Why RV and Why Now?
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But the truth is... we have prepared for this adventure most of our adult lives. Let me explain. |
Childhood Dreams
I have always loved to travel. In second grade I dreamed of spending my junior year abroad. In college, I contemplated a career as an international flight attendant. As a teacher, I took four groups of students to England, France, and Italy via EF Tours.
European travel wasn't my only dream. When I was in middle school my good friend invited me on a family camping trip. While tent camping was a bit too close to nature for me, I did enjoy the pop-up camper experience. Unfortunately, it rained the entire time and the trip was cut short. In the back of my mind, however, I always wanted to recreate that experience.
While Geoff was never part of the scouting program, he always liked the idea of survival camp. Back in his youth, he dreamed of living off Alaska's barren land for two weeks. The more remote the better. Age (and maturity) has modified that dream just a bit 😊
Livin' in the City
From 1984 - 1988 we lived in a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Greenwich Village. We both worked at large midtown banks and decided to trade in the one-hour commute from Connecticut for a New York City adventure.
The apartment was approximately 500 square feet. Ample room for a couple of DINKS (dual-income-no-kids) but a little cramped when the baby arrived two years later. At her six-month birthday, we gave Megan the bedroom and made the living room our efficiency apartment. If we can sleep on a sleeper sofa for twelve months, we can sleep on anything!
Our First SUV
I love snow -- I'm just not fond of driving in it. So when I started teaching full-time, I traded in my PT Cruiser for a mid-size SUV. The all-wheel-drive put me at ease during those few times I was forced to drive in inclement weather.
But before we made the new car purchase we inquired about towing capability. Could we add a hitch? Was it capable of pulling a pop-up?
We did eventually add the hitch but never quite committed to the camper.
A few years later we attended our first RV show. At that time, retirement was far away and we were investigating possibilities. We came away loving the spaciousness of the Class A motorhomes but not their price tag. We shelved that dream for several more years.
Downsizing
We've contemplated taking advantage of the current seller's market. Our four-bedroom house is far more space than we need. And we have collected far more stuff than we will use.
For two years we have slowly (but steadily) weeded through the bedrooms, attic, and basement. We've donated countless boxes to charity and packed up a few sentimental items.
Still... we aren't sure where to move. Do we stay in Kansas where we've laid down roots? Do we move to Nashville where two out of three children live? Or do we move to the Florida coast and soak up the sun year-round?
God slammed shut the door on that latter option earlier this year... so we were back to square one. Perhaps seeing more of this country will help us pick a permanent retirement spot.
Living Out of a Suitcase
EF Tours taught us how to pack for ten days using only a carry-on suitcase! While most of us complained and questioned the viability of such an endeavor... in the end, we came to enjoy the freedom that comes from leaving heavy baggage behind.
We learned the concepts of a capsule wardrobe and the value of layering clothes. We learned comfortable shoes trump fashionable footwear. And the decision-making process is simplified with fewer choices.
We should have no problem dealing with any limitations of RV storage.
Modified Retirement Dreams
Ten years ago we had lofty retirement dreams. We would travel Europe, living several weeks at a time in key areas: London, Paris, and Sorrento. We wanted to live like the natives and assimilate into the culture. Of course, the pandemic put those particular travel plans on indefinite hold.
We wanted to buy a waterfront home -- either a lake house like my parents' home in Bella Vista, AR, or an oceanfront condo on the panhandle of Florida. But as I said before, we are not sure where to move. And we must consider the price.
But with an RV we don't have to choose. We've already camped by the lake and loved the serenity. This winter we plan to snowbird on the Texas gulf --- a two-minute walk to the beach. We can choose to call home in the mountains of Colorado one month, and the vineyards of Napa Valley the next.
We will live several weeks at a time in certain locations -- key areas of America rather than Europe. And I'm learning that our great country is every bit as exciting and exotic as those across the pond.
If Not Now... When??
At this point, we have nothing holding us back.
All our children are living fabulous lives of their own. They don't need us as much now as they once did. And while we certainly plan to visit and stay in touch, we have the freedom to be a little selfish and take time for ourselves.
We are healthy enough for adventure. We have the energy to go and do. And we are not tied down to doctor's appointments or limited by physical ailments. We are indeed blessed, and we don't take it for granted. I believe the Lord is honored that we are taking this step of faith to experience life, rather than bask in our comfort zone.
How long do we plan to travel? We're not sure.
We definitely want to give it two full years. We have a lot to learn and there's so much of this country we want to see and experience. We will maintain our home base in Kansas, but we're not sure how much time we'll spend there 😊
After two years we may find we love RVing, decide to sell the "sticks and bricks" home, and embrace the nomad life full-time.
Or perhaps we will decide two years is enough. European travel (hopefully) will open up again and we will be ready for a new adventure.
Right now, we are taking it one step at a time. For two type-A planners, this is a big deal. But we want to savor the moments, travel slowly enough to see the scenic overlooks along the way, and settle into new areas long enough to embrace the regional culture.
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