April 25th, 2022
I am spending so much time thinking and planning for our crazy/brave adventure. It seems it is REALLY happening! Here are my fears and also the things I’m looking forward to.
Forwards
- Morning and evening rambles– walking in new places each day
- Having only what we need
- Manageable, healthy routines
- Hiking, exploring and rockhounding
- Getting back to a writing routine
- Getting back to creating art
- Beautiful wild places
- Traveling wild roads and finding remote camping in FS and BLM land
- Slowing down– taking back roads, stopping when we want to
- Learning to take better photos
- Learning to edit videos
- Learning more about the plant and animal life and human history of the places we visit
- Making my own work schedule
- Figuring out new ways to work to supplement our income
- Possibly volunteering at a park or for the US Forest Service
Fears
- Not being able to afford to live on the road
- Feeling unproductive without a well defined “job” to do
- Being cold and/or uncomfortable too often
- Driving rough roads and getting stuck or damaging the van
Uh Oh….
Ironically, on this very same day, Dan took the (half-built) van out for a mud-season drive and got it stuck in the mud at the bottom of the hill behind our house.
One of my fears coming true already! Yikes!
I practiced my “calm” as I watched him struggle and rev, digging the tires further into the soft earth. He was keyed up, and we know each other well enough to let us do our things…
When the stuckness was super clear to us both, I texted our neighbor who pulled the van out with his tractor. Neighbors are one of the most awesome parts of rural life. Maybe I will miss feeling so connected to those around me, knowing every car that passes by our house. Western Mass feels more like home than any place I have ever lived. But that’s a story for another time.
The van is back on solid ground. And good, all-terrain tires to replace the current worn out basic ones, are on the “have to list”. Another big but important expense.
For a fear coming true, it wasn’t so bad. Feeling encouraged!
