For about 18 months we were forced to sit back and really think about the direction we wanted to go with Step Across America workout program because of my illness. It was really a blessing in disguise. The workouts needed to be a little more simple, and slowly teach participants how to do  step aerobics, like a great journey, in each of the 50 states. 

We decided to start fresh and film two new workouts, one in Oregon and one in California. They would end up being the very first and second workouts in volume one of Step Across America.

I also had a huge dream of filming a step workout by the Golden Gate Bridge, and that one became part of Coast to Coast Step, Vol. 1 for all my stepper's who weren't at the beginner level.

For Christmas we were given a weeks timeshare for the Welk's Resort in Escondido, CA for the summer of 2016. Once we were settled, we drove to Oceanside to spend time at the beach, and decided it would be the perfect place to film a step aerobics workout. I loved the fresh ocean air and healthy vibe of people walking their dogs, running, and out for walks with friends and loved ones, all along the street behind me early in the morning. It was nice to film on a fairly solid surface too.

When our timeshare was up, we started making our way up to Oregon for a family reunion. My dream of filming a workout by the Golden Gate Bridge came true. I lived in California when I was a toddler, and then again later when I was a teenager. Little did I realize what an event it would be to get into the park! Once again we were racing to beat the sunset, and get back on the road to travel to Oregon.

It was super windy too, and of course I couldn't find one single bobby pin, so my baby hairs whipped me in the face for the entire workout. I only hoped it wouldn't drive participants crazy! That workout was super tricky to focus in! While facing the camera there were hundreds of people passing by waving, yelling, trying to get my attention, etc. 

We started toying around with the idea of filming step workouts that were not beginner, like the one I had just filmed at the Golden Gate Bridge. They wouldn't be a part of Step Across America series, but would be their own separate program. This was the beginning of Coast to Coast Step. 

My boys had fun exploring and playing in the water. My youngest had a blow-out, I'm sure that's why he's in his brother's sweatshirt.

Then we were on to Oregon where Step Across America, Vol. 1 begins. Tyler found me a great spot with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in the background in Newport. It was the perfect weather to film, nice cool breeze. I tried not to think of the huge cliff drop behind me!

I was pleased my body allowed me to film 3 workouts on this trip. It was the most I had done in 18 months! 

If you want to join me in Step Across America, we've got Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 up and ready for you to try. 

No trip to Oregon is complete without a visit to the Tillamook Creamery! Anyone ever been there before? Yummy!

And finally, a picture in front of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. My husband has a picture from his childhood in front of the same lighthouse.