Welcome to one of my truly informative blog entries. During the past few weeks, people near and far have been asking similar questions, so in an effort to avoid repetition, here's my first "answers to frequently asked questions" segment.
Q: Where are you traveling to this (year or summer, or from Texas)?
A: Since I need to continue to generate income until the first social security check arrives in late September, I am bound to also continue travel in the US of A. With that in mind, I realized that I have actually visited (not passed through) 44 states plus DC in my lifetime; 37 states since launching this journey in 2014. So yes, this is the year I become a 50-stater! When I leave San Antonio at month's end, I will be slowly camping my way north toward these destinations:
Q: Aren't you getting tired of living in a tent?
A: With a month in Austin behind me, and nearly three more weeks to go of "normal life", I can confidently say, "no, I am not!". I'm itching to wander and to be back in the great outdoors. In fact, I'll be downsizing the homestead to a 2-person backpacking tent starting May 31st, and I'm looking forward to waking up with the birds and a sunrise on the first of June.
Q: Do you think you'll settle down (this year or soon or ever)?
A: While I do think I'll settle in one or two places in 2019-2020, this is really dependent on a few variables. I see no reason to stop until my main bucket list locations have been enjoyed -- yes, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the Greek Islands are on that list. However, there are also economic, political and personal variables, so one never knows.
Q: When you do settle, what's on your possibilities list?
A: That's the best question of all as I don't really have a list at this point. What's both good and bad is that locations I considered 2-3 years ago have now become overdeveloped and overpopulated. So, to look at this point for another year or two from now just doesn't seem to make any sense.
Did I miss anything? If you care to join me this summer/early fall, drop me a line. There are lodges and cabins, etc. at State and National Parks, and I will surely invite you over for a campfire.
Q: Where are you traveling to this (year or summer, or from Texas)?
A: Since I need to continue to generate income until the first social security check arrives in late September, I am bound to also continue travel in the US of A. With that in mind, I realized that I have actually visited (not passed through) 44 states plus DC in my lifetime; 37 states since launching this journey in 2014. So yes, this is the year I become a 50-stater! When I leave San Antonio at month's end, I will be slowly camping my way north toward these destinations:
- Nebraska -- Anyone wish to join me for Tour de Nebraska on June 19th? I'll pick you up at the Lincoln airport!
- South Dakota -- Among other sites, the Badlands National Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial are on the agenda for end of June and into early July.
- North Dakota -- I want to honor "the conservation president", so I'll be heading to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, while also tempted to go to Fargo to see the famous wood chipper!
- Minnesota -- Tossing a few ideas around at the moment with many options, including Itasca State Park at the headwaters of the Mississippi, the North Shore of Lake Superior, Lanesboro to ride the fabulous Root River Trail, and a stop in Mankato to visit friends. Minnesota may be a 2-3 week stay!
- Iowa -- Still TBD, but cruising from Minnesota to Indiana may impact the destination decision on this one.
- Indiana -- No details yet, but my spots will probably be Brown County State Park, then the Lost River Valley; locations that are just 70 miles apart.
Q: Aren't you getting tired of living in a tent?
A: With a month in Austin behind me, and nearly three more weeks to go of "normal life", I can confidently say, "no, I am not!". I'm itching to wander and to be back in the great outdoors. In fact, I'll be downsizing the homestead to a 2-person backpacking tent starting May 31st, and I'm looking forward to waking up with the birds and a sunrise on the first of June.
Q: Do you think you'll settle down (this year or soon or ever)?
A: While I do think I'll settle in one or two places in 2019-2020, this is really dependent on a few variables. I see no reason to stop until my main bucket list locations have been enjoyed -- yes, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the Greek Islands are on that list. However, there are also economic, political and personal variables, so one never knows.
Q: When you do settle, what's on your possibilities list?
A: That's the best question of all as I don't really have a list at this point. What's both good and bad is that locations I considered 2-3 years ago have now become overdeveloped and overpopulated. So, to look at this point for another year or two from now just doesn't seem to make any sense.
Did I miss anything? If you care to join me this summer/early fall, drop me a line. There are lodges and cabins, etc. at State and National Parks, and I will surely invite you over for a campfire.
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