Things are well. It has been quite a year! I am thankful that each of you, and your families are well.
I am sending an eMail update from my new eMail, and BCCd all those
addresses of friends and family I found on various email accounts. Read
on to learn what's up with me, and my 2 dogs.
While putting a surprise and painful divorce behind me, and managing
several other of life's challenges this year, I have willed into
existence a new chapter, and for a couple of years will be a new
lifestyle. A Nomadic and adventurous lifestyle largely enabled by
mobile technology and the fact I still have a job that accommodates it
all. Yes, we're going back on the road.
On February 28th, myself, and my dogs, move into a travel trailer near
full time. My possessions have been reduced to the things I wish to keep
and maintain the most, and placed into secured storage. On December
21st, I took delivery of a brand new custom travel trailer, built in
southern California this month, that I helped design. The lease on the
condo here in Santa Rosa ends on 3/1/13, and our journey begins. We will
be visiting all of the family and most of our friends through the
spring and summer, with visits to several of the music capitals of the
world (NO, Austin, Memphis, Nashville) along the way.
The title of the spring/summer leg of the journey is "the social
networking tour". Which will be an effort to see friends and family all
over the country, and network the old fashioned way, face to face -
breaking bread, sharing a joke or smile, raising a glass, etc.
Family is a large focus, I have not seen enough of them, as I don't like
to fly, and the dogs are a travel challenge most other ways. Seeing the
various sibling's families grow up has become very important to me,
(aka 'Uncle Rob') seeing my parents, sibs, and old friends is long
overdue.
Stuff owns us, we don't own stuff". This is also one of the primary themes of the trip.
Getting to know myself by reducing attachment and its related stresses,
and changing the scenery / meeting new people is the projected reward,
and if few breakdowns or delays occur, considerable savings should
accrue through the summer, given there is no rent, and minimized
expenses.
The Dogs and I have drafted a "Bucket List" and for the coming years, we
would like to collect experiences, instead of goods and things. While I
know retiring from work is not realistic quite yet, retiring from most
of life's common stresses is the plan. The new home/trailer is paid in
full, as is the truck, and any credit cards. Any bills like insurance
and DMV will be auto pay, and managed online.
I am also aware that the new life will bring stresses of its own. These
can be largely mitigated by taking our time and slowing down, living
within my means, and really planning, which includes routes/gps, and
having a backup for every backup plan.
Having owned rvs 2x in the past, I feel comfortable in the ability to
manage the unit. Having a 5 year warranty and overkill insurance
eliminates any worry about support or replacement. The choice of travel
trailer/suv combo was made after realizing the 5th wheel was too big for
frequent travel, and urban navigation, and the class C unit has the
vehicle and house combined, forcing u out for repairs, and reducing
ability to roam free when hooked at campgrounds. The entire length of
the trailer and truck is 36 feet, which is the length of 2 average
parking spots.
The new trailer "Rocciante" is a 2013 Lance 1685, with most factory
options (left some off to reduce the weight) and upgrades that include 2
Big solar panels (290W), dual 6v hd golf cart batteries, and all LED
lighting. On-board is a massive slide out dinette, gourmet kitchen,
porcelain bathroom, hd entertainment system w appleTv/streaming,
iPad/iPod, USB, Verizon wifi, bluetooth, electric awnings, and just in
case i need power anywhere, or the air conditioning anywhere, a brand
new Yamaha 2000w electric Generator.
The 2000 MB ML430 "Janice" has served us well till now, and deserves to
go out in style. She tows the trailer effortlessly with the special
weight distro hitch. I'm aware the truck will work very hard towing
this on hills, and I plan to stay out of the Rockies until I drive her
into the ground/replace her. Hoping to get 2 solid years (2015). I think
avoiding traffic jams, and practicing reverse is the key to any ongoing
stress issues with the trip.
"The only difference between me and a madman, is that I'm not mad" ~Salvador Dali (1904-1989)
EPIC truly
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