Fernweh Families: The Tokarskys
Our next addition to the Fernweh Families is the Tokarskys. We first met up with Misti Tokarsky at the Overland Expo in Loveland, Colorado, last summer. She was leading a session on worldschooling, and we got to talking and sharing experiences. We appeared on her podcast with Arla Cress, Lady Overlander Radio, and had a wonderful conversation about the challenges and joys of long-term family travels. Misti and her family have multiple media outlets and are experienced in overlanding and boondocking. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know this Fernweh Family as much as we have.
Please tell us a bit about yourselves and your journey.
We are a family of five Joe, Misti, Joshua (14), Melanie (14), and Madeline (12) Tokarksy. We have traveled (nearly) full-time for the past seven years. Three years of our travel was in an RV, and the last four years of travel have been via our two overlanding rigs.
We focus on experiential education, environmental stewardship, volunteerism, and family values achieved through off-grid living and remote travel. As a family, we made a pact to share our life and travels with the world so that others could experience the true beauty of the world through our content. We started our journey with a simple blog, documenting our adventures, sharing photos of our favorite destinations, and providing tips for fellow travelers. Our passion for exploration led us to breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Our journey is not without its challenges, but the connections we’ve made and our impact on others made every obstacle worthwhile.
Joshua and Madeline Tokarsky– Hiking the fins in Arches National Park, UT – 2019.
What was one of the most important ingredients in getting your family on the road – what did you do that worked out well?
Letting go of “stuff.” We sold our two homes and most of our furniture, and kept downsizing. The less we own, the happier we are!
What’s outside your window right now?
We are currently sitting in a cabin on top of a mountain, overlooking what is called the Grand Canyon of Arkansas. It’s the deepest valley in the state, and it’s beautiful! I am fascinated by the surprising beauty of the Ozark mountains, along with all of the creeks, rivers, and waterfalls that are abundant here in northwest Arkansas!
Calypso (4Runner) and Castaway (Jeep) at Boar’s Tusk, WY – 2023.
What have you discovered about your family by being on the road together?
Our family travels taught us the value of togetherness, the importance of exploring the world, and the joy of creating unforgettable experiences as a family. Our adventures took us to new places, exposed us to different cultures, and created memories that would last a lifetime.
During our travels, we learned to appreciate each other’s company without the distractions of everyday life. We laughed, explored, and overcame challenges together, and in the process, we grew stronger as a family.
What does community mean to you, and how have you found it during your travels?
Honestly, you can find community wherever you go! The world is full of amazing people with epic things to teach you. It’s the feeling of belonging, of being part of something larger than myself. It means knowing that I can count on my friends for help, support, and friendship. Community means looking out for one another, sharing both joys and sorrows, and working together to make wherever you may be a better place for everyone. It’s a feeling I carry with me wherever I go, and it’s something I strive to recreate in every community I become a part of.
Joe making coffee in the back of the Jeep – 2023.
Is there another traveling family you are particularly inspired by?
Yes, I am very inspired by We Harts Travel (Korey and Anna Hart and their four children). They are a tightly-knit family of six who cherish their strong family bond and create incredible experiences for their children through world travel!
What do you wish a fellow worldschooling family had told you before you left home?
Don’t stress about curriculum, testing, how many hours of traditional schooling your kids get…they are always learning, and so are we! Experiences are the best education!
Joe and Josh – Snowmobiling in Granby, CO – 2024.
Metaphorically speaking, what is something you’ve lost and something you’ve found during your journey?
I’ve lost the worry about the expectations and the judgment of others. I’ve found myself and strengthened my relationships with my spouse and my children. (Or maybe, I’ve lost my mind but found my soul)! Either way, I am a better mother, wife, and human because of my experiences on this journey.
One of our favorite things about our Fernweh Family series is to see the varied and unique paths each worldschooling family takes. Overlanding is a powerful and adventurous one! Misti and family share their journey and the traveling lifestyle through social media and podcast series. Check them out:
Podcast – Lady Overlander Radio
Also:
The Day We Make website has links to their family blog and YouTube channel. So fun to follow along!
Joshua and Madeline – Taking a break on Goat Bluff Trail, AR – 2020.
