We’ve Come So Far, But We’ve Got So Far To Go
Aug 26 2009
Something hit us the other day, other than insects flying into our windshield. We realized that the year we expected to be on the road is almost up, but we don’t have a place to live. That’s ok, though. We’re enjoying seeing people, places, and things across the US – many for the first time along with our children. It is odd to think that a year from now, my son might say “I first saw such-and-such when I was 12.” and I’ll be saying “I first saw such-and-such when I was 48.” – was my childhood that deprived?
We tallied up some figures from our trip so far. We’ve been to 46 National Parks (or Seashores, Monuments, Trails, Junior Ranger programs, etc.). As for states, we have set foot or tire tread in about 42 (to see a map of our journey, go to our personal travel website). We could also include a few scars, one trip to the ER, and numerous local pies.
Anyway, we are directing ourselves toward Idaho to start a zigzagging southward trip to look into areas that we think might appeal to us. We have decided that we want to live somewhere in Colorado or further west. Specific areas we like or want to look into further include Evergreen, CO; Los Alamos, NM; Fort Collins, CO; and, Nevada City/Grass Valley, CA. But we want to look at Oregon and Washington a little more, too. We’re still open though, and also considering the issue of employment- be it a local job or a training/teaching job to which I can telecommute.
Speaking of which, we’ll be in San Diego for MOAA’s Career Fair on October 22 (we members need to take advantage of MOAA’s great member services!).
Finally, though, we have an impetus to find a place. My youngest asked us when we were going to have a house. We said in a couple of months and asked why.
His reply was, “I can’t wait to take a bath.”
Hey did you also tally up the near misses with the RV
I know you probably have taken out some tree branches!
Yes out of the mouth of babes it is time to find a home so Sam can take a bath
Really wish you were going to settle on the East coast but I know I am fighting a losing battle with that one so I guess I will just have to come visit!
When you finally settle down I am going to miss reading about your adventures. Tell MC I will give her a call this weekend.
Hi,
I don’t know whether or not you have found a place to settle, but I can highly recommend Sheridan, WY.
Population: about 17,000
Among the most highly rated schools in the country
Beautiful location
Friendly people.
Summer activities:
Fishing, hiking, camping spelunking, hang gliding, rock climbing, water sports, golf, etc, etc. Oh yes and great hunting in the fall.
Winter activities:
Down hill skiing, cross country skiing, snow boarding, snow mobiling
etc, etc.
Financially, this is a very reasonable place to live, Wyoming has no state sales tax, and Montana, (Billings is 2 hours away on 75 mph highway) has no sales tax.
Come check us out. I am a transplant from the east coast and I love it here.
In case you’re thinking that it would be like living in the North Pole in the winter, there is no humidity, and I for one don’t really feel the cold that much.
Charlotte Hetzler
mchetzler@bresnan.net