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“When words become unclear, I shall focus with
photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with
silence.”
Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. ~ Anatole France
71% of the Population believes in global warming, while the other 29% are still trying to resolve the "Earth is Flat" debate
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~~ Mark Twain
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
Reduce Recycle Reuse Restore
"Thousands of
tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out
that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity;
that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of
timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life."
'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a
big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'
Around the Next Turn is Where Our Adventure Begins - Pat Bonish '07
No one traveling on a
business trip would be missed if he failed to arrive
~
Not all who wander are lost
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Readers Comments In the past few months, we've loved hearing from our readers and never knew they'd be so kind as they've been. When we first started this site, we thought we'd have a few friends and family members following along from our home town while we traveled the country living full time in our RV. Throughout our journey, it's been amazing to us how many people have contacted us to show their support. Not just from our home state of Michigan either, from all over the United States!! Most just wish us "Good Luck", while others have suggested tips on problems we had talked about in one of our blogs, and some have shared some of their own mishaps while on the road. If nothing else, we both feel very humbled knowing we have been an inspiration for others. I would hope that when reading our Blogs, like minded individuals will understand that a trip like this isn't that hard to achieve. Like Cindy's quote says at the top of the page, once you realize our insignificance and how small we really are, those everyday pressures seem so exaggerated. Thanks to all who have contacted us, as we love to hear from anyone who has read our site. Whether you agree with what we're doing, or think we're the whack jobs some claim us to be, let us know. Believe me, you're not going to hurt our feelings. Besides, like my kid sister Amy used to say, "What ever you say bounces off of me, and sticks to you like glue" Here are some of the great comments we've received from around the country
Hello Pat and Cindy, I am happy for both of you and wish you well with your travels. I have bookmarked your site and forwarded it onto my other camping buddies. If you ever intend to be in this area (Northeast PA) email me and I will try to help you out. I am glad you decided to put this online and I look forwarded to seeing where you go. Take care and happy traveling. - Ellen Hoffman - Pennsylvania
Hi Cindy & Pat, Good luck on your travels. Found out about your adventure from the Sunline Owners Club forum and have been following your blogs. I’m envious. What you’re doing is something my wife and I dream about doing some day. But with 3 kids in college next year, it may be a few years before we can do it.
God bless you both and
may your travels be safe. I’ll be reading your blogs. *********************************
Hello Pat & Cindy, I
teach 2nd graders in Mooresville, NC. Race City USA. In order to
help students learn the states and different places that tie into our
N.C. Standard Course of Study we ask parents, friends, and relatives to
send us postcards from the states visited. This excites the
children and they want to learn. When that child receives a postcard at
school from someone they know, well , words can't express the joy they
feel. We trace the US on butcher paper and have the students glue the
states with colored tissue paper. Once we receive a postcard, we read
the note plus the information about that state and find it on the map.
The postcard is then stapled to the board with a string going to its
state. *********************************
Hey there
Pat and Cindy,
I've been
reading your blogs and following along with your journey for about a
month now. It seems like I know you without ever even meeting you!
My wife Denise and I live in Phoenix Arizona. We currently have a 28'
Alpenlite Aspen travel trailer and a Chevy Avalanche.
 A
lot of the things you guys say and do are so close to how Denise and I
are, it's kinda funny. When I first started reading your blogs, I
thought, what a great idea. Then as I read more, I thought, why don't
we do this also? I really like how you set your minds to it and made
your trip happen. We are starting to talk about what it would take
for us to be able to hit the road, with you guys as an inspiration.
I will be
writing more later, but in the meantime, I have a suggestion for your
website. Have you thought of putting some sort of map on the site
showing where you have been and what roads you traveled? There may be
something you can use on Microsoft's
http://maps.live.com where you can create your own pages. Be sure
to try the "Bird's eye view" stuff!
Anyway,
all for now. Have fun in Nashville!
Don and
Denise
*********************************
Cindy
- I felt a little guilty when I read that Pat made you drive the train.
Since I KNOW Steve told him how important he thinks it is that I share
while driving our rig. You know what else? It
seems like as soon as he turns it over to me, the nice calm road
situation is automatically over and I find myself driving through
something obnoxious like 5 lanes of traffic around Boston, or through
Conn. where they don't have rest stops! FYI....We've
enjoyed our new kayak on the New River in Virginia and at the local
yucky Blue Marsh lake. Wilderness Systems seats are fantastic! Thanks
for the tip Pat. Have a great trip! Pam (aka
QUEtSE) *********************************
If you have any
questions, don’t hesitate to drop me an email. We’ve been camping a long
time and have taken a few 5+ week trips, so have some ideas what it’s
like to be on the road for an extended period of time. We traveled with
our cat and dog also. Which reminds me, if you travel through PA at any
time, PA state parks don’t allow pets in their campgrounds. That’s
another thing we found out the hard way. Got kicked out of one at 9pm at
night. I know you’re not headed that way now, but it’s good to remember.
- Hutch *********************************
I just started
following your "journey". Its a neat idea, and I'm really enjoying it.
However, we're wanting to camp near Savannah sometime during the winter months. I saw you stayed at River's End. Why there, instead of the state park campground on Skidaway Island?
From the pictures in
the campground guides, and on-line, it looks like the campers are just
parked helter skelter, and practically on top of one another. We opt for
a little more space when possible. *********************************
Hi Pat and
Cindy!
As I look through your gallery I have images of Pat running around,
jumping around, up on top of the trailer, falling into streams, lying on
the ground --- and click, click, click with the camera...makes me smile
and kinda chuckle a little. Looks like its been an adventure
already. It's nice to live vicariously through the internet and your
travels. - Julie *********************************
Hi Pat & Cindy!
Just checked out the website - very nice! Great job on the format
and I like the individual blogs. Welcome to the road and let us
know if there is anything you need. Looking forward to seeing you some
day! :) *********************************
Pat & Cindy - We just
wanted to let you know we leave Kigoma on Wednesday and Dar es Salaam on
Friday and should be stateside into O'Hare Airport on Saturday. *********************************
EMAM,
Reading of your travels on the Sunline Club site really makes me wish we
weren't stuck in the snows of Lewis Co., New York. We are planning a
trip to South Carolina in April and had checked Oceans Lakes Campground
out on their website. How is it? ********************************* Pat - Like your cool modifications. Where did you get the "Mount" for your TV in the bedroom of your trailer? How much did it cost ? Happy Camping !!! Sunline1 ********************************* Okay, I enjoyed your blogs until I read the new ones. I wanna see dolphins and pet manatees!!!!!! (Insert whining voice here.) We did get a good laugh out of Cindy's tick stories, although it did just make us miss you guys and your crazy antics a lot more. We are a little bitter that you are away from us and in the warm weather so we decided that we are NOT going to knit you guys scarves, so there! (Though I will knit a lil' something something for the dogs cause it's not their fault that you dragged them away from us. ;) Till the next time. Love you guys. Sara and Jess - Michigan *********************************
Were you on Hwy 49
around Magee, MS Saturday night??? ********************************* Hey Cindy, I am so excited for you guys on this amazing life adventure! I will follow your journey through your site and I wish you guys the best of luck. Wish it was me!!!! Pat's photography is amazing. Well guys.....have a great time and I will keep in touch. Much love, Ana - Florida ********************************* Hi! I stumbled across your website on a link from some photos you posted on the Photography on the Net forums (POTN). I have spent the last hour enjoying your adventures and dreaming of the day when I can follow in your footsteps. Congratulations on making the decision to live your dream! I’ll be following along until I can cut myself free from the daily grind and become a road warrior myself! - Becca from New Hampshire ********************************* Hey guys! I saw your truck and camper at Sam's Club this afternoon in Memphis. Just thought I'd would say "Hey" - Thomas Dayton Jr. - Tennessee ********************************* Hey Guys, I was checking out your cool website, and reading Cindy's blog and so forth, and thought it was really cool. I like how you're traveling around to different places, seeing the country, and enjoying life and all it has to offer. You and Cindy sound like really cool people, so I thought I'd see when you might be heading to the Mid-west again. If you've never been to Minnesota, it really is beautiful, cold, but beautiful, and since my husband and I just moved here, and don't have anybody to hang out with, maybe you could come and see how beautiful Minnesota is, and we can drink some beers. So I'll be looking for you to come this way. Sincerely, Tish (everycocktailsamemory) Smigiel *********************************
Hey, Wanted to let you
know I saw you guys on the Zilwaukee Bridge on Friday the 27th of
July. It put a smile on my face and made me want to hang out the
window and scream "Hello"
I refrained. Must have been my hangover. Hope you had a nice trip
and I look forward to spotting you again soon on
the road.
Happy August to you and yours. Dana - Michigan *********************************
Hi Pat and Cindy,
I saw in your blog this morning that you’ve had some run ins with ticks.
We use Front Line on our dog when we travel. If you’re not
familiar with it, it’s a liquid that you put on between the shoulder
blades on the dogs back. Just thought I’d pass that on to you.
Sounds like you’re having a great time, I’m envious. Glad the suggested
route worked out for you. ********************************* Hey Guys! We just got back from a trip to Vegas. We took 2 days (not nearly enough) to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and to Mt. Zion National Park in Utah. If Mt. Zion was not on your list of things to do...I suggest you consider it! Great hiking and amazing scenery! We stayed at Mt. Zion resort and met a couple that is traveling like the both of you are. They travel for 6 months, and work 6 months. They were at the resort working...the girl did the check in and the guy was in charge of the ATV tours, campfires and other "guy" stuff. You should definitely consider going to Zion! Although we didn't make it there, I heard Bryce Canyon is amazing too. That is only about 2 hours from Zion. Good Travels ~ Amy, Michigan ********************************* Hey guys, Wow we just heard the news about your guys' trip from Ana in Lake Worth, and checked out your site. That's f-ing rad, guys! I can't believe you guys are doing this as we finally decided (with great pain) to sell our trailer and settle in a home. We'd love to keep in touch and let us know when you will be in SoCal so we can hook up. I'll be checking up on your site for updates. Take care, Frankie *********************************
Hi There, It’s
the Brit with nice teeth!!! It was really fun to meet you guys
this evening. We are very interested about your travels and we will be
logging onto your website often to see where you are and what you are up
to! When you get up to Washington Sate, please get in contact if you
need pointers on where to go as I know my brother would be only to happy
to help out. We look forward to seeing you again soon. *********************************
Hi Pat and Cindy!
I stumbled upon Every Miles a Memory today. I'm amazed! As a long time
Milfordite and Red Dog regular (I was playing pool and shakin' my butt
there Wednesday as a matter of fact), I salute you! I grew up in the
General RV family and now own a business in Whitmore Lake called JP's
RVs
www.jpsrvs.com
I'm kicking myself for not getting to sell to you but I'd love to
support you in your travels. The photographs are amazing! I spent the
morning at Monticello (I've always wanted to go..) cheers to you! I'd
like to put a link on our site if that's alright with you. Let me know
what you think! I'd love to hear from you! ********************************* Hello Pat and Cindy, Just read your RV web site and the story of following your dreams. Great stuff! I admire your willingness to look at adventure, risks and just go for it. Your treasure chest of memories will be overflowing for years to come. Keep on trucking! - Dick Garcia "Still Diagonally parked in a Parallel World" *********************************
Well hello Pat and
Cindy!! I am very envious of your adventure....Jim (my husband) and I
plan on doing exactly what you are doing when we retire............. We
are actually going this weekend to look at some travel trailers. I just
have one question......................WHY IS MY PICTURE NOT ON YOUR
WEBSITE???? hahahahhaha. I hope you both are doing well
and it is very interesting to read your blog!!! Micki - Michigan *********************************
Pat & Cindy, I just
wanted to thank you for such a wonderful site! I also was shocked to
know that you had just stayed at Buttonwood campground (Mexico, PA) a
few weeks before us. We just happened to stay there for the first time
last weekend and are heading back there again this weekend. I am pretty
sure we had actually passed your camper at some point. I remember saying
to my husband look at that camper with the graphics. Then when I saw
your post on RVNet I
took a look at your site. You truly are living a dream of mine and I
hope to some day be able to do the same thing. I have so many questions
for you but I will be brief for now! I was looking over your expense
report and you only list income one month. Are you strictly living off
of savings and from selling the bar or do your sponsors help support
your travels? I apologize if this is very personal questions. I am very
young as well as my husband and I hope to be able to become full time
before I retire. Once again thank you for keeping my dream alive by
letting me and so many others see into your lives and how you accomplish
this dream!
*********************************
What an inspiration
your story is!!! I just read about it in the Milford Times. If you are
still in FLA, there is a secluded beach & great open air bar on the gulf
side in between Spring Hill & Weeki Watchee called Pine Island. It's
amazing to watch the tide go out & see the beach get bigger & bigger by
the minute......and the sunsets are just as amazing. ********************************* Pat & Cindy, Hey guys My name is John. My girlfriend friend Katie and I met y'all in Cedar Key around mid March at the Raw Bar (we were the three college students). That infamous night is documented very well in both of your blogs. I just wanted to say it was very nice meeting both of you and we really enjoy your website. It has already given us some vacation ideas for the summer. Anne Marie Island and St. George Island look like very relaxing places to kayak and fish. I am a fifth generation Floridian and have never been to either. Anyway just wanted to stop in and say "Hi" and let you know that Katie, Brian and I enjoy your website and look forward to updates in the future. - John *********************************
Hi Guys,
Perhaps like most of your e-mails you probably get, you don't know me
nor do I know you except for what I've read in both the Milford Times
and now your web site (my wife told me to check it out, she said that I
would like it). *********************************
Checked out the
website, I saw all the pictures and read the blog. Matt and I really
enjoyed meeting you guys and I thank you for spending money and time in
my state. I will follow ya'lls journey as it goes. I wish ya'll good
fortune and hope ya'll will keep in touch from time to time. Let me know
if I can be of any assistance. ********************************* Hello Fellow campers...
Maybe I should
say extreme campers as we are just newbie's compared to you two. ********************************* Pat and Cindy - Hope you are doing well and enjoying your travels. I often think of you guys and wish you well. Tony, Milford, Michigan *********************************
Hello, I found
your blog through a site called
RVThereYet
This site has posted a long list of RV blogs, including
yours and mine as well. I've clicked on a few of the links there and
have enjoyed reading some of your recent posts. I particularly like your
photography. *********************************
Occasionally, I have
been checking in on you both. Looks like your having a blast! I'm Very
envious. Only eight more years before Dave & I can dream of such.
We went camping last week with our son and the two dogs and thought of
you often. With our 2 big puppies 73 lbs and 53 lbs it was near
impossible to get around. I too, am now very slide-out envious. I was
ready to go batty after a week. God Bless you for traveling this way all
the time. Tell Pat I really enjoyed his baby wipe story! LOL.
- ********************************* Hi Pat, Thanks for the picture and the tips. Your sites look very professional. Thanks, Toby - New Iberia, LA ********************************* Just wanted to offer you the opportunity to make a little fix that might help those who are interested in Cages Bend…. Cages Bend is in Nashville and Graceland is in Memphis. This is listed incorrectly in the places you have been. I am not trying to be critical, just know that you put a lot of effort into your site and want it to be as good as possible. Sincerely, Jeff in TN. *********************************
Pat & Cindy,
It was a pleasure visiting with both of you this weekend. We thank you
for attending our festival and hope that you enjoyed yourself. If there
is ever anything we can do for you down here please don't hesitate to
contact me. *********************************
Howdy Pat n Cindy! Sounds like ya both are having a great time in your
exploring. I try to keep up with your blogs when I am sitting around in
a truck stop somewhere. Sounds like you are enjoying them "coonasses".
LOL!! Most that I have known are pretty funny people. *********************************
Hey Pat & Cindy, we
meet this weekend at White Oak Lake. Just got home and looked up
ya'lls website, really enjoyed all the things the both of you are
writing about. I'll be sure 2 keep up with the both of your
travels. May God take care of the both of you on your travels &
keep you safe. Danny - Arkansas ********************************* Pat, I just gotta say, in all sincerity, I think it is really, really awesome what you guys are doing. I can only wish that when I'm your age (Old A@#...) that I can do exactly the same thing. I looked through almost all of the pictures and read a bunch of the blogs. That's really, really cool. I'm jealous and proud at the same time. Tell Cindy I said hi and that I miss both of you guys. Good luck and stay in touch. Dan - Charleston S.C. *********************************
Hey Pat
and Cindy, It's John
from Milford. Great concept. Reminds me of something I did in college. ********************************* Hi Pat, I love your website and all the mods you have made to your truck & trailer. I would love to be in a position to travel as much as you do. Maybe when the kids are on their own, I'll get to spend more time away. I am currently building almost the exact same bike rack for my trailer tongue and was wondering how the horizontal support bars for the bikes were made? Would it be possible to get a picture with no bikes mounted on the rack? This is the only part I am still struggling with. Thanks in advance if you can help me out! Mark Melton - Springfield, IL *********************************
Hey Pat and Cindy, I
hope this finds you well and happy. I have been following this journey,
as much as possible. It really sounds like a great trip and your
writings reflect that. You really need to see the west and northwest. I
hope you make it that far (I think you might want to stay out of
Kansas!). One of my best memories was when we (Liz and I, Luke and
Josh) drove out to California and back. Luke liked the mountains
and Josh fell in love with Vegas (go figure). We are really blessed to
live in such beautiful and diverse country. ********************************* Wow man, thanks for such a great write up! I hope I can live up to what you think it is. Glad to hear ya digging the tunes. Once again thanks alot. Jaryd Lane - Louisiana ********************************* I have read some of your site. My wife and I envy what you are doing. Thanks for the advice on hauling the kayaks. Just wondering if you have any opinions on what type of kayak to get. We will mostly use them for exploring local lakes while we are camping but maybe try a few slow rivers around home. Why do you have three of them, is one a tandem? Have you tried a tandem? From what I have heard most people seem to think that it is easier to paddle separately rather than in a tandem. Thank you - Tater *********************************
Hey, just wanted to say "Hi" and find out some of
the new adventures you may have been on lately. I hope this email finds
the two of you doing well and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
You guys are awesome; just to let you know that everyone misses you guys
and the great job you did with the Red Dog. I will definitely check out
the adventures you guys encounter. *********************************
Howdy y'all!
Just sitting here catching up on your blog and watching the wings just
lose in OT. For sure gonna be a tough series!! Happy Mother's Day
(belated now) to ya Cindy. Still sounds like ya both are enjoying your
time exploring. I am enjoying learning all the stuff that I am missing
by passing thru all these places! LOL Sheeeesh.....Is there a tick
problem out there or what????? Y'all take care!! especially trying
to get that "great" shot of the waterfalls!!! lol ********************************* How you guys doing? Love reading about your adventures. Great job! Keep up the great work and the pictures are wonderful. Sandy W. - Highland, Michigan *********************************
********************************* Hi Guys, Been watching your travels - Looks like you are having a great time, at least mostly, saw how mad Cindy was at you on the river - don't worry Cindy, when Jack taught me to ride my motorcycle I had the same kinda situation. Be good, Deb ********************************* I was just saying that I was living (Pat’s) other dream of sitting on my a_ _ and designing houses for a living. Craig and I are both very envious about the traveling you are doing, we had always said that we would love to do that if we had the money. Take care and stay in touch. I will keep myself updated through the web-site, it keeps me laughing especially when you use the wrong wipes!!! Lisa & Craig Auburn Hills, MI ********************************* Hello there!! It's Ronda from last night. I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was meeting both of you last night. We had a great time. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us and letting us live vicariously through you for what most of us (or maybe just ME) would never be brave enough to do!!! :~) Thank You!! *********************************
Hey Pat, I hadn't
been on your site in a little over a week and just read your blog for
May 15th. I enjoyed reading about your uphill/downhill climb, especially
"For those of you that don't have a Turbo Diesel, you'll never know
the sweet sound the whine a turbo makes when it's really working hard." ********************************* Hey Pat, Log on to the Ford Truck web site and go the F-250 Forum. That's the bible for your truck. I probably have more info for you but first things first. I would change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Some say every year, but you could rack up lots of miles in a year. Also, doesn't your truck have a spin on transmission filter? If it doesn't, add one, it makes it easier to drain and refill trans fluid your self. (I like to save money). Transmissions are VERY costly to fix and or replace. Don't get lulled into disregarding it. Check out this site www.ford-trucks.com ~ Bob, Texas *********************************
Cindy, You make some great points in your article about Wal-Mart. *********************************
Pat & Cindy, I
have no idea who either of you are (yet) but I drove by you today on my
Harley on Poplar Ave. in Memphis. I couldn't help but notice your
vehicle and trailer, and was really surprised to see such a young couple
in the cab (I guess you usually see retirees in RV's). The
kayaks also kind of suggested a high level of activity. Anyway, I
noticed your website and made a point to remember it and send you an
email. I have just glanced at your website, but it looks like you guys
are living the dream! Anyway, welcome to Memphis and have a safe
journey! *********************************
Hi, We are
parked in the Allegro Bus in front of you at the Dancing Eagle Casino/RV
park. We are from the UP of Michigan and looked up your story on the
web. *********************************
Hey Cindy,
That is the title of a documentary from PBS' Frontline. It's been a
while since I've seen it, but I think you will find it interesting, if
you get a chance to see it. It deals with how Wal-Mart does business
with it's suppliers. I'm really enjoying the web site, and
although I believe in, and will defend your right to have and speak your
opinion, I like it better when you rip on Pat. *********************************
Hello, Please visit
www.chinalaborwatch.org
and search for Wal-Mart stories. Remember
that your tax dollars probably built your local Wal-Mart
store. Yes. Really. Thank you for
sharing your views and experiences and for being brave enough to
include your email address in your rant.
Please shop responsibly. Fair trade is not free. Becca
- Michigan
*********************************
I've
recently discovered your blog via RV-Net.
I live in Brighton, MI and have enjoyed reading about your adventure so far. We kayaked down
the Pier Marquette river 2 years ago and LOVED it! We are campers, too,
with 3 kids 16, 14 (both girls) and 6 year old boy and a camping mutt
(ridgeback/lab mix, 115 lbs.) ********************************* Hello there, we're San Diego
area trailer folk who look at the RV-Net
site quite often. We saw some of your posts and we've been following you
along on your journey. Great stuff. If it
weren't for the four hungry little mouths, we'd love to be doing the
same. *********************************
Wow, I
just went to your trip site, and I'm very jealous of what you're doing.
My wife and I love road trips and are hoping to do something similar
when we're a bit older and our kids can travel... If you don't mind me
asking, are you making money somehow while on the trip, or is it all
funded ahead of time and just a trip until you need to make more money?
Either way it sounds awesome, and we aspire to do something similar in
out future. How do you find living on the road like that? I've grown up
doing similar things with my parents on boats... My wife and I prefer
the road to the ocean simply because the issues that come up are easier
to handle and less expensive (but still not cheap). Thanks Ben ********************************* Hi Mr. Bonish, I read some of the stuff on your site, and just wanted to tell you how admirable that is. I've been drooling over getting one of those VW camper vans (Westfalia), get a Verizon internet account, plug the card into my laptop & go. All the Best, Bruce ********************************* Nice to hear from you folks and thanks for the nice words in you diary. Keep in touch. Bill Vienneaux, Wayward Wind Gallery & Studio, Wisconsin ********************************* Hi Pat & Cindy, It was nice to meet you up in Cascade Falls this past week. I am the one that is afraid of heights and you were kind enough to take our picture with the falls in the background. We happened to stay at the Cove Point Lodge, where you had your picture taken in the oversized chairs! Good luck on your journey!!!! Craig, Minnesota ********************************* Came across your website on RVNet...in the mods section. Your website is very interesting! Thanks for sharing. Sandy *********************************
What's up
with Cindy's Blog? We need the chicks perspective too! I Have been
jonesing for a couple months now. *********************************
Thanks
soooooooooo much for the postcard from Canada ! Awesome. I was soooo
excited. Thanks again. The kids were thrilled. We talked about how
others can help with our education! *********************************
Hey guys,
Don and Denise Wessel here. *********************************
I enjoy
reading your story’s and travels. I am a single dad and I take 6 weeks
off each summer to travel. We travel in a 16ft travel trailer. This
summer we went west to Montana and saw some interesting places.
This next summer it will be to the East coast. I would like to
create a website as I believe I have a lot to offer to single parents.
Any suggestions on how to start a web page would be appreciated. *********************************
Hi Pat & Cindy, thought I'd
drop you a line to tell you how much the wife & I enjoy your articles.
So well written & interesting. Although we did rent a 40' diesel pusher in which we spent more time with break downs and less time on the road but met so many great people, we would do it again in a minute. We did make it as far as Glacier Park in Montana to enjoy the 4th of July & the fire works, but our hope was to make it to the Pacific to enjoy them in Oregon. We planned on taking 3-4 weeks or whatever it took.
Anyway wanted to let you
know how much we do enjoy your writings and look forward to your next
article and pix. That's it for now & keep having fun and be
safe. *********************************
Pat and Cindy: The picture on your site is
great and it is up on our bulletin board. We get MANY emails and calls
for replacement laces describing stories of little puppies who chew
laces up. *********************************
Well I finally found about an hour (which
only touched the tip of the iceberg) and checked our your site. You two
are having too much fun and isn't that what life is all about. I can
tell that both of you are very intelligent (I hardly know Pat) other
than saying hello to him once while visiting the Red Dog Saloon. You've
put in a lot of info, great pictures and VERY well written. I will
forward it on to a few of my RV friends and I'm sure they will learn a
lot more about your adventures. Be safe and take care. God Bless you
both. *********************************
Pat and
Cindy, *********************************
I'll keep tabs on
your trek from time to time. We've traveled extensively throughout the
west, but not recently. I anticipate beginning to head west again in
'09. Perhaps our paths will cross sometime. Meanwhile, I'll travel
vicariously through your adventures. ********************************* Hi Pat & Cindy, Looks like you guys are having a blast ! Steve & I just got back from a week in Los Angeles visiting our son. Hated the concrete jungle, loved the weather, and we did some hiking in Angeles National Forest. If you get to that area and like to hike, it's awesome. Pam ********************************* Pat & Cindy, Sounds like the road trip went pretty good to Texas! I have been all around that area, but never thru that town. Yep....ya should have listened to your wife about the tire. loool Great to hear you put your triangles out and pulled off the road a bit. I get pretty ticked off when people do not pull into the left lane for a broke down motorist. Especially when I get over and what do ya know....an impatient driver passes me on the right!!
Yep....there is lots of cotton in Texas. My grandma used to pick cotton
south of Dallas. My one uncle was actually born in a house where she was
picking it. lol *********************************
Hey Cindy and Pat,
Looks like you had a great time at the races, and you probably got the
heck out of Texas just in time to avoid the ice storms. Sucks about the
blowout, but congratulations on keeping your good outlook even while
changing the flat. ********************************* Pat, I think what you and your wife are doing is both courageous and probably inspiring to thousands of people out there who will visit your website and realize that having personal freedom is basically just a personal decision that once made, is one on which you will never wish to go back. I fulltime also and keep enough food and supplies in this thing to last 6 months in the wilderness if need be, and enough cash stashed away to live worry free for a year, and it's amazing how liberating it is not to have to be beholding to anyone for your survival. The way we are living, I suppose, is almost anti-ethical to the American model we have been programmed to follow, and websites like www.everymilesamemory.com are bound to encourage a few fence sitters to make the leap themselves into a world where you decide how life is going to be and then live it that way. Talk to you later! Ron www.desert-photography.com ********************************* Hi Pat & Cindy, I have enjoyed following your trips for about a year now. How wonderful you guys must feel every morning in a new place.
If and when you get to
California, I have a few places you must see and enjoy on your kayaks,
Channel Islands National Park. Not all of L.A. is concrete, northwest of
the city is Ventura County and it is our own little paradise. I have
made it to about 35 states at one time or another, but not all in
one trip like yours. I will continue to follow your trip and story
online. Thank you for the entertainment, its fun to read. My wife and I
are raising our nephew who is 7 yrs old and we just got back in to
camping. We just bought a 2008 Wilderness 280 and we love it. Camping
with all the frills is the only way to go. ********************************* Keep thinking about you guys and following your travels but I'm terrible at writing. Your names came up lots over Christmas and everyone mentioned how much they missed you both! Your blogs and pictures just keep getting better and better! Have a happy and safe 2008 and enjoy every minute. As if you aren't! Sandy & Bob Walker, Highland MI ********************************* Hey Pat and Cindy, Happy New year and have a great 2008 Merrill Mudd. Highland, MI ********************************* Heres a website to get you excited about Alaska. They offer a free guide but I am not sure where they could send it to you guys. But Lots of good info. I think I found this site before my last trip to Alaska. www.northtoalaska.com Take care, Julie, Michigan ********************************* Hello Pat & Cindy, Been following your trek for sometime now and reliving a few old personal memories from a 1970 five month bike hike ala Easy Rider. The demands of living on the open road are mostly behind me although Judy and I still "hook up" for a pull down the trail every now and again, sans the motor bikes. I do envy your adventure, but not the daily challenges of living with what can be packed on the machine. But then I didn't have to worry about power, PC's, cell phones, black water or a hard shell. Lucky me! I'd like your opinion on a Sunline unit. I want to replace my Yukon, and after reading your comments have been looking at used Sunline's, specifically the 2363 and or 2499. We typically pull south to FL for a 3-4 week mid winter break. Otherwise we use local State and National parks in the NE. Our 20' Yukon pulls like a dream but the jack bed is a nightmare. We also have a 32' HR that's a bear to pull and mostly stays parked (our seasonal unit). I do like the 2499 layout. My only concern is towing stability (TV's a 2500 Suburban). The 20' Yukon never sways with the dual cam hitch. The HR always dances in a light breeze. Since you have had more experience that most of us will ever see, your opinion is worth its weight in gold. And when you make your next eastern journey give us a shout. You've got a friend in PA.
George &
Judy Hauck *********************************
Hello Pat and Cindy, ********************************* Hey Pat, I began camping a few years ago in a popup. You are probably way more experienced than me now going full-time. If you ever come back to the east coast (I am in NC), I'll list some of my favorite campgrounds. Here is another site I am part of. A lot of users have upgraded from pup to Travel Trailers, so it is still useful if you are ever in the south. http://www.sepuc.com/forum/default.asp On this same site they talk about Mayberry campground. Mayberry is home of Andy Griffith. It was based in Mt. Airy, NC. I live about 30 minutes from there. Anyway, there is a new campground being formed. Here is a link on it. I have not been, but I bet in a year or two it will be nice. http://www.sepuc.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4350
I see that you went to
Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach, but I like Lakewood best. It is expensive
in the summer though, but we just love it. I am going twice this summer.
One of my most favorite places to camp is Oconee Point in South
Carolina. It is an Army Corp of Engineer park near Clemson, SC. There
are several campgrounds there, but Oconee Point (not Oconee State Park)
is my favorite. Only has water/electric sites and a dump station, but it
is only like $20/night too right on the lake. Just pure beauty. Another
Army COE park is located about 45 minutes from me in Wilkesboro, NC
called Bandits Roost. Same price, but sites are not as good as Oconee,
but is still nice. Larry Lambert, North Carolina ********************************* Pat, I just read on Cindy’s blog that you guys are in Scottsdale... You HAVE to go here; www.papagobrewing.com It is in one of those nasty strip malls, so try to not judge the book by the cover, but once inside, I know it is right up your alley. You can be just as much at home whether you are a hippy who drove up in your VW bug to the yuppie who rode in on your $1500 bike and your still wearing your bike shorts inside, to the intellectual in the corner playing Trivial Pursuit... but all who enter have one thing in common; they like good beer. Enjoy... Mike - Avondale, Arizona *********************************
Hey, just found your
website, looks like a very interesting time. We also have been to
Bonnaroo, 06 & 07. Look like we will be attending this year also. If you
are ever in the north west (Washington) part of New Jersey give us a
call…… ********************************* I don't know where you're at right now, but if you're still near the New Mexico/Texas border, you MUST go to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I worked there as a ranger out of college and it is one of the most least visited National Parks in the nation. All kinds of Apache In | ||
We
live east of Cleveland Ohio and spent a year looking for an R
Hey
guys, just wanted to send you a quick email. I've been keeping up with
both of your blogs on a regular basis. I took a trip down to my
brother's in Hilton head around 3 weeks ago towing my 23' trailer. Was
planning on shooting down to a good friends in West Palm and decided to
take a little detour to Cedar Key to check out Castaways. Got there on a
Thursday, Dan greeted me with a beer at the Tiki Bar, and what was
supposed to be a 1 night stay turned in to 3. I had a blast and made
some great new friends. Thought I'd share some pics. I'm really looking
forward to your Bonnaroo pictures and blog. I've tried to make it the
last couple years, but just hasn't worked out. Have fun!