Baja Recap – The Decision
Each year so far, we have spent the winter in new and different places. Year one was Florida. Year two Arizona. Different sides of the country, different geography, much different humidity, but much warmer than the winters we were used to. So where to go for year three that would be new and warmer? Was it time to tow our Airstream south of the border and explore Baja, Mexico?
This idea brought with it a lot of discussion between the two of us and lots of opinions from friends and family we shared the idea with. Is it safe? Crime? Language barriers?
What the FUNK?
Year three of our full-time travel adventure was underway. On this day we found ourselves nestled in a state park on the amazing Oregon coast, a place none of us had been before. Full of giant trees, moss, the ocean, and breathtaking cliffs. Yet something was missing. Something was not right. We were just…. off.
Our Big Upgrade for Year 3!
We finally did it! Broke down and bit the proverbial bullet. After two years of full timing, it was time to make our Airstream function more like a house than a camper.
Recap – Summer 2023
What started out as an emotional homecoming ended up being the healing moments lives are made of! We are grateful for all of them beyond the words we can write or say! It is a true testament to the beauty of the human experience!
Returning Home?
We realized we did not want this visit to be about looking back, instead we were excited to hear about the futures for our friends and family. Learning all about the changes in their lives, what their children are up to, and what they are looking forward to in the next chapters of their lives. This visit also reaffirmed for us that our “home” is not a specific place but instead it is a state of mind.
Introducing Mr. Otis
Our last “fur baby”, as Andrea likes to call them, passed away two months before we embarked on our traveling life. It was an emotional loss for us, as Sir Russell’s passing marked the end of our children’s childhoods and the beginning of a new phase of life for all of us. After much research and deliberation over the past two years, Andrea and I decided we were ready. It was time!
Questioning Things?
In a crazy turn of events during year two of our full-time rving adventure, we have found ourselves dealing with something we never anticipated. Not the worries over the road conditions. It has not been the pressure of constantly finding that next place to call home. Not even the adjustments to the two of us living in 224 square feet of “home”.
Where Did We Go?
For the first time in two years, Andrea and I decided to take time away from our weekly blog. It was not because we were tired of it, but more so because life led us in that direction. Sometimes growing stronger together requires time apart for the growth of the individual.
When Is It Time to Move?
When traveling full time is your lifestyle, how do you decide when to move? Well, that is a good question that we have been asked quite a few times and is a great campfire conversation starter, as everyone’s thought process is unique.
Someplace New, Yet Familiar
In the fall of 1996, Andrea and I found ourselves living in Butte, Montana. While our reasons were different, we had each been there before. Visiting our families many times as children, yet never knowing one another until now. This was the place Andrea and I first met. Where we fell in love, got married, and our family began. This small mining town is indelibly linked to our family’s past and future.
Be Where You Are
Where we are is where we need to be,
For the universe has made it so,
Where we are not, is where we aren’t,
There is no sense daydreaming about it,
Only stealing from us another now,
Skooliepalooza for Airstreamers?
Something you probably do not know about us was Andrea’s final choices for our rig. After much research, deliberation and thought, it came down to two options, an Airstream or a “Skoolie”. It was only natural that we would eventually attend one of the biggest “skoolie” events of the year, Skooliepalooza. It was time to see what it was all about.
Quartzsite, Yay or Nay?
A small-town of about 2000 full-time residents in western Arizona, that sees its population swell to over 200,000 at any given time during the winter and more than a million passing through. It hosts one of the largest RV shows in the country, “the big tent”, one of the world’s largest gem fairs, and is known for its quirky personality.
January Social Media Recap
Our January social media recap for those of you who may have missed us on Instagram this month. Our top posts brought to you here so you do not miss out.
You Want to Live in an RV?
The wide-open prairies, desert winds, ocean breezes, mountain pines, are where we can go to get away from it all. Places we can examine our “no longer truths” and to put our mental well-being first. Leaving your sticks and bricks behind for a never-ending road trip won’t do the self-help work for you, but it will open the possibility like few other changes you could make.
You Want to Live in a RV?
No sir or ma’am, we are going our own way. We will be the king, sheriff, and sole determiner of how we spend our days out in nature. We are done answering to anyone else it’s just us and all this beauty. That is…. until your gray and black tanks are full!
You Want to Live in a RV?
In our second year of full timing, we can attest, there are many amazing days and opportunities we have experienced because of the lifestyle. Meeting many great people, seeing incredible places, and loving the freedom to move about as we choose. However, we also feel a responsibility to make sure we share some of our truths of the lifestyle so that if you are considering making the jump you have a realistic picture of what to expect.
Our Vision for the New Year
Welcome to the new year and thanks for joining us on this adventure. This week we wanted to share one of the rituals we do to focus our thoughts and energy for the year.
Why We Love the Desert
Choosing to stay in the western United States this winter with the goal of avoiding the cold and snow can only mean one thing, head to Arizona. This week we share some of the reasons we have found that made us realize we love the desert!
The Campfire that Changed Everything
As Andrea stood up to stoke the fire it happened out of nowhere. No warning signs. No chance to intervene or pre-empt it. I still get chills and flashbacks just telling this story which maybe is part of the reason it happened. To ensure we are not on auto pilot in our own relationships. As I sat in my chair enjoy the conversation, things suddenly changed.