Ride With Us! 15,642 Miles, Seventy Nights Camping: Mastered by Bucket List Couple in Their Late 80's.

My intent when chronicling this adventure is to inform readers, who may aspire to make the journey; either by perusal or planning.

Preparations commenced four months prior to departure on Saturday, June 8, 2024 and required 80 hours to complete.

Recreational vehicle campgrounds availability has become exceedingly more difficult since the COVID pandemic.

When making phone calls in February, I discovered that many Canadian and Alaskan facilities are not operating at that time of year, and my attempts to contact continued through the month of May. At time of departure eight remain "in limbo", and created an uneasiness for Nancy. Her primary concern is the potential to encounter a grizzly bear. I have assured her that our Class C motorhome will be a safe haven. Nevertheless, she markedly prefers a populated site to boondocking. (camping void of electric and water).

Canadian border restrictions prevent the transport of firearms, thus I purchased a glock imitation CO2 revolver. It most certainly will not hamper a bear's intention, however it could restrain an unwanted intruder. Previously three weeks had been the extend of our camping history, and ten weeks would no doubt present some challenges.

Family and friends had cautioned us that our relationship might be "in peril" given twenty-four seven in a twenty-two-foot enclosure. I countered that underneath the awning could serve as my doghouse if needed.

We decidedly favor state parks rather than commercial campgrounds: always less expensive and typically more inviting. Most permit campfires and some lake swimming. Canada and Alaska have a very short supply of full hook-up aforesaid offerings. Only twenty-two of the preferred locations were booked for the planned seventy nights. San Diego, California and Yellowstone State Parks were completely occupied, despite my early request; waiting lists were not in vogue.

My primary apprehension is motorhome failures: only that the delay would require altering scheduled reservations. A benefit of retirement is flexibility. Completing the journey before the snow and ice arrive is the only necessity.

Our conveyance is five years in age, with only 25,000 miles and equipped with a generator.

As you will read, the journey was completed without any major interruptions.

Anyone declaring that the excitement of life has concluded by the time age eighty-five "comes a round", has yet to "bag" this adventure.