4th Quarter Recap

After spending most of the summer on the East Coast, I began my yearly trek west for the winter.

October brought me to the Midwest and my elusive 48th state. I finally ticked Indiana off the list. I’m not sure how I missed Indiana for so long—I’ve driven across the country seven times and somehow managed to go around it every time.

One of the more unique places I visited in October was Casey, Illinois, home of the World’s Largest Everything. I originally saw on Google that they had the world’s largest golf tee, so I decided to check it out. When I arrived in town, I noticed a directional sign pointing to all the other “World’s Largest” attractions. I really enjoyed my time walking around town and talking with the locals. It’s a pretty quirky little place.

I spent a few days with friends at a nomad gathering called Nomad Nexus at the fairgrounds in Oakwood, Illinois. It was a weeklong event, but I stayed for just a couple of nights and had a great time meeting new people and sharing plenty of laughs. One afternoon, folks painted rocks—some of them were incredibly creative. I was enjoying myself, but eventually it was time to get back on the road.

Rock Painting

I made a bit of a detour to Tipton, Iowa, to visit a couple, Blake and Shelly, I met in Newfoundland. They told me that if I was ever in Tipton, I should stop by—and that’s exactly what I did. They own a cute little motel and graciously comped me a room for a couple of nights. What a cool little place!

It’s really amazing that people I met randomly in St. John’s, Newfoundland have become good friends, and that we’re still in contact and sharing travel adventures. This is one of the real joys of being a nomad—meeting kind people from all over the world. I’m truly grateful for all the friends I’ve met along the way.

Next on the journey west was Winterset, Iowa, home of the Bridges of Madison County. I spent a couple of days camping in the county park and used it as a base to explore the area and learn about the local history. Winterset is also the birthplace of John Wayne—The Duke—which was news to me.

Continuing west, I found myself traveling through Colorado and the incredible Rocky Mountains. Driving along Route 70 through Vail was absolutely stunning. The mountain views, golden aspen trees, and crystal-clear streams along the road made for an unforgettable drive—until I reached Aspen and ended up in the emergency room.

I was experiencing pain and numbness in my neck and arms, so I decided it was best to get checked out. After a couple of MRIs, they determined that the nerves in my neck were compressed, likely due to a fall I took several years ago and the surgeries that followed. The ER doctor prescribed steroids, which helped for a while. I plan to meet with my surgeon in Virginia when I return in the spring—sooner if the pain doesn’t substantially subside.

View in the ER

The highlight of my time in Colorado was catching up with my friend Russell, who moved from Virginia several years ago. We had a great time breaking bread and catching up. It was really good to see him doing so well and living the good life—snowboarding, mountain biking, and enjoying everything the beautiful Colorado outdoors has to offer.

The ER doctor suggested a couple of days of rest and relaxation, along with a break from driving. So, I headed to Moab, Utah, and camped at one of my favorite spots along the Colorado River. I spent a few days posted up beside the river, surrounded by Moab’s breathtaking rock formations. I put my feet up, caught up on reading and writing, and let the fresh air and sunshine work their magic. It did wonders for my body and spirit.

View out of the ER

My next stop was Meadview, Arizona, where I spent time with my friends Thad and Kailia at their new property just south of the “metropolis” of Meadview. They’ve built a fabulous tiny home and are continuing to improve the land so they can share it with others passing through. What a blessing.

As the weather started turning chilly, it was time to head south to my winter home in Quartzsite and reunite with my tribe of nomads. We made camp and settled into our daily routine of great conversations, laughter, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

This is my fourth season in the desert Southwest, and I really like it here. The weather is pleasant, the views are incredible, and the quiet nights are much needed. It’s nice to slow down, take a break from the road, and spend time with good friends.

I’m not sure when I’ll be back on the road again—it all depends on the weather. When the forecast is favorable, I plan on heading into California and traveling north along the coast to visit the remaining 21 Spanish Missions, from San Diego to Sonoma.

After that, I’ll begin moving east, back to Virginia for time with friends and family, then head up to Maine for part of the summer. From there, I plan to venture into Canada and back to Newfoundland for what I hope will include whale watching and more unforgettable adventures.

That’s the current plan—but as always, it’s subject to change and rerouting.

I always remind myself: it’s not about the miles—it’s about the journey, growth, learning, and having fun.

Several more highlights from Q4:

Car Showroom with Blake near Tipton

Fossil Hike at Devonian Fossil Gorge

Largest Train Yard, North Platte

Arches National Park, Moab - again

Photography lessons from Bret in Meadview

Balloon Festival in Bullhead City

Oatman Arizona Donkeys

Visit to dentist in Mexico

Walk around the Center of the World

Visit to Slab City and Salvation Mountain

Wonderful breakfast and conversation with Mark and Mari in Palm Desert

Several lowlights from Q4:

Six new tires in Utah $$$

20,000 mile service in Palm Springs $$$