Today we celebrate our second anniversary as full timers. It's humbling to look back over the past two years and review some of the amazing things we have seen and done. We are very blessed and continue to enjoy this lifestyle. Although this may not be for everyone, it is perfect for us.
We started our second year in White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo, New Mexico and are currently in Port Charlotte, Florida. Here is a map of our different stops along the way.
This year we have
White Sands National Monument was a magical place. We even had the whole place to ourselves with several volunteers when the main road closed due to a snow storm.
Touring some wineries in the Finger Lakes was very interesting. I learned a lot about wine from the wine tastings over the summer and have a new appreciation.
A visit to NYC was a highlight and we especially enjoyed being able to see John’s sister, Martha, perform a lovely concert.
- Traveled 7076 miles in the motorhome
- Explored many more miles in the jeep
- Spent at least one night in 15 States
- Managed a sport memorabilia kiosk in Port Charlotte, Florida
- Worked for a KOA in Watkins Glen, New York
- Volunteered at White Sands National Monument
- Participated in one NOMADS project in Tucson Arizona
- Attended two rally’s (FMCA Indio, CA & Gypsy Journal Rally Yuma, AZ)
- Marveled at many beautiful waterfalls, sunsets, sunrises, and star filled skies
- Paddled several rivers and lakes in our kayak
- Took the motorcoach and jeep on a ferry ride
- Made many new friends
- Treasured several visits from family and friends
- Plus so much more. Here are a few of the highlights
White Sands National Monument was a magical place. We even had the whole place to ourselves with several volunteers when the main road closed due to a snow storm.
The deserts in Arizona and California were so beautiful and we were awed by the spectacular sunsets.
We had a lot of fun locating creasted cactus, a unusual and rare phenomenon which some cactus form.
One morning we woke up to a sudden snowfall in Sedona Arizona. The 17 inch snowfall dusted the spectacular red rocks and for a few hours before it melted we experienced a very rare event. One photographer next to me said “it’s moments like this when you really know there is a God”.
Before
After
We spent five months workamping at Watkins Glen KOA in New York. The Finger Lakes are very pretty and the extended stay allowed us a chance to really experience New York. We saw lots of waterfalls
The very small….
To the humongous Niagara Falls
Touring some wineries in the Finger Lakes was very interesting. I learned a lot about wine from the wine tastings over the summer and have a new appreciation.
A visit to NYC was a highlight and we especially enjoyed being able to see John’s sister, Martha, perform a lovely concert.
We enjoyed moose hunting and celebrating Martha’s birthday in Vermont. The cousins were all together and it was so much fun.
On our way to Florida we even took the motorcoach and our jeep on two ferry rides to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
A new roof was put on our motorhome in Indiana and we added a comfy new sofa bed. Plus in Delaware the motorhome got six new shoes (tires). My brother helped us also improve our sound system for the TV and we installed a new radio. The IPOD capability sure has been fun to use as we travel down the road.
We are now in Florida and and will soon be starting a fun filled trip with our friends JC and Bev for three months all around Florida. Life is good. We remain very grateful that we can travel and enjoy this lifestyle. It’s been another great trip around the sun.
John & Carol,
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing it the best way possible.
I wish we could do the same but as many other things in life -it is a compromise and we are thankful to be able to be SUMMER FULLTIMERS.
We are so looking forward to the next three months with you guys. Can't wait!
ReplyDelete-- jc&bev
We are so looking forward to the next three months with you guys. Can't wait!
ReplyDelete-- jc&bev
What a wonderful blessed year you two have had. We are a bit jealous. We looked and looked and looked for the creasted cactus...to no avail.
ReplyDeleteHope this next year brings you as many wonderful experiences as the last did.
congrats on your second anniversary! May you have many more years of happy and safe travels!! Enjoy the view out the windshield!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! May the next year double your pleasure.
ReplyDeleteNice recap of your year. Maybe you could put the Okefenokee Swamp NWR on your itinerary during the next three months? :)
ReplyDeleteYou certainly had a good year, visiting so many interesting places. Hope to see you again this winter.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 2nd anniversary as full-timers, well done! This was a great photo summary of your year too. It sure was a wonderful and eventful one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great synopsis of your travels. . .just great!
ReplyDeleteJanice
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Happy Anniverary you two. Enjoy Florida after Christmas. We will be arriving in Orange City Jan 1st.
ReplyDeleteIf you get near Avon park, let us know!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2nd Anniversary! When will I finally post a recap of our First and Second year?? We've almost made it to Three!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great recap! We heading towards our third...It's a great life. We'll be in Florida all winter, too, moving around. Maybe we can catch up with you some time!
ReplyDelete