Share the Solitude And Make New Friends to Enrich Life's Journey

Traveling can easily become an isolated adventure because many of us are desiring to get away from the stress, abandon the daily expectations, and forget the worries that we cannot fix. However, by making the effort to meet new people, the adventure takes on a new dimension.

Randy and I are traveling across the US from Idaho to Maine. Our path is plotted our for the next couple months with interesting experiences, opportunities to step back into history and moments to appreciate nature.

We have parked our motorhome at a brewery where I had my first glass of raspberry beer, beside a museum that we explored for hours to immerse ourselves the the lifestyle of a 100+ years ago, and a bison ranch where we rode a train to feed the imposing 2000 pound animals. When we return to our RV tired, it is easy to relax in a chair while we watch the sunset embracing the quiet and serene surroundings.

When we walk a few feet to meet our temporary neighbors, we gather living memories from the stories shared. While parked at Anita State Park, we met Mike and Ann. At first we were annoyed because they broke the silent rule and pulled their motorhome facing forward. We backed ours into the space as expected. This required us to get acquainted with the strangers because we shared a space.

However, this farmer and his wife, who are lifetime residents of Iowa, shared stories about the state we visited. They provided a glimpse of life on the farm through personal experiences. We discovered commonalities as our grandchildren and theirs are of similar ages. Because of their suggestion, we rode the four mile path around the lake where we saw deer, the beautiful lily pads that covered the water on the other side of the lake, and were serenaded by the sounds of nature. Thank goodness when we returned, they were able to explain what made the high pitched noise; Ciacado do not reside in Idaho. Before we left, we exchanged cards and may meet up in the future.

The next day when we registered to stay at the Amana RV Park and Event Center, they provided us with a tip sheet of events happening in the colonies. My husband quickly pointed out the top entry, "Whiskey Wednesdays at Price Creek Event Center." You guessed it. The day was Wednesday so we knew a drink was in our future. Not only did Randy enjoy a flight of 4 new brands of whiskey but we made new friends. We have a bottom of Jamison in our rig that he periodically sips in the evening, but this experience offered more that libations.

We met Don and LaShelle Morrison, event planners, owners of Star Entertainment, who organized the evening. What was supposed to be a quick stop lasted an two and a half hours. We shared pictures of our dogs and laughed at their antics.

When Yana, the owner of Pine Creek Event Center, entered the bar, we learned she is a longtime resident of the Amana Colonies and the stories began. We learned the history of the German immigrants through stories that had flavor and a personal attachment. She shared the best restaurants and the must see attractions. Yana came to America as a youth, over 40 from the Czech Republic. As she wove her experiences into the stories we sat captivated.

After we shared a little about ourselves, Yana pulled her husband David from the backroom. He walked into the bar, poured himself a whiskey and divulged he was born and raised in Idaho, not far from our hometown, reinforcing that it is a small world. We immediately connected with this couple.

By the end of the evening we had four new friends and two new business cards in case we have the opportunity to meet again. We gave them our retirement cards in case they ever get to Idaho and so they could follow our adventures on our blog.

As we travel the US the next couple months, I am sharing our experiences and making memories. We would love to have you join to live vicariously, appreciate what a great country has to offer, and maybe even use our experiences to plan your own. Hitch a ride at RVing in Retirement.