This summer, while most of us were staying close to home, John and Connie Higgins were chasing sunsets and winding roads. The couple, who live just outside Gans, decided to embark on a road trip adventure that took them across the United States.
They traded the comfort of their home for the freedom of the open road, spending three months exploring national parks, quirky roadside attractions, and the charm of smalltown diners. “We’ve always loved the idea of a road trip,” Connie says, her eyes lighting up as she recalls their journey. “It just felt like the right time to do something big—something we’d remember for the rest of our lives.”
In the spring, the couple bought a used van and spent several weeks outfitting it for longterm travel. They added a cozy bed, a tiny kitchen setup, and storage for their gear, making sure it had everything they needed to survive on the road.
“John was in charge of making sure it ran well—I was in charge of making sure it was comfortable,” Connie laughs.
With no strict itinerary, John and Connie set out from Gans in early June, heading west toward their first major destination: the Grand Canyon. Along the way, they made spontaneous stops, including a detour to the famous Cadillac Ranch in Texas, where they spray-painted colorful designs on the iconic upturned cars.
“The freedom was the best part,” John says. “If we saw something interesting, we’d pull over. If we liked a town, we’d stay an extra day. We weren’t in a hurry.”
Their journey took them through 18 states in total, with stops at some of the country’s most breathtaking national parks. They marveled at the towering cliffs of Zion, hiked through the surreal landscapes of Bryce Canyon, and stood in awe of Yellowstone’s geysers.
“We couldn’t get enough of the national parks,” John says. “Each one is so different— Zion felt like being on another planet, while Yellowstone was full of wildlife. We even had a bison walk right by our van!”
But it wasn’t just the famous landmarks that made the trip memorable. Connie fondly recalls the little things that made each stop special— like the time they discovered a tiny diner in a remote Montana town.
“The waitress told us it was the best pie in the state,” Connie grins. “And after one bite, I had to agree.”
For the couple, the trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about slowing down and reconnecting with each other.
“We’ve been married for 30 years, but spending every day together in that van gave us a new perspective,” Connie shares. “It reminded us how much we still enjoy each other’s company— even when we’re lost in the middle of nowhere!”
Of course, life on the road wasn’t without its challenges.
“We had a flat tire in the desert, and I won’t lie—I panicked,” Connie admits. “But John was as cool as ever. He got us back on track, and now it’s just a funny story we tell.”
As their summer adventure came to an end, John and Connie returned to Gans in late August, feeling both exhausted and rejuvenated.
“We saw so much, but in the end, it made us appreciate home even more,” John says. “There’s no place like Oklahoma.”
The couple is already dreaming about their next trip, though they’re happy to stay put for a little while.
“The road will always be there,” Connie says with a smile. “But for now, it’s nice to be home.”
Their journey may have come to a close, but the stories—and the memories—will last a lifetime. From the wide-open spaces of the American West to the tiny towns that welcomed them along the way, John and Connie Higgins experienced a summer like no other. And who knows? Maybe next year, they’ll pack up the van and hit the road again. After all, adventure is just a highway away.
