“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” ~~ Carl Sagan
Recently I’ve written a number of posts on the subject of Bonnie and me wanting to relocate, to change our lives somehow, to discover more about ourselves and learn more about the world around us. We find ourselves in a period of transition — not quite old enough to fully retire and not mentally ready or willing to just wait until we are. In addition, neither of us have been able to find gainful employment — at least not anything that would be fulfilling or we’d want to do.
So, we have decided to embrace this transition period, to see it for its possibilities instead of experiencing the inherent negativity of a waiting period. We want to use this time as an opportunity to explore and grow, both as individuals and as a couple. We’re decided to live and travel the country full time in an RV — caravans I believe they’re called in Europe. We want to do it at our pace, going when and where we want and of course taking our dog, Maggie. We plan to take our time in places we’d like to get to know, meeting new people and learning about them as we learn about ourselves.
We’re selling our house, our three cars and most of our personal possessions. I guess you could say this action follows a minimalist path and even though I believe most people are too focused on things, we don’t believe things are the problem or the root of all evil. Our actions simply necessitate scaling down to a much, much smaller living space.
To get the ball rolling and with the expert help of our financial advisor, we’re borrowing funds from our retirement and purchasing a 5th wheel RV trailer and a rather large truck to pull it. We are hopeful to quickly and fully repay ourselves from the sale of our old life and begin this next chapter virtually debt free. Our next challenge is to live within our established cash stream until we officially draw retirement.
We’ve spent significant time in these life changing discussions, including talking one another off-the-ledge when the panic or self-doubt creeps in. Fortunately we’ve not both been on the ledge at the same time. Steps have already been taken to make this a reality and we hope to depart by spring of next year.
This new lifestyle holds promise for my photography as well. I already have ideas for several series of photos. The recent change to the format of Meandering Passage was in part due to our plans.
Good for you guys! It’s how I’ve been living now for the past year — no known address, home is wherever I am with my Jeep and tent. The budget is always a challenge. I did retire and started SS last year. It’s not a lot but with care I live within my means. With a little bit of income to supplement it I can be pretty mobile.
I met a couple from Wisconsin out at Joshua Tree last winter who are doing what you’re planning and they felt it’s the best move they ever made. I’m going to meet up with them again this winter at JT.
Sorry to ramble but I’m truly thrilled for you. You’ve taken the first step, making the decision. I don’t think you’ll regret it for a minute. Best of luck to the both of you. Maggie too of course… :)
pj, thanks! It’s amazing how many people we hear of living this nomad lifestyle and the vast majority all say they love it or at least that they have never had any regrets from doing it. Perhaps one day we’ll be out in your area and if you’re still about would love to meet up. Thanks again and take care!
That would be cool. If you’re ever in Joshua Tree country in the winter I’ll probably be around somewhere… :)
Congratulations Earl! I really like your plan for the next stage of life. When you get to Oregon, be sure to look me up.
Steve, I don’t know when but the northwest is definitely an area we’d like to revisit and get to know a little better. For sure we’d look you up!
Congratulations !
I am so happy for you, and envious. I look forward to seeing pictures and reading stories of your travels.
Trista, thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Bonnie and I both are excited about getting this all started…we only have about a million things to do first! :-)
Wow. Talk about a change in lifestyle! I’m jealous, Earl. We’ve also met a few couples who’ve done this (during our own excursions) and haven’t run across anyone who was sorry for doing it. We met one couple on Padre Island, Texas, who traveled with the seasons. Wherever it was sunny and warm, that’s where they went. They were happy as clams.
One piece of advice: Stay away from western NY in the winter!!
Paul, yes it’s certainly going to be a B I G change for us but it’s one we’re looking forward to. No matter the fears about doing this, they aren’t as frightening as knowing the regrets we’re sure to have if we don’t.
We plan to follow the weather closely, moving northward during the summer months and back south in winters — that eliminates the danger of winter in western NY.
Thanks!
That’s awesome, Earl! When I was young, I didn’t have much use for the thought of an RV – but now, nearing retirement, the thought of the open road and that kind of freedom is tremendously appealing. Just can’t afford it!
By the way, I have that Carl Sagan quote stuck to one of my speakers sitting on my desk. We could use more Carl Sagans in this world.
Hi John, Yeah, we feel lucky to have this window of opportunity and want to take full advantage of it. It may be something we get out of our systems in a year or two or it may be something we do as long as we are physically/mentally able. In either case we’re going to enjoy and be fully committed to it. Thanks!
Wow, that’s great Earl. I love the reference “selling your old life.” It will be such an adventure. I look forward to reading about it.
Don’t forget Detroit is the tourist capital of the Midwest now. :-)
Thanks, Mark, that reference seems pretty accurate at this point — it’s all for sale, make us an offer! :-) During warmer seasons Michigan is a place I’d love to see more of. Business trips have allowed me to see some of the southern areas, which are beautiful, but would love to see the northern regions…you can bet I’ll try and hook up with you when that happens.
Detroit? Huh? What? LOL ;)
I’ve had many restless nights of sleep as I work at plans to do the same. The only difference is choosing an small Class A instead of a fith wheel. My parents did the snowbird gig for many years and loved it. My sister and brother-in-law travel about 6 months of the year in a nice Class A. I too, am envious of you two and continue to dream of such a life. I follow a couple of blogs about fulltime Rver’s, some young and some retired. I’m excited for you two!!!!
Small world isn’t it, Monte. Some of those Class A’s are very nice indeed and if there wasn’t two of us plus a dog going for full-time status we would have chosen to travel lighter. However, for our situation a 5th Wheel with decent living space and the ability to set-up. unhook and use the tow truck as a separate exploring vehicle seemed to offer the best compromise. Maybe we’ll be in the same vicinity one day and can hook up.
All the best with your planned change of lifestyle. I recall Anne McKinnell http://annemckinnell.com/ doing exactly the same (including a dog) about eighteen months ago and she has never regretted it.
Andy, we’ve heard almost nothing negative from anyone who’s taken this path and we doubt we’ll be any different. Thanks!
What a decision, Earl! I do remember your posts about re-doing your “man-cave” and many images of your beautiful house. But I can well imagine that this is the right thing to do – after all freedom also is about concentrating on the really important things in life, and these rarely are things in the sense of the word, but quite often immaterial ones. Good luck to both of you!
Thanks, Markus! We both feel that if we don’t take this opportunity now, while we can, we’ll have to live with regret later. There’s a lot to see, experience and learn out there…more than we can even imagine.