Adventures that Grew with Us

We are Bhavana and Shashank(Se abre en una nueva ventana) working full-time as electrical and automotive engineers, respectively. We began as two people who simply loved being outdoors, chasing adventures, moving quickly, and embracing the freedom of going wherever the road led us. Before kids, everything felt spontaneous and limitless. We would go milky way chasing, plan last-minute backpacking trips, head out for car camping weekends, or go on scuba diving trips on a whim. It was driven by curiosity and a sense of possibility, with very little holding us back. In 2019, we became Osprey Ambassadors, a role that felt like a natural extension of how we were already living, though we didn’t yet realize how much that journey would evolve alongside us.

When we had our daughter in 2021, nothing stopped, it just required significantly more planning and a lot more snacks. We were also navigating trips during the pandemic, being mindful about COVID as we planned where and how we went. We continued hiking and exploring, but with more intention. Our days began to revolve around her rhythm, planning for naps, which she mostly took in the carrier, building in breaks, and packing simple, nourishing food along with what felt like our entire house. Quick overnights to Yosemite or Joshua Tree National Parks turned into three- or four-day trips, because apparently leaving the house now takes longer than the actual drive.

In 2024, when we had our son, we adjusted again. There was a phase where we carried both kids in carriers, learning to share the load and manage energy as a team. It wasn’t always graceful, but it got us where we needed to go. Over time, our daughter grew into longer hikes and began carrying her own pack, marking a clear shift in how we experienced these trips together. Now, it’s a shared effort, taking turns with our son and everything that comes with family travel. It’s a different kind of adventure, less spontaneous and more fulfilling, shaped by intention, teamwork, and a carefully timed snack schedule.

Our recent time in Portugal and India brought this into focus. Portugal, in particular, felt like a story unfolding at different speeds. In Lisbon, we slowed down without trying. We wandered through its hilly streets, watched the trams pass by, and paused at quiet miradouros overlooking the city. On rainy days, we let go of plans entirely, walking aimlessly and stopping for gelato, which quickly became the main agenda.

Sintra shifted things completely. The days felt full and energetic as we covered a lot of ground, moving between Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira. Each place brought something different, sweeping views, hidden pathways, and enough stairs to make us seriously reconsider our life choices halfway through.

In Óbidos, we eased back again, walking through its charming streets and taking in the details. One of the highlights was tasting cherry wine served in a chocolate cup, which felt both indulgent and completely justified after all the walking. Then along the Algarve coast, everything opened up. The cliffs, the ocean, and the sound of the waves brought a sense of calm. We explored sea caves, striking window caves, and unique rock formations, along with natural bridges and arches shaped over time by the elements. A boat ride along the coast became a highlight, especially when we spotted dolphins, a moment that had all of us equally excited and slightly louder than necessary.

Throughout it all, we moved at our own rhythm. The kids walked as much as they could, taking turns in the carrier when they needed rest. Our daughter has also become incredibly inquisitive, and it often feels like we’re running a nonstop Q&A session, needing water breaks just to keep up with her questions. Somewhere along the way, she casually started completing 5-mile hikes, occasionally outpacing us and reminding us how capable kids can be. Our son, meanwhile, has decided he’d also like to explore on foot, which means we now spend half our time encouraging one to keep going and the other to please stay somewhat close to us.

In India, the experience shifted in both pace and purpose. It was less about seeing new places and more about reconnecting. We visited temples, walked through bustling streets, and spent time with grandparents and extended family. Our days were slower, filled with tender coconuts, tropical fruits, and home-cooked South Indian meals, along with time spent with cousins and loved ones. We also met our childhood best friends, and watching our kids interact was truly heartwarming, seeing our worlds come together in a whole new way. It was grounding, a reminder that some of the best parts of travel come from simply being present.

Moving between Portugal and India, so different in rhythm and experience, showed us how much our journey has evolved, learning to adapt and appreciate both movement and stillness.

Through it all, our backpacks and travel gear have remained constant companions. What started as simple setups for two has gradually evolved to support a growing family. Where we once packed light and moved fast, we now balance carriers, diaper bags, and thoughtfully packed essentials for four. We’ve hiked through both pregnancies, navigated trips while pregnant and with a toddler, and continued exploring national parks, state parks, and international destinations along the way, adapting at every stage. The gear may look different, and the pace may have changed, but the heart of it remains the same. We are still exploring, still curious, and still choosing to experience the world, now as a family.

Title Photo Credit: Shashank Vijay