Help Please! Butterflys abound in stomach!

[Fairytail6]

Hello to all of you who have posted so much great information and experiences. Currently I'm in a dither and would appreciate any help that comes to mind. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to sell my home in Bend, Oregon. I have written the word Trapped in my journal so many times that it screams at me. I have, over the years, I'm now 73, lived in travel trailers, fire lookouts, tents, etc., and loved them all. However, there was always a return to a house. This time, I am thinking of letting go of everything, except the 6. 4 little dogs and 2 big house cats. They are all seniors, all fully trained, and we are all affectionately codependent. I'm looking at a 24 ft Class C Tioga in excellent condition. Due to money, (what is that?) I'm being very cautious, but every time I become cautious I become sad. On the other hand, where will I go? I've traveled all over the states and internationally and prefer dry camping. I'm thinking of Tucson for the winter. Thinking, thinking, until life happens. So what would I like from you? Reassurances. I want to be reassured that doubts are normal. I want to be reassured that I will be able to travel with my pack. I want to be reassured that the vision I have of camaraderie with others will come to fruition. In the meantime, I will start selling off my "stuff" and getting ready. My goal is to be on the road by the end of Sept., with a few small practice trips from now till then. Thanks to all of you who will help me down this path. Sincerely, Fairytail aka Patty

[Bethers]

Welcome, Patty. I'm one that says GO FOR IT and yes, I scream it. If you're feeling trapped, time to get out of that. I live in a 22' Class C - had 2 dogs when I started out and now have 1. I, too, would never be without my "babies". I also love drycamping. And there are lots of places out west to do it. Many of us spend time in AZ some winters (some every winter) so if you want to meet up with some, that's also very doable.

Glad to have you with us.

[pattyk]

Welcome to another 73 year old Patty. I don't full time but have been traveling the last 4 years with my little ShitZu Sammie.

[kdmac]

Trapped is exactly the right word. Those who haven't experienced it won't understand and that's ok because it's the norm to be in a house etc. But, while my home was beautiful with a 180 view of the Cascades from Everett up to Canada, I felt like a caged animal...just trapped in paradise. Odd, I know. But it was because I knew that my most glorious times in life were camping, exploring, wilderness experiences, kayaking, wildlife viewing for hours on end. Be it an ancestral gypsy spirit or plain ol wanderlust, I have it. So, I tell you to GO NOW AND FULLFIL THAT CRAVING FOR EXPLORATION, CHANGE, FREEDOM, NEW SGHTS, NEW FRIENDS. You are in your early 70's, that is still plenty of time to do this. I plan to go till I can't get up the steps anymore.

More women here have their pets on the road with them than don't. Kitties may howl at first but they will get adjusted.

If you wait till September you have wasted June July and August...he he......Sell, your stuff, give it away, Meet ya in Arizona!!!

[VickieP]

Welcome Patty! I say Go For It, too! If it's pulling you that way more than just a little once a year or something like that, then it's something that you really want to do, so why not?

[Fairytail6]

Thanks for all of the encouragement!!! I did buy the 24 ft Tioga! eek! I'll get it next week. When I first wrote in I was still thinking about it. Another thank you re traveling with pets. I'm going to halter train the cats. Due to the beauty of Bend in the summer, and needing ($) to sell my house etc., I'll be here till Sept. This will give me plenty of time to move into the Tioga and figure it all out. Then, I'm heading south, eventually in the direction of Tucson, though nothing is set in stone. Have any of you stayed around Tucson? How are the southern states in the early spring?

[Bethers]

I've been in most of the southern states in spring- which ones are you asking about? Spring time does bring rain and winds in some, so traveling can be a bit more of a challenge then. I've stayed around Tucson in the winter and intend to spend some time in that area this winter. I'll probably spend more time further west tho - but I never know for sure till I get there You have lots and lots of options. Enjoy.

[BirdbyBird]

....and we will meet you down the road. Sort that stuff and get out of town! Welcome aboard

[OregonLuvr]

Welcome to another Oregonian. Sounds like you have "bit the bullet" and will be on the road in no time. Good for you. I am still pretty much a full time worker but my job is flexible as to where I work. I am a contract worker so my life is "13 weeks at a Time". I live in Ashland area, and am working on the N CA coast right now.

Just had a girlfriend visit here while I am home and she is from Bend. She loves it over there, and I love to go camping in the La Pine area. The RV lifestyle is the way to go. I certainly dont think you will regret it. It is still pretty warm down in Arizona in September so drive s l o w l y...ha ha

Welcome to this great group

Karen

[Travelinana]

Welcome, When I hear someone else is feeling that 'pull' to explore this beautiful country, I get excited all over again. I have a house too. I also have a business partner/friend. The decision has been made to sell or rent this house, then I'm off to do some exploring of my own. Rudy my American made dog will go with me. I have made small trips, am now planning a 2 month excursion to the NW (Seattle to see DD) then back home stopping alot along the way.
My friend will run the business until someone comes along and offers what we want for it. He has no desire to travel and also thinks I'm a little crazy. I'm no spring chicken either, 70 is only a couple of years away. We don't have the luxury of 'waiting'. The time is here and now. Let's get out there and plan to meet someday. All the girls are very supportive. It's a nice feeling to think you have friends in almost every state. Good luck

[avalen]

Welcome!!! I say go for it too, Sell the "stuff", give it to relatives and whats left over call the goodwill truck. Keep only what you need for the rv.
Get the house on the market and get crackin girl! You've got places to be and people to meet Hows that for encouragement? I'm in Arizona and the weather has been wonderful COME ON DOWN!

[mitch5252]

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Welcome, Patty! The great ladies here have a wealth of knowledge and experience. If they say, "GO FOR IT", I'd take 'em at their word!! Just think of all the adventures await you!! And by joining this group, you've just made friends all over the country!!

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[Liz]

Welcome Patty!

Let me reassure you too.

Doubts are normal. We all have had them.
You can travel with your pack. Lots of us do.
You've come to the right place for camaraderie. We're here every day in virtual form. And we're anxiously awaiting to meet you in real time on the road or at a future GTG.

So get moving!

[Irmi]

Welcome Patty!

I, too, say go for it! Now that you've made your purchase, it's time to sell the house & belongings and get on the road. I'm looking forward to hearing about your trips!

[cpatinjones]

Hi Patty,

Welcome to the forum!

PS Go for it!