July marks the 3rd anniversary of our life on the road. It’s hard to believe. It feels like we started ages ago, and yet it’s only been 3 years.
We’ve done a lot of living in that time…
Job loss. Chasing contract payments. Truck problems that drained us for a year. A fire that displaced us for 6 weeks. Navigating a new job remotely. Strained family relationships. Wheel issues with the new RV that kept us in TN for a month.
These things might have discouraged some from road life, but not us! Especially not Bruce, his need for adventure is epic. Don’t get me wrong, we asked ourselves often if we should plant ourselves somewhere. But each time, we found a compromise that allowed us to continue on. So, as Jackie Gleason said, (I’m that old)…
Awaaay we go!
I spent yesterday planning our winter. We made arrangements to stay in Gulf Shores AL for a 3rd time, when we were there last year. But as summer has progressed our needs have changed. Health concerns have dictated our route. From beginning GL1 meds last summer, to shoulder surgery this spring, and now a need for thumb joint surgery for me. Arthritis can’t stop giving. We’re becoming pros at health on the road stuff. To that end we will spend 4 months this winter in,
St Augustine Florida.
As I researched options for thumb replacement surgeries (who knew?), I learned that implant surgery is new-ish, Indiana is about 2 months into it. St. Augustine (Jacksonville) has a Mayo Clinic branch, and I’m already inquiring about an appointment. The benefits of implant surgery vs the alternate method are enormous. Less recovery time, less pain and more mobility. Because we live the mobile life, we have the option of finding a more experienced surgeon. And we hear,
Christmas in St Augustine is not to be missed.
One of the most rewarding parts of living this way are the people we meet. Bruce, ever the extrovert, has added multitudes to his social media and phone. We’ve even connected with people in their hometowns after meeting them on the road. Having a dog invites conversations, and being stationary for a season provides opportunities.
Our travels for September to November are planned around friendships we’ve had for decades. People from previous churches in places we’ve lived, at one time or another. My nephew, and Bruce’s cousin are also on the route. We met with Bruce’s cousin last fall on our way to Gulf Shores. It was long lost cousin day! We’re all excited to spend more time with each other this winter.
We’ve also enjoyed meeting up with friends on the road. November of our first year, friends from IL met us in Flat Rock NC. Dinner outdoors, no bugs and a campfire were shared. In February of 2024, more IL friends met us in New Orleans, hoping for a crawfish boil. They’ve continued to see us yearly when we’re in Indiana, we even lived with them while the RV was in the shop. This past March, a friend from Tucson AZ, met up with us in New Orleans. Shopping, swamp tour, and Beignets enjoyed by all. And this year, friends from CA are meeting us in Myrtle Beach SC, for a week.
LOVE IT!
Another rich experience about this life are the people we’ve served. Here in Terre Haute we’ve been blessed to serve the staff at the campground. Meals, pass me on clothes, words of encouragement, and Benji loves. Last year it was the church in Detroit, with a parking spot right in the neighborhood. An incredibly rich experience. Opportunities are everywhere.
It feels as if we’ve finally gotten the hang of living this way. How much to buy at the grocery store. Do we still use our Sam’s Club membership and Costco? What kind of laundry detergent works best? Takeout or cook in? Paper plates or washable dishes? What kind of bug spray is best, which dish drainer works well and how many bottles of drinking water do we need a week? How many pairs of shoes, what clothes, which blankets are best in summer, winter and fall. Add puppy training and managing an aging cat to the mix and life is never dull.
But ohh, is the learning curve steep!
Most of our time is spent living in the RV vs camping in it. When we began I imagined having campfires often, cooking/eating outdoors, and sightseeing all the time. And for a season we did that. But because Bruce keeps 9-5 hours, fleshing out those things happens differently. We relocate on weekends so he doesn’t have to use PTO. A Saturday pull also avoids daily long haul traffic. We explore in the afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Longer stays, less locations = more satisfying adventures.
We’ve spent several summers in lower Michigan, and this summer in Indiana. Next summer we head north, Traverse City, the UP, and Mackinaw Island are calling to us. We’ve also become intrigued by Texas Hill Country. Several people have recommended it as a winter destination. So it’s on the list for fall/winter of 2027. Upstate NY, Vermont, and Maine are on the list for future years. Possibly Nova Scotia one day. And westward, Montana, North Dakota and Banff Canada speak to us.
New shoulder, and thumbs aside, this life is working and we’re excited for the days ahead. And can you say…QUILTS! I’ve been busy since our landing in April. Having a long arm quilter in the area motivated me to get my holiday gifts done this summer.
Along with table toppers, pillow tops, and baby quilts, it’s a wonder I have hands at all. Our September-November route will limit my sewing time, more relocations with more to explore in each place. But I’ve greatly enjoyed this episode of Cinda Sews.
Exploring the country this way is not only unique, it’s surprisingly rich and fulfilling. We are treasuring the ability to live this way with an indefinite end date. Home is truly ‘Where we Park it’.
Happy Anniversary to Us!
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