Here we are at the end of 2023, December 28th to be exact. Basically one year away from leaving our steady employment. Just over a year from leaving the area that we know so well having spent our 39+ years here. 13 months to save more money, yikes! There is apprehension and excitement all mixed up together like a popcorn ball in the pit of my stomach. I concentrate on the planning, it keeps me from thinking about how I will feel driving out the driveway. 

Sam and I have just finished modifying our route, again. 

We are up to 10 or 15 times, little tweaks here and there to see what we want to see. I know it will change more during the next year and then as we go on the road but the changes make sense. I have to wrestle with the fact we CAN’T SEE IT ALL.

2023 Rig Prep

What did we do to prepare over 2023? We purchased a new truck. This was part of the plan before we head off. We (Sam) decided on a 2024 GMC 2500 Sierra SLT HD. I wanted comfortable seats and safety features,  this truck does not disappoint. Even our granddaughter was excited; “papa, it even has heated seats in the back”, Olivia exclaimed.  Sam researched what we needed to pull the rig in the West where he thinks we will be going up and down mountain passes. He, of course is not remembering my fear of heights! I may have to be in the back with Annie under a blanket but at least I know our truck will pull the rig!

On multiple camping trips this year we tested our equipment for dry camping. We purchased another lithium battery from Battle Born batteries, making that 300 amp hours combined with a second 165 watt solar panel on the roof. These upgrades along with our portable inverter and new gas powered generator make it possible to be without 30 amp electric hook ups for multiple days and still brew coffee in the morning. It may be the most expensive coffee brewed to date.  

Another upgrade was airflow. We added two Max Air Fans, one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. These fans were essential to moving the air around the rig. We sleep more comfortably with those in place.

Although we are chasing 70 degree temperatures we added a soft-start to the air conditioner so that it could run with the generator. We are hoping that we won’t need it but this year is about comfort too!

We still have many decisions to make in the future months.  Deciding what to do with our house is key.  Do we have family stay here?  Do we Airbnb with a manager?  Right now we are weighing all the possibilities, at some point we will need to make a plan. 

Follow along in the next 12 months as we go into high gear prep!  For now I am going to concentrate on the new towels I want 🙂!