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Three unexpected detours that transformed our family road trip
We often think that the best moments of a road trip are those we have carefully planned, those we have gone over ten times on the map. But the truth is that it is often the detours, the little hiccups in the itinerary, and the unpredictable situations that end up writing the most beautiful pages of the journey.
During our three-month family adventure aboard our Safari Condo Alto , we encountered many unexpected events. A few detours, in particular, changed our route, but led to some pleasant surprises!
Mechanical glitches... and a change of course
Our itinerary had already taken us through some legendary states: the red rocks of Utah and beautiful cycling destinations such as Moab, the peaks of Colorado, the desert expanses of Nevada, and then part of California. Our initial plan was to then head up to Oregon and British Columbia to end our journey and make our way back to Quebec through the Canadian provinces.
But then, on the way to Las Vegas airport to pick up our eldest son Romain, our SUV broke down. Major mechanical problem. The garage's verdict: it would be out of action for about ten days while our engine was repaired.
There was no question of stopping the trip. We came up with a plan B: a replacement vehicle, a few adjustments, and we were back on the road with our Alto. We had to: Romain was joining us for two weeks, with a return flight already booked from San Francisco.
This mechanical hiccup forced us to rethink the rest of the trip... and keep an open mind. And as is often the case, this setback opened the door to something even better.
A magical night by Lake Tahoe
After two wonderful weeks with our eldest son, exploring legendary places such as Sequoia Park and Yosemite, he flew back to San Francisco as planned. Our hearts were a little heavy, but filled with shared memories.
On the way back to the Las Vegas area to pick up our vehicle, we decided to take a slight detour and stop by Lake Tahoe, where the water is some of the clearest and purest in the world.
Fiery sunset. Impromptu swim. Starry sky, unfiltered.
And the highlight of this detour: we spent the night right by the lake, in the parking lot of a small café that rented paddleboards. A perfect, improvised, peaceful spot. And guess what? The owner was from Quebec. We chatted a bit, laughed at these coincidences that are never really coincidences, and enjoyed this moment in time.
What was supposed to be a simple logistical stop turned into an unforgettable memory. A perfect night. A break that reminds us that sometimes, you just have to listen to your instincts... and stop where it's beautiful.
Wyoming and Montana: the gifts of Plan B
Once the SUV was repaired, a new question arose: should we stick to the original itinerary? Should we head to Oregon and British Columbia as planned?
Our hearts and logic led us elsewhere. It was too many miles for the time we had left. So, we said no to the original plan... and a big yes to the new one.
Destination: Wyoming and Montana. Two states we hadn't planned to visit... and which dazzled us.
Grand Teton National Park, just outside Jackson Hole, welcomed us with its sublime trails and raw beauty. Jackson Hole proved to be a fabulous playground for mountain biking. Then there was Yellowstone: geysers, bison, lunar landscapes, cool nights under a sky as vast as the ocean.
But that's not all. We also had the chance to attend a real rodeo, in the heart of a small western town like you only see in movies. A colorful event, full of shouting and traditions, and a direct plunge into the soul of the Far West.
On the way back up, we continued to discover new mountain biking spots like Big Sky and the crystal-clear rivers of Montana, where we fished for cutthroat trout. It was an almost meditative experience, following the rhythm of the river, and Antoine discovered the patience of casting... and the pride of a good catch.
As we traveled through this corner of America that we had never considered visiting, we discovered much more than just landscapes: we discovered a culture, a slower pace of life, and an unexpected depth.
We didn't see these detours coming. And yet, they redefined our adventure. They taught us, once again, that the real journey begins when you agree to stray a little from the plan.
And you, are you ready to stray from the route mapped out by your GPS? To make room for those moments that weren't on the itinerary, but which transform the trip into an unforgettable experience?
Aboard a Safari Condo orAlto Travel Trailer , every detour can become a moment of grace. So on your next getaway, keep an open mind... You may come back with memories that even the best travel guides couldn't have predicted.