Finally Free! Please help with thinking and logistics

[Kristineandthepups]

Sunny,

Wow! Enjoyed reading your update. And I can understand why you decided to visit your brother in the end. Things like that get to me, and I end up asking myself "what if something bad happened and that's the last time I saw the person I care for..." It's important to see family. I have family in the Keys, and will likely be making that same trip down 95 later this year. Happy to hear your travels were not too dangerous, nor terribly stressful.

The path I've taken from Michigan has been pretty harrowing. I'm only as far as St. Louis MO, even though I've driven about 24 hours or more in the last two days. There was a point in the day today where in the course of a single mile I saw the following: twelve broken down big rig trucks, three big rigs jackknifed and facing backwards on the side in the snow, one plow that ran off the road, and numerous derailed autos. Plus, this was my first time seeing two trucks broken down side by side, one in each lane, on a two lane highway. Before this trip, I had doubted I had the energy and skill to do an Alaska trip, even if I prepared ahead of time. But I'm starting to reconsider. Of course, that might be the caffeine talking. I'm sure there will be some people at RTR that can fill me in on the reality of Alaska trips.

So glad to read a happy update from Sunny, and thankful for those who sent best wishes to us both.

Keep the updates flowing, Sunny!


Kristine

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Sunny, altho we would have loved to meet you out here in Q, you have to do what's best for you in the moment.

LOL, know what you mean about preferring your own space over a motel. We were given a nice room at a casino (all paid for) by a couple leaving a day early. We thanked them, but declined. We like our home.

We used to port out sailboat in Apalachicola. Sure miss the oysters and shrimp there.

Take care of yourself and keep us posted about your adventures.

 

[AltTransBikes]

Hi Sunny
Sounds like a plan is coming together. For what it's worth, I'd say you're on the right track. FL can be special this time of year. It'll give ya time actually in the field camping to think through all you want your rig to be also. This forum and some others can be very helpful in sorting the electrical/solar needs and install, just ask! Best of luck and happy trails.

 

[SunnyR]

If you do go west and need a spot to park and rest a little in Pensacola, let me know. Best to give me some warning and I'll try to be available. Otherwise, I might not be home or not have my phone with me.

Oh, thank you for the kind offer, DTFuqua. I have decided, however, to turn back and visit with my brother in the Daytona area. I appreciate your thought here.

 

[Bela's Mom]

Sounds like you have a solid plan. If you have time for some reading, here is a link to a website that has a lot of info about solar, batteries, calculating your needs etc: http://www.solar-electric.com.

I know that you are going to have a great time in Florida, visiting your brother and seeing the state. Please keep us updated!:shy:

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Hey Kristine! Sounds like some harrowing weather! Be safe and keep us posted about your journey!

 

[Terry]

Going where you have someone that cares about your well being sounds like the best thing to do, at this time. You sound competent to go on an adventure, but this is some real bad cold we're going through right now and would magnify any problems that could come up. Enjoy your family while your there and stay safe.

 

[Darth_Muerte]

Sunny, it was chilly last night, but by Saturday it will warm up nicely and you will see why we love the sunshine state.

 

[Donedirtcheap]

My advice is to take it slow and easy. Obviously the more you stay put the less you will spend. You would probably do best by going to your brothers if you can stay there free or cheaply. I would try to do everything as cheaply as possible. Have a backup plan and plan for the unexpected. For exampl do you have $3000 set aside for an engine or transmission. If not, you are running naked. Its no different than owning a house and having insurance.
Blars had a good idea about freecampsites.

http://freecampsites.net/

I would not spend the money as you go, I would sit tight until you have the cash up front to buy gas then move on. Stay on the cautious side and go slow as its a big change and emotions, fear, loneliness can effect our judgement. Slow and easy.