#62 (& Final): Reflecting

I was waiting to write this next and final post until it hit me that this much-anticipated, once-in-a-lifetime adventure had come to an end. It didn’t hit me when I sold the Airstream. It didn’t even hit me when I started taking a warm shower every day.

Addie & Me

It hit me the other day. Addie and I woke up; I curled up next to her, snuggled her, and told her I loved her. This is an everyday occurrence, but for some reason, this time felt different. I immediately flashed back to doing the same thing on the road, on the Airstream bed, anticipating the day’s adventures.

For the entire year of travel, it was Addie and me against the world. Our tiny home didn’t change much, but what we viewed out the window changed more often than it stayed the same. Each day brought excitement, obstacles, and all types of new perspectives. I wondered if we would have that “partner-in-crime” feeling again like we did every day. Whatever we did, whatever we faced, whatever we conquered, we did it together.

In reflecting, maybe the year was more about Addie and me than I realized. And it’s still “our” story, rather than just mine. From now on, it will be Addie and me - we will face what the future holds together.

Other Reflections

We don’t always see how one given thing is changing us, molding us, benefitting us. All we can do is embrace it: not fight it, let ourselves feel, seize the moment, and be grateful for what we have. 

My year on the road was about living:  Recognizing what I have rather than what I don’t have. Taking a risk. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Not harboring every small decision. Doing what I wanted to do instead of what I felt I should do. It was challenging.

I put myself out there, literally. In doing so, I not only found strength, knowledge, and experience, but I also found companionship. A very different type of adventure begins now. I’m off to Texas to start the next chapter. 

As time goes on and I continue to reflect, I will realize other things the year provided. I don’t see them all right now, but I will. 

I’ll sign off with this: if you feel a pull, give in to it. It may be scary, it may require taking a risk, it may be uncertain, but…

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. – Mark Twain

If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary. – Jim Rohn

If it were easy, everyone would do it. – Dad

Thank you for being on this ride with us. 

Lots of love, 

Sarah & Addie

#59: Valley Girls

When my friend Amanda expressed interest in visiting me on the road, choosing a time and place for us to meet was somewhat of a crapshoot. She booked the flight months beforehand, so I had to guess a little where I’d be when she planned to come. I knew I’d be “around” Arizona, and I knew the agenda included Death Valley National Park, so we decided flying into Las Vegas would work (Vegas is about two hours east of Death Valley). Scooping her in Vegas, and where we’d travel together, was factored into my route planning.

I booked a site at Sam’s Town KOA (Kampgrounds of America) in Las Vegas for the night of Amanda’s arrival. Here, I’d empty/fill tanks and stock up on groceries (and wine). It was strange to go to Vegas and “camp.” The only other times I’ve gone to Vegas was for work trips or bachelorette parties.

I quickly introduced Amanda to the RV life. We began the next day with a campground shower. I also demonstrated how I dump the black tank, fill the fresh water tank, and pack up the Airstream when it’s time to drive. I have to say, she picked it up pretty quickly.

We had five full days together. We planned to hit up Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, and the Hoover Dam.

I want to add: I had no expectations for Death Valley. I felt a little badly about Amanda joining me for this particular park because I didn’t think it was one of the “good” ones. I would soon be proven wrong.

Day #1: Las Vegas & Death Valley

First on the docket was a trip to Trader Joe’s for groceries. After driving for two hours, we arrived at Death Valley mid-day, and although we didn’t have any plans for where to camp, I was confident we’d find a place inside the park. After scoping out a few options, we decided on the first-come, first-serve Texas Springs Campground near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

By the time we set up, made some necessary phone calls, and laid out a plan for the next few days, it was time to crack open the wine and whip out the cheese and crackers. We took a quick walk up a hill around our campground to catch the sunset.

Day #2: Death Valley

Per Amanda’s request (and given she is an early bird), we got up the next morning for the sunrise at Zabriskie Point. We weren’t the only ones with this idea, but that didn’t take away from the daybreak beauty. THIS is why the song, America the Beautiful, talks about purple mountains…

Next, we drove to Badwater Basin, North America's lowest elevation at 282 feet below sea level. This area is home to the salt flats, an iconic part of Death Valley National Park. It was still early morning when we went; the sun was still behind valley walls, which explains the photos' dark shadows.

On the way back to the campground, we stopped to drive down the one-way loop called Artists Drive. Here, we found Artists Palette, rainbow-colored rock formations that represent, well, artists palettes.

We chose an afternoon hike on which Addie could join us. This hike, Titus Canyon Narrows, is along a 4x4 road, but the ranger informed us that it is scenic, unique, and flexible in that we could go as far as we wanted and turn around. We passed many Jeeps (or I should say, they passed us) - the entire road is 27 miles and connects to one of the major park roads. 

Amanda and I hadn’t hiked together since we summited Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2018. We were long overdue. Also, to add, Amanda and I have been friends since childhood. Born only one month apart, we grew up as neighbors in Connecticut. Over the years, we have remained close friends and both grew to love taking on challenges - especially in the active/outdoor arena. She pushed me to run a few marathons!

And I pushed her to sample the nomad life. hehe.

After about three miles out, we turned back for a total of six miles. We then drove up to Dante’s View, which provides a panoramic view of the valley below.

A much-needed snack awaited us back at the campsite, so we headed “home.” This is where I asked Amanda to stand on a bucket. That’s right. I needed her to help me record a video of me, and I wanted it to be taken at eye-level. We needed a little “boost” for her.

Do you know how many uses a bucket has when you’re on the road? So many. Here are a few:

1. Step stool (example above)

2. Seat

3. Vessel to transport water or other items

4. Trash can

5. Washing bin

I digress.

Day #3: Death Valley to Valley of Fire

The next day we left Death Valley for Valley of Fire, but not before we squeezed in one more hike. We wanted to see the Red Cathedral. We were up and at it before Addie’s desired wake-up time, so she happily slept in the Airstream while we hiked.

Valley of Fire was about a three-hour drive from Death Valley. We made a few pitstops through small towns before arriving at Valley of Fire State Park. We drove through the park to the other side to find a pretty solid dispersed camping area. Amanda was getting a pretty good snapshot of my accommodations on the road: an RV park, a park campground, and a dispersed campground.

Day #4: Valley of Fire State Park

We had an incredible day in this state park. The best part was that Addie could go with us wherever we went. We saw beautifully colorful rocks, witnessed a herd of bighorn sheep, and hiked a cumulative seven miles. These photos do no justice to what we experienced.

Day #5: Hoover Dam

Valley of Fire State Park is only about an hour from Hoover Dam, which is also in the direction back to Las Vegas. Neither of us had been and figured this was as good a time as any.

We (well, Amanda) found a walking path along the Historic Railroad Trail and we “hiked” to the dam. This trail is the former railroad that brought supplies and equipment to and from the dam as it was under construction.

Side note: I can’t express enough how helpful it is to have a navigator and someone to help with researching things to do and visit. I could drive and Amanda could google things, so we planned a lot in the car - which made things a lot easier.

The dam is massive. However, it’s still just a dam. Because of COVID, some areas and tours were closed, but we were content just walking around and taking a look from above. I was glad to visit the infamous Hoover Dam, but I think I enjoyed the historic railroad trail more.

Amanda’s visit was coming to a close. We headed back to Sam’s Town KOA in Vegas to culminate the trip. I know Amanda enjoyed her five days of RV living, but I’m sure she was ready to return to her life in Chicago.

It was back to the two of us: Addie and me. I dropped Amanda at the airport and hit the road, once again feeling right at home behind the wheel.

Special thanks to Amanda for joining me on the road and doing so COVID-safe!

#58: Joshua Tree National Park

When my friend, Alfredo, helped me navigate my route around Arizona (he lives there), he informed me that he would be at one of his favorites - Lost Dutchman State Park in the coming weeks. We stayed in touch, and it ended up working out that I could meet him there for a few days.

Alfredo and I first met on Instagram, as he and his wife are fellow Airstreamers. We met in person back in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in early March. When I left Texas in May to hit the road after sheltering in place, Addie and I crashed at their house outside Phoenix en route to California.

I was excited to join Alfredo at Lost Dutchman - from all of his Instagram stories and posts, I knew it was one of his favorites. This Arizona State Park sits right at the base of the Superstition Mountains. This was my campsite view. Not too shabby!

Alfredo was sure to bring only the best service for Addie.

***no Addies were harmed or given alcohol in the taking of this photo***

In the morning, we met up for a hike up the Superstitions. The weather wasn’t the greatest, but it was still beautiful - and seemed appropriate for visiting the Superstition Mountains.

I left this part out of my last post, but part of determining my route through Arizona involved the timing of when I needed to be in Las Vegas. A dear friend bought a plane ticket to Las Vegas to meet me on my travels. I was picking her up on a specific date, which needed to factor into my travel schedule.

That said, one of the other places I skipped in the spring was Joshua Tree National Park. Again, it was too hot there by May when I picked back up my travels. Since it’s close to Arizona, I determined months ago that I’d visit Joshua Tree when I went to Arizona. And it was now my next stop.

After Addie and I bid Alfredo farewell, and after a quick stop to my new favorite coffee shop, Dutch Brothers, we hit the road west for Joshua Tree. It was about a five-hour drive, but I was in no rush.

Upon arrival at the park’s northern side, I went inside the park to scope out any available campgrounds. There are many campgrounds in Joshua Tree, but I found all sites at all locations occupied. Exiting the park to the north, I managed to find some dispersed camping land for the night. I’d leave the next morning and find a place inside the park for the following night. I wanted to stay at least one night inside the park.

In the morning, entering through the west entrance (from the north), I got my first view of the iconic Joshua Trees. Joshua Trees only grow in this desert - the Mojave. And, they are not technically trees. They are the world’s largest Yucca (which is considered a succulent).

We stopped at a few different campgrounds before finding a spot at Belle Campground. It was early, and it was cold. Once we got the Airstream settled, the first thing on our agenda was to find Arch Rock. After being at Arches, this arch wasn’t super impressive, but it was entertaining to rock scramble a bit to find it - it was off the trail and hidden.

On the way to Hidden Valley, we pulled over to - literally - play in the rocks. We had a little photoshoot, too.

I’m happy I explored Hidden Valley. The trail is short but very scenic. And along the path, I caught some rock climbers, so it was fun to see them in action.

We took a short ride to Keys View - the most popular viewpoint in Joshua Tree. You can see where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Desert and as far as Palm Springs and the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Belle Campground afforded us a vast playground. We headed back to do some exploring. As Addie and I were walking around, we met another solo female traveler with a vintage Airstream. She and I got to talking and ended up having a ton in common. Instagrams were exchanged. Who knows where we may run into each other again!

We departed Joshua Tree through the south entrance, near Cottonwood Visitor Center. On the way out, I took a short walk through the Cholla Cactus Garden. Although this hike is flat and only .25 of a mile, it’s dangerous. The Cholla Cactus has exceptionally sharp (and painful) needles - and they’re abundant. The Chollas are cool, though. They have a hombre look to them, which I found pretty.

I also stopped to take a walk through Cottonwood Spring. This area hosts a water source, which is rare in the desert. Trees and other vegetation grow here in the desert because of this spring.

Our desert journey would continue long after Joshua Tree. We were off to Vegas to pick up my friend before heading to Death Valley - another place we postponed visiting until now due to the hot temperatures in the spring and summer.

This may sound ridiculous, but since Joshua Tree is so renowned in pop culture and song lyrics and things like that, I anticipated a “spiritual” experience. I expected more fireside song singing, weed-smoking, and zen-forward activities. Maybe it was just too cold. :)

#52: Work & Play in Denver

As much as I didn’t want to face it, it was time to start thinking about life-after-Airstream. All along, the plan of purchasing an Airstream Basecamp for this year on the road was to sell it after traveling. This was one of the main reasons I bought an Airstream trailer - they hold their value much better than SOBs (an "Airstream" acronym for "Some Other Brand').

For a while, I toyed with the idea of keeping the Basecamp. It's my home. I am connected to it. We have been through a lot together. However, I snapped out of that for a plethora of reasons:

1. I didn’t know where I was going to live, let alone store an Airstream.

2. I wasn’t sure if I’d use it enough to warrant keeping it (mostly because I wasn’t sure what the future was holding for me).

3. The old supply and demand curve. It’s a seller’s market. Due to COVID, the demand for RV travel is up, and RV availability is down. They can’t make Airstreams fast enough. Buyers are paying more for trailers in this economic landscape: people don’t want to travel internationally, don’t want to fly, and have the option to travel with their families given remote work and school. The market value of my Basecamp is higher than what I paid for it in Fall 2019.

When I knew I was going to sell it, the next thing to think about was logistics. After the conclusion of my travel (late November), I plan to head back to Virginia for the holidays. If I could avoid towing the trailer back to Virginia, that would be best. The market out west is more prominent, as well.

I decided that while in Denver, where I had space, time, and resources, I’d empty it, deep clean it, take some photos, and throw it up online to see what would happen.

Fortunately for me, I had some help cleaning it. Thank God for my little assistants.

There are multiple online outlets to sell a trailer. The common “RV” ones (of which I know) are RV Trader and Airstream Marketplace. On these sites, however, one must pay to list a trailer. Since I was only testing the market’s water and still had about six weeks left to travel, I opted to post only on Craigslist - in Denver and Phoenix. Craigslist only charges $5 for an RV listing.

I got more bites than anticipated - mostly from the Denver listing. I even had interested parties from other parts of the country. At this point, I knew I could sell it pretty quickly. One couple showed the most interest and was able to take a look at it before I left town. They loved it. We verbally agreed that they would purchase it when I finished traveling and I would drop it off in Denver the first week of December. I was trusting them, and they were trusting me, but given the interest I had, I wasn’t worried that if they backed out, I could still sell it without too much hassle.

Whoa. This was happening.

The rest of my time in Denver, I spent having quality time with my friends and the kids, doing some COVID-friendly small things in town (bike rides, patio dinners, short hikes), and just hanging out. Amy and I have been friends for many, many years, so hanging out is our jam. We didn’t need to do anything special for the time to be special.

I left Denver excited for the last six weeks of traveling. I had some enjoyable things to see and do, and verbally selling the Airstream was a significant stress relief. Plus, knowing that I would be back in Denver to drop it off made leaving my friends that much easier.

My next stop was Colorado Springs. I visited an old friend from high school who I hadn’t seen in 20+ years. He and his wife have two beautiful children and another on the way. It was delightful to catch up over lost time and re-get to know an old friend and his family.

Before I knew it, I was heading south to Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde National Parks.

#49: Pando, Tires, and Truma

By this time, I started making my way back up towards Salt Lake to get my Truma water heater/furnace replaced.

With all of this driving lately (these states out West are huge), I began to notice the tires on my car were getting pretty worn. Since I do much driving on unpaved, rocky roads, I didn't want to push it with vulnerable tires. I also didn't need a highway blowout to add to my list of things to fix.

I found a tire center in Richfield, UT, a large(r) town in the vicinity of where I was. Calling ahead, I ensured they would have the tires I needed by the time I arrived.

But first, a quick jaunt to Pando. A friend of mine mentioned Pando while I was in Salt Lake the first time around. I hadn't heard of it; that's what Google is for.

• Pando is referred to as the Trembling Giant due to the leaves' sound with just the slightest wind.

• It's a grove of quaking aspens in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah.

• The grove is a single organism, as all the trees share a root system.

• Unlike other trees, these aspens sprout from the parent tree's lateral root, making each tree a stem of a massive single clone.

• The word "Pando" is Latin for "I spread."

The above makes Pando the most massive living organism, spanning over 100 acres. However, there is an absence of young, regenerative stems to replace the older trunks due partly to deer and elk's overgrazing in recent years. That, combined with the regular deterioration of the older trees, makes Pando extremely vulnerable to shrinking. In time, Pando could completely die off. Teams of scientists are on it, though, studying the reasons for the decline to adapt accordingly. 

We slept among Pando at Doctor Creek Campground near Fish Lake. We hiked the trembling aspens, and it was unforgettable. We hit it at the perfect time when the aspen leaves were bright yellow.

After our hike, we hit the road for Richfield. The only decent place to stay was a KOA (Kampgrounds of America). I usually don’t opt for this chain campground, but I was okay with it because:

1. It was inexpensive.

2. I could refill the fresh water tank.

3. I could dump the wastewater tank.

4. I could do laundry.

5. I could take a shower.

Our first stop the next morning was the tire center. After waiting a few hours and dropping a pretty penny, we were off towards Salt Lake to get our replacement Truma.

We crashed at a Walmart parking lot about an hour south of SLC. I didn’t need anything fancy as I had just showered that morning, and my only requirement was being somewhat close to the dealership to get there first thing the next morning. Plus, I was used to parking lots by now.

I cannot believe I am writing this, but this visit to an Airstream dealership service center was, wait for it…quick and easy. It took the Airstream of Utah team a few hours to replace the Truma, test it to ensure it’s working correctly and consistently, and send me on my way. The feeling of driving away with a new working furnace/water heater was indescribable. I had been dealing with this wonky thing for my entire trip, and now I was sailing (driving) off into the sunset with a brand-new (working) unit. Life was good.