After years of the Photographers yearning, wishing, hoping and planning, we did it!
After years of digging in my heals, pushing back, saying "NO Way" it's not for me... we did it!
After years of virtual travel, via You Tube, watching Vlogs and Blogs such as "Less Junk More Journey," "The Long Long Honey Moon," the "Adventure Van Man" and such, I just had to give in.
As the Photographer never hesitated going with me, to live in my home country, Sweden, I realised that I too, needed to "bend". So, the search for a travel trailer or fully equipped van was on! The requirements being there needed to be a kitchenette, a bed, a toilet and shower, plus room for Garbo!
As my American life, the start of my building a family here, all began in an Airstream, where I lived when JQ was born, an Airstream is what I desired. I would truly have come "full circle" I felt.
The Photographer searched and researched, watched videos, we went to RV shows and RV sale places up and down California and finally settled on a T@b 400. It provided us with all our requirements, a dedicated queen size bed and compared to a similar sized Airstreams, it had much more storage. A much better fit for us.
Then we equipped "Betty," as we have named the adorable little trailer, with pots, pans, bedding, food and drink. We had some trial runs learning how to use the stove. Invited family to dinner, fitting 5 people around the little table, tight fit indeed, but it worked! After that, off we went on our first adventure.
As our eldest grandchild was going to celebrate a Big Birthday, we decided to head north, in hope of attending a party, cheering the milestone birthday.
The Photographer planned for overnight stays in various fabulous, and some not so fabulous places, as we, in short spurts made our way up through California, Oregon and Washington State. Up to the Olympic Peninsula, where we have been before, a place that we truly enjoy!
As members of a group named Harvest Hosts, we spent nights, with free overnight parking, at many fabulous vineyards, tasting the many varietals produced. After tasting we would purchase some wine, then to "Betty" we would go, fix dinner, sip wine outside, take Garbo for walks, and enjoy the views. What a way to travel! We, YES, even I, LOVED it!
Our very first stop was at 6Sigma Ranch, not far from Clear Lake where it was extremely hot, but beautiful non the less. Very smoky, sadly, as fires were raging seemingly everywhere.
From there we headed to Handley Cellars for one night, then to Blue Lake Rancherias, a casino parking lot, providing free overnight parking and a free dump station. The people at all these places, were kind, welcoming and friendly. The drives took us through spectacular scenery. With mountain, forests, and ocean views. At one point we passed a field with elks, some sort of gathering, like we have never seen before. Amazing!
Oregon is next. Long Sword Vineyard is up..... to be continued...
