The Story of QuartertankNation: A Journey of Family, Exploration, and Endless Curiosity

Welcome to Our Adventure!

Hello, fellow explorers! We’re Josh and Jennifer, and we’re thrilled you’ve joined us on our ever-evolving adventure. Our story is one of serendipity, courage, and a shared spirit of discovery.

Our journey began in 1999 beneath the wide Texas sky, when fate brought us together in the mid-cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Jennifer was working diligently at a staffing agency, and I walked in, searching for a new beginning. Little did we know that simple encounter would blossom into a lifelong partnership. Not long after, we married in May 2000, and our home swelled with joy as we welcomed three wonderful daughters. Those early days in North Texas were filled with laughter, learning the rhythms of parenthood, and building a foundation of love and hard work. We delighted in weekend trips to the country, spending time with family, making costumes for Halloween, and our family adventures often took us to the Texas coast and to the NASA Space Center in Houston—memories that still bring us smiles.

But the world beckoned, and in early 2006, we packed up our dreams and headed northwest. The Pacific Northwest became our playground, each weekend revealing new corners to explore. The lush beauty of Oregon, the wild coasts of Washington, and the towering trees of California inspired us to seek adventure wherever we could. Among all our travels, the trip to Crater Lake and Las Vegas with our kids in 2008 stands out as a highlight. We camped along the route, creating stories that are still told around the dinner table. Our visits to Astoria included showing the kids the famous Goonies house, and we made treasured memories camping at Trillium Lake and Devil’s Lake.

Traveling, of course, brought unexpected challenges and a few funny mishaps. One memorable episode occurred during our move to Oregon: we found ourselves caught in a snowstorm between Albuquerque and Flagstaff. Determined to stay ahead of the storm, we drove longer hours, following the ruts of the big rigs for safety. After finally reaching California, we discovered the trailer brake lights on the U-Haul weren’t working. Undeterred, we grabbed walkie-talkies and coordinated the journey, me in the moving truck, Jennifer following in our car. This worked well until we hit the Siskiyou Pass in Southern Oregon. As we descended, my brakes overheated, forcing me to slalom vehicles for several miles, while Jennifer struggled to keep up. Eventually, we made it over the pass, pulled off to let the brakes cool, and allowed our heart rates to return to normal.

As our daughters grew, we craved deeper connection and meaning in every lesson. Homeschooling became an adventure of its own. A vibrant journey through Idaho’s wild landscapes, Montana’s big sky, and the stirring beauty of Wyoming and the Dakotas. The decision to homeschool stemmed from a desire to spend more time together before our girls grew up and set off on their own. We armed ourselves with books and workbooks, and the open road became our classroom. Museums and national parks provided hands-on lessons in history, geography, science, and the workings of the world.

Colorado offered us a haven to pause and reflect, weaving precious family ties and creating a tapestry of cherished memories. Our trips were often accompanied by simple rituals. Traveling with our favorite tunes on, sharing philosophical conversations about the landscape, history, or even the workings of society and science. There’s nothing quite like an open road, good music, and heartfelt conversation to make a day perfect.

Life’s winding road eventually led us back to Oregon and then, full circle, to Texas. Our daughters blossomed into remarkable young women, each forging their own paths in Oregon and Texas. Now, as proud empty nesters, we find ourselves at the threshold of our next great chapter. Traveling the open road full-time in our beloved fifth wheel, hearts wide open to whatever lies ahead.

Through our blog, podcast, and vlog, we invite you to journey alongside us. We’ll share captivating stories from the road, awe-inspiring destinations, heartfelt reflections, practical tips, and all the little moments that make travel extraordinary. If we could offer advice to families dreaming of a similar lifestyle, it would be this: Plan ahead, as the road can be a taskmaster. Embrace change, don’t be afraid to pivot when something interesting or exciting arises along the way. Slow down and look around; you never know what you might miss if you’re in too much of a hurry.

We hope to inspire your own adventures, help you find hidden gems, and introduce you to the kindness of strangers who become lifelong friends. Every story is richer with detail, yours as much as ours. We can’t wait to weave your unique memories and insights into this tapestry of adventure!

Safe travels and endless discoveries,

Josh & Jennifer