Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt

You know that sinking feeling when you realize everyone around you knows something you don’t? That’s the emotional engine of this story and we get there the only way we know how: by lying our asses off for love.

We’re on the back deck retelling the day we turned a simple “birthday hang” into Operation Cabot Fog, a full scavenger hunt inspired by cozy mysteries and the Murder She Wrote filming location in Mendocino, California. The plan is to keep the birthday girl out of her own house long enough for a surprise party to appear like magic, but first we’ve got to survive a windy Northern California coastal drive, a red wine regret spiral, and an unplanned roadside puke stop that really tests sibling loyalty.

From Dick’s Place to Flow’s ocean views to a darling hilltop cemetery, each clue is a breadcrumb made of nostalgia, family stories, and tiny gifts that hit way harder than they should. We end up at the bluff bench to feed ravens (our beloved goth geniuses) while seagulls try to steal the whole show mid-air, then race back to the cottage for the final misdirection: no speakerphone, no wrong turns, and no walking through the house where everyone is hiding.

If you like travel storytelling, Mendocino trip ideas, surprise birthday party planning, and messy sibling comedy with real heart, press play. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves a good double bluff, and leave a review. What’s the best surprise you’ve ever pulled off or had pulled on you?

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

We thought we were chasing crisp fall weather and perfect leaf peeping, but what we really got was a masterclass in New England priorities: eat the best thing in town, walk everywhere, and let the weird little moments become the story. After a long break, we pick back up with our Portland, Maine and Salem, Massachusetts trip recap where the travel chaos finally settles and the fun begins.

Portland turns into a full-on food pilgrimage. We talk Eventide Oyster Co, the lobster roll that rewired our brains, why Maine lobster hits different, and how a Portland Maine food tour unexpectedly teaches us the real history of the waterfront and the lobster industry. Then we hop a ferry, lose a backpack, rent a golf cart on Peaks Island, and track down Battery Steele, a hidden World War II bunker covered in street art that feels like a secret only locals hand you.

Salem shifts the energy fast. October crowds, haunted lore, Bunghole Liquors with a downstairs speakeasy and tunnel stories, a haunted hotel vibe, a psychic reading that goes off the rails, and WitchPicks photos that leave one of us looking like we lost a fight with industrial-strength lipstick. We end with a Seattle layover sprint to Wings Over Washington, plus the kind of post-trip panic that hits when you realize your calendar is wrong and real life is about to demand a turn-and-burn.

If you like funny travel stories with real friendship, food obsession, and just enough spooky Salem to keep it interesting, hit play. Subscribe, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave us a review with the best meal you’ve ever had on a trip.

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

A missed flight is annoying. Watching your flight take off without you while you’re still trapped on another plane is a special kind of pain.

We’re recording Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt After Dark in real time while driving from Boston to Portland, Maine, running on fumes and trying to stay awake. The travel “magic” starts with a short Santa Rosa to Seattle hop that turns into a delay marathon: instrument issues, fog, circling terminals, and the slow realization that our connection is gone. You’ll hear the exact moment the anxiety spikes, then drops, when we finally accept we can’t control it and decide to treat the chaos as information instead of a personal curse.

From there, it turns into a practical playbook for flight delays and missed connections. We talk about rebooking the second you have cell service, why being genuinely kind to airline customer service can change outcomes, and the sprint that lands us the last two seats. We also get honest about travel anxiety, why we feel calmer up front, how we choose seats, and why keeping eyes on flight attendants weirdly helps when turbulence hits.

Then it’s the human stuff: a five-hour Sea-Tac layover full of airport food, new sunglasses, a seat swap with a stranger, and a surprise comeback from the elusive cheese plate. We close out still on the road, juggling hotel check-in worries, rental car luck, and toll booth confusion, plus a heartfelt plug for Thursday Murder Club.

If you’ve ever been delayed, rebooked mid-meltdown, or tried to stay funny while exhausted, this one will feel familiar. Subscribe, share it with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more anxious travelers can find us.

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

We tell the full story of a first backpacking trip in Yosemite, from pre-trip dread to campfire wins to the post-trip shower that feels like a spiritual event. Then we pivot to planning our Maine fall getaway and spiral happily into packing debates, Salem dreams, and cozy food talk. 

• why this Yosemite backpacking trip happens and why it feels so high pressure 
• control, anxiety, and the mental load of packing for unknowns 
• the poop problem, trail privacy, and why a real toilet changes everything 
• comfort gear choices, sleeping pads, tents, and the reality of “ultralight” 
• rain, safety worries, and going out alone with headlamp and bear spray 
• bear cans, bear boxes, overpacked snacks, and the great salami debate 
• camp downtime with books, card games, and the joy of a Kindle 
• hot toddies, fly fishing, and what actually makes the trip memorable 
• deciding backpacking is not the preferred camping style 
• Maine trip plans for Portland food, Salem ghost tour, and Acadia 
• checked bag vs carry-on, overpacking logic, and airport connection stress 
• fall rituals, pumpkins, petrichor, and soup season cravings 

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

Christmas and Cara share updates on their upcoming trip to Maine in October where they'll explore the witch museum, take a nighttime haunted tour, and hopefully fit in a day trip to Acadia National Park.

Also, as usual, the conversation took some turns...

• Cara joined the ladies golf league at her country club where she's the youngest by "maybe two decades"
• An unfortunate incident involving a goose on the golf course leads to surprising ball placement
• Excitement builds for their Salem trip in October, including staying next to the witch museum 
• Planning a walking food tour in Portland and a visit to the allegedly haunted Bunghole Liquors
• Discussion of Maine-based books including the "Clambake Mysteries" series and "The Frozen River"
• Cara's recent discovery of chimichurri sauce has her putting it on everything from eggs to beans and rice
• Pizza oven adventures and why manufacturers recommend practicing before hosting a pizza party
• Teenage slang evolution: "sus" is now considered cringe but "dodgy" remains timeless

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

Two decades of marriage has taught us that every couple creates their own unique contract, with different rules, boundaries, and arrangements that work specifically for them. We explore what makes marriages last and how to navigate the complexities of sharing your life with another person.

• Identifying deal breakers early in the relationship creates clear boundaries
• Having separate finances can eliminate major sources of conflict for couples with different spending styles
• Finding ways to accommodate each other's quirks without constant criticism
• The "marriage contract" concept—recognizing that each couple creates their own terms
• Adjusting expectations as you grow and change together over time
• Learning to distinguish between what truly matters and what you can let slide
• How living with someone for decades creates patterns and rhythms unique to your relationship
• Maintaining individuality within marriage through personal space and independence

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

We've decided to visit Maine for our next scavenger hunt adventure instead of our original plans for London or Italy. Neither of us has ever been to Maine, but we're excited for lobster rolls, amazing chowder, and exploring destinations like Portland and Ogunquit.

• Using an Alaska credit card companion fare to travel as far as possible while staying in the U.S.
• Planning the trip for late October/early November
• Excited about the connection to "Murder She Wrote" which was set in fictional Cabot Cove, Maine
• Looking forward to trying authentic lobster rolls and comparing them to our limited previous experiences
• Already debating chowder preferences - not too many potatoes, plenty of clams, good balance of vegetables
• Interested in visiting Ogunquit, known as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination
• Seeking recommendations for weird roadside attractions and must-visit spots

If you have any tips about great places to visit in Maine, please let us know!

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

We're back after a short hiatus due to life commitments, travel plans, and some social media frustrations that temporarily derailed our recording schedule. We dive into the complexities of Mother's Day and how it affects people differently depending on their relationship with motherhood.

• Breaking down why Mother's Day is more complicated than just celebrating mothers
• Examining whether wishing "Happy Mother's Day" to non-mothers is appropriate
• Discussing the varying expectations mothers have for the holiday
• Exploring how to celebrate the day when you've lost your mother
• Sharing personal experiences of how we observe (or don't observe) Mother's Day
• Comparing Mother's Day expectations to Father's Day and birthday celebrations
• Detailing our approaches to caregiving during illness and recovery

We sincerely apologize for the technical difficulties at the end of this episode - we're learning and promise to figure this shit out. Thanks for putting up with us! 

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

From floating among glacier ice chunks to soaring down North America's longest zipline, our Alaskan adventure delivered one extraordinary experience after another. The majesty of the Hubbard Glacier left us speechless as we kayaked through what our guide described as "a giant margarita" of floating ice, witnessing the thunderous calving of ice chunks into the crystal-clear waters. Though we missed our kayak excursion in the Indian Islands due to timing confusion, the resulting Zodiac tour took us to breathtaking wilderness areas where we spotted sea lions, otters, and countless seabirds against pristine backdrops.

The adrenaline peak of our journey happened at Icy Straight Point, where we conquered North America's longest zipline – a heart-pounding 5,490-foot ride soaring at 60mph while dangling 1,330 feet above sea level. The emotional release upon landing caught us by surprise; we found ourselves simultaneously laughing and crying, overwhelmed by the beauty and exhilaration of flying above the Alaskan wilderness.

Quaint towns delivered their own magic. In Haines, we discovered the charming Hammer Museum with its passionate docent describing their collection with "craftsmanship out the yang." Juneau captured our hearts with a delightful food tour introducing us to spruce tip products and local delicacies, while teaching us about Tlingit culture, including the fascinating tradition of "shame poles" and the symbolic eagle-raven "lovebirds." But perhaps our most cherished Juneau memory was discovering Deckhand Dave's fish tacos – so incredible we returned three times in one day! Throughout our journey, we experienced what we call "travel magic" – those unplanned moments and serendipitous encounters that transform a trip into something truly special. Come along as we share these unforgettable Alaskan moments and the travel wisdom we gained along the way.

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!

The Alaskan adventure contiinues as we fulfill Bonnie's last wishes by spending time together & processing grief in our own unconventional way.

• Boarding a small, luxury Seabourn cruise ship in Vancouver after spending the night at Pan Pacific Hotel
• Experiencing an unexpected customs incident where Christmas's sentimental pocket knife is confiscated
• Coining the phrase "Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt" when explaining our trip to new friends Luke and Michael
• Exploring Ketchikan including Dolly's House historic red light district tour and local dive bars
• Discovering the challenges of getting around in small Alaskan towns with no Uber access
• Visiting the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka to see rescued grizzly bears, including playful sister bears
• Exploring the Raptor Center in Sitka to see magnificent birds of prey including massive bald eagles
• Enjoying local Alaskan cuisine including king crab and specialty food trucks
• Learning about Alaskan pull-tab gambling games in local dive bars
• Embracing the cruise experience despite initially not considering ourselves "cruise people"

Dead Mom Scavenger Hunt is about moving through life after loss without turning it into a whole identity—or pretending it’s not there. It’s two women traveling, eating, finding mildly chaotic situations, and narrating with humor that’s just dark enough to tell you they’ve been through something. The “scavenger hunt” isn’t literal. It’s the ongoing practice of noticing what’s still good, still funny, still meaningful…even when you don't feel like laughing.

Holla at us with questions or comments:

Email: [email protected]
Insta: @deadmomscavengerhunt
Follow us on Facebook!

Christmas IG: @drugstorecowgirljewelry
Cara IG: @cara.steinmann

OR you can get all the uncut video and audio if you join us on Patreon. See you there!