No Foolin'

Today was supposed to be the day.

Yep, back in the day, when we first started this blog, today was going to be the day.

Check that first post and you'll see it: April 1, 2010. That was the day we set to start our fulltiming adventures.

We're soooo glad we were nine months early on this one!

This nine-month head start has given us so much. Already we've visited 21 states, traveled a bunch of miles, camped in 40+ campgrounds and parks, met tons of terrific people, bought a new motorhome, learned lots and had a ton of fun.

So many fulltimers we've talked with have stated just one regret. They wish they we started earlier. Us? We're so very glad we did!

Instead of starting out on our very first day, today we left our very comfy and cozy park in Kerrville and prepared to take a very short route through the backroads back to Austin. It would've been a very relaxing drive in the country, except for one thing. It was really windy. Paul did an amazing job of keeping the moose between the lines while we were battered with crosswinds in the 30+ mph range.

Just south of Johnson City, we pulled into the Miller Creek RV Resort. We had called ahead this morning to ask a special favor, if we could park while we had lunch with friends. The campground host was so gracious. She assured us it would be no problem. When we pulled into the park, she pointed us toward an easy access pull-through and encouraged us to stay as long as we wanted. We were so grateful for this park's warm hospitality. The next time we pass this way, we will definitely stop for a good long stay.

The reason for our stop was to meet fellow bloggers and Tour 40TD owners Margie and Bruce, and their dog Annie. Once we had the moose parked, we wandered over to the other Tour in the park and met people for the first time who felt like long lost friends. It's so funny how this whole fulltiming community works. And, the fulltimer bloggers are even better! We stepped into Margie and Bruce's Tour to get the tour and catch up. Their coach is beautiful. We exchanged stories and tips on Winnebago ownership. Then, we were getting hungry. So, we headed back into Johnson City for a very tasty lunch at the Silver K Cafe. We compared stories about how we got started, where we've been since and where we want to go in the future. The conversation flowed easily and was punctuated with lots of laughter between bites.

Before we knew it, lunch was gone and it was time for us to get back on the windy highway. We exchanged hugs and wished these wonderful people well. We look forward to seeing them again on the road and spending more time together. Thanks, guys, for making time to get together with us! We wish you many safe, healthy and happy miles in that beautiful Tour of yours!

The second half of our drive was as breezy as the first, if not more. And, we got to add crazy Austin traffic into the mix. It's nuts! Finally, we found our way to our destination for the next few days: The Austin Lone Star RV Resort. This once-upon-a-time KOA is a decent place to call home for awhile. More importantly, it's a mere 7 miles away from the dealership where we have a followup service appointment in the morning. This will definitely work.

We were escorted to our site, got everything set up, then walked to the office to get checked in. With that done we decided to stroll through the park. Along the way we met up with a wonderful couple from Winnebago County Iowa. What were they driving? A Winnebago Journey, of course! After exchanging pleasantries and a few Winnie stories, we toured their rolling home and set a date for prime rib near their home while we are there this Summer for Winnebago's Grand National Rally. We are so jealous that they live just 15 miles from the factory. And, they were the first to admit that is very convenient! More than an hour after leaving our rig to check in we made it back to our rolling home. And, an hour or so later they passed by on a walk and we invited them in. There's something about Winnie people. We like 'em!

So, here we are, ready to kick back and enjoy a restful night's sleep before what promises to be a busy day tomorrow. We are so very grateful we accelerated our plans and made our escape nine months before we planned.

No foolin!