Over the river and through the woods.

Although they may not have always appreciated it at the time, the Dawson sisters did get the opportunity to see many parts of the country. Their parents were known to migrate for career opportunities and of course, the children followed (Most of the time).

In addition to the work-related moves, Dave and Nedra would also drive the kids around in a motorhome to see and experience the nation. Fortunately, Dave was an expert driver, so good in fact that he would often read a book while navigating anything from highways to unmarked, gravel roads. This would impart a sense of security on the kids since no one would ever read a book and drive unless both tasks were so simple as to be practically automatic. Dave's talents also extended to driving over terrain that would make mere mortal drivers shake with terror as shown by a trip to Fort Bidwell (Current population 173 and boy, has that place grown in the past 30 years). Entrance to particularly interesting spot was only available via a footbridge over a river which, although not necessarily designed for vehicle traffic, could easily support a 30 foot RV containing the Dawson clan, assorted dogs, and enough supplies to last a couple months. Or at least that was the assumption as Dave, book firmly lodged on the steering column pulled onto the wooden bridge and began crossing. I don't know which family member said "Holy Shit, he made it!" as they came off of the other end of the bridge, but that was the signal for Dave to drive the motorhome over an obstacle and promptly rip the sewage tank off of the bottom of the vehicle. Fortunately, this was not the first, or the last time this occurred, so the family was prepared for the consequences until repairs were completed.