Winnebago Camper Van/New Writing Project...

[RP]

I'm 72 years old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I earned my BS in Psychology from the College of William and Mary and my MEd in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. After a three-decade career teaching students with disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and incarcerated women, I retired to my current lodgings, a small cabin that I rent at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains west of Charlottesville. Bear and deer come to my door, and I love feeding birds. I also enjoy playing guitar.

I wrote three outdoor guides - Cyclist's Guide to the Shenandoah Valley, Mountain Bike! Virginia, and The Best in Tent Camping: Virginia. I was a co-founder of Bike Virginia, one of the first bicycle touring companies in the country. In addition, I previously served in the Virginia Air Force National Guard, on a volunteer rescue squad and did K-9 search and rescue. I also volunteered at False Cape State Park, Virginia's hidden gem. I'm a law enforcement junkie and attended Citizens' Police Academies in both the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County (VA).

Unfortunately, my retirement years have been considerably more sedentary due to bad hips and bad knees. In addition, a recent diagnosis of diabetes has been an eye-opener. Still, thanks to many folks from the University of Virginia Medical Center, I'm working very hard to control my diet and get my insulin/blood sugar levels under control. However, it's also caused me to rethink my whole retirement lifestyle.

I've wanted an RV for a long time, but the time was never right. However, my recent diagnosis of diabetes motivated me to fulfill a decades-long dream of travel by motorhome or camper van as the case may be.

I plan to purchase a Solis Pocket, spend time on the road throughout Virginia, camp in Virginia's campgrounds, find great places to paddle, and write about them. In addition, the blog/book I plan to write will be a travel piece through the eyes of a senior with diabetes. Finally, I'll try to re-examine the choices I've made, both good and bad, and share them. Kind of a Thoreau meets John Steinbeck in the 21st century. The Solis Poket and kayak will be vehicles to explore my life in the same way that Robert Pirsig's protagonist did in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

[catndahats]

Sounds fun, RP.
Van life is a good alternative to a trailer or larger RV.
"Go small, go simple, go now" was our mantra when we traveled with our T@B teardrop.
Your book idea may be therapeutic and encourage others.
The one observation that I've consistently seen with older seniors is that those who stay active are the healthiest and have the most positive outlook.

[MrDB]

Sounds like a great adventure RP. I've always been interested in that lifestyle and have been on the YT channels of a lot of the van life folks as they travel all over and document their travels. It will never happen for me now along with a lot of other things but I'll enjoy your stories as you post them.

[Lkristians]

Sounds really cool. I hope you'll continue to share your experiences here with us!

[David Eastwood]

All the very best to you with this adventure, Randy.

I do have to wonder, though - what guitar will be accompanying you in the Pocket?

[RP]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

All the very best to you with this adventure, Randy.

I do have to wonder, though - what guitar will be accompanying you in the Pocket?

Thanks David. All I can say is be patient, Grasshopper...

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by RP

Thanks David. All I can say is be patient, Grasshopper...

Let the speculation begin

[seannx]

Good luck on your new adventure! I’m also 72 and got a BA in Psychology from UFlorida Gainesville in 1974 (took me a couple of extra years), and graduated with an MEd from VCU in Early Childhood Education in 1977. After teaching kindergarten for 4 years, I cashed in my retirement, and became a design/build contractor. Really enjoyed our life in Virginia, and we moved to CA in ‘86. Am still working now and enjoying what I do, but feel the van life experience may be a fun change a few years in the future. Keep us posted!

[BradleyS]

Good for you, seize the day. That sounds very exciting.

[frazervalley]

Sounds like a rewarding adventure that will stimulate some fine writing opportunities. Enjoy.

[Gee Man]

Well that sounds like a great way to spend retirement years, and I truly look forward to reading whatever book you are able to get out of it. Keep on keeping on.

[Bob Womack]

Happy Trails to You!

Bob

[KenL]

When you made the Steinbeck reference I knew immediately right where your head is at. I get what you are thinking.

I was pre-diabetic, with the numbers going the wrong way. Altered my diet, started hiking with a vengeance, simplified my life, and I'm good now.

It can be done. Mazel tov!

[imwjl]

Good luck!

We are at 99% ready to make a big plunge on a camper that won't move (we hope). All the camper van homework showed a pretty big price tag. We did some road trips with our van and camping gear combined with hotels. My wife decided she wants hotels over campgrounds or parking lots.

One possible downside is if we decide to resume expensive travel. I'm going to budget at least one Luxembourg to Scotland or Iceland trip via bikes with her cousin, and ski travel in winter.

You're topic is a reminder that I never REALLY thought I'd reach my 60s and make retirement plans outside of trying to save and invest. It's strange to start thinking about the reverse of saving money.

Again, good luck.

[Dru Edwards]

The RVing sounds exciting! As does the writing too. It's wonderful that you can still act on some of your dreams.

When are you planning on purchasing it?