Before I began my life on the road, I planned to avoid interstates. I would meander down the backroads of small-town America to get a flavor for what “real America” was like. I’d shop at local mom and pop stores. I’d eat delicious food at local restaurants, I’d have real conversations, meet interesting characters and…
Useful
Yesterday was the first day since my wife died that I felt truly useful. I didn’t plan for things to turn out that way.
How Can She Be Gone?
It’s been four months and twenty two days since my wife died. That final day, I made a conscious decision to not go to the hospital. I had been by her side everyday for last 9 months witnessing her suffering, her pain and her steady decline. Her final 2 months had been horrific for her,…
Finding My People
I am camping with a group of 10 others who are full-time vehicle dwellers. This group was formed to introduce newcomers to life on the road. The concept is that a few experienced people make themselves available to offer advice, tips and suggestions. The newcomers get a chance to meet others like them, learn the…
Fearless
I was fearless until I was 6 years old. Life was great. I had a wonderful family. We had a house with a backyard and a dog. School was fun. Playtime was more fun. Summers were fantastic. I had lots of friends. I walked to the store, the park and my friends houses by myself. …
A Real Ghost Town
Yesterday, I visited Tombstone Arizona to get some Mexican food, dump my trash and refill my water. The town of Tombstone is tiny. Its main street, Freemont, runs about 1 mile through the center of town. There were many FOR SALE signs and empty storefronts on Freemont. I saw at least 3 historical museums and…
No Pictures In My Camper
I haven’t hung any pictures of Ellen in my camper yet. I have my favorites with me in a box. The pictures I have of her remind me of better days. I won’t hang any until I can look at one and not start crying. That may never happen.
I See No People
I’ve been alone for two weeks. The first week, I “camped” in parking lots and rest areas surrounded by truckers and other travelers but not interacting with them. The second week, I camped in National Forests and BLM land. Other than waving to a few drivers passing by and talking to cashiers when buying supplies…
Nothing To Buy
When I am the least bit inconvenienced my first thought is “What do I need to buy to make this better?” For example, my first night in New Mexico, the temperature dropped to 35 degrees inside my camper. After shivering uncomfortably all night, I thought, “I need to buy a portable heater”. I tried to…
Control Freak
My entire life has been about control. In school, I was determined to get straight As and be recognized as the smartest kid. I complied with the system, studied and worked hard to do this. At work, I sought autonomy, money and authority. I followed the rules, used my brains and worked hard to obtain…