The Well Worn Shoes

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About

Meet Vanessa

Hi! I’m Vanessa – Freelance Writer, Content Creator, Traveler, and Husky Mama to Loki & Freya.

I’d like to welcome you to The Well Worn Shoes. I’m so glad you’re here! The Well Worn Shoes is a labor of love and a place where wanderlust is welcome, and I hope to inspire you to follow yours!

If you are looking for tips on traveling with dogs, anything related to National Parks, becoming a Digital Nomad, or travel trailer living, you’re in the right place!

Brian, the pups, and I practice leaving no trace on our adventures and encourage you to do the same.

Some Random Facts About Me:

  • I love 90’s Music
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Photography

I also love to research new places and countries, and that’s ultimately what led me to offer Trip Planning Services and Itineraries – let me do that research heavy lifting for you!

It’s nice to meet you. I hope you’ll stick around for a while and see where these well worn shoes are off to next (see what I did there? Haha).

Meet Brian

Salutations! I’m Brian and writing my mandatory bio…

I was born and raised in Colorado living the #granolalife summiting all the 14ers and shredding the gnarr on the regular. Joined the Army after high school and just finished 21 years. 

I love being outside and have spent most of my life dutifully building my skills to become a mediocre survivalist and outdoorsman. I view everything through the lens of how I could fish that water or hunt that land. 

Now that I am retired, I spend most of my income to live like a homeless person… and I love it. 

You can follow Brian @that_nomad_brian

On the Blog

  • Destinations
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  • National Park Love

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🤍 SAVE THIS for future road trips, slow mornings i 🤍 SAVE THIS for future road trips, slow mornings in the parks, and “we should totally go” plans.

If National Parks are on your 2026 bingo card, you’ll want these dates bookmarked 👇
On select days next year, National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee will waive it, meaning you can explore for free.

🗓 2026 National Park Free Entrance Days
✨ February 16
✨ May 25
✨ June 14
✨ July 3–5
✨ August 25
✨ September 17
✨ October 27
✨ November 11

⚠️ A few important things to know before you roll in:
⏰Timed entry, reservations, and some activity fees may still apply
😅These days are often busier than usual (early mornings = your best friend)

Beginning in 2026, free entrance applies to U.S. residents only 

Which park would you hit first on a free day? 👀🌲 

Complete 2026 National Park Guide coming soon 🔥
2025 in the blink of an eye…2025, you were a good 2025 in the blink of an eye…2025, you were a good one! Thank you to everyone who was part of our year 🫶

More miles in Betty than we can count. Muddy paw prints on everything. At least three “are we lost?” moments that became our favorite memories.

Zero regrets. Maximum dog hair. Questionable campsite WiFi.

Here’s to another year of no plans and letting two dramatic huskies and one supermutt decide when the hike is over. 🐾
I’m not famous, but I will tell you the best place I’m not famous, but I will tell you the best place for sunsets, the quiet pull-off everyone misses, and which trails are dog-approved 🐾

Road trips, National Parks, and chasing light one mile at a time. I’m glad you’re here and hope you stick around for awhile!
Paws on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen 🤩✨ Whit Paws on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen 🤩✨

White Sands National Park is one of those places that doesn’t feel real, and yes, it’s dog friendly. Our dogs loved digging to get to the cooler gypsum sand! 

🐾💚Quick dog-parent pro tips:
🌅 Go early morning or sunset for cooler sand
💦💧Bring extra water (the desert doesn’t mess around)
🥰Harnesses > collars for deep-sand zoomies
😳Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially near dusk

The light shifts fast, the sky shows off, and your dog will absolutely think they’ve landed on another planet. Honestly? One of the best dog-friendly park experiences we’ve had.

‼️ Dogs must be kept of 6 ft leashes at all times. Our dogs were leashed (they are just hidden or edited for photos) - we definitely saw dogs that weren’t on leashes. Let’s keep our dog friendly parks - dog friendly 😉
An end of season lighthouse tour in October with @ An end of season lighthouse tour in October with @barharborwhales and this bald eagle said “watch this” at Egg Rock Lighthouse 🦅

Would you brave the cold water for views like this?

*technically not great photos but from a moving and bumpy boat - I’m happy with them 😁
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