Every year when May 2nd rolls around, I’m truly a happy camper because the anniversary of the day way back in 2016 that I picked up my Alto in Lévis, Quebec, Canada.
This is pickup day, which is also the first day I towed anything, ever, in my whole life. And I’d never spent a night in a camper or RV of any way, shape, or form. It’s kind of amazing how far optimism will take you…
In the last eight years, my Alto and I have seen all kinds of weather, from snow (surprise storm in early May!) to tornado warnings (quick, hide in the concrete-block bath house!) to excessive heat warnings (crank up that Alto AC, would ya?!).
I’ve had hookups, no hookups, heater, no heater, batteries and flaky batteries, you name it. But I figured my way out of each pickle and learned something new in the process.
I’ve camped with friends, from California to Quebec, Maine to Florida, Texas to Wyoming.
And those friends have been so kind, with advice and help on so many projects. This light upgrade last year was one of my favorites.
I’ve made the Alto interior fit my needs, and with a color scheme that makes me smile every time I open the door and walk inside.
A few big things have changed in those eight years. Bella, my Subaru Outback, fell victim to West Texas winds in February of 2020, and was retired, so Luna, a Honda Ridgeline, joined the team shortly thereafter. The photo below is the same place, on the UP of Michigan, taken five years apart, in 2016 and in 2021.
I like the image below as a representative of the vagabond life because three of the four things in the photo are no longer part of the camping crew. But it was a great weekend with two good friends and inspirations, and we all survived our accidents and are still doing the Alto thing. (For the record, my Alto is the one that remains in the camping crew.)
I’ve seen a lot in my eight years on the road, and hit every US state except Nevada, the elusive one. Someday… (I did get NJ a few years back, I just didn’t update my map!)
As I wave goodbye to the last Alto-year, I’m reminded of all the amazing things I’ve seen, and the wonderful people I’ve met. My life would be the poorer if I’d stayed put at that job and that apartment in Seattle. I’m proud of myself that I jumped head first into the vagabond life, with no clue how big and wide my life would become. Thanks for being a part of it.
Resilience, in a sense, is applied optimism.
Wonderful to read you’re still happy with your choices!
Wow that many years already. I remember first coming across your blog back then and following along. So many people change up their travel home, but you picked a great one from the start. Thanks for taking us along, you have to get to Nevada lots of cool things to see there.
Ditto what Larry James said so well…Plus all the other contributors!
They said it all — you are amazing!!
How can it be eight years already??? And inside peak? I’m honored. I’ve truly enjoyed going all the places you’ve gone. Keep it up! Maybe someday, I’ll get the nerve to travel more too. You’re inspiring.
You just did a huge move, that’s courageous!
Annie, Congrats on completing another orbit! BTW, Great Basin NP would be a great excuse for hitting Nevada.
That’s on my list, I just never get the timing right!
Congrats on an 8 years well done! Thanks for sharing your adventures, both descriptions and photos and also for the tips you’ve learned along the way. We know we can depend on you for advice on routes to take, campgrounds, and sites to visit. Keep on keeping on! Have a grand time in Europe.
One of the bravest people I know! Looks like you have many more adventures ahead too:)
What a lovely tribute Annie. I so enjoy reading your posts.
Happy 8th years Altoiste, wish you many many more, met you on your First Year and few more times in Grand Rassemblement and this last Winter last days. Pleasure to meet you again and again…Micheline, Simone (dog female) and René Sicotte
It is always great to see you, and twice this winter! (And thanks for all the battery help!)
You are my Adventure hero! Thanks for the photos and essays!
You’re welcome!
So encouraging—life is one leap after another, huh? Yep.
It is, I think it keeps us younger, to not stagnate!
Congratulations on eight years, Annie! What an adventure.
Oh Annie, Congratulations on another year of vagabonding! Your joy, creativity, pragmatism, and resilience continue to be an inspiration to so many. Keep on keeping on! Hugs, Sherry
Thank you, Sherry! Meeting you and Vald certainly enriched my life
Thanks for sharing all your experiences. This will be our first long trip (10 weeks) and I can imagine how a journey of 8 years would change one’s perspective on life. I can imagine the amazing things you’ve seen, wonderful people you’ve met and experiences and stories you have to tell. It’s not easy to go take a risk and follow a dream through. You inspire us to live each day to it’s fullest.
Congratulations. My life is poorer without an Alto. I am always delighted to get your posts.
Thank you, Laura! I love hearing that people still enjoy my scribbles after all this time.