The end of February is a big milestone because it marks my first full year living in my van. To summarize my travels to-date, I have driven approximately 26,000 miles and visited 28 states.
In February 2026 , Riley and I did not stray too far from home base. I came back to the Chicago area for a doctor’s appointment and ended up staying in Illinois the whole month. Not my original plan, I was planning on spending the winter months in warmer locations.
However, I didn’t spend all my time around Chicago. I traveled to southern Illinois and stayed there around 10 days. Generally, it was sunny with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s during the day with lows in 20s and 30s at night. Great hiking weather. I stayed at what is currently my favorite Illinois State Park, Ferne Clyffe near Goreville and also visited nearby Giant City State Park. If you have never made it down to southern Illinois, it is worth the trip. The area is quite different from much of the farmland in the rest of Illinois with rolling hills, rock formations, bluffs and the Shawnee National Forest.
Another plus for hanging around Chicago was getting to see my karate friends at the Jennifer Malloy Karate Tournament on February 15th. One of the few cons with my decision to travel and live in my van was giving up karate training, which I truly miss.
March, however, will be different. I am headed to Florida, then probably up the Atlantic coast.
Check out my travels on the interactive map and see my videos and photos on February 2026 gallery page.
