A little over four years ago, I put money down on a lightweight trailer. I had the crazy idea to quit my full-time job and wander around the country. I was burned out and in serious need of a life reboot.
Three years ago, on May 2, I picked up that trailer, an Alto 1743 hand-made by Safari Condo. I’d never towed a thing, didn’t really get how the wide mirrors worked, and I definitely couldn’t back that thing up. But my mother had raised me to think I could do anything I put my mind to, so I had watched videos, asked questions in Facebook groups, and slowly put together a plan. The acid test, though, was that first drive out of the showroom parking lot and a mile down the road to the KOA, my first ever time camping in an RV of any kind. That’s my first stop in the cover photo at the top and while you can’t see the sweat stains on the seat, trust me, they were there. That was the longest mile ever.
I drove back to Seattle and finished out my job commitments while moving from campground to campground in the Seattle area. I figured out how to live in a tiny trailer, how to get internet and then how to get better internet, and how to stay in touch with friends while being completely mobile.
So what have I learned in three years that I didn’t already know in two years or one year of the vagabond life? Probably not that much, as it turns out.
Thing #1: I go slower and stay longer at places now, and I make more effort to meet up with friends and camp with them. 200 miles in a day is a lot for me now, and, with the exception of making a specific date, I tend to stay 4-5 nights minimum at each stop.
Thing #2: No one notices how long it takes me to back up into a site on a bad day. Or a good day. It’s just not that interesting. Took a lot of pressure of myself when I realized that fact.
Thing #3: When camping in the south after April 1st, you will be running the A/C so get a site with electricity. You can thank me later. You will also become familiar with tornado warnings and thunderstorm watches. Trust me, though, the South is worth all the weather drama.
I’m starting year 4 and I’m ready for it. Head cold, hot weather? No sweat. Broken hand, flat tire? Been there, done that. I’ve learned I can deal with whatever comes my way. As my dear friend told me when I was panicking that first year, “You got this.” Yes, I do.
Felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes…
Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream
Tom Petty
Love your posts! Beautifully written and so inspiring. I think you’ve learned so-o-o much. Through your blogs, Facebook posts and Altogathers, you generously share what you know and that is why you are our guru. Thank you!
I’m really happy life put us together in the 52 group. These posts make me think, confirm some of my thoughts and destroy some of my fears.
As I told you, my partner and I are preparing for a life at sea, and though it’s a bit different then everyone life, loads of fears, ideas, minimalistic living are the same.
I’m less afraid that people will laugh at me ( I stoped caring about that a long time ago ;)) but more that being on my own for a crossing would prove difficult, that I can’t give up civilization and it’s amenities and life a more simple but probably happier life, that I can’t get the sailing bit down or the chart reading bit… and so on.
I guess fears come with pushing yourself to leave the comfort zone and just try something new that feels right to you but comes with its own set of new challenges.
Probably half of my fears are not the things that will challenge me in the end.. but I’m glad I have you as an inspiration to think about when I take my first steps.
In the meantime, thanks for showing us your country..
I find it so interesting to think back to what we THOUGHT would be a big deal and then to consider what is ACTUALLY a big deal and realize how far we’ve come. E.g.: in the beginning, you think everyone will be pointing and laughing at you as you back into your spot. With a little experience, you realize no one cares but you really do need electricity in April.
Congrats on starting year 4. I look forward to following more of your travels.
I’m glad you are happily starting year 4. I very much enjoy reading about your travel, and after we get past the stage of helping to take care of the new humans, I would like to visit some of the places that you’ve posted about!
Hi Annie:
I’ve come to think of you as our Altoiste poet. I’ve read your comments for over a year now, many months before I began my Alto life. You provided some keen insight that I’ve found most useful. Now, after about half a year, I’ve discovered that the “idea” of the romance of the open road is different from its reality. Nevertheless, its charms, dramas, problems, and surprises equate to adventures round each bend and over each hill.
You are an inspiration. I am into my third month of travel and thinking I could do this longer.
I bet you can, Gail! It’s fun to see new places, and makes the brain stay young, too 🙂
Annie, you are an inspiration to so many. We all take comfort from your pearls of wisdom. Have a wonderful year 4.
Just what I needed to read today! :)) You sure got this!
Beautiful colo(u)rs in the Nova Scotia shot! Which campground was that?
Thanks, Andrew, you know I love Nova Scotia! That was Jaggar’s Point campground, outside Digby. Mostly seasonals, but a nice row of unlevel sites for trailers like me.