The Road Less Traveled…For a Reason
We left the campground in Washington and headed east toward Idaho to explore the beautiful towns near Lake Pend D’Orielle. It was about an hour drive and we had no trouble navigating to a Home Depot on the north side of the lake. With that mission completed we decided on a nature drive around part of the lake. Fired up by a level gravel road winding through the backwaters and a mountainous backdrop, our first mistake was made.
A Bit of a Learning Curve
So we fled the heat to this current “remote” wilderness outpost. While the nearest metropolitan area is only an hour away, the campground is wild enough that there is no hookup for sewer. That means a finite capacity in the camper to contain what goes down the drains of our shower, sinks and toilet. It also means trekking down a narrow dirt path at all hours to reach the shower house…that a large number of other campers use. Let’s just say that not everyone was raised with the same importance on cleanliness.
From Chaos to Clarity
All of that stuff, all of those scheduled events, took up space and time. It was like I was on one side of the room and Donelle was on the other. We could wave at each other easily enough but it sure was hard to hold hands.
Earthquake!
The rumble grew and grew, louder and louder. Our camper started shaking just enough to rattle the dishes and the shades. We were sitting on the recliners in the slide when, instinctually, we both jumped up and moved to the center of the camper. My first thought was something large hit the side of the mountain we were staying near.
Don’t Wish Away the Days
The steady march of time will continue regardless of whether it’s viewed through the eyes of a six-year-old or 56-year-old. But age and experiences directly, and mysteriously, affect the speed of the hands on a clock. One thing is for certain, I’ve heard numerous times in the span of my years: “Don’t wish away the days.”
Our First Campground Conflict
Our travels have brought us to amazing places and have surrounded us with fantastic people. In our six months of travel, we had yet to be next to someone who was genuinely rude. It was bound to happen sooner or later and in this case, we had a front row seat.
“Where the Heck is the Chipotle Mayochup?”
One important I’ve learned this year is that there’s no universal standard for setting up grocery stores. Typically it’s not something I concern myself with as I’m the one sitting in the truck watching the dog as Donelle runs in to do the shopping. Every now and then, however, my big mouth gets me in trouble.
The Pickleball Community
Racquet sports aren’t my thing, never have been, yet there is something alluring about this sport and the people who play it. I was an open book and vowed I would try my best even though I was an apprehensive newbie. Holding my paddle in the ready position, I blinked and realized a 78-year-old woman just smoked me on a serve. Game on.
Love in a Box
It’s Valentine’s Day. A day of love and appreciation. A day to take a moment to celebrate those who are walking by your side on this journey of life. Closeness comes to mind. Closeness in sharing your thoughts and feelings, being true to who you are and vulnerable with those you choose. My thoughts go to the physical closeness that James, Kaia and I get to share every day on our adventure in full-time RV living.