by Tim Stenger
A reflection of thoughts,
High Crime with high taxes, the current price of gas, and banners across the gas stations sporting 7 dollars a gallon. Seattle, where I just spent the night on the street, Sixth and Jones, under the Space Needle. The night was full of excitement; barely able to sleep, the sounds of random booms echoing the streets, racing car engines, motorcycles. The wayfarers that wander the streets, behind the parking lot we stayed in that night was an alley of terror. Scattered about the alley were needles, condoms, empty beer and wine bottles. The trash cans sat sideways out of alignment due to the night dwellers rummaging through them. This night in Seattle, Sherrie and I took shifts staying watch. By morning, we were so exhausted from the Space Needle tour that the Chihuly Museum gave us a shot of new-day energy.
That night our sister and family landed, setting us up to meet them the following morning. Taking into consideration that Seattle life makes the news nightly for one thing or another.
The West is one of the most unique places in our United States. Sherrie and I have traveled multiple times across the United States, hitting every state in the union.
All of the journeys we have taken have been by ground. As I was en route back to Florida this year, driving through East Texas, I noticed the canopy of green rising from the ground, filling the landscape with lush foliage. It was only in West Texas that the barren landscape began to thrive. At this point, I realized I was actually seeing the elevation signature on the earth up close. Noticing every detail of the elevation, I found the lack of air an issue; I always seemed out of breath, occasionally gasping for a breath of the thin air at 4 to 6 thousand feet. A constant reminder of the landscape’s layout.
It is clear and obvious that the further west we went, our elevation rose and fell by only a few thousand feet; most of the road passes seem to follow the natural rivers, and wherever these roads could be carved into the mountainsides, they switchback and gained altitude, soon to rise above, reveling the majestic views hiding behind every mountain, a view to behold in every turn.
The route along US 1 on the West Coast’s edge is a perfect replication of the winding roads in the mountains, sculpted to allow passage with the least resistance.
US 1 has snaking turns with speeds of 10 mph to 20 mph, maybe; it is not a road for making time; it is a sightseeing road. Even though Californians like to speed on US 1, it is hard to steer the winding road in an RV; I noticed, out of my peripheral vision, Sherrie driving the RV, and all I saw were her arms and elbows flinging constantly as she spun the steering wheel. The driver keeps an eye on the road, causing them to miss much of the rugged coast.
After spending three days driving the PCH, once called US 1, we had to turn east in Southern California. The set course was for New Mexico, where we were to join our family for an early spring reunion in a place called Percha Dam, a small economy that thrives on fertile soil fed by water. The Rio Grande runs through this area. Two dams were constructed in 1917 to feed the agricultural community water. We noticed many onion fields in the area; further investigation led us to the factories where the food was processed. At first glance, I was surprised by the quality and size of the harvest.
When we rolled east through the Napa Valley between the mountains, it was easy to see, when you paid attention, the beautiful valley sitting in the mountains’ bowl, with the land stretching for miles in all directions, the fields filled with new growth. Grapes, Olives, pecans, almonds, and many types of citrus filled the valley.
Soon after breaking camp at Percha, we headed east.
I want to share with our followers that, thanks to them, we have exceeded 5,000 views on our site. Thank you, ~FTR.
There is no free ride when teaming an RV. The RV experience as we know it has little room for freeloaders. This is a ‘ship,’ and it has to be run in order. I am delighted to share this experience with my wife. The couple I met at the hot springs were also those who learned the skill of surviving a road trip in its primal form: adventurers and explorers. They were tasked with raw survival without an RV.
The trick in keeping the trip flowing is to know the rig and how it works, what it needs, and how to give it. Our survival depends on the RV’s operation. Owning and using the RV is something for each of us, and why we need and use them.
Our specialty is to sustain ourselves anywhere, anytime, completely ‘off the grid’. This makes traveling a real enjoyment. Being free as a bird.
On a typical day before we roll out, I go outside, maintain the tank dump and freshwater fill, pack up the outside gear, and then secure the cargo hatches while inside. Sherrie is taking care of the interior, knowing exactly what needs to be done to stow and secure it. When this is accomplished, we pull in our slider sides, lift the auto levelers, and pull in the power cord from its source. Sher is sitting in seat 2 with a morning coffee for both of us. I’m making the final walk-around of the Rig with a Visual inspection, then jumping into seat 1. Off we go! From this point on, we usually do not stop; we roll on to the next camp.
Quarter Kickoff Reflections
Beginning of a New Quarter
As the first weekend of April unfolds, it marks the start of a new quarter filled with anticipation and cautious readiness. The transition into this period is influenced by the lingering effects of the previous season, which was shaped by our 25-fall trip. The recent journey concluded just as the last season ended, bringing us back home and signaling a new phase.
Downtime and Planning
The off-season this year has been longer than usual, allowing ample time to reflect and strategize. At the start of this downtime, I compiled a list of potential upgrades to strengthen our efforts in the upcoming period. We focus on preparation, planning, and execution to meet our goals for this year.
March 28, 2026
Hoping for good weather to start out, the west currently looks clear, offering a promising beginning for our journey. However, as we venture into the majestic landscapes transversing the Cascades and lower Rockies, we may find that nature has different plans for us. The unexpected twists and turns of the terrain can lead to shrouded valleys and sudden weather changes that challenge our preparations. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement and adventure, reminding us that every obstacle can turn into a unique experience. As we fill our cups with new adventures this month, we embrace not only the beauty of the vistas but also the thrill that comes with the unknown, forging memories that will last a lifetime.
Often, as we gear up for the run to Washington State, we get anxious, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling within us. The anticipation is about to get the better of me, heightening my senses and stirring up a whirlwind of thoughts about the journey ahead, the sights we will see, and the experiences we will share along the way. Each moment builds like a pressure cooker, leaving me both eager and restless for the adventures that await us on this unforgettable trip.
Join us and ride along to make this fun family adventure for us all.
Wherever we go, making memories with photos is a cherished tradition, and I invite you to share our time together as we take in new sights and create new experiences during the time we spend on the road. Each moment is an opportunity to capture the beauty around us, from breathtaking landscapes to candid snapshots of our adventures. As we explore new destinations, let’s not only document our surroundings but also the laughter, the conversations, and the bonds we strengthen along the way. These shared experiences will become treasured stories that we can look back on, reminding us of the joy and excitement of our journey together. So, let’s make each click of the camera count, preserving these fleeting moments for years to come, to ensure that our adventures are not only lived but also vividly remembered.
~Tim
Please check in often; our journey begins in mid-April.
From an article posted on Travel America.
Exploring the Western USA: A Journey of Discovery
by Shela Machelli
After retiring from years of dedicated work, Tim and Sherrie decided to embark on an unforgettable adventure across the United States. Their journey focused on the captivating vistas and renowned attractions of the western region.
With their newfound freedom, the couple set out to explore places they had always dreamed of visiting. From the rugged mountains to the expansive deserts, each destination offered its own unique charm and beauty.Sights and Experiences
As they traveled together, the couple marveled at iconic landmarks, scenic national parks, and vibrant cities. Through shared experiences and breathtaking views, their trip became a celebration of both discovery and companionship. Lasting Memories
The journey across the western USA allowed them to create lasting memories and strengthen their bond, making retirement a rewarding new chapter in their lives.
They have brought together the road sights, photos, and stories of their adventures. We welcome Tim and Sherrie aboard our new section for those dedicated to living life with a never-ending quest for finding their place in the sun.
Game time
