So it’s been a whole year…. Three hundred sixty five days on the road and that translates to: 17,889 miles, 1,255 gallons of diesel, (for those inquiring minds, that’s 14.25 mpg at an average of $4.21 per gallon), four oil changes, one fuel filter, one set of windshield wipers, one set of tires and shocks, forty gallons of propane, eleven states, thirty-nine RV parks, four hotels, seventeen national parks/monuments, over 25,000 photos (gotta love digital technology) sixty museums, three submarines, one aircraft carrier, three fish hatcheries, thirty five restaurant reviews, countless bottles of wine, beer, ales, port, vodka, rum, scotch, rye, cognac, absinth, assorted liqueurs, and a large bottle of Advil.
But these stats only tell part of the story…
Over the past twelve months we have had the privilege to meet and interact with an amazing variety of people. In the eleven western states we met local residents and travelers from all over the world. They shared with us the wonder of the landscapes, the energy of the cities and the quiet of the countryside. But more important they gave us part of themselves with their travel stories, family anecdotes, clever jokes, tales of the economy, and general discussions about… well just about anything. We had adult conversations and some not so adult exchanges. (FYI we’re talking adolescent humor here, usually fueled by the list-o-libations above, not serious altercations.
Speaking of the economy. (And this is purely
subjective and anecdotal.) The signs of the past recession are everywhere. Small businesses closed and a high percentage
of For Sale signs in the downtowns while across town the Wal-Mart parking lot
is packed. Businesses offering multiple unrelated services from one location
like Haircuts and Home Alarm Security Services, Hardware and Mini-Mart
etc… Half finished upscale housing
developments and Price Reduced banners slapped on residential For Sale signs.
But there are also the dreamers, the entrepreneurs opening new businesses, expanding
successful companies and revitalizing old establishments. This speaks of the resiliency of the American
people.
We have gained a better understanding of our Nation’s
history and the ancient civilizations that preceded us; and how this fits into
the history of our planet. The
Geological time line is clearer in our minds and we have witnessed the power of
nature. All in all it’s been a pretty
good year.
And to set the record straight: Dave and Dimples are still in love and so are
Chris and Karen… yeah it’s been a really good year!
