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Embarking on a journey that would unfold stories of freezing landscapes, great barbecue, and unexpected delights, our road trip from Denver to Oklahoma became an epic adventure.  Buckle up as we recount the highs and lows, the flavours and frostiness!

The Mile-High Pit Stop – Denver, Colorado. House-Sitting Amidst the Rockies

Our first destination, the Mile-High City, greeted us with open arms and chilly winds. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, we found ourselves house-sitting an amazing property and looking after a beautifully dog named Henry and two cats we scarcely saw – an immersive way to experience the local town and make new friends. The warmth of a cosy home offset the biting cold outside and the snow that seemed to follow us from Silverthorne, setting the stage for the Wilders Way. FYI we use Trusted House Sitters to help navigate these sits.

Pit Barbecue Extravaganza at AJ’s Pitt Bar-B-Q

Denver, known for its culinary prowess, treated us to a pit barbecue extravaganza. The smoky aroma and succulent flavours of the barbecue were nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. The Wilders indulged in a feast, savouring every bite. The barbecue was so good, meat was melting in our mouths and honestly it was just a cool little place with a chilled and friendly vibe.

A Winter Wonderland Stroll

While the freezing temperatures enveloped Denver, we bundled up and embarked on a city exploration. The streets adorned with snow led us to local attractions, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Walking in a winter wonderland, we discovered the charm that makes Denver unique. The main street was under construction, so we had to keep to the outskirts of town and explore the city on foot and Uber.

We hit Meow Wolf which was different. Honestly, I won’t lie, I think I would need to be either high or drunk to enjoy it. The younger kids would find it fun to run around in and explore and I give massive credit to the artists, as it would be very time consuming and intricate work to create such a large piece of interactive art.

Unveiling the Bass Pro Shop

An unexpected gem awaited us in Denver – the Bass Pro Shop. To call it a shop would be an understatement; it was a colossal marvel for outdoor enthusiasts. The sheer size and range of outdoor gear left us in awe. From fishing to camping to boating to shooting, it was a haven for adventurers. And it gave Josh a chance to plug his mates fishing brand “Team Tooney Fishing”.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Nature's Concert Hall

Our journey through Denver reached a crescendo at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Nature had sculpted a breathtaking concert hall amidst majestic red rocks. Standing there, we could almost hear the echoes of performances past, a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and entertainment. The history here with the past performers was so awesome. Needless to say, we got our steps in for the day with 380 stairs from bottom to top.

Departing Denver: A Snowy Farewell

Denver bid us adieu in a flurry of snow and freezing conditions. As we navigated through the snowstorm, the city's winter magic lingered in our rear-view mirror. The Wilders Way pressed on, leaving behind a city dressed in white. The roads were so Icey and snowed over, it got crazy leaving Denver. As we cautioned our way onto the highway, we had our first taste of dangerous conditions and a brief moment where we lost control of the car due to ice on the road. A surreal experience and one we will be fully prepared for next time.

Overnight Respite – Hays and Wichita. Brief Encounters with the Heartland

Our road trip continued with overnight stays in Hays and Wichita. These heartland towns, though brief in our itinerary, offered glimpses into the simplicity and hospitality that define the Midwest. A taste of local life and food before the Wilders resumed their journey.

The Warm Embrace of Oklahoma. Week-Long Stay: House-Sitting Bliss

Oklahoma welcomed us with open arms, offering a week-long stay made possible by house-sitting through “Trusted House Sitters”. This extended sojourn allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore the hidden gems of the Sooner State. Staying nestled inside by the fire was a popular choice although we did manage to brave the cold and view some highlighted spots. 45th Infantry Museum: A Walk-Through Valour

Our first adventure in Oklahoma led us to the 45th Infantry Museum – a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of those who served. The exhibits painted a vivid picture of military history, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. So much history in one place and the building itself is over 100yrs old. The volunteers that work inside were a wealth of knowledge and had so much passion that Marli barley got to view the whole exhibit due to one gentleman taking her through the entire weaponry display and teaching her the mechanics of each individual one!

Bricktown: Urban Charm Unleashed

Exploring Bricktown, Oklahoma City's vibrant entertainment district, formerly a major warehouse district revealed a different facet of the state. But as its currently very cold, not much is happening, and we were limited to the attractions and the buzz that this place offers. The blend of modern urban charm and historic architecture created a unique viewing. The Wilders immersed themselves amongst the walls of Bricktown, savouring every moment whilst freezing our butts off! lol. We did manage to visit the OKC Sports Hall of Famewhich

was warm and out of the artic winds. It was full of memorabilia and left us with the knowledge if how important sports is to the American people and how much they hold value of the greats of the individual sports. Although it seemed most attractions were shut down and everybody was inside or at Starbucks getting their fill of warm beverages, Oklahoma still opened our eyes to art, architecture, history and sports. Nashville Beckons: The Journey Continues

As the Wilders bid farewell to Oklahoma, the allure of Nashville beckoned. The Music City awaited, promising a symphony of melodies and southern hospitality. The road stretched ahead, winding through landscapes and melodies, inviting the Wilders to pen another chapter of our journey. We will probably make a stop in either Little Rock or Memphis on the way depending on travel time. While we are in Nashville, we are House sitting a 40-acre farm which will be great, the farmhouse is over 100yrs old. Sneak peak at the property.

Epilogue: The Wilders Way – A Tapestry of Adventures

As we reflect on our time so far, we acknowledge that travelling is not for everyone, and we have discovered that it’s the time together that really counts. Making memories, bonding as a family unit and that we really are sun and beach people, the snow is not for the Wilders. Hahaha! #Tip and Warning: When you purchase a rental car online and the invoice says the outstanding amount is $xxx. And this needs to be paid on pick up, is not the amount. They will add taxes, insurances, state tax, more insurance, tolls and then I think more tax. So be prepared.

#Going to the Walmart or Target to get food for dinner, lunch or snacks have saved us a lot of money.