Destination Colorado Springs

Our trip starts with Highway 80 going north towards Reno then 80 going north towards Fallon. Our focus is centered on the unorganized construction and bumpy, narrow roads that grasp your attention as you squeeze through them. Crazy drivers are bouncing in and out of lanes, along with an urgency to get to their destination. We are calm and exhilarated with our freedom to travel where we want and not rush to get there.

Stopping at the last rest stop before the Nevada line we walked around and enjoyed the variety of travelers resting for the next leg of their destination. I focused on a survivalist with his camo jeep loaded with camo equipment and items to sustain him for his long periods of self encampment. I could visualize his surreal visions and dreams for protecting his life and dreams. All of a sudden I heard the loud rumbles of a Harley gently approaching the area. My gaze was transfixed on the object sitting on the motorcycle and his total enjoyment of his retro lifestyle. On his helmet were two large horns that stuck out about two feet. His jacket was fur pelts that were pieced together and his moustache, beard, and hair hung down past his shoulders. His thick brown leather pants and boots looked as if he had slaughtered some animal in the wild. Wished we could returned to the motor home in time to take two pictures of these two wondrous characters that will be so vividly imprinted in my mind forever.

Meandering down the road, Chuck and I had to laugh at a motor home in front of us, we had visions of the movie RV where the RV said “Rent Me,“ this one said “RV For Rent.” Remembering the movie brought back recollections of Robin Williams and his travels with his family.



After about 8 hours on the road we bedded down at a truck stop in Utah and planned to wake up early the next morning to view the sunset. We were not disappointed, the sunset was so beautiful and included views of the white Utah salt flats.

Moving Out of Our Stick House and into Motor Home- 8-31-2010

After years of planning, retirement in 2008, purchasing our 1998 40’ Safari Serengeti in 1009, and finally selling our house, Chuck and I could now visualize more clearly the game plan for our 2010 departure from Oroville, California and into the Wheel Estate full-time lifestyle.

Beginning July 1, 2010, the strategy was to pack so many containers per day until our day of departure scheduled for September 2, 1010. Unfortunately the universe had other plans for me. While packing plastic containers in early July, I tried to hop over a container, catching my foot on it, triggering a mass flight across the dining room and landing on my right arm, crunch. The pain was so bad I could not move. Chuck, who was in the other room working on the computer, heard my loud scream and ran into the room to find me squirming in massive agony. He called the EMTs who quickly transported me to Emergency at Oroville Hospital. I was diagnosed with a broken arm, tailored with an arm brace, and told to see my specialist. After seeing the specialist and 6 weeks of therapy, my arm was fully recovered.

Since my first game plan failed, our deadline for leaving the house was filled with more urgency. Two weeks before departure, I started packing again. Sorting items for the kids, friends, charity, and dumps. Chuck and I were still packing up until our last day. We still had a house full of furniture to get rid of, and were contemplating just leaving everything for the new owners, but our higher source had another plan. The morning of departure our last garbage pick-up was to arrive and pick up all containers, Chuck mentioned to the garbage collector that we had a house full of furniture we wanted to get rid of and did she know of anyone who would be interested in it? Her eyes lit up and she said she knew of 3 needy families who could show up with trucks and pick up everything. One hour later they all arrived with happy smiles and thankfulness for the booty they were about to receive: Washer and Dryer, side by side refrigerator/freezer/ice-maker, kitchen table, two Sony TVs and entertainment centers, Futon, bedroom set, two person chair, computer and desk, end tables, lamps, window coverings, heavy duty hoses, plus much more. The happiness and joyfulness in their eyes was worth all the money in the world.

Finally completely moved out of the house, we loaded our Ford Van Tow Vehicle to the max with household items, camping equipment, and clothing that would be delivered to our youngest daughter in Colorado Springs. Newly married and with three children she would be overjoyed with the gifts they would be receiving. After loading the van, Chuck hooked it up to the Motor home and we left Oroville for good on September 2, 2010, the beginning of a new phase in our life.