reach the peak it is a perfect place to sit and have lunch on one of the boulders. Pack a lunch and plenty of water. You can hike here all day long.
My top pick for the most sandy and hottest hike is, of course- Mesquite Dunes in Death Valley, CA.
That place is so much fun! Try sand swimming down the dunes... Be aware, you might lose your socks.We have found several socks along the hike.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley- gets my pick for lowest and saltiest location I've ever been to. The place looks like something from another planet. That is what inspired Star Wars to film there.
One of the best preserved Petroglyphs we saw this year were in - the Valley of Fire. Hiking the Valley of Fire is stunning due to its bright red colors. Some rock formations look like beehives and 2 campgrounds are nestled in between boulders and hiking trails.
Most amazing sunsets were in - Cocoa Beach, Florida. I did not include Hawaii, because we only spent the last two days of 2018 there and the majority in 2019.
Cocoa Beach is one of my favorite beaches to boogie board. A military base is located on the barrier island that offers a wonderful Famcamp with full hookups for only $22 per day. It is for active or retired service members only.
This one is difficult, I am not sure which one of the best preserved ancient pueblos would be my top pick. I loved them all! Here are the ones we visited.
Aztec Ruins in New Mexico
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Walnut Canyon in Arizona
Wupatki in Arizona
We have stayed in regular RV parks, military Famcamps, Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds, Walmart parking lots, BLM land and National parks. If you are traveling on a budget my top pick for boondocking would be BLM land or ask the Forest Service if camping is permitted.
The most serene hike was- Marin Headlands in California with a fantastic view of the ocean , with waves crashing onto cliffs and spilling onto shore.
The hike where you will see cows, deer, birds, elephant seals and if your lucky -whales is at- Point Reyes, California.
The entire barrier island sits on a different Continental plate, divided by the San Andreas fault
2018 was full of adventures and new places, but I only showed you what absolutely stood out above the rest. This country is full with amazing places, landmarks and people. I can't wait to see where it will take us this year. Happy travels!