Traveling the highways and byways we have discovered an "alternative universe." We discovered that we have traveled MORE miles in our two and a half years than most people travel in their life times. MORE miles than most RVs travel before being traded in or sold in order to purchase a newer, larger, MORE spacious model.
In camping with other "drifters" we have realized that many are not retired like we are, but work in industries that MOVE where the next contract is. So an RV is a necessity for their line of work MORE mobility! Those are the Monthlies at about any RV PARK.
Then there was the couple with only one child of their four still at home, he was ten years old. They realized that the suburban three bedroom two bath house was no longer their choice of lifestyle and they signed up to work at KOAs. Arizona in the winter, and Montana in the summer. The son did school on-line and met children and adults from all over, even Canada that winter! Their trailer, side-by-side, and bikes were ENOUGH for them. Since a good portion of the campground there in Arizona came back year after year, they were a community, but friendly and welcoming to "newbies" like Jessie and Noni as well as US!
We have certainly seen MORE gorgeous scenes, taken lots of photos, and met some very interesting folks like us. Many do have homes that they consider "home base" but not all! There are an amazing number of seniors on the road having lived the settled life, worked their vocations, raised their families and taught a couple of generations of children. Meeting in the Laundry rooms at RV PARKS beats reading a book, and most laundry rooms even have book exchanges!! The lady from Frankfort KY was just passing through, heading home from a visit to Jackson Hole where she had worked summers a few years while in college. She had taught third grade for 30 years, at an elementary school named for the creek that ran through that community east of Frankfort. That was, in fact, the name of the RV Park that we had camped in back in 2020 on our way to the EAST to see the BEAUTIFUL leaves on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
She said that Jackson Hole is NOT the place it was when her grandfather grew up there! I immediately thought that it is much like Estes Park CO, Keystone SD, Lake Tahoe CA, Cody WY, Casper WY, any gateway to a tourist attraction. They just outgrow the inspiring scenery that brought the tourists there in the first place. MORE, MORE, MORE until people wonder why they drove so far to see more TEE shirt shops and more ice cream stores? Museums are in every small town as people are proud of their history and attempt to remind people that life was different, but in many ways the same, all those years ago. People were moving about then as they are now - to find work, seek a different environment, be near family, be away from family, seek adventure, always MORE something. And they live life and are proud of being the fifth generation to graduate from the local high school, proud of their ancestors and their perserverance in making a place in the wilderness.
There is still MORE wilderness - if you can find a way to live there and many folks are - whether the deserts of the Southwest or the forests of Idaho and Montana. People are restless by nature, or at least some are! Living "off the grid" and being self-sufficient are the new trends for these folks who are tired of MORE.
When we have had ENOUGH of the open road, where does one settle? GOOD question?! Near children, grandchildren, near siblings, in a place with the services that "easily bored" seniors need? I remember one couple, a bit older than us, who frequented the movie theater weekly until their two story home became all the exercise they could handle and caring for their "wee dog" all the extra activity they were able to do? ENOUGH!
Like Tom's Dad, who lived in his large home until he was 95, with a caregiver twice a day, and housekeeper once a week for fifteen years after his wife of 60 years died. That was ENOUGH for him!
I read of a family whose "Adios!" or "Safe Travels" or Goodby" was "MAY YOU HAVE ENOUGH!" Enough what? Oh, maybe food, gas, a roof, a parking space, a LIFE!?
May YOU have ENOUGH! Adios! for now...
