Its really real!

[mizdeb]

I am so excited and frightened at the same time. I leave on my first trip alone in over 40 years in three days. It is going to be interesting to see how I do on my own.

I keep telling myself it will be fine, but I still wonder what it will be like when I turn to say something and Les is not there to hear me. I was talking to my sister-in-law tonight when I suddenly thought about a place we always stopped to give dogs a break and eat lunch. It is off the road and a little secluded and I wonder about stopping there not because of the memories, but being alone. That is one of those things I have to get used to I guess. I am thinking I will drive in there and if I feel uncomfortable I will just keep going as it is not that far from my first stop of the trip.

My stepson was taking his dad's place today telling me all the things the watch for and to make sure the camper is hooked up correctly which is so typical. I wonder who he thinks is the parent here. Even my son is not that bad and he is having a fit at the thought of me going fulltime.

Wish me luck and I will post as I start my blog about me and my travels.
Deb

[BirdbyBird]

Luck and all the best wishes to go with them. You will do find and traveling by yourself you can decide whether or not to tell the story afterwards...when things might have gone better

[sharon]

You'll do fine! And keep talking to Les, he can hear you! On my first trip alone from Ca to Arkansas and back, I carried on complete conversations with Jack. Well, some of it was conversation, some of it was yelling at him for leaving me to do this on my own. Eight years later I still talk to him, still ask questions and still yell at him. Some things never change. And the good thing? If you ask a question, the answer is gonna be what you wanted to hear in the first place! Yeah, you've gotta be a little more careful, but don't let fear guide your life. Our instincts are usually right on, and if it doesn't feel good, keep going.

[Carolinagal]

After the first 30 mins., you will be calmer and begin to really enjoy your trip . Might not take you that long. You want to do this and something we truly want to do we can!!!! Just stop where and when you want , you sound like a woman with a lot of good sense and you will be fine as long as you listen to your instincts.

Wishing you a great trip , one that you will truly enjoy.
Take care and have fun
CArol

[Sandersmr]

Good luck to you on your great adventure!!!

[Dawn309]

Deb, I am sure you are going to do fine. I understand the butterflies. As you know from our Facebook conversations, I am renting a motorhome tomorrow for Mom and I to go up to Oklahoma. Will be my first time driving a motorhome. Scared about it, but you and I can both do this. Like Sharon said, keep talking to Les. He will hear and help you. Again, like Sharon said, yell at him if you need to. If you do start yelling, just don't scare Duncan. He might start howling and that could get really loud.

You've got good instincts. All you have to do is trust them. Be sure and keep us all up on where you are and how you are doing. You've been a huge encouragement to me. Stay safe and enjoy your trip.

[JudyJB]

Good luck! I'll be joining you in 6 weeks.

It took several months, but I think my sons are finally OK with my going full-time, although one did buy me a very large can of pepper spray for Mother's Day! (I think it will get tucked away and not used.)

[snowball]

good luck Deb you will be fine I'm sure
sheila

[Liz]

Wishing you fair weather and a trip full of beauty and new memory-making. You'll be fine. We're all excited for you.

[Irmi]

I know you can do this and we're all looking forward to reports along the way!

[Nasoosie]

Deb, I am sure you can't be any more nervous about traveling alone than neurotic me! And yet, despite many misgivings, and constant worrying when I am about to embark on a trip each year, I have now made two trips up and down the east coast by myself---1500 miles per trip! As others have said, the anticipation is the worst part of the nerves----being out there and moving along, in between gas stops and overnight stops, is not bad at all any more. Knowing which exit to look for, which lane to stay in going through cities, where the good gas stops, rest areas, and campgrounds are really helps when you are traveling alone and have no extra eyes to spot things, or find them in a book. Without the encouragement from the ladies on here, I think I might have stayed in FL this year. And, when fall comes and it's once again time to head south, I am sure I will wish to stay in the north country this year. I hope my confidence will build more and more.

Stay in touch, be proud of any accomplishments you make, and tell us about your escapades! I will be thinking of you, for sure!

[dayspring39]

Deb I wish you the very best as you begin this new journey... it will be exciting and scary but you will find so many new adventures just around the corner... enjoy... besides a little fear is good keeps you on your toes... being to confident you can overlook some things...
Kathleen

[WickedLady]

We have all been there and survived. You will too, for we are women....hear us roar!

[Christine]

Best to you on your adventures!!! Your alot braver than i will ever be...
Just remember it was the 'woman' in the Donner party that pulled everyone thru those passes.. so it they can do it so can you!!!!

[JudyJB]

Waiting to hear how your first day went! Keep in touch.