Update from mission control: 1 week from today, Tango, Blue Moon, Flying Cloud and I head down the road. Our destination is Northern Florida. I have been accepted to participate as a volunteer in a conservation/ecological program. I do not yet know their policy regarding blogging so I won’t be too specific about where I am headed for now. Once I get there, they can read my blog and decide what is okay/not okay in terms of photos and blog specifics. I can say that it is a program for RVers looking for some fulfilling volunteer work in the great outdoors. In exchange for 16 hours work per week, I receive a free RV spot and utilities. I found the gig listed at Workers on Wheels.

I report to duty in FL on Sept 6.  After stopping in Missoula, MT for some camper warranty work, I will meet up with Don the Baptist in the Black Hills for a few days. His favorite spot is Spearfish, SD, where we will hike and otherwise enjoy the area. I will cross SD, then take backroads along the Mississippi for a spell.  From there, I must turn east towards Akron, OH, to visit my mom and family. Those stops will keep me busy until  August 22,  I then have two weeks to meander to FL. I don’t have a route from Ohio yet, maybe the Great Smoky Mtns again. Any suggestions?

My new lifestyle is supposed to be like this: batten down the hatches on the camper, hitch up and drive off. In reality, it’s a bit more complicated. I will completely empty  the camper for a good cleaning. Tango needs a serious bath and grooming. I need to get blood work done and RXs renewed for 6 months. Somewhere between the pillows, blankies, and Tango, are two library books that need to be returned. Also, I need to fix the charge controller (solar panel) and install the new satellite radio docking station in the van. Launder all the bedding so we are starting out clean!

Ha-ha, sob. I also have to figure out where to forward mail .

Already got the new-to-me tires, stocked up on healthy groceries, and found some new slippers and FL shoes at the  thrift store. Finished some sewing projects, got some others ready for hand sewing that I can do along the way. Babysit the grand furballs this weekend.

Living the plan! I am in phase two–moving around in warmer climates for the winter. Yes, it’s a bit early to travel south, but that’s the timeline for my volunteer work. Am I excited??? I dreamed about this for years.

I look forward to posting travel blogs once I get going. One of my writing projects is to share information about who I see on the road–people like me, just out wandering. What are they doing? Where are they going? What do they like about this lifestyle? What are they driving, what are they living in? What are their goals? Can’t wait to document my fellow wanderers.

Recently I saw a motorcycle (trike with two FRONT wheels) pulling a little teardrop camper. I was in a hurry so didn’t stop to find out who the driver was, but will start taking the time, hopefully meeting interesting people. Other than that I don’t have too many writing goals–let me know if you have some suggestions!!!

By the way, the direct route from Cd’A to FL is over 2600 miles. I expect that with my detours, the total mileage will be 3000. This will be my longest wander by vehicle, ever!

The distance from Northern ID to FL is rather long!