Seven Wonderful Years of Wandering

Today is the seventh anniversary of our life as full time RVers. In some ways, it feels like just yesterday that we began this journey. But, when I look back at all that's happened in those seven years, it feels like a very long time. Our previous life seems like another lifetime altogether.

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't change a thing about our life before becoming full time RVers. I loved the home we raised our children in, and the memories of those first 33 years of our marriage are wonderful. We are so lucky to have had all of those fantastic years, and then to start a second phase in our married life with so many new and amazing experiences.

Here's a picture of our site on May 1, 2010. We are still spending the summers at this same site, but with a new truck and fifth wheel since then. Also, the red car was traded to our son for the green car that first year. He no longer has the red car, but we still use the green car in the summers. It's a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am with over 200,000 miles on it, but it works just fine for us in the summers.

Here we are today. Other than the obvious new vehicles and fifth wheel, what really stands out to me is how much the trees have grown in those seven years. In the late 1990s, there was a severe storm that went through the park and destroyed over 150 trees. These little trees had been planted after that storm, and they sure have grown.

In those seven years, we've stayed in 26 states and been to Hawaii, Mexico, Belize and Honduras without the RV. We've explored many amazing National Parks and Monuments, as well as lots of other interesting places throughout this country. We've had some fantastic times with our family and friends, and are living a healthier life with much less stress. We're so happy with the decision we made, and have no regrets at all.

We lucked into great jobs at Derge Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin from the very beginning, allowing us to spend the summers in Wisconsin near some of our family and earning some money as well. Between our jobs at the park, three years working at Amazon in the beginning of our adventure, and my pension; we've been able to earn enough to cover our expenses each year. Can't beat that. I can honestly say we have everything we need, and don't miss a thing (except maybe a dishwasher).

We've had some things go wrong; that's going to happen no matter where you live. The biggest frustration has been when things need to be repaired on the fifth wheel and you live in it. Luckily, we've found some good mobile RV repair people along the way.

We reach social security age in the next few years, so we're dreaming of some changes in our travels in the coming years. Time will tell if those dreams come true!

As you can see from the current picture above, it's raining. It's been raining for about a week. In fact, this has been the worst April weather we've had since we began this journey. Cold, wet, cold, damp, cold, rain, cold; you get the picture. It could be worse. At least we haven't had tornadoes and snow like other parts of the country had this past weekend.

The lousy weather has kept campers away. There have been very few people here since we've been back. This past weekend, we were alone in the park for the entire weekend. That rarely happens. Not good for the revenue of the parks department at the county, but a very quiet start for us. Reservations are coming in strong for May and the rest of the summer, so I'm sure we'll be plenty busy again.

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!