In June 2016 I sold my Washington, D.C. home (a three-story row house in NE) sold or gave away most of my belongings and began my Road2Reinvention. Maggie (my rescue dog) a Bearded Collie moved into a 19′ Bambi Airstream travel trailer I purchased in Houston, TX that fall. We planned to follow the sun and stay in warm climates, where temperatures are hopefully above 55 degrees. Points of interest are National and State campgrounds, public golf courses, and visiting friends and family in the Lower 48, aka Continental
Born in post WWII Southern California the 1950s saw the destruction of orange groves and spread of tract homes, the suburbs would replace trees with concrete and lawns.
(from left to right)
In 1968 my parents moved my three sisters and I, from Southern California to Anchorage, Alaska. Obviously, my parents were NUTS! It was like moving from Woodstock to Happy Days, a total culture shock. I worked for a year after graduation from High School at a brand new and only indoor public swimming pool as a lifeguard and swim instructor. That year I earned enough money for summer travel in Europe. Returning to Anchorage, Alaska I worked odd jobs before I realized I needed a college degree. I graduated from the University of Oregon in 1982. Ten years after my high school graduation, I am a late bloomer. Education is wasted on the young.
Again, returning to Anchorage, Alaska, I worked and took another travel sabbatical to Asia in 1985, with my Cousin Karen and later joined by other friends on their vacation. Karen in China, Gwen and Mary in Thailand, Richard in Australia, and sister Becky and “Wasband” (ex-husband) Ted who were living in Singapore at the time. I returned to Anchorage (again) and I went to work for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
I came of age in Anchorage, Alaska from 1968-95. Since I lived in Alaska for almost 27 years, I have no reason to return. Been there and done that. While I still consider Anchorage, Alaska home, I no longer go there. I will share my tales of growing up and coming of age in Alaska in this blog. Especially, Alaska’s decline from the progressive “Last Frontier” to a batshit crazy and rabid Republican spawning the likes of Sarah Palin. Alaska was a place where everyone and everything was new. But the state made a hard right turn, and I left.
Alaska to Nevada was my first “reinvention”.
Four years in Carson City, Nevada I enjoyed exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains from 1995-99. I learned to play golf and became addicted to the game. My 2nd reinvention was in 1999 when I moved from Carson City, Nevada to Washington D.C., and became a federal lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
17 years of walking the halls of the U.S. Capitol talking to Members of Congress advocating for working people, I saw our Democracy up close and personal. Rather I saw the polluting influence of money and the gerrymandering of congressional districts that corrupted and broke our representative democracy. I had no idea what was to come on January 6, 2021, but I had long since left our beautiful Capitol city for the Road2Reinvention.
Thankful for my union pension and Social Security. The best thing I did was get rid of my stuff, especially my professional clothes nylons and high heel shoes! No need in campgrounds.
Growing up in CA, my fondest memories are of Mom renting a tear-drop trailer, piling the family in our station wagon, and heading to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the National or State Parks. I am reverting to my childhood.
In September 2017, I sold the 19′ (Scout I), and moved up to a 20′ Flying Cloud: Scout II. It is amazing what an additional one foot and 10 inches will get you in an Airstream. A kitchen with counter space, a double sink and lots more storage.
Since moving into Scout II, we have traveled cross country to Palm Spring, CA, Tucson, AZ, Austin, TX, Long Island, NY, Stuart, FL and back again. In fall of 2021 I am setting out on another cross country trip to the west (left) coast with the goal of doing the entire 101 to Seattle.
Thanks for joining us (Maggie and I) on our Road2Reinvention. I hope you will subscribe to my blog on the home page under Maggie’s picture.
Now please click this link and sing along with my favorite Kathy Mettea song, Further and Further Away.
