Year Two

Today marks a milestone in our full-time RVing adventures. It was two years ago today that we celebrated our personal Independence Day and launched our Great RV Escape.

It's hard to believe it's been two years, already and only. In a way, it seems like we've just been at this, maybe, a little over a year. But, in other ways, it seems like we've been living this life for a very long time. And, that's a good thing.

Last year, we posted a recap of Year One. And, we thought about doing something similar today. But, somehow, looking up how many miles we've traveled and stops we've made feels like a bit too much work. And, really, it's not all that important. Is it? (If you really want to know, just ask. We'll look it up.)

With that attitude, it sounds like we've mellowed a bit in Year Two, eh? And, maybe we have. We're trying to slow down enough to really savor the places we visit. Our month in Santa Fe (even when it was windy) and a near month near Zion (even when it was blazing hot), with a week or two in a couple of gorgeous places in between is definitely a better way for us to travel.

And, while the places have been great, the thing that continues to amaze us is the people we meet. We've always known that America is a beautiful country. What we're learning is it's not just the beautiful coasts, mountain ranges and national parks that make it so. It's the people that make this country great. The stories of so many folks we've met who are visiting here or call this nation home inspire us. They are funny, heartwarming and heart breaking. It's the encounters with these good folks, either planned or by mere chance, that keep us on the road.

One of the things that has changed for us over this past year is how little our life really has to do with our RV. Writing that last sentence seems so funny. After all, the RV -- and the idea of living in one fulltime -- was our primary obsession before we started this gig. And, truth be told, for awhile after. But, today, Bullwinkle is just where we live and our mode of transportation between one place we call home for awhile and the next. It's what we do, who we meet and what we see that makes this a dandy lifestyle for us right now.

Of course, our moose has thrown us a curve ball or two along the way. In fact, that's what brought us here to Salt Lake City. From time to time our moose needs tending to. And, when that happens, he does get to set the itinerary. For all he does for us, we'll let him do just that. Meanwhile, we'll enjoy the detours. Salt Lake is a city we've been meaning to see. Thanks to our moose, we're doing it now. Turns out, Bullwinkle is a pretty good travel agent!

Moose and squirrel care and maintenance is just one of the challenges of life on the road. As I write this, Paul is wrestling with one of our financial services providers over the logistics of depositing a check. With two years of life on the road under our belts, we have come to understand that full-time RVing is still life, complete with its assortment of challenges, frustrations, freedom and joys. And, when it comes to this life, sometimes we just deal with it.

Today, we celebrate it. With deep gratitude for all of the wonderful people we've met over the last two years, especially those we are honored to call friends, we raise a glass and thank you for making this an amazing ride. Here's to many more safe, happy and trouble-free miles and more great times ahead. (And, if we haven't actually met yet, here's another toast to hoping we do so soon!)

Onward to Year Three!