Thursday, January 21, 2021
Carlsbad, New Mexico
ODOMETER: 83,078 | MILES TRAVELED: 5,133
by Jana
Today was largely dedicated to school for the kids and maintenance and cleaning for Grant and myself. Grant spent time installing a cell booster to ensure we get the best internet connection possible in areas of low signal in order for Jack and Stellie to have the best shot at virtual school. Our WiFi works off of Sprint cell signal, which means that in remote areas without signal we can’t get any internet. After a lot of research prior to our trip, Grant determined that this was the best option for us, given that virtual school happens via Zoom and we need consistent bandwidth. Overall, we have been very happy with our choice and even though it’s not perfect, it is the best available option out there. In three months, Jack and Stellie have missed two days of school due to no internet service, both while in Big Bend National Park.
This was a conscious choice on our part, as we felt that the experiential value of visiting a place like this was worth missing two days of virtual school. We’d make the same choice a thousand times over.
In fact, if it was up to me, Jack and Stellie would not be doing virtual school at all and instead would focus on our travels 100%. This statement may sound controversial to some, but I have to say that virtual school is a bust. The opportunity for Jack and Stellie to learn through experiences on the road is far greater than spending their time learning about the Civil War or Columbus for the fourth time. I’ve mentioned this before, but I think that virtual school is demonstrating the shortcomings of our public education system. A lot of the curriculum is outdated and irrelevant, but most importantly the modes of learning employed by the system are ineffective. All of this comes down to the fact that education in the United States is undervalued and as a result underfunded and so far there hasn’t been a politician in power with big enough balls to invest in future generations over special interest like the military industrial complex, for example. I guess for this, the establisment needs to be toppled and the government needs to go back to being “for the people.”
I’d very gladly homeschool but I have to work so that someday, if they so choose, Jack and Stellie have the opportunity to go to college which in this country is also becoming a privilege for fewer and fewer kids.
For example, the in-state tuition for the University of Virginia, my alma mater, is $17,798/year these days.
At this point, based on their experience with formal education to date, both Jack and Stellie reject the societal construct of higher education. I can’t say I blame them, though I will support them no matter what education choices they end up making in order to be happy and well. I got two degrees from UVA and have never used either of them in my professional career, which has been a successful one so far. I didn’t finish paying off my student loans until I was about 38 years old and had I realized that this was going to be the case as a naive 19-year old paying for her own education, I probably would have fainted on the spot.
Regardless of education, I am certain that both Jack and Stellie will be just fine. They are both brilliant in their own way and if they choose not to go to college, the lack of a degree can’t stop them from living happy lives. I’m proud of them for not falling prey to societal expectations that don’t serve them and seeing them for what they are. This world certainly needs more natural leaders and out-of-the-box thinkers.
To get back on our day: after school, we all took the puppies back to Lake Brantley and afterward, Grant and I went for a run/ride through the windy desert.
At this point, based on their experience with formal education to date, both Jack and Stellie reject the societal construct of higher education.
Travel with us:
Travel Diary
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This is a daily log and photos of what we’re up to.
Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Leg 1: Tahiti to Mo’orea
Mo’orea has become one of our favorite places in the world and we are forever grateful to have met her.
Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Month 2 FP
Here is what our second month living on our boat, Hanavave, in Tahiti, French Polynesia, was like.
Our trip to Australia was delayed due to port closures throughout the South Pacific. We spent the month making improvements to Hanavave so that we could make the passage to Australia with fewer stops.
Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Month 1 FP
Sailing Tahiti to Australia | Month 1 Preparations Welcome! We are a family of four: Grant (dad), Jana (mom), Jack (16) and Stella/Ellie (15). We just finished an 8-month tour of the U.S. and Mexico in Thelma & Louise, our Monaco Diplomat motorhome and Jeep...
Reflections
Reflections
These are our personal thoughts on some of our experiences.
Why We Sold Our Home to Live on a Bus and Travel Full-Time
Why We Sold Our Home to Live on a Bus and Travel Full-TimeAt any other point in time, the decision to sell our home and move into an RV to travel the U.S. full-time with two teenagers and three dogs might be quite ridiculous. But in these unfathomably complex and...
How We Stay Safe & Healthy While Traveling Full-Time during COVID-19
How We Stay Safe & Healthy While Traveling Full-Time during COVID-19by Jana & Grant GambleSome people asked if we were taking unnecessary risks by traveling during COVID-19 and we're sure it's a question on many people's minds even if they don't vocalize it....
Reflections: One Month In
ReflectionReflectionReflectionReflectionOne Month In Thursday, November 26, 2020Thanksgiving Day | Palm Beach Motorcoach Resort, FL ODOMETER: 80,306 | MILES TRAVELED: 2,361 by GrantWe’re just over 4 weeks into this grand adventure (or experiment) and we’ve...
Happy Aussie Father’s Day to @grantiangamble ♥️
Pottsville Beach, NSW, Australia.
Pottsville Beach, NSW, Australia.
Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia 🎥 @jack_gamble_shoots
We recently had the incredible opportunity to share our year-long family travel adventure on the @age.rebels Podcast with @sommerlouiseb @theixmethod . (Link in bio)
Manila, Philippines
Join us as we delve into @culture_nomads new book, “Culture Nomads: How Giving Up Everything for a Year of Travel Transformed Our Family and Our Lives.” We share the story of how embracing the unknown turned our lives upside down in the most extraordinary way.
In this podcast episode, we open up about our decision to break free from the mainstream and embark on a year-long family adventure around the globe, exploring diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and discovering the true essence of the human spirit.
We share heartwarming tales of personal growth, unbreakable family bonds, and the invaluable lessons we learned along the way. From traveling the U.S. and Mexico on a bus for 8 months to our intrepid crossing of the South Pacific ocean on a 38-foot catamaran, our experiences will ignite your wanderlust and leave you yearning for your own transformative journey.
Join us on the Age Rebels Podcast as we discuss the joys and challenges of living life as Culture Nomads, and how this incredible odyssey has forever altered our perspectives on the world, our family, and ourselves.
If you’re passionate about travel, adventure, and the power of embracing different cultures, you won’t want to miss this episode. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and motivated to embark on your own extraordinary journey of self-discovery and family connection.
Don’t forget to check out our book, “Culture Nomads: How Giving Up Everything for a Year of Travel Transformed Our Family and Our Lives,” available now on Amazon. (Link in bio). It’s your ultimate guide to crafting a life filled with adventure, love, and unforgettable memories.
#CultureNomads #AgeRebelsPodcast #FamilyAdventure #TravelTransforms #Wanderlust #travel #familytravel #travelbook #sailing #rv #podcast
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Our Trip
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We are currently sailing the South Pacific to Australia.
Thank you for joining us, have a great day!