We're Off

01/02/2010 -

We are finally off on our extended journey........spending our first overnight out of the driveway. The 175 mile trip down I-5 was uneventful - which is good. We are outside Salem, Oregon, on Highway 22 at the Premier RV Resort.

Pulled in at dusk in a light mist. Got everything hooked-up OK, and checked out the facilities at the park - First time in many years that either of us have played billiards or ping-pong.

We are finally starting to relax...just too much to do over the last few months to really reflect on what we are doing, but after saying good-bye to the dogs and cats today it is starting to sink in.

Tomorrow we are heading for Newport on the Oregon Coast. It'll be our first taste of getting a chance to relax and open ourselves to the possibilities and potentials of our adventure.

After all the logistical hassles of the last few months we began to question why we are doing this at all. A couple of weeks ago we sat down and tried to describe our visions for this adventure. This is what we came up with:

Zen and the Art of RV Cruising…..Connecting with the harmony of the natural world while traveling for a year in a well equipped self-contained insulated box filled with artificial amenities.

Why are we doing this? To take a break from our driven work schedule, and see what it's like not to have any fixed schedule. To see if there is another place we might like to live. To experience the many scenic and spiritual places in this country. To do those things we never have time to do - read, meditate, hike, bike, just sit and BE.


What do we hope to accomplish?
Spiritually – Incorporate a spiritual element in each and every day, spend time in silence and in meditation, especially out in nature. Increase our connection to nature and ourselves. Visit many diverse spiritual places and communities. Practice emotional healing techniques like Ho’oponopono, EFT and the Emotion Code. We hope to find that place of peace within, a sense of calm and happiness that isn't dependent upon anything.

Relationship wise – Walk through each day arm-in-arm appreciating each other and the wonderful world of nature and civilization that surrounds us. Love each other as if every day is our first and our last. We hope that we will become even closer and find even more ways to have fun together.

Knowledge – Learn about the different regions of the country, the geology, geography, history, culture and the flora and fauna of unique areas. We would also like to learn the constellations and what's up in the sky.

Wisdom – Come to really know that everything and everyone is different, and exactly the same all at once.

Experiences – Hot/cold/dry/wet/high/low/lush/barren – Create deep connections with nature, animals and new beings. We would like to see what kind of orb photos we can take and to communicate with those beings. We would like to visit all the national parks.

Adventure – We will try new things. We won’t make decisions based on fear – OK to make preparations based on what might go wrong, but don’t let fear keep us from experiencing adventure and exhilaration.

Fun - Spend time hiking, biking, and out in nature. Visit odd roadside attractions. Do some volunteer work at animal sanctuaries or parks.

Freedom – Be free from schedules and planned obligations. Accept the responsibility for being in control of our time, place and activity. Make sure that we do not waste time or squander the freedom.

What will give us meaning or a sense of purpose? - Opening Minds and Hearts (ours and others). Helping people to see the world in a new way. Connecting with people who are unaware of telepathy, animal communication, the consciousness of everything and the inherent intelligence in nature and giving them something new to think about. Orbs, dolphins, whales, fairies - the whole spectrum.

Ask at the end of each day – Was my mind or heart opened today? Did we open someone else’s mind or heart today? Did we eat healthy today? Did we do some physical activity today? What are we grateful for today? What did we accomplish today?