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Our Awesome Travels

Our Awesome Travels
Taken In Quartzsite Arizona Dec 7th 2015

Monday, August 19, 2019

13 Years on the road Fulltime.

Where are we today ?
 clic a pic to enlarge it

celebrating our 13th anniversary living this amazing lifestyle
     Sure glad I started this blog when we went full-time, so many memories of people we met and places we have been. always nice to go back and enjoy, like an on line diary we can share with friends. Question? Are we tired of this full-time lifestyle? Answer. Heck no, wish we had started it sooner.

    Well here we are wrapping up our 13th year full-time living in our Motorhome. If you care there is a lot of pictures I have taken over years from some of the interesting places we have been.
     This map above is the general areas we have travelled in our 13 years full-time in our coach and of course many places in between.
Mind you before we went fulltime  have travelled across Canada.
from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes, plus New England 
as well as the northern states
         It was 13 years ago today August 18th 2006 that the sale of our house closed and we were officially living in our coach full time. A lot of people thought we were crazy, wanted to know how long for and where would we live afterwards?  I had just turned 57 the day after we bought our coach, and Suzie 49 and some people said we are too young to retire especially with no pensions. But we had been planning this for years did our research, and had a few bucks tucked away plus have lived a pretty frugal lifestyle.  So on this day we were excited about to embark on our a new journey of adventure and exploring and see what we can see. 
       We purchased this house below in Plattsville in 1992 and renovated it over the years inside and out, until it was just the way we wanted it. But renting the house was not an option, we wanted to be free, so sold it we did, purged our possessions and not paying for storage, more capital to invest and live off the proceeds. I have had rental properties over the years and they can be a headache.
this was our house in 1992
this same house we sold in 2006
our last day here
we are ready to hit the road
        Purchased our coach in May 2006 , 7 years old then, (from Larry Vanstone at Sicard Rv) and at that point pretty well decided we needed to quit working, sell the house and hit the road. We began the process in June quitting work in July, purged the house contents and moved into our house on wheels.
        We hung around Ontario until October visiting family etc and crossed the border mid October, we are only allowed 6 months in the USA and we wanted them to be in warmer weather than here.
         Sept 16th we had a retirement party for us and celebrated Suzie's 50th birthday at the same time lotsa of family and friends were there to wish us well on our adventures.
      What a celebration it was and great send off for our new lifestyle.
Our first night free camping on the beach 2006
Mustang Island Texas
sunset on the beach 2010
Stone Island,
Mazatlan Mexico
Sea of Cortez Mexico when we spent
 3 months in Mexico, 2009 and 10
         We have seen so many places and met so many amazing people in our travels and made a lot of new friends.
         I began blogging in 2006 just new to blogging and took me until 2010 to get doing some regular  postings that I was happy with, but at least we have a record of most places we went to and a few hundred thousand digital photos to look back on.
where we park in Plattsville
       I have lived in this village since 1982, ran my restaurant in town for 10 years, active member in the Plattsville Bright Optimist club for 18 years so I knew and still do know a lot of people in the area. Suzie's family is close by as is daughter number 2 with 4 grands so this is a very convenient place to park for a week or 2. Another daughter 90 minutes away with 3, and son an hour away with 1.
        The way we like to live is constantly change scenery every week or 2, tried staying in some places for a month or more, but not what we want to do yet always got the itch to move. Of all the places we have been we love the south west desert the most. Just something about the desert that keeps calling us back. No humidity, bugs, next to no rain, and free boondocking areas.
we love boondocking in the desert
this is in Quartzsite Arizona
         We have been wanting to travel across Canada for a long time and looked like the fall of 2015 would be the year.  It did not work out, still plan to do this in the future. 
         So now entering into year 14 on the road, and still loving every day of this exciting life together. We have had a few issues, but nothing real major, regular maintenance and repairs on our coach (now 20 years old) and our car (17 years old).  Our coach had 35k miles on it in 2006 now 155k miles (we have travelled 115 k miles in 13 years) and still runs great. The 2002 saturn had 21k miles on it now 180k miles on the odometer plus towed another 180k miles so 360 k miles on the chassis. We have done some repairs and upgrades over the years and really love our coach now is actually 21 years old to is a 1999 model built in 1998.
         Now we are looking forward to many more years of this lifestyle, and for as long as we can. The only thing that will slow us down will most likely be health issues and so far we doing awesome! But being fairly active keeps us young and feeling alive.
        Living in our small house 24-7 has never been a problem for us, we do our own things, I love to cook so I do the shopping (Suzie hates shopping) I take lots of walks we both love to read we both do our computer stuff, me mostly pictures and blogging. And we do things together as well as sightseeing and visiting so many friends we have made over the years, hey works perfect for us.
         Looking forward to seeing new places and new faces, as well as running into people we have met over the years in our travels. And making new friends on the road.
our first campground we stayed in Louisiana and love it here
2007 In New Orleans
the year after Katrina
a lot of houses have been rebuilt and raised
Rv Rally at Daytona speedway
one of our visits to Key West
     In 2007 we camped in the Imperial Sand Dunes and did some exploring.
love this old plank road
they moved these planks to get through the sand dunes
we met some people there and they took us out to the dunes
this is the Border to Mexico in the desert

there is now a high fence at this spot
    Then we toured the Grand Canyon what a sight to see. Took a train ride from Williams AZ added to the fun.
amazing scenery here at the south rim of the Grand Canyon
Pictures don;t do the Canyon justice
the road across the Hoover Dam
we drove our coach across the Dam, before the new bridge was built
Avery Island Louisiana, Tabasco Factory
Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach
In the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle beach
       Then we took a Caribbean cruise from Galveston TX to Grand Caymen and a couple more islands, cruises are fun.
Grand Caymen from the cruise ship
we went to Hell Grand Caymen
our cruise ship from Grand Caymen
Crawfish Boil with friends at Abita Springs LA
Sampling beers with our good friends Rob and Pat
New Orleans
Beautiful colourful scenery in Sedona Arizona
Verde Valley train ride
Near Jerome Arizona
Sandia Peak tram
Albuquerque, New Mexico
coming back down from the peak
what a thrill this was
     One of our many trips to Branson Mo. we really enjoyed this amazing musical at the sight and sound theatre. With Noah and the Ark and live animals.
2009
        During our 3 months in Mexico 2009-10 we had a lot of fun exploring the small villages
small village, neat bakery, had to go through their living 
room to the bakery at the back of their house.
then the village of Copola founded 1654 so interesting
     We camped at Tres Amigos Park on Isla de las Piedras (Stone Island) met a lot of very nice people there, daily Happy hours and beach fun. Margarita Mondays were fun, this blender is powered with a chain saw motor, too cool.
margarita Mondays
    We did quite a few day trips while were in the area.
we enjoyed a tour of this Tequila factory
     We had seen a show in town with a Kenny Rogers tribute and it was wonderful, he was very good singer, we ran into him again on the beach a few days later, very friendly he was in person.
    Then we hung around to enjoy a lot of the Carnivale atmosphere in Mazatlan, these Mexicans sure know how to party and have a good time.
we had a nice seats waiting for the parade
then we wandered the crowds along the Malecon enjoying the atmosphere
We ran into this fun group waiting for the parade to 
begin, lots of laughs with them trying to speak English
 and us trying to speak Spanish  2010
    That is just a few memories of some of the highlights over the years of places we have been. So much more to see long the way, and this fall we plan on another cruise to celebrate out 25 wedding anniversary this year. And the fact that were have lived this lifestyle 1/2 of our married life.
Arches National Park Moab Utah
     November 2018 we too another cruise out of Galveston to On Carnaval cruise lines this time with a balcony, no we gotta have a balcony! So much nicer. We stopped at Cozumel,  Belize, and Honduras Central America.
escaping from the jaws of a crocdile
we took an awesome tour here
10 best places
Suzie Feeding the Iguanas
Desert Happy Hours in quartzsite Arizona
with good friends
Just one of many awesome desert
sunsets
     Then the summer months in Ontario, moving around visiting family and friends. Lots of parties and Happy hours in various places a busy summer this year.    Thanks for checking us out and joining us on our daily full-time lifestyle. Always something to do or see.
Want to learn more about Membership camping at Rock Glen Family Resort ? 
click this link www.geosuzie.rockglen.com to book a tour 
 Where have we been this Summer ?

48 comments:

  1. I hope one day you come to Oregon

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    1. Thanks Betty we would sure love to one of these days. Probably when we head west across Canada in the fall then south.

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  2. You are ahead of me but you better keep on as I start year 13 on 09-29-2019. I enjoy you writings. Thanks for doing the blog.

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    1. Hope we can stay ahead of you too Barney, I always enjoy your writing as well, keep up the good work.

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  3. Your blog is a real inspiration for me and many other readers I am sure! Thanks for photos and uplifting words each day. Sure picks up my spirits. Thanks! Your attitude and outlook on life is good medicine for us all. Happy travels and keep on truckin!
    GUMO, San Angelo, TX

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    1. Thanks for following along gumo we love this lifestyle and Enjoy posting about things we do and always appreciates your comments. I believe a positive attitude can make or break your day.

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  4. I truly enjoyed this condensed version of your thirteen years of traveling and fun. I had often wondered if you had ever visited Mexico in your travels and today I got the answer.

    The Kenny Rogers look alike is a BIG boy! I can not believe Kathy was feeding the iguanas like it was nothing...I would have made a run for it and never looked back!

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    1. Glad you enjoy this short summary of our last 13 years. We really enjoyed Mexico down to Mazatlan and back along the Sea Of Cortez and the ocean view and especially the small Mexican villages. The locals are so friendly and helpful.
      The Kenny Roger's was a big boy and did and awesome show we enjoyed. These Iguanas are so tame and friendly at the farm. Nice yo see them up close and personal.

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  5. Quite a journey, great to see a summary. Hope you folks continue for a lot of years yet! Gord.

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    1. Thanks Guys we really do enjoy this wonderful lifestyle and hope for many more years as well.

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  6. Congrats on a great journey so far! We also started fulltiming in 2006, but stopped in 2012 so we could spend time with our newly minted grand kids. Since we stopped fulltime, we still average about 10K miles a year in the motorhome. I doubt we will stop until someone takes the keys away:)) Again, congrats and keep moving:))

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    1. Thank you we have been enjoying every minute of it and do get to enjoy some family time here in the summer months. Ewe just can't stop and like you said until someone takes the keys away.
      We will keep on moving and enjoy this wonderful lifestyle . Hope you guys can as well.

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  7. What a great journey you have both had over the past thirteen years! Here's to many more :-)

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    1. Thank your we have been enjoying everyday of it and look forward to many more.

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  8. Boy, you have had an amazing 13 years. May you have many more!

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    1. Thank you Stew we have have been enjoying this lifestyle and hoping for many more years.

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    2. Great to enjoy all your "Awesome Travels".. Life is an Adventure, Enjoy the Ride! Hope to see you across Canada 2020.. Cheers! R&S

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    3. Thanks Guys , we are enjoying th adventure and ride is awesome.Sure would like towhead across Canada again and back onto the island hook up with a few friends there as well.

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  9. Keep up the great blog. It is always so cheerful and refreshing, just as your outlook on life. I am determined to meet you in person. We have been close in our travels.

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    1. Thanks Peter I know we have come so close a few times lets see if we can make that happen.

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  10. What a great post. Congrats on 13 years of full timing and almost 25 years of marriage. A wonder life indeed. How did you manage to score such great seats for Carnival? Looking forward to your visit here within the next few years.

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    1. Thanks Contessa we have now bee 26 years married actually. To book this cruise Suzie call Carnival directly and git the cabin with the balcony where we wanted its perfect, Sure would like to get that way sooner than later, here's hoping.

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    2. I was referring to Carnival in Mazatlan, that photo you showed in this post. No need to answer, it was just a comment.

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    3. LOL , I mistook, that we ran into these guys on the street as we were walking back to the water taxi.

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  11. Thirteen years. What a milestone! Congratulations!

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    1. Thanks Mike we are doing better than we ever could have imagined, and hope to keep on truckin' for many more.

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  12. Really awesome post! Very interesting read. Keep going!

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    1. Thanks Guys glad you enjoyed so many wonderful places we have been to, we hope to keep going for a while yet,

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  13. Happy 13 years on the road Congratulations George and Suzie. Keep those wheels rollin

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    1. Thanks JO we plan on keeping things in good shape a rolling on down the road for many years too come.

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  14. Best wishes as you motor on for many years to come hopefully. I have quietly been following you vicariously for many, many years. I have often wondered considering the age of your motor home and vehicle if you had major costly engine problems, would you purchase another recreational vehicle or would you return to stick and stone housing.

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    1. Thanks for following us Peter looking forward to many more years on the road. We take very good care of this coach, if a the engine died, as long as we are healthy enough, we would just have another installed only 10 to 15K we have the exact motorhome that we want, no desire for another house at all. Maybe just park it on a season site somewhere.

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  15. Good job on the recap George. You guys have done well. All the best for many more years.

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    1. Thanks Al it has been an amazing journey so far looking forward to many more years as well

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  16. What great memories. You two are living the dream!!!!

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    1. Thanks Nancy we are living the dream and enjoy every minute of it.

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  17. Great recap of the years George! Congratulations you two! It is obvious how much you both enjoy your lifestyle and isn't that what life's about!! Looking forward to seeing you both this winter! :)

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    1. Thanks Guys looking forward to seeing you guys again as well.

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  18. Happy 13 years and sounds like it's been a grand adventure

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    1. Thanks Larry it has been a grand adventure for sure and more along the way.

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  19. What a wonderful time you have had and thanks for sharing. I have enjoyed your photos of all the fantastic places you have been, it's almost like being there as we probably won't get there as we still have a lot to see here in Aus. Thanks and all the best to you both.

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    1. Thanks Rosie its has been wonderful journey so far and looking forward to more. Glad your enjoy coming along with us and likewise we enjoy travel along with you as well.

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  20. You too certainly made the perfect choice for a happy well lived life. Fun to see the photos and the recap. Pretty sure I have followed along on 9 of those 13 years. I also started blogging in 2007 but knew nothing of the blogging community until Laurie and Odel introduced me to The Bayfield Bunch and rick from Victoria and that was the real beginning for me as well. Full time or part time, it's a beautiful lifestyle. The sad news about Judy this morning reminds us all to live fully while we can.

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    1. Thanks Sue we have been living our dream, glad you have followed along with a so glad that we met you and Mo a few years ago. Rick is a great guy sad that he has stopped blogging and travelling we also met him a years ago as well.
      Judy was in inspiration as well though never did meet her.

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  21. I have been following you for longer than I have known you! You two are a great inspiration. Hope to cross paths again in Arizona or in Ontario!

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    1. Yes Dee you guys have and we keep meeting up, Arizona bound again this fall and winter. It is an amazing lifestyle for sure.

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  22. Congratulations on your 13th anniversary of being on the road. You've been to some great places. Here's to #14 and many, many more years of travel.

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    1. Thank you Cheri it has been a wonderful journey so far.

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