Looking Back

Hi all,
First off I want to thank everyone for the get better wishes, it seems to be working as I feel better every day. A return trip to the doctor was positive I can start weaning off oxygen and get exercise.
 So as I was recouping Wendy and I spent some time reflecting on where we have been and what we have done since beginning our fulltime RV lifestyle. (Lots of pictures, click on them to see them bigger)

We are now into year five, which that alone is hard to believe. Seems we had planned so many years before we did it and then never thought the day would get here, and now you know the saying time flies when you're having fun.
 So here we go with a short recap. We have traveled through 26 of the states, while a decent number, we know we have a whole lot more to explore.
 Our work camping has helped allow us to do this but does settle us down for three to four months at a time. Also our love of returning to the Black Hills of South Dakota four summers has been great but we know it is time to move on.

 We spent two great winters volunteering at Roper Lake State Park in Safford Arizona. We loved exploring the area, with Chiricahua National Monument a favorite.

Roper Lake SP

Chiricahua

 We also volunteered one winter at Suwannee River State Park. A nice place and was close by our daughter Amanda's new location in Live Oak, Fla.

Suwannee River

 We have never had a bucket list but do say if there is one thing we always make a point seeing are our national parks and monuments. These are definitely things we try to hit upon when in a given area and Wendy collects stamps for her national park passport.
 So how have we done there? Not taking the time to sit and count each I will give a short list of our favorites.
 In Utah, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef are all places that rate high. Arizona has Organ Pipe, Saguaro, Grand Canyon, Chircahua, Fort Bowie, and Monument Valley.

Monument Valley

Grand Canyon

Bryce

Organ Pipe

We have not spent a great deal of time in Texas but Big Bend National Park was special, also The Alamo and Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park were worthy. We only touched slightly into California but Death Valley was amazing. Nevada holds Lake Mead National Rec. Area that we spent time checking out this past spring. In New Mexico we toured the famous Carlsbad Cavern and believe all other caves may not quite match up and also White Sands National Monument was breath taking.

White Sands

Death Valley

Big Bend

 Again, I am not close to naming all and we could have lists with refuges, fish hatcheries, and forts. We also could make a page list of state parks, another thing we check out frequently.
 Now while great being able to travel and see new things the best part of this lifestyle is meeting some of the greatest people along the way. We have met people from so many states and always enjoy the interactions that work camping presents. We have made many friends for life in some of our jobs. We have also met other bloggers whom we have made good friends with.

  Abbeville in Louisiana, specifically Betty's RV and the people we have met there stand as one of our favorite stops. The food, music, and people are just like no where else.

Group of new friends from Betty's

 Also a big part of this lifestyle is still remaining a part of our families and friends lives that we had before. We have returned back to our Wisconsin area each year for a couple months to spend time with them. That time is most cherished and we always can't wait to get back to be with our kids and grandsons.

Our grandsons

Our kids- Mandy, Nate and Colleen

So on we go well in our fifth year with no regrets and looking forward to continue with new adventures and new friends. We are truly blessed to have been able to do this.
 We appreciate you all for following along and feel free to comment in anytime.
                Thanks again, Ray and Wendy