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1 Year of Full-Time RV Life In A Truck Camper

We left Phoenix on a big adventure last July and didn’t look back. Why would we? We’re not going that way! A meaningful journey of any distance begins with a single step. Be bold, start that thing. We did. It’s looking like we’re not done yet! A year ago we sold our house in Phoenix, Arizona and hit the road in a 120 square foot truck camper. We made fresh memories along the way, spent a ton of time with the most important people, and checked our radar as cities passed by. Nope, we didn’t find that forever place, where we want to put down roots. We’ll keep looking. Roaming is an antidote for conflict. Time and distance started to heal old wounds. Shared difficulties on the road made us stronger. I fell in love with her all over again. We drove over 20,000 miles, through 29 states in 12 months! I learned it’s better to stop at interesting places along the way. I regret not driving 5 more miles to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The U.S. National Park Pass is worth the annual...
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6 Months Living in a Truck Camper

The truck camper adventure is 6-months old as of January 15th, 2018. We’ve traveled thousands of miles through dozens of states Here are the top highlights and lowlights. Highlights Moving day! July 14th we left Phoenix, Arizona and 108 degrees in the rearview mirror! Basecamp Knob Noster, Missouri. Nearly 2 months of quality time with Elizabeth, Rob and our grandsons! Spending time with our daughter’s family is one of our top goals during this one year adventure. Basecamp K, where we spent nearly 2 months with Marcia’s parents. That’s more quality time than in the prior several years combined! AMA motocross race in downtown Sturgis, South Dakota! Best hamburger ever at Jambonz Grill and Pub, Sturgis, South Dakota! Serendipitous discovery at Badlands National Park, South Dakota. What I assumed would be another desert moonscape turned out to be breathtaking natural beauty. The sunset from our campground was inspiring! Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, South Dakota. ...
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Truck Stop Echoes

We stayed overnight at a Pilot Flying J in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was our first sleepover at a big-rig oasis. But it wasn’t my first experience with a truck stop. My dad was a long-distance trucker for most of his working life. He retired with over one-million miles behind the wheel. I discovered the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on a trip to Oregon with him. I explored the big city with a truckload of candy for Brooklyn, New York. I’m forever grateful for our adventures beyond the invisible, seemingly impenetrable border around my small hometown. He showed me places that pull me toward somewhere new tomorrow. Dad, you changed my life’s trajectory. Thank you. The oily scent of diesel fuel hangs in the air, hard-working truck engines growl, and a continual tide of professional drivers ebbs and flows. I hear faint echoes of my big-rig adventures.
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Nature Bath

I walk along a groomed trail in Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, Wisconsin. The rhythm of my pace fades into subconscious thought. I breathe in calm. I breathe out and smile. The patchwork quilt of nature sounds slowly unwinds into separate threads. The cool wind brushes against my skin. No labels are needed now. I simply notice stray thoughts, then shift my focus to a sound, touch or smell.  My physical, emotional and spiritual fabric has been washed in this nature bath.
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The Good Left Behind

Door County, Wisconsin was our destination for the weekend. We once visited this area as newlyweds. Thirty years later we were back, on a random search for good wine. We landed at Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery. I pointed the truck camper down a narrow country driveway, past immaculate grapevines. Inside the store I felt a hushed sadness hovering over the staff. A simple sign behind the bar reminded customers that the store would be closed on Saturday, in honor of Colonel Tim Lawrie. I bought two bottles of wine and asked, “who’s Colonel Lawrie? The host replied, “He’s the owner. He passed away unexpectedly last weekend.” The vineyard that day became a memorial. The hallways held Colonel Lawrie’s collection of combat medals, photos with VIPs and wine industry accolades. Ben Franklin famously practiced thirteen virtues. Each day he began by asking “What good shall I do this day?” Colonel Lawrie left behind the good of delicious wine, a thriving business and a long history...
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The Barefoot Kid Kingdom

“Cmon Grandpa, walk with me through the Barefoot Kid Kingdom!” Landon took my hand as we stepped through the mid-summer’s grass at Base Camp K. It was soft on his bare feet, warmed by the sun. He expertly avoided each thistle hazard, as if tracking a carefree guidance system. One lap, two laps, then a third around the yard. I looked at my feet, sensory input muted by manufactured soles. My grandson chose the right foot gear for overland lawn travel. So I joined him! For the first time in many years I walked barefoot through the grass, childlike discovery rekindled.
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Base Camp K

We are an object in motion, rolling down concrete paths on our truck camper adventure. We stay in motion until we decide to rest. We have a few Base camps around the country, strategically located near friends and family. It’s a chance to refresh relationships and do work that’s piled up on the road. Base camp K is located in Southeast Wisconsin, where Marcia's parents are our generous hosts! I’m reminded of traditional housing benefits and costs at each base camp. We can shower with more than 6 gallons of hot water. We relax our diligence over fresh and waste water conservation. The dining table has more than four seats. I sink into a buttery-soft leather sofa. A big screen lures us with our favorite NetFlix and Hulu television shows. Reliable WiFi is pure luxury. There are many opportunities for accidental meetings and partings. I also see the cost of a sticks and bricks house. Lawn care, cleaning and unexpected repairs are continual challenges. Stuff is carefully acqui...
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