Perspective

We're enjoying our last night in Crossville. No football tonight. Instead, we've enjoyed a casual early dinner inside and have plans to get up and going early. After all, Gaffney awaits.

We're bringing this visit to one of our favorite spots to a close with a bit of perspective. During our stay we met a lovely couple a couple of sites down. They are older and obviously not in good health. They're from Sikeston, Missouri. (We just drove through there a couple of days ago!) They are staying here a week. And, for them it's a notable one.

This lovely couple is taking their last trip. They have a beautiful Holiday Rambler fifth wheel trailer that, they say, has sat idle for the last three years. They reported that their health has kept them off the road. Recently, they made the tough decision to sell the trailer and stay home. It's obvious that he is not entirely on board. She, on the other hand, is very clear. She needs to stay home.

During our brief conversations they made note of our Texas plates and Paul's Maui t-shirt and shared memories of their travels over the years to both states. They are, first and foremost, travelers. They've loved their time traveling the planet. And, here in the peaceful confines of Crossville, Tennesee, their travels are coming to an end.

After this trip, the fiver will be sold. They'll take care of themselves and each other in the comfortable confines of home. They've spent the last few days parting friends with the road.

They've been so interested and intrigued by our story. Here we are, newbie fulltimers in a pretty new motorhome. (Who cares if it's falling apart?) We have our whole lives ahead of us. We're where they were once upon a time. Each time we've come or gone from this lovely spot they've greeted us with a warm smile and a wave. We have definitely felt the love.

If it's possible to pass a virtual torch, these lovely folks have done it. As they return home and we head up and over the mountains, we get that our job right now is to explore. Our duty is to experience our country and soak it all up until our last trip. Then, one day, the time will come for us to pass the torch to another youngish couple in a pretty new rig.

Today, our pesky motorhome is a bit less irritating. It'll all work out. Right now, we have a job to do.

And, we're definitely up for it.