I’ve been asking myself, where did winter go? I recall arriving at FOY last fall, grateful for settling down for the summer. Or, winter rather. Which always feels like summer vacation to me when we spend months at the Fountain of Youth. Not in a time-off sense, ha! Not for us at least. But a sense of summer as in not having the responsibilities of road travel topped upon our daily work habits and obligations.

After driving so many miles – from Colorado to Alaska to California to Colorado, then on out to New York then Upstate and back to Pennsylvania and Virgina before returning to Colorado, Las Vegas, then finally Niland, CA – I was so happy to “settle down” for a while. Then six months flew by.

At times when prepping to go I remember thinking: It feels like we just got here. So I wondered, where did winter go? Well, what they say is apparently true. Time does fly when you’re having fun. It also flies by when wrapped up in big projects and checking them off your lists. Routine is another reason time passed seems such a short time ago.

Meanwhile, dates in the future tend to seem so far off. Like when we first arrived, and I thought five months was so far into the future. Maybe time dilation has something to do with that. After all, we weren’t moving in any direction let alone very fast. Not for a long time at least. Notwithstanding our approximately 900 MPH ride through space and time on the surface of this planet.

I’m clearly no physicist, but I gladly welcomed this long winter ahead of us. And then I was sad to see it slip by so fast. Ultimately, I’m happy to be on the road again.

Where Did Winter Go? Behind Us.

So so long ago, I was resistant to start a blog. That’s because I never wanted to end up writing what I did on my summer vacation essays every fall. Or spring in this case. So this isn’t that. Suffice it to say a lot happened this season at our FOY home. Yet Rene mentioned, “if it weren’t for Nellie this winter would have been boring.”

I disagree. I reminded her that that 50K+ utlra was rather epic. But we enjoyed fun times with plenty of good people. There were other interesting interactions, lots of long runs, and family visits. No matter how long it all lasted, or seemed to last, that is behind us now. So, where did winter go? Forever, memories. Some sure to be forgotten over time. Now, it’s what’s in front of us that matters much more.

Back on the Road Ahead

I for one am happy to be moving again. Though I’m already exhausted at the end of driving a few hours. This godforsaken continued marathon training may have something to do with it. Sleepless nights are also to blame, due to severe allergies from desert winds filled with pollen and who knows what else from the Salton Sea.

Hitching up was much easier when we left, considering it was only the fourth or fifth time with the new trailer. Our new backup camera systems are a huge help. Yeah, systems, plural. More about that coming soon to our product review tag collection. Meanwhile, towing does seem to have become more like riding a bike. Even through winds, the trailer felt more stable and so did I. These winds weren’t nearly as wild as those Wyoming gusts that cut our first day long hauling the new rig short. What else are we looking forward to as the road goes on forever for us once again?

Variety is the Spice of RV Life

I’m perfectly happy asking myself, where did winter go? One of the best things I’ve always enjoyed most about the nomadic lifestyle is the ever changing office view. On the road, I enjoy watching the terrain change all around us. New trails are another thing. After the monotony of all those miles on Canal Road, running new trails are a special site to see. And, traveling new stretches of highway we’ve never driven is always exciting. As is finding those secluded free boondocking spots. Sometimes a bit too exciting.

So, where did winter go? Apparently it’s still here in southern Oregon!

Our first foray to find that fun boondocking spot was exciting indeed. That’s when we decided to overnight at a Sno Park in southern Oregon after a long day driving. Well, they call them Sno Parks for a reason. There’s usually snow. But it’s nearly May! As a result, we didn’t expect the road to be closed by a foot of snow once we got off the highway! Or, if it was we’d expect to see a sign saying Sno Park Closed. Perhaps a closed gate was in order. I’ll let Rene get into the gory details. But spoiler alert: That new trailer backup camera came in handy as I backed down the narrow road nearly half a mile.

Until the Next Time I Say Where Did Winter Go…

I am sad that we won’t be seeing our FOY friends any time soon. Perhaps not until we all return to our winter home next winter. By that time, I may just be saying: Where did summer go?

Regardless, it’s fun to finally be camping again. It feels good to get the wheels moving. I enjoy staying at new campgrounds. And, I’m feeling that thrill once again of exploring new places. Seeing new people. Oh, and I’m back to updating our map after every drive. So, you can join us for the ride. Wherever the road may take us next. Hint: We’ll be “settling down” again for summer – for real this time – as we’ve accepted our first workamping job in a long time. Why? So we can spend the summer rent free in Estes Park, Colorado. Stay tuned for adventures from our first traditional campground gig.