ADT
EAST COAST
DE / MD
On May 10, 2013, just 3 months after they got married, JC & Melanie put their feet in the Atlantic Ocean, then took their first steps walking west on the American Discovery Trail.
Season One
DE/MD/DC/C&O Canal
A month later, Jacob joined his mom & JC on the trail in Maryland. Their first experience together on the trail became a trial & adventure like no other they had ever encountered, challenging them to the fullest extent of their will & endurance.
Season Two
WV / OH
In May, 2014, JC & Melanie began their second season on the trail by climbing the mountains of beautifully scenic West Virginia. In June, they were thrilled when Jacob joined them. Soon after, the 3 of them crossed over the bridge to Ohio. A whole new, glorious set of memory-making experiences awaited them.
Season Three
OH / IN
In 2015, JC & Melanie began their 3rd season inspired. Just before they took their first step onto the trail, a man stopped his truck to inquire where they were going. He shared his own testimony of faith, and encouraged them further by offering monetary support. God provides!
Season Four
IN / IL / IA
On May 3rd, 2016, JC & Melanie and Jacob embraced beloved friends, then walked a short distance to resume the ADT on the Cardinal Greenway. Many new experiences, along with a new walking companion, made for another unique & unpredictable journey.
glorify God
John 15:8 NASB
"My Father is glorified
by this, that you
bear much fruit,
and so prove
to be My disciples."
Season Five
Alongside the Trail, Iowa
In September, 2016, God blessed JC & Melanie and Jacob with the lovingkindness of the brethren in the local body of Christ. In October, they settled down & got to work. JC got a new job, and Melanie & Jacob began home school. For the first time, they didn't resume their walk the following Spring.
Season Six
Iowa
In June, 2017, Jacob returned to Virginia to finish high school. In June, 2018, JC & Melanie resigned from their jobs in Hiawatha and vacated their apartment.
Geared up and Ready, it was time to get back on the trail!
Season Seven
Alongside the Trail, Iowa
In the Winter of 2019, JC & Melanie gained new employment and Jacob joined the Army!
In order to save up money for future endeavors, JC & Melanie remained in their jobs through the Summer.
Worldwide Pandemic
Coronavirus: COVID-19
April, 2020
After travel plans were postponed, JC & Melanie were blessed to take shelter-in-place with dear friends in Ohio.
VAcation
family & friends
June, 2020
After shelter-in-place, JC & Melanie were delighted to finally see their beloved in Virginia.
Season Eight
Iowa
June, 2020
After nearly 2 years off the trail, JC & Melanie excitedly resumed their walk across the state of Iowa.
Bus Renovation
Iowa
July-December, 2020
The time came, once again, to Get More Mobile.
1st Week
of Skoolie
January, 2021
Driving South to warmer weather.
(Slideshow Under Construction)
Winter - Spring, 2021
Discovering the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.