Travel Journal – February 3, 2014
It’s impossible for me to believe that over four months have passed since I retired. During most of this time I have been preparing for February 10th, just 7 days away now. It’s amazing to me how much time is needed for research alone, not counting the major purchases I have made as a result of my decisions. Traveling to Montana for my license and setting up my address, then flying to Oregon to pick up the Workhorse. Also the many hours of minimizing my possessions I have been working on since last November 2013.
Of course not all my time was dedicated to Rving and packing. I have spent a few days each week volunteering at my grandsons’ elementary school here in Orange County. 
It was fun being involved with them, their classmates, friends and the staff. Last Thursday I spent with Seth’s class, the First grade and Friday I spent with Aiden’s class, the Third grade. Each had their on going weekly projects and papers to grade. Of course every school day has lunch time that we all look forward to.
Usually when I volunteer, I drive to a local restaurant to buy a special lunch for Nana and our boys. We eat at the children’s tables and help out a little bit with the supervision in our area. I really look up to the teachers and staff, not just at our grandsons’ school, but education in general. It’s a difficult and important job. I don’t know how the teachers can be so energetic every day, still be sane, and a smile to boot. There aren’t very many negatives for me when balancing my adventure Rving, but this will be one of the BIG ones. I will miss those smiling faces, but next week I will have to say so long until I return.
Last Friday
“All Green Recycling” picked up several old computers, a number of Monitors 
(CRT), miscellaneous electronics, a 19″ and 32″ Television, along with a number of hard drives I am having destroyed. They did an efficient job, on time and didn’t charge anything, other than the destruction of the hard drives.
Packing
Back to packing up my house and moving a few items I am keeping, into storage. I have the item’s I am taking on my adventure, down to less than 750 pounds. Well under the weight limit on my coach. Monday I will be making one last trip to the 
Goodwill store. Then packing a few remaining boxes at the end of the week as I finish items I am still using on a daily basis. Next Saturday and Sunday will be cleaning days.
If all goes as planned I will be spending my last night in my sticks and bricks home next Sunday night. I don’t plan on sleeping much, but I hope I will as Monday will be a long day. When waking first thing on Monday morning I will say goodbye to my home of ten plus years, put the boxes I have staged in my workhorse and drive to my orientation for my new coach.
It’s exciting to think I am that close to something I have dreamed about for a long time, but a little scary at the same time knowing there is much to learn and experience just a week away. I will keep you posted as the process continues. Stayed tuned.
Safe travels…Gary
Categories: Preparation
Retired Vagabond 
Hey Jerry, Living out our dreams in our retirement years can be expensive. I’m on a shoestring budget myself. I didn’t think I would be living this lifestyle either. I’ve been pretty fortunate and I need to watch my spending. I’m more concerned about the increase in living expenses and taxes as time passes. I will probably be boondocking in the desert more than I planned as time goes by, if the government doesn’t close all the free BLM camping down. Thanks for following along, glad to have to your company.
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I’ve just become a new follower. I’m retired too. Yo are living the retirment I wish I had, so there is some envy. I got interested in Photography a few years ago, my dream of retirement was to travel all over the country shooting pictures, alas, Surving on Social Security does not the dream support. I suppose I shall have to vicariously sublimate by follwing your adventure. Happy travels.
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Gary, How exciting for you. Love all the planning you are doing and I’m sure it will pay off. Can’t wait to read all about your adventures. Enjoy your self. Jan Alston
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Good to hear from you Jan. I can’t wait either, but I am continuing to learn patience. I am not sure I will ever achieve it. Stay in touch.
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Gary, you are inspiring me to retire earlier than I had expected….your approach to “getting ready” is a sound one and will help me do the same…keep those tid bits of caution coming…you will be on a trip of a life time…Bon voyage
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I am happy for you Tom. Life is short. I wish I could have done it a little earlier, but I am enjoying it now. I am truly blessed. Enjoy your dreaming along the way, it’s very motivating 😉
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Oh great! I have to lose two of my favorite co-workers now! Way to Go Gary… leave a girl all alone in the big old scary work force.. won’t one of you two adopt me! I do dishes…
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Good going, Gary. Minimalizing your possessions is one very smart move! Such an organized approach = great success. You are in for the time of your life. Have a blast!!
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Thanks Rob, you and Jan have been an inspiration to me over the last couple of years. Especially the Sprinter Tour several years ago. It was a wonderful adventure, watching you and Jan travel to Fifty National Parks in less than a year, as I was starting to form my own plans in my mind. Is that adventure stored anywhere with the pictures? Mercedes-Sprinter has kind of messed up the website.
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You must be very excited for the 10th to arrive and begin your voyage. I know I was.
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I am Jim, however the excitement of the planning is almost overwhelming. Like waiting to open Christmas presents as a kid. Now the scary part of the “unknown” as I step across the threshold of dreaming and planning, into reality of living the dream. I have been following your blog at http://www.jimbosjourneys.com/
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What a great adventure for you and yours! Be safe and tell us more.
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Thanks for stopping by Rodica. I feel a little humbled, since you are a published author. 🙂 I pray that God continues to bless your talents.
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