After my camp host chores and dinner dishes are done, I settle in to watch a movie or another episode of whatever I am binge-watching at the moment. Because I look out my large rear window when I am watching a movie, I can simultaneously watch goings-on in the campground. If someone walks up to my camper to ask a question, I see them coming and can put my show on pause. So it was on Sunday evening when I was watching Deadwood, Season 2, Episode 4.

I saw someone walking up and they looked familiar. Then, they greeted Tango. I was grasping for a name, then I realized it was my friend Vickie! I met Vickie and Jerry during my epic Alaska journey last summer. In my blog, I shared stories about all the times we met up as we traveled. Although I saw them get on the ferry in Prince Rupert, BC, we did not meet until they showed up at the campground in Wrangell a week later. We connected again in campgrounds at Petersburg, Juneau, and then outside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. We vowed to stay connected via Facebook, but Vickie lost interest in FB and, well, sometimes you just drift away, despite the fun times. I knew I would never get to Georgia where they live and never really expected to see them again out here. Like a romantic fling, it had a time and place and we all moved on to new adventures.

Vickie and Jerry travel about 6 months every year, heading out in their R-Pod in the early spring. They have been to AK several times and traveled extensively in the Rocky Mountains and the PNW. Previously they traveled several times to the Maritime Provinces in Canada. This year, they headed west again. They knew I might be in Washington, based on our last conversations in AK and when they got near, they looked me up on Facebook. They saw where I was camp hosting, made a reservation in the park online, then showed up to surprise me. We have spent as much time as possible together, taking turns cooking dinner and catching up. The other night I made chili and cornbread over the campfire in my dutch oven. What a joy to rekindle our friendship, recount Alaska stories, and catch up. Vickie and Jerry are now headed towards Mount Rainier and I am left with more great memories.

Last month in Alaska, I met up with another RVing friend, this time someone I met in New Mexico. Along with two of his friends, we took a day trip to see whales and glaciers. My trip was so much richer having spent time with them. I have other bonds with RV friends I met in New Mexico. For two winters, we shared campfires, broke bread together at potlucks and on holidays, lunched in Mexico, and hiked in nearby state parks. Like Vickie and Jerry, these are the people who understand other wanderers and the journey in ways family and other friends cannot. You don’t have to explain anything about your travel bug and can enjoy the camaraderie long after we take different forks in the road.

However, as I settled into Washington this winter these friendships were nurtured only via Facebook and a few phone calls. I figured I might not see most of these people again. Many are on the road this summer but none have ventured up to this far northwestern corner. Furthermore, I did not expect to head back to NM this winter. In January, I planned to visit the southern CA desert, meet up with a few people there, and then visit Rosarito, MX. A month tops.

Then Vickie and Jerry came by. They taught me just how important “road trip” friendships really are. I had also learned that my son and daughter-in-law have their own life and don’t really need me in the same state, one of the main reasons I set up Washington as my home base. I was really caught up in the fantasy of being a hands-on grandma after the arrival of my first grandchild. However, like so many before me, realized that they have built their own life and don’t need me so close. I remember now how many people told me not to follow “the kids” because it almost never meets one’s expectations. Life is too complicated.

So, after heeding the friendship lessons learned this summer, I am headed to the desert for the winter! I want to nurture my current traveler friendships and meet new travel bugs. I will be in NM over the holidays, but I plan to also visit Quartzsite, AZ and even Slab City. Mexico is still on the books for now. I have been emailing some agencies about volunteering/camp hosting in the late winter and am receiving encouraging replies. Then, back to Washington State, a place I do love!

I plan to leave for the southwest around October 1. I have one more 30-day camp host gig starting August 1, then I will spend about a month back in Sequim. During that time, I may sell the van and get a newer tow vehicle. The van is still going strong but, with 150,000 miles, I am a bit worried about traveling so far again. However, if I can’t find what I want, I may just buy new tires and nurture the van down the highway for another season.

But first, next week I move on the Whidbey Island and Deception Pass State Park. It is going to be gorgeous and I can’t wait. More news from there!