I made a big decision last night. I am not going to start traveling the country until I’ve paid off my debts and saved up an emergency fund of $3000. To do otherwise would just be stupid — and completely flakey.
Meanwhile, I will take my time exploring Arizona, which has more than enough natural riches and historical treasure to keep me busy for a lifetime. It’s called slow travel, a movement to take the two-lane highways, stop and smell the wildflowers, and get to know communities.
Still, I feel like I am letting you down. I promised that I would go on a Grand Adventure of traveling North America, share it with you, and even visit you if possible.
I will, don’t worry!
But first I need to put my rolling house in order. Aside from the need for a fund to cover repairs and whatever emergencies crop up (and they will), I need new tires before I can start out. And the brakes are squealing loudly — which needs looking at immediately. That squeal was what finally made me realize I am pushing too hard. I need to let go of the rush to GOGOGO and enjoy where I am in the moment.
I also realized that I’m the only one who’s been in a hurry. You don’t care if I go slowly and really get to know the places I visit, do you? Of course not. In fact, if I recall correctly, that was my plan to begin with. I just got caught up in the excitement of telling everyone, “Next month I’ll go here, and then I’ll head over there, and then on up the coast, visiting all my friends who live along the way…”
Yes, planning and dreaming are fun, but it’s even more fun to do
Right now, I’m doing Cottonwood, Arizona. I’ll get to all the other places eventually, and visit you when I get there.
Stay tuned.
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Plans are made for changing. I like this new plan, it makes sense.
xxoo
Thanks, Yolanda! Yes, I feel a lot more relaxed now. I really want to take my time and explore this place. It’s pretty amazing.
In the meantime, I hope the nights aren’t too chilly in Cottonwood.
I was going to be the grand traveller, too. But the quest for comfortable weather this winter meant staying in a rather limited area. I’m eager for the rest of the country to warm up.
Oh, the nights are plenty chilly, Al. It got down to 30F the other morning, but I’ve learned a bit about staying comfortable in the cold since Quartzsite when, as you recall, I beat a hasty retreat to San Diego after a 28 degree night. I’ve also learned that the sun always comes up. 🙂
I think it would be very frustrating to land somewhere where you have no support and no money to pay for repairs. An emergency plan sounds like the right way to go.
As long as you are enjoying yourself, what’s the hurry?
I’m enjoying your blog. Exploring an area more leisurely sounds like fun. Looking forward to learning more about Cottonwood, AZ to put in my travel notes.
So glad you’re enjoying it, CherLyn. I’m looking forward to sharing my adventures in Cottonwood and surroundings!
You are in the right place to just hang for a while. Lots to do and much to see in that area and, like you stated, you are the only one who is in a hurry after all. Stop and smell the cactus blossoms for a change. Also, you might want to check out slippery rock state park for the summer – fun, cool and beautiful place during the heat that will be coming your way soon.
Thanks, Evelyn – I was just at the Cottonwood tourist information center today and grabbed all the brochures I could carry, lol. Will definitely check out Slippery Rock State Park. 🙂
When people ask me what my plans are, I always say the plan is no plan. Even though that’s the case, I ususaly have some idea of what I want to do next or where the next place I want to head to is, but really, it became so much easier for me when I decided the plan was no plan 😀
Loved your post! Thanks!
Great idea, Lois, thanks — I will try that. 🙂