I'm Bored! But the Future is Bright!!

For an assortment of reasons, I have been very inactive these past several weeks -- and it's making me crazy.  But the end is near -- the end of my boredom, because the new year will begin the next chapter of my life.

I did not want to start any new projects in 2017 so as to not confuse my financials at year end.  Besides, since I took early retirement this year, I now have to be careful how much money I make.  So I will start a new business after Jan 1 and have a proper accounting of income and expenses separate from my past as a Motor Carrier.  And 2017 will be relatively easy to evaluate how my biz income affects on my Social Security income's taxablity.

And this lack of responsibility for drivers has allowed me to travel some, although not as much as I intend to in 2018.  At the same time, my new fixed income has impacted my lifestyle -- and not necessarily in a bad way.  I've put myself on a budget of X dollars per month for entertainment (read that as going out dining and drinking).  I've come to the conclusion that I need a job.

And I have one, actually.  I am in talks with a magazine publisher about working free-lance for them.  They are a 30+ year old family business here in Florida.  I will get a 2-week free stay at a campground of my choosing (from their list of 221 available today) and solicit advertising in the surrounding area for a magazine the campground can hand out for free.  Sounds like a pretty good way to get into the RV lifestyle with the least expense to me.  I look at it as a great learning experience with the chance to make some $$ along the way ... while Traveling the USA.

On the Road Again

(Written Mon 10/22 but posted 10/25)

I now understand (better?) the phrase “New Beginning,” because that is what this is.

When we (I?) last talked, I was on a rant with Insurance companies..  Nothing has changed.  Nothing will.  Look around your town .. ANY town ..  and tell me, who has the tallest building?   Either a bank or an insurance company – because THAT’s where the money is.  But I digress…

No, today’s scribbles are about a return to what I love the most: “Going down the road” as I travel the USA. I retired earlier this year.  Unless you’re a driver, it is unlikely you can comprehend the pleasure of just going down the road.  Whether it’s my Harley or just my truck or my whole train – it doesn’t matter.  The peace and solace that comes over me as I become one-with-the-world around me .. if you don’t get it .. I can’t explain it.  Obviously I’m NOT taking about city driving here – different subject there.  Need my Xanax – jk.  And I know I’m not talking to everybody.  Many of folk have shared how they can’t stay awake.  You guys – take the bus, please.

Today .. Sun 10/22 .. I am sitting in my camper (22’ fifth wheel) at Rodman State Park, FL .. pretty much central Florida after just having left Biketoberfest.  Imagine: towering live Oak trees draped with moss surrounding you on a stair-stepped bluff leading down to a man-made canal some 100 yards across.  The section of the campground I’m in fronts along the canal with perhaps 20 back-in spaces.  I’m in the last spot before going back up the bluff to the entrance.  The next occupied space is 4 spots down – perhaps 150’ away.  I love FL State Parks .. always clean and nice.  This state likes tourists.

THIS is my version of retirement – at least to start.  This is also my first RV, so there has been a learning curve.  My curve was probably steeper than most because I (thought I) knew enough to make good decisions.  I have 20+ years trucking – pulling big things – so the driving part is not intimidating. And I have done a small amount of tent camping in my younger days – a 10-day trip around Lake Superior into Canada with my 10 year old son is perhaps the best memory.  And I have two good friends that have RVs and I have been out with them multiple times over the years.  So, I’m 80% there, right?

Perhaps  so.  But that other 20% has been a test at times.  My biggest “What-where-you-thinking” moment came when I discovered my plans to double pull (1 truck pulling 2 trailers – my 22’ fifth wheel and an 8’ utility trailer with my bike) is ILLEGAL in several states – including Florida – where I live now.  At least I learned before I got out on the road and got in trouble, so it could have been worse.  I had incorrectly assumed that because pulling a double COMMERCIALLY is legal in all 50 states that my combination would also be okay.  Interstate trucking, being commercial, comes under Federal rules.  RVers are governed by each states rules.  Oooops.

So for this 3-week trip .. all within Florida .. it’s triple miles as I have to back track each move to bring the second unit (usually the camper) up.  A steep learning curve, I think I mentioned.  But I have a plan (surprise!).

I’m going to get a 22-24’ bumper pull camper – like maybe an Airstream – and carry my motorcycle in the back of my pickup truck on a motorcycle lift that I already own.  This will be legal in all 50 states. I have the truck and the lift.  All I need is to trade campers.

In the meantime, I’m in route to Pensacola area for the Southeast Regional HOG Rally two weeks from now.  About 400 miles .. as the crow flies.  A little bit more for me .. this time.  But time is on my side for a change.