Posted January 11, 2022 – Narrated by Carmen
“So, what happens when you get sick?”
It’s a good question and is, by far, the most frequently asked.
First, we call our doctor and schedule a tele-medicine visit.
If the decision is made to seek urgent care, we know where to go. Illness or injury is never a planned event so, as we enter town, we note the location of the closest emergency clinic and veterinarian and then, touch wood.
Our prescriptions from an Online Pharmacy with 90-day refills are received by our iPostal1 snail mail service which forwards them to us.
If something’s going on: a sore throat, or Pico is acting strange …
… we may research the local facilities and read reviews. We do not take unnecessary risks, but we will drive further for better services – preferably to a hospital with all the bells and whistles.
When illness or injury strikes, our rig is like a mobile medical unit.
A navy corpsman (our son) stocks our First-Aid Kit. Our doc insures that we have sufficient meds on board to see us through most crises, and there’s always a compress in the freezer.
When Jim injured his foot in Colorado, we made him comfortable in The Beast as I drove him two-hundred miles to Moab. Due to Covid, I dropped him off in the parking lot of Moab Regional Hospital Urgent Care. Once he was safely inside I parked on a comfy stretch of curb and made myself a pot of coffee. Jim texted the details of his exam, scans and treatment while I took Pico for a walk. Two hours later I picked Jim up and we drove to our campsite at Dead Horse Point.
We know what it’s like to be sick on vacation. Being sick in Beauty is not at all similar to lying sick or injured in a strange bed in a random hotel without the creature comforts.
In Hawaii – back in 1999 during the good ol’ “two-week vacation” days – I injured my knee while hiking. Then, later that day, I cut my finger to the bone while trimming the stem of a bird-of-paradise with a cheap condo knife. After a very good plastic surgeon stitched my finger back on, the trip was all about a lawn chair under a palm tree.
A year earlier, Jim broke his foot on the first day of our family camping trip.
In 2000, I came down with the mother of all flues on Day One of our family vacation to NYC.
There is no good place to get sick, but some places are better than others.
If I ever break a leg (touch wood) I would want to recover in a sunny mountain retreat like Big Bend or Mammoth or The Canadian Rockies – a place where I can lounge beside a stream and explore the distances with my binoculars.
If I break an arm, I’ll take a shady spot on the lakeshore of Dreyer Island, South Carolina or Fish Creek Pond in New York where I can walk miles along the shoreline.
Anything more serious would require the quiet healing touch of nature surrounding my doorstep with a top-notch medical facility nearby – someplace like Ouray, Colorado; Acadia, Maine; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Port Townsend, Washington; Lake Tahoe, California or …
Door County, Wisconsin
On a Sunday in late August – guided by our followers who faithfully tell us where to geaux – we pulled out of Christmas and headed south to Wisconsin.
That day, we ended a good run: two years without symptoms of a virus.
Somewhere along this rural route ….
Jim picked up the local Back-To School Kindercold.
As we pulled into Peninsula State Park – oblivious to the sniffles, hacking and coughing to come – I presciently remarked, “Hey this place reminds me of ‘Lake of the Woods in Oregon.'”
In that peaceful Sky Lakes retreat in south-central Oregon in 2016, we encountered deer, fox, squirrel, song birds and a nagging cold which plagued us for at least two-weeks, our first ailment since living in Beauty.
Cold symptoms set in that night.
The next morning we were relieved to have negative results on our COVID rapid tests. Even so, we put our kayaking, cycling and hiking plans aside.
Here in gorgeous Door County, we would spend at least a week in isolation, our schedule consumed with hot salt water gargles, steaming cups of ginger tea, miso soup, honey-lemon toddies ….
and then, early to bed.
As our bodies slowed down, we caught up on reading and correspondence.
On good nights, we watched The Great British Baking Show and played Five Crowns.
In our unwell condition, the State Park would not do. Our site was dry with no generator hours and too much shade to recharge our batteries. We needed unlimited water, plenty of power and better connectivity. So, after a couple of days we moved …
about a mile down the hill to Fish Creek Campground and resumed the course of remedies and isolation.
The family-owned campground is located in an old apple orchard, and it was harvest time. The enchantment of ripening fruit within arms reach of our doorstep was one of those Forever Camping moments of grace.
In myth and folklore – from the Garden of Hesperides to Arthurian Legend – an apple tree laden with fruit is a herald of transition, progress and endurance. A good omen, harkening values that are as American as frontier religion and hard cider.”
Our needs met, we relaxed in the arms of Mother Earth.
On the Mend
Within a week our strength returned well enough to venture out on short strolls in the rural countryside.
We missed a treasure trove of activity but we recovered well enough to go out to breakfast…
and stroll through charming villages …
visit the local shrines …
Ephraim’s Hardy Gallery at Anderson Dock
and sacred wells …
and experience our first fish boil …
and take in a sunset or two.
No trip should ever be about what didn’t happen, but sometimes that’s just the way it goes. Illness slows you down, but it also awakens you into a new beginning, a fresh start.
If fate allows, we hope, someday, to return to this mythically beautiful place and to spend some time in the Driftless region. But even if we never go back we will always remember The Apples, a testimony to the warm hospitality and healing touch of Door County, Wisconsin.
Have you ever been sick on vacation? Do tell! Please share your story in the comment section below – and don’t forget to touch wood.
If you want to see our exact route, click here.
*photos in this post (unless otherwise noted) were taken and copyrighted by Living In Beauty.
I had to be hospitalized in Bordeaux France during a company retreat. Medical staff did not speak English, I failed High School French. Lots of Google translate.
Yay for Google Translate! In a hospital “lost in translation” disasters can occour even when everyone speaks the same language. I’m thinking of a girlfriend who’s surgeon operated on the wrong leg. How frightening for you, Dean! But, obviously, you survived. Wow … lots to think about before we travel out of country again. I hope AI makes huge leaps in the near future. My nightmare is a no-turning back “Mokusatsu situation” – named for the mistranslated Japanese word that may have launched the attack on Hiroshima. But that’s just me … In fact, right now I’m perusing videos of tsunamis. And, BTW, we now have the emergency system you recommended. Thank you!!!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I have enjoyed your stories and pictures immensely. We had a “Beauty” also and took many trips with it. So much fun and a wonderful way to travel.
Hey Dennis & Edna!
We are delighted that you are with us – that makes us a part of your journey, and you ours. There is something about an Airstream that brings people together.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We visited Door County last Summer. Beautiful up there and weather was awesome
Yes, we found the weather to be a bit warmer and less windy than up in Michigan – sometimes it even felt tropical. We are Great Lakes people now. If not for the pandemic we may never have gone up there, but now we’re enlightened. I love the fresh water and the abundance of shoreline so the beaches are less crowded. We plan to be regulars now!
Thanks so much for being with us Matthew!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
being sick on vacation – my daughter was 10 months old and developed a fever when we were in Paris (France). We tried cool showers for a bit. Not knowing where to go, we hopped on the Paris ring road for two exits to a hospital late at night.
upon arrival, they looked at my daughter and said in the best english possible ‘not here, two more exits’. whereupon we arrived at the emergency at a children’s hospital.
they took us in, I explained in pidgin french about the symptoms and ‘whoosh’, my daughter was gone. Where should I put my car? They said leave it in the emergency bay with the ambulances.
we were there for about 6 hours and our daughter was returned, with a diagnosis of Roseola. The questions are fast and furious .. slowed down by my attempts to understand ‘la francais’. Now do we get her home – we are flying back to Canada in 36 hours? They gave us some slow acting suppository drugs to keep the temperature down. Perfect for a long flight.
and what do we owe you? Nothing, they said, but a big hug. it is our job to look after children and no payment is required.
The French medical system took care of everything, not a worry on our part. Best and kindest service ever — my hats off to the kind doctors.
oh, and our daughter was fine, none worse for the wear.
Whew! That was a close one, Doug – parent’s nightmare. I felt my throat tighten. And, yes hat’s off! Your story gives me so much gratitude for the medical profession – and for France as well. I would love to believe that a foreign child in any country would receive such thorough care …
A friend told me a similar story. On a flight to England his knee began to swell up. When they landed he could barely get off the plane. He made it to a park bench where he sat with his wife trying to decide what to do. A nurse, passing by, noticed him and offered assistance. She directed the couple to a clinic where he was admitted and given treatment and even check ups throughout his visit. All free. They refused payment.
Hospitality is such a noble gesture. No wonder it never goes out of style.
So great to hear from you Doug. Hugs to you and Laura. We’d love to see you two!!!
Do you ever get to Victoria?
xoxo,
Carmen
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Now about that recipe for the Apple Fritata……..
Hey A!
I almost posted the recipe but ran out of time to write it up. You might try this recipe because it’s close: https://www.thescramble.com/recipes/abc-apple-bacon-cheddar-frittata/
Ours was spicy. I used pepper jack and added habanero peppers. We like the heat!
Thanks so much for being with us!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Enjoy following via your updates, thank you for sharing. Now about that recipe for the Apple Fritata……………..
Hey John!
Here you go: https://www.thescramble.com/recipes/abc-apple-bacon-cheddar-frittata/
Many thanks, we will try it. Stay safe. John
We used the Beyond Meat Italian Sausage instead of bacon and added quite a bit of spice, but I think the recipe is fine as is. Enjoy!
After RVing FT for eight years, we’ve had our fair share of illness and downtime. Fortunately, never anything too serious, other than the inability to explore as planned. Door County is lovely, and I recognized a few of those places in your pics. Glad you recovered enough to explore just a little. Your apple pie cake with blossoms and glaze looks amazing and bet it was tasty.
Hey Ingrid!
We are so thrilled to have you with us. We love your blog: https://livelaughrv.net
How is post-FT life? We would love to meet up or visit when we’re in AZ sometime.
Yes, the cake was just the thing – low sugar, gluten-free, moist and delicious – texture like a bread pudding.
If you like to bake, here are the recipes I used – though I changed them quite a bit to make them gluten-free and low-glycemic:
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017857-easy-as-pie-apple-cake
https://www.cookingwithmanuela.com/2015/03/apple-roses.html
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Thanks so much for the recipe links and kind words regarding my blog. We’re always up for meeting fellow RVers. Although we won’t be full-time anymore, the plan is to be part-timers. We enjoy RVing way too much to give it up totally. Next time you find yourselves in the Phoenix area, be sure and let us know. We’d love to meet. (We’re on the northwest side of the valley)
Will do, Ingrid! We love the Phoenix area.
We spend summers in Door County. It looks like you didn’t miss too many of the hot spots.
Hey Vicki!
Well that’s good to know. We wish we’d been able to have a beach day and go kayaking around the bluffs – the weather was perfect for it, but …
Thank so much for being with us!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Me and my wife talked to Jim while he was walking the dog
Oh no, Jana! I hope he didn’t make you sick!
Thanks so much for sharing the apple orchard with us at Fish Creek – a lovely place to pasture in Door County. We hope to be back.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
On our trip to Alaska in 2019 my husband had a concerning but ultimately not serious heart episode (an existing condition). We were at campground outside of Watson Lake in Yukon Territory. We first called the Kaiser consulting nurse who sent us to the local ER. He had excellent care and we enjoyed the full attention and some great stories from the doctor and nurse, the bill was $795 Canadian. Something that was helpful was that I had written notes on his original diagnosis that I was able to share with the ER doctor.
That’s the thing that worries us most – a heart episode or stroke while in a remote area … like the Yukon (gulp!).
Keeping a short medical history and, if possible, the medical files of each traveller is a great idea, Jill. I overlooked that detail in this blog – so thanks very much for mentioning it. Yes, everything is in our family records (we can pull our medical history on our iPhone or computer) along with dental files, our most recent images, and Pico’s full medical record.
Sounds like this medical event didn’t hinder your vacation too much – and, the price was certainly right!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Jill.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Apple fritter recipe please
Looked Devine!
Here you go, Judi!
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017857-easy-as-pie-apple-cake
The bourbon drizzle is just 2 tablespoons of bourbon and about four tablespoons of heavy cream in a cup of confectioners sugar. I use Swerve. It’s also nice served with warm bourbon pudding on the side – I put two or three tablespoons of bourbon, one tablespoon of vanilla, a container of crema (about a cup and a half) and sugar or sweetener to taste – stir constantly over low heat until thick and creamy. Serve the pie warm in a bowl and dollop warm bourbon pudding on top …
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Sinful !
A most beautiful part of the Midwest. Lots of wineries too
Photographically, it’s difficult to explain – the tree covered bluffs and wide expanse of the lake. So lovely to relax with a glass of local wine and take in the truly exquisite scenery.
So happy to have you with us, Gloria.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
My husband had a heart attack when we were in rural Gaspe’ Peninsula, Quebec. He ended up hospitalized for a month, mostly in the heart hospital in Quebec City, culminating in open heart surgery. Even though we could not communicate well in French, he was very well taken care of. We had to leave Joy, our Airstream, at the campground while we were in Quebec City. When we got ready to leave and pick up the Airstream, the campground hosts would not accept any payment. Such kind, kind people one meets on the road.
Thank you for sharing this amazing story. Kindness is the new heroism I think. So many people say there isn’t enough kindness and I know what they mean, but travel opens your eyes to so much Good in the world. Bless you.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We have gone through that too. Hope all is well.
Thank you, David. We took it easy for a couple of months here in San Diego and we are fit and ready for travel.
Thanks so much for keeping an eye on us. We’ll be back in Autumn. If you’re in town then it would be wonderful to meet with you.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Check out the Escapee’s CARE service.
We will! I think we signed up for it when we were going to Mexico before COVID. We will look into it again.
Safe & Happy Travels, J.C.!
Carmen@LIB
Sorry you were sick! We’ll be there end of May. Looks beautiful.
Lucky you! Door County should be absolutely beautiful in May.
Thanks for your concern, Amy. We are in good shape (touch wood).
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Fantastic read…again!!!
Thanks Chris! We are so grateful to have you on board.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Loved reading this
Thank you Melody! So glad you’re here!
Carmen@LIB
Girl! The pictures! So how is that table book coming? You know you better have one after all those gorgeous pictures and the way you describe everything. Your hardest task would be to decide which pics!
Debra ❤️ Thank you for the encouragement. You and Tom G (my other friend who insists on “the book”) will receive the first copies … whenever I get around to it … one of these days.
Carmen@LIB
Signed!!!
This is so cool..we are about 100 miles from door..make at least 4 trips here a year…so nice to see you visiting it as well..great to see your adventures up there!
Chris, you are SO lucky! What is your favorite time of year in Door County? I’m thinking summer is probably best for kayaking, but I would love to see it in fall color and, someday, I am open to a guided snowshoe expedition.
Thanks so much for being with us, Chris!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We love ALL seasons ..camp in spring summer and fall..think fall is my favorite season. Kayaking is awesome out of peninsula State park ..snowshoeing in the park is beautiful as well..just not enough snow last couple of years to do.
That’s good to know. Thank you, Chris.
There are hospitals all over the country. Make sure you have insurance that will cover you. In a pinch you can pay someone to walk the dog.
Hey Connie!
Absolutely! Now that we are both on Medicare and have a good Medicare-gap insurance the hassles of medical emergencies are greatly reduced and much less stressful.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
What happens when you get sick while camping?
Both my wife and I have been seriously ill this year while on the road . We’re not talking about getting COVID. Early January when there were few COVID vaccinations, I got shingles and it was horrible. We decided that I shouldn’t go to an emergency room or a doc in a box due to raging COVID. I was fortunate to have met a fellow Airstream camper who was a doctor. So I called him and asked him for advice. I was in California where he wasn’t allowed to practice, but he steered me in the right direction. I used Teladoc who were able to diagnose me via phone. The doctor arranged a prescription for me at CVS and I was able to do curbside pick up. I was well again in about three weeks and didn’t have to go near anybody for treatment or my prescription.
On this trip a few weeks ago my wife had a large kidney stone caused by an osteoporosis medication. It had moved into her ureter causing great pain. She had to go to the emergency room twice to get treatment. She then spent two nights in a hospital and a week later had the kidney stone removed in outpatient surgery. All this during COVID times seemed very scary. We were as cautious as possible to get through these medical emergencies. We did our best to stay away from people after leaving the hospital and quite frankly all my wife wanted to do was rest after this ordeal. Becoming sick while traveling is inevitable, but it’s not necessarily the end of the adventure. We just work our way through it and carry on.
Wow, Mick … Shingles is a horrible ordeal. I had a case of that when I was seventeen and I hope and pray “never again.” The pain is just awful. I’m so glad you’re okay now. And, thank you for the Teladoc referral:
https://www.teladoc.com
Our doc has tele-medicine capabilities, but not every physician is equipped for patients who are seasonal or full-time travelers.
We failed to mention that Jim had a cyst removed from the back of his neck this year while on the road – it was minor surgery (well, for me it was minor because it wasn’t my surgery – but for Jim it felt major) and he was so grateful for the good fortune of finding a really good doctor who attended to his case. The surgery in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan took about thirty minutes, but it was successful. Honestly, I just forgot about it. It was barely a bump in the road 😉
But shingles and kidney stones are major ordeals. In almost six years we haven’t had a health crisis of that magnitude. Managing these serious illnesses during COVID while on the road is commendable.
You were right to consult with a doctor. The Airstream community is such a wonderful resource.
Mick, we are holding you and your wife in our hearts and wishing you good health and safe and happy travels!
Thanks for sharing! Be well!!!
Carmen@LIB
We also visited for this past September. Beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your experience at Door County, Barbara!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
So glad you were in a good place when you were ill and recovered to enjoy Door County!
Hey Dean! Great to hear from you!
Yes!!! So far we’ve never been sick for more than a week and we were in Door County for our usual two-week stretch. It’s likely that most Door County tourists only stay for the weekend or for a few days. So, thanks to our 4-3-2 travel philosophy we had a good visit regardless.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Thank you for sharing this! I always worry about high temps in the airstream while traveling. Doesn’t it ruin (or make less effective) medidications and supplements?
Hey Ilona!
Wow! Interesting. I’ve never thought about that so I did some research:
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/temperature-sensitive-medications
We don’t take insulin or any of the temp-sensitive medications listed. Not absolutely sure, but we don’t think we have had any damage of medications or supplements. We rarely take the Airstream into extreme weather. Now, we’re often in SoCal and it can get HOT here – Once, in Palm Springs, we left our son’s lego pirate ship in the trunk of our car and the heat ruined the blocks so they no longer lock together.
As full-timers we only travel short distances – a couple of hours with stops every 30 minutes to stretch our legs and use the bathroom – so the trailer has not had the opportunity to heat or chill to extreme temperatures. We keep probiotics in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, but I think that’s the only temp-sensitive med we keep in storage on a regular basis.
Thanks so much for raising my awareness about this important issue! I see that there are temp-control medication storage units available. Good to know.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Thanks for your comments and sharing the article you researched on the subject. We usually travel longer distances and it gets pretty hot inside the airstream in the summer, sometimes too hot for the fridge to keep up. I keep certain foods, med.s and supplements in a cooler(s) in the TV with me. I transfer them back to the AS after it reaches a decent temperature inside
A cooler for meds is a good idea. How do you insure they stay dry?
Very helpful article. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Linda!
You are welcome. We learn from our followers so LIB is all about sharing.
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Safe & Happy Travels
Carmen@LIB
Near Corpus Christi. Badly cut fingers, went to an urgent care, wouldn’t accept Medicare/Humana. Only option was probably the ER in hospital. Got quoted $875 and was told probably just skin glue would do it.
Cheryl, is this a current situation? I hope you are okay now. Did the skin glue work?
We’re on Medicare too, but our insurance covers us anywhere in the U.S while your insurance may be limited to a particular area or a limited network of providers. You may need to consult with a medicare advisor who will help you find the best insurance for your travel lifestyle.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Glue worked great. My understanding was that they wouldn’t accept Medicare, which comes first-thus no other supplemental insurance either.
Looks like the perfect place to be
Hey Jane ❤️
There are nineteen charming little villages dotted along the peninsula. Any recreational boater who loves a beautiful, crystal clear lake would be delighted with Door County. It’s not as commercial and less crowded than Lake Tahoe but has a similar vibe.
Always great to hear from you!
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
We love Door County!!!
Good to know, Anne! Thanks for sharing.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
First, I’m so sorry to read that you both got sick last summer. Yes, it happens to all of us at some point – or more than once, especially when living on the road. As you know, since you read “Plunge,” we have had our fair share of serious illness happening abroad. In general, we take care of issues locally, but it is a relief to know that we can return to our “home state” for the serious stuff.
As for getting sick or injured during holidays… I don’t remember, since I haven’t been on a vacation in almost twenty year – ever since I became a nomad, haha.
Secondly, you two always, always, always manage to capture a place in the best possible way, through your photos and your experiences. I have a feeling that if Mark and I would visit Door County, we’d drive by and miss all of it, including those lovely breweries and eateries!
Thirdly, I’m hugely impressed with your cooking!! Did those apple dishes require an oven?
Greetings from Baja. We just arrived today and look forward to some relaxation soon! 🙂
Hey Liesbet!
Ah, I can feel the anticipation of a breezy afternoon on the beach and some delicious grilled fish-on-a-stick tacos! 😋 I kind of wish we were going to Mexico too, but we are heading north … in winter. For Christmas I got a black felt hat to keep my head warm.
Retirement is good for us and our health has improved since we took to The Road. Finding our own pace takes the struggle out of the journey. We realize that our 4-3-2 pace is a luxury. We are not dependent on earning income so we can concentrate on our needs and preferences. As former small business owners, supporting local business is a joy.
Yes, I baked both dishes in a convection oven but the frittata could be made in a skillet on a stove top – covered on very low heat. The apple-pie cake could be cooked in an instant pot. But you’d need an oven to make the apple blossoms.
Enjoy the beach! Soak up the sun. Relax and enjoy your good health.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I’m from Green Bay living in Texas, I loved your pictures and story, recognized most of the places. Bay side is always warmer, east side is always colder and windier, Lake side. We always went up one side and down the other.
Hello Madelyn!
Thank you for the primer on the geography of Door County. “Up one side and down the other” sounds like a good strategy depending on which way the wind blows.
Thank you for the encouragement, Madelyn.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I love Door County but haven’t been there since we got the airstream! As for being sick while traveling I’ve had to find both a dentist and a doctor for my husband while traveling. I loved the doctor in Breckenridge so much I would have transferred care to him if we lived nearby!
Brenda,
Peninsula State Park (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula) was incredibly beautiful. In fact, I’d say it was one of the top ten most beautiful parks we’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, you can’t pick a site based on the sun exposure – so with the no-generator rule we had no choice but to leave to get the services we needed to recover from the cold virus. Fortunately, we loved our little private campground. It was not a lush forest retreat, but it was lovely and had everything we needed. You should have a lovely time camping in Door County in your Airstream.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I got very hungry reading your post.
Door County is on our places to go list, as soon as we have a little more time.
Claudia,
The whole point of Door County is to relax and experience the tranquility. It’s a spa for the senses. I do hope you can enjoy it.
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Hi Carmen, our mutual friend Laura from Chapter 3 Travels recommended your blog to me. I’m so glad she did! We traveled full-time for almost eight years and through a series of unexpected events now find ourselves living in north Florida. But we’re still planning extensive travels, including a four-month trip this summer that includes Door County. Thanks for all of your great suggestions, beautiful photos, and interesting commentary!
As far as illness on the road, we’ve been pretty fortunate—I recall only one short bout with a flu bug early on in our travels. But…Eric had unexpected heart surgery in December 2016. That was a big one! We spent several months in our hometown of Ashland, Oregon living in our 27-foot trailer (during the winter!) while Eric completed his rehab. Since then, we’ve been back to our full-on lifestyle of hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring. We were lucky, and that unexpected ‘adventure’ has just become part of our life journey. Wishing you safe, healthy, and joyful adventures in this new year! I look forward to following along with you.
Laurel,
Heart trouble on the road is a scary detour! But what a great end to the story … Eric is okay. Whew! How fortunate that you were in your hometown – where you have familiar docs. When we were starting out in San Diego, we met a full-timer who had a heart transplant while living on the road. He was in his mid-70’s and looked great. An ambitious old guy, he was a dedicated model boat racer traveling the circuit.
Each year – as we age – it is becoming a more sobering decision to commit to another year of full-time travel. It’s true, anything can happen but so far it’s all good and same goes for the many full and part-time travellers we meet on the road.
I grew up in North Florida and Jim and I both love the region. It’s a long way from the west coast. Ever miss Ashland? Did the winter snow camping push you away? 🥶
Thank you for being with us, Laurel! Hey, let’s meet up someday, okay?
Safe & Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
Carmen, we’ve returned to my family home in Apalachicola—much to my surprise, LOL. We dearly loved Ashland and always intended to return when we finished our full time travels, but life unfolds in mysterious ways! It’s gorgeous here, we’re making good friends, and we’re beginning to feel at home. Laura and Kevin will be here next week. Y’all come visit when you’re in the area!
There’s a special place in our hearts for Apalachicola. My mom loved it too and even thought she could live there, but never did. How wonderful that you are back in your home town making new friends! Please give our best to Laura and Kevin. I can’t tell you how jealous we are that you will have time with them at Oyster City Brewery, most likely – while we’re here on the opposite coast.
One of the highlights of my week is to read and/or listen to your posts! Great job as always! My wife and I want to live this dream one day after retirement. Hope you will still be on the road. Thanks so much!
Hey Roy! Sorry it took so long for a response – we’ve been moving up the coast.
Even with the occasional hassles, this lifestyle is better than all other options right now – and the “pinch me” moments happen almost daily. Thank you for the well wishes. I hope we get to meet up when you’re living Your Dream. Preparing is almost as fun as being on the road, so enjoy this time.
Thanks for being with us!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB
I always smile when there’s a new post from LIB in my inbox. I love that you make it audio as well as readable. Your photos are just beautiful, and it’s always fun to skim the comments, too. Your responses to the contributors are always friendly and filled with kindness. Thanks for spreading warmth! Happy New Year, dear 2 (and Pico) – e
Thank so much E!
You and Dave continue to inspire us to be mindful of The Moments, to live The Gift, to celebrate the Beauty we see all around. It is comforting to know that you are on this journey with us. We value your company so much!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Carmen@LIB