This is a picture of our 30ft. 5th Wheel and 2002 Dodge truck. The RV has 3 push-outs and is very comfortable for just the 2 of us. We have previously travelled in the RV for extended periods of time including a month on the Oregon Coast, and last year we completed 3.5 weeks cruizing through Washington, Idaho, and into Montana. We spent a few days in the Glacier National Park area and we loved it. We plan to return there in the future.
This experience will be like being full time RVers, only we have to be back home by September for Jack to return to work.
This trip has been on our "Bucket List" for many years. We have been RVers for most of our lives and we love the RV experience and the community of RVers. We initially thought we would be doing the trip when we both retired, perhaps with friends who are RVers, but as we grew older, we thought, "Why wait", let's do it while we both have our health.
Our plan is to head straight down I-5, travelling through Washington, Oregon, California, cutting across Arizona to New Mexico (and the warm sun). We have quite a bit of experience in these States so we thought we would expedite the start of our trip to areas that we haven't travelled to before. Our plan is to stay in the States that are close to the Gulf and Ocean (more moderate climate) and we plan to first see the Gulf of Mexico by visiting Corpus Christi, Texas. We will work across the bottom of the USA, eventually getting to the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville, Florida. We will probably head north from there, as we have travelled to Florida a few times in the past. We will slowly travel north, following our interests and places we want to visit. If we make it as far as New York, we will have to make a decision on whether to go North of the Great Lakes into Canada, or travel south of the Lakes to head in the direction of home. If time and energy permits, we could make it to the Maritime Provinces in Canada, before heading back across Canada. We do not have a schedule, so any location could see us stay 1 night or 2 weeks, depending on what there is to do, who we meet, and our enjoyment level in that location. If we hear about an event or a site to visit that takes us inland, then that is where we will go....again no schedule. Obviously it would be impossible to see all of the sites along our route, as these States have so much to offer. Neither of us are motivated to see every tourist location on our travel route, it is more about the people and culture that we like to experience. Sure there are some things that we feel are "a must see", but we have never been travellers who feel obligated to see every tourist site in the places we go.
It is our plan to use a "hub & spoke" method of exploring an area, primarily because we don't want to be hauling our RV all the time. We will find an RV park to serve as a base as we explore a given area. Then we will take day trips (or occasionally over night in a hotel) out from the "hub" to experience the area.
As you can tell, we are very excited about our trip and we have put a fair amount of thought into our journey. The dictionary defines and ODYSSEY as "a long adventurous journey" and that is exactly what we are hoping for!
Oooh, sounds exciting. The blog looks great, guys!
ReplyDeleteI wanna come...got room for a crappy golfer? I will need kosher food though.
ReplyDeleteWow...this is so exciting...I will be following and living vicariously as a wanaby RV'er through you both...Glad to see you're on your way! Keep safe and keep writing! Jill
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you guys...Kyle and I will follow along as we stay here and work....YAY!
ReplyDeleteI hope you two have a really wonderful trip! I'm looking forward to reading all about it on your blog, as you travel along in your RV. What an awesome thing to be doing at this time of your lives - good for you! Take care and drive safely... Love Diane
ReplyDeleteWay to go you two! The bucket list is a wonderful thing to be able to focus on. Happy trails and we will try to keep in touch. Adventure away!
ReplyDeleteFellow RVer's Geoff & Anne Blossom
We'll miss you guys! Wishing you both a fantastic journey and looking forward to reading about all of your adventures.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Kim, Jamie and Jabob :)
I'm so glad you are on the road, but we sure miss you already. Keep us up to date on how things are going, and have a blast!
ReplyDeleteJan
Hey John - Hopefully this will be the only time I need to ask a work question. What is your voice mail password? We need to use your voice mailbox. No news on principal changes. Hope all is well. How far have you made it?
ReplyDeleteGreat blog and great photos. All the best as you journey on
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have had a variety of weather. Miss you guys, have fun for me too.
ReplyDeleteHi John and Laurie
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying your blog. My Texan girlfriend is always talking about the River Walk. Thanks for the pictures. It looks so beautiful.