Traveling for a year? It's something many of us baby boomers have long thought of doing after we are through with the family raising stage of life, and before we succumb to old age!
Phil and I are two early boomers, who, like many of our contemporaries, have had the good fortune and opportunity to leave the full time work world early - with all the possibilities and decisions that that life change brings. Early in our lives, we did all "the right things", like many children raised in the 50's and 60's. We went to college (run off to Europe for 6 months - who does THAT!?), graduated, got jobs that we stayed with throughout our careers, married, and raised our family. Never did we have the luxury of taking off on an adventure of more than a few weeks at a time.
When we left the work force, we found that we became just as involved and immersed as we had been when we were working. Of course, the time is filled we things of our choosing - playing with the grandchildren, serving on boards and committees, traveling, golfing, exercising more regularly, etc. But, none the less, a new routine develops that make it just as difficult to break away for a long period of time.
Since a long trip around the US is something that has been on our wish list for a long time, we decided that now was the time, while "untangling" the web of our new life was still relatively easy. Secondarily, we considered the fact that right now we are both healthy, and our families are healthy. That is something none of us can take for granted, and can change at any time. Wouldn't it be sad, if we put off the trip, (as it is so easy to do with something like this), and then found we couldn't do it due to our health or family obligations?
If you are looking for articles about the "10 best places to eat and sleep in Cute Town, USA" - this isn't for you! Yes, we will tell you about interesting places to try along the way, but the focus is on an enjoyable saga of our travels, as well as our experiences on how to plan a trip of this type.
We visited and wrote about all the National Parks in the 48 "lower" states, plus many of the National Monuments, Seashores, etc. In each area we tried to bring you something historic, something cultural, and something sports related (the part that Phil liked best!). We talked to ordinary people with experiences that enriched our own. They stretched our intellect and imagination, and provided perspectives that we will cherish forever.
So, come along, enjoy the scenery, and see the USA from your armchair - and, who knows, you may find yourself making the decision to "hit the road" too!