Category: Adventure & Travel

Welcome to the Adventure & Travel section of BLeaves Farms, where our passion for travel and exploration comes to life! Here, we share the captivating travel diaries of our founders, whose love for adventure has taken them from epic bike rides to uncharted territories. From the rugged roads of their Phoenix-to-Panama journey to future escapades, these stories are more than just travel logs—they’re a testament to the spirit of exploration that fuels our homesteading ethos. We believe that the adventures beyond our homestead enrich our lives and inspire our self-sufficient lifestyle. Join us as we recount thrilling journeys, offer travel tips, and celebrate the boundless joy of discovering new horizons!

Brit at La Tumbleweed Bar with new friends

Epic Firehouse Adventure: Biking to Tucson’s Fire Station Paradise from Picacho Peak State Park

Imagine this: nestled in a mansion-turned-firehouse in the scenic northwest foothills of Tucson, Arizona. The breathtaking view of the valley below, with twinkling city lights, a golden moon, and a sky full of stars, makes you forget the hardships of the day. After an exhausting ride, Jonathan and I are indulging in a sumptuous dinner of buttery mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a trio of decadent ice creams topped with chocolate cake. Firefighters, not just heroes but also gourmet chefs, know how to make you feel at home.

Brit at Picacho Peak

Epic Desert Adventure: Cycling To and Through Picacho Peak

We’re huddled in a cozy tent at Picacho Peak State Park, just 40 miles north of Tucson. The rugged desert mountains frame our view, while city lights twinkle in the distance. After a grueling day of cycling, we’ve just devoured our well-earned feast of cookie dough and peanut butter METRX Big 100 bars. The park’s facilities are top-notch, offering flush toilets and warm, private showers. Despite the cool 50-degree weather and a minor cactus mishap, with me stepping on a cactus and being impaled by hundreds of thorns, the magic of this place is undeniable.

Brit and Jon at start

Embarking on a Heroic Journey: Our Bike Ride from Phoenix to Panama

Get ready to dive into a thrilling new blog series here at BLeaves Farms! Join us as we recount the awe-inspiring journey of two college friends who set out on an epic quest, pedaling from the vibrant streets of Phoenix all the way to the iconic Panama Canal. Our adventure, undertaken in 2008 to honor public safety heroes, was filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, and the kind of camaraderie that turns ordinary trips into legendary tales. Through our stories, photos, and videos, we hope to ignite the spark of adventure within you and show that with vision, planning, and a bit of daring, anything is possible. So, gear up and get ready to be inspired to chase your own dreams and embark on your own incredible journeys!

Brit on Guatemalan volcano.

Cycling from Phoenix to Panama: The Journey of a Lifetime

Greetings, adventure seekers and nature lovers! We’re thrilled to share a new blog series with you documenting our epic bicycle adventure from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to the Panama Canal. What started as a simple dream amongst two college friends turned into a life-changing adventure spanning eight countries, six months, and thousands of miles covered by pedal power. We’ll be sharing our journey through captivating photos and videos, giving you a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of this incredible ride. Stay tuned for regular updates and experience the adventure with us. I hope our experience inspires you to embark on your own journey, whether it’s across continents or within your own backyard.

Brit on Bike

The Parallels Between Homesteading & Bicycle Touring: Embracing Self-Sufficiency & Adventure

When you think of homesteading and bicycle touring, they might initially appear worlds apart—one rooted in the stability of cultivating a self-sustaining home, and the other in the thrill of exploring the open road. However, these two seemingly disparate lifestyles share profound similarities that make them appealing to the same audience: those who value self-sufficiency, simplicity, and a deep connection with nature.