Seeing Change More Clearly

Everything changes. I know that’s not exactly breaking news, but the shifts feel sharper as I get older. When I was young, I was too busy moving forward to notice how nothing stays the same. Now I see the changes more clearly — and I don’t always love them. Call it being set in my ways, but a recent email from Thunderbunny Labs stirred up a mix of nostalgia, regret, and reflection.

My Thunderbunny Map Story

Thunderbunny Labs is the company behind my beloved travel map — not a road map, but a framed blank map you fill with your own photos as you explore the country. I bought my USA map in 2021, and you can practically hear my excitement in my original post from May 17, 2021.

My only regret is that I didn’t get farther with it.

 

How the Maps Worked

There were two ways to fill the map:

• The DIY way: scissors, glue, and a lot of patience.
• The Thunderbunny way: upload your photos to their website and order perfectly sized, state‑shaped stickers printed on sticky paper. I picked mine up at my local Walgreens — clean, easy, and oddly satisfying.

But 2021 was right before COVID, and between the lockdowns and then retiring, I haven’t traveled much since. My map is still only about halfway filled.

The Announcement I Didn’t Want

And now Thunderbunny is discontinuing their travel maps.

They wrote:

“After much consideration, we are permanently discontinuing production of our photo maps on May 15th, 2026… If you or someone you know wishes to purchase a USA Photo Map, please do so by May 15th.”

Honestly, it makes sense. The pandemic froze travel. Even now, I’m not convinced it has fully bounced back. Every day there’s another story about flight delays, diversions, rising costs, or fuel prices impacted by the war. RV travel isn’t much better with gas prices climbing. And then there were the government funding battles that left TSA agents unpaid or calling out sick. Long lines, long waits — travel just isn’t the carefree adventure it once was.

A Bit of Good News

Thunderbunny isn’t abandoning those of us who already have maps. They reassured us:

“Please know that while map production is coming to a close, our commitment to our existing customers remains as strong as ever. We will maintain our website and photo printing services indefinitely so you can continue to update your existing photo maps as your own adventures unfold.”

I hope they can keep that going. My local Walgreens closed, so I’d have to find another one if I ever get back on the road.

 

A Farewell Worth Reading

I love how Thunderbunny wrapped up their email — it felt like a curtain call and a thank‑you note all at once:

“What started as a fun way to document our travels ended up taking us on a much different adventure… We grew from a weekend craft project, to a hobbyist Etsy store, to a full‑time business employing dozens of wonderful people… More recently, it has spawned a thriving custom printing business which will be the next destination on our journey.”

Looking Ahead (and Back)

I hope I can add a few more states to my map and keep my connection with Thunderbunny Labs going. That map has been a joyful visual record of my travels. But change is inevitable, isn’t it. I suppose I’d better get used to it.