Some of the most cherished memories aren't planned; they're the moments you stumble upon while on the road. And there’s no greater proof of that than a recent road trip taken by our ambassadors, the Amaro family.
For Fonzie, Sara, and their two daughters, their recent road trip through the Pacific Northwest was a journey defined by unexpected discoveries and pure, unscripted joy. From stunning natural wonders to quirky small-town celebrations, this trip was a reminder that the best stories are the ones you find along the way.
The First Days: California & The Call of the Open Road
The journey began with the familiar rhythm of their cross-country road trips: podcasts, junk food, and the thrill of what's to come.
“Those first days are always full of excitement, knowing what’s ahead,” says Sara.
This sense of anticipation led them to their first stop in the breathtaking Redwoods. "The size of the trees and the stillness you feel around them are just breathtaking.”
Up the Coast: A Taste of Americana
The trip continued with a series of moments that captured the heart of summer. The family found their way to a small-town 4th of July celebration in Rockaway, Oregon, complete with a downtown parade and wiener dog races (yes, you read that correctly).
The day ended with fireworks on the beach, a perfect slice of Americana. It was “exactly what I had hoped for,” says Sara.
Washington State: Reunions & Unexpected Moments
The next stop on their journey headed for a meaningful reunion on Bainbridge Island, Washington. "One of the main reasons for this trip was visiting a close friend Fonzie and I met while working on cruise ships at the very start of our relationship. It had been nearly 10 years since we’d seen him, but it felt like no time had passed.”
Highlights from this leg include a day trip to Olympic National Forest, where they found a hidden swimming hole and stopped for fresh oysters.
Washington Continued: Majestic Views and the Kindness of Community
Their exploration of Washington reached a breathtaking pinnacle with their arrival at Mount Rainier. " Seeing her for the first time actually brought me to tears,” recalls Sara.
From Rainier, they embarked on an unplanned hike that led them to a hidden mountain lake, the girls snacking on wild berries the entire way (with supervision of course).
Aside from astonishing sights, kindness is always something the Amaros manage to find on their journeys. Generosity—strangers opening their homes, offering local insights, and providing a place to rest—was a recurring theme throughout their trip.
“There’s a common language among travelers that feels really special. The generosity of travelers is always so touching.”
A Final Stop in Oregon: The Magic of Firsts
The journey was full of firsts for the girls, including their very first state fair. The King County State Fair was pure magic, from the rides and farm animals to the unforgettable view of Mount Rainier from the top of the Ferris wheel.
A unique stay at an alpaca farm only extended their list of unique experiences, and a stop at Lemolo Lake in Oregon ended the trip on a memorable note. With its serene swimming spots and an incredible KOA campground, it was the perfect place to reflect on a journey filled with unscripted moments, new friends, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
The Nitty Gritty: Packing Amaro Style
A simple-yet-effective packing system is a must for the Amaros on the road. Sara and Fonzie's go-to gear list for any adventure includes:
You can see exactly how they like to pack for long road trips using all this gear here.
