And So It Begins

The extended RV trip that prompted the summer sabbatical from the blog's regular posting schedule is underway. We are in Flagstaff, a good place just a few hours from home, to finalize the route and first week or so of the trip. Wednesday morning we are on our way to the Zion National Park area.

I would be terribly remiss in not thanking all those who left such heartfelt comments after I announced the partial suspension of this blog, with a final decision coming upon our return in September. I knew Satisfying Retirement has a loyal group of readers, but the strength of its impact and importance of what we all discuss here was brought forcefully home to me by your words. While I am not prepared to say with all certainty I will restart regular postings in a few months, you have given me some strong reasons to do so.

Back to the trip, to say Betty and I were ready to go would be an understatement. Our clothes were in the RV closets over a week before we left. The refrigerator was turned on fours days before we rolled away from home. Bailey, our cocker spaniel, knew something was up; she refused to be more than a few feet from our side whenever we went out to the motorhome. No way was she going to miss the adventure.

After a few family dinners, swimming with the grandkids, seeing a movie, and setting up the date of our first Skype conversation, we began the shutdown of the house. Maybe I will devote a future post to the specific steps we took to close up our home for a few months - something some of you fellow travelers might find useful.

Because of the summer heat in Phoenix we couldn't load the things that 100+ degrees might damage, like food stuffs, and toiletries, until just before we left. With night time temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 80's Betty was worried about all sorts of things being ruined before we could escape to cooler climes. So, early Monday was the time to load up most of the RV, hook up the car behind us, double-check all the locks and security steps, and point ourselves north.

The weather is predicted to be unsettled with thunderstorms for the next several days. Within an hour of our arrival we experienced our first rain in over four months. 30 minutes later the temperature had dropped to 62 degrees, while Phoenix was around 105. Amazing what 120 miles and 7,500 feet in evaluation can do.

We are set to play lots of games, read the two dozen books we brought, hike through the woods, picnic by some lakes, photograph everything, and explore this great country.

Off to a great start!

Again, thank you for the support and look for another update somewhere along the road.