The Road Back to the Ocean: Our Eastern Seaboard Adventure
One of my earliest memories of tradition in my family was the last day of school. I can still feel the anticipation buzzing in my little body, waiting on those inner-city streets for my Nan and Pap to pull up in my Pap’s truck. I swear I can still smell the sun baking the pavement as I watched for that familiar pickup to round the corner.
Shelling with my pap, circa 2001, Ocean City, Maryland.
They’d pull up, Wendy’s chicken nuggets waiting for me and my sister. I’d climb into the truck, scarf down my food with pure joy, and soon after, drift off into the most incredible nap of my life.
A few hours later, I’d wake to the sound of tires rolling on crushed gravel. My whole soul would lift as I smelled the salt in the heavy air.
We had arrived.
My eyes would flutter open to see her—the ocean.
For the rest of the summer, I lived outside. I basked in the sun, rode bikes around the campground, went on fishing trips with my Pap, and explored every marsh, sandbar, and stretch of coastline I could find. Those summers shaped me. They planted my love for the sea, for the sand, for the wild and free feeling of a salty breeze on my face.
Why This Trip Matters
When I moved to the mountains of western North Carolina in 2013, I always assumed I’d find my way back to the shore regularly. But life happened—and my path back to the ocean didn’t look quite like I thought it would.
If you’ve been following my journey, you know that 2024 was the most intense, heartbreaking, and transformative year of my life. I had the honor of living with my mom in her final months of life, walking her home, and holding sacred space for her transition. That’s a story for another day—but it left me forever changed.
More than anything, it left me with a deep, urgent desire to never postpone joy.
And for me, joy is found in sandy toes, salty lips, and sun-kissed days by the water
The Plan: Outer Banks to Cape Cod
This summer, I made a decision: I’m taking my daughters to the shore for as long as I can. When I realized it would be easier to drive to our family vacation in Cape Cod, I thought—what if we stretched it into a full adventure?
My daughter, Hali Johanna, summer of 2024: Ocean City, Maryland.
We’re packing up the 4Runner, hauling a Casita Camper, and bringing along our trusty Velotric eBike as our extra wheels.
We’ll be traveling for six weeks, starting in the Outer Banks and winding our way up the Eastern Seaboard to Cape Cod, exploring beaches, boardwalks, campgrounds, and coastal towns along the way.
We’re keeping it simple:
- One SUV
- One cozy camper
- One eBike for local adventures
I can’t wait to chase the salt air with my girls, to give them a taste of the summers I grew up knowing, to soak in every sunset and sandy memory together.
Our Partners + Collaborations
I’ve been working behind the scenes to connect with brands and partners who align with our journey, and I’m so grateful for the support we’ve already received.
A huge thank you to the owners of Newfound Artisan for graciously letting us rent their Casita camper for this adventure—it truly made this trip possible.
I’m also thrilled to have partnered with DuPont Yurts for a content collaboration as we take the camper on its first test run.
We’re hoping to connect with other businesses that have been part of our family’s outdoor life here in Brevard—like The Hub, Headwaters Outfitters, and Earth Mountain Bicycles—who inspire us with their love of the outdoors and adventure.
If you’re a brand or business that feels aligned with this journey, reach out here—I’d love to explore ways we could work together along the road.
Follow Along
If you feel inclined, follow along on Instagram @kayla_leed_ (we are also on Facebook and TikTok!) so you don’t miss a moment of the adventure. I’ll be sharing stories, photos, videos, and reflections as we make our way up the coast.
I hope this journey inspires you to lean into joy, to follow the pull in your own heart, and to find beauty in the simple, salty, sunlit moments.
Thanks for being here. The road is calling.