Living on the Road – Part One

I may very well separate these Living on the Road posts with other things to write about.  Just now I am determined and passionate about beginning life without a home base.  It is a risk I did not think I would under take at 50.  I have always been disconnected with “place”, roaming around never wanting to be still.  At a young age, perhaps thirty, I decided to embrace this part of myself.  Rather than thinking about it as irresponsible or unsettled I starting thinking of myself as an adventurer, a wanderer, a responsible nomad.  I’m not scared of much and it suits me not to put down roots.

Recently, most of you know, I was violently uprooted.  Having shallow roots anyway I am recovering quite quickly.  Now I have the opportunity through my job and new lifestyle to pick up and change everything.  I am pushing myself into a five by ten storage unit and it means getting rid of a lot of things.  I sold my crock-pot, pressure cooker, all of my dishes, my saddle that I love, furniture with which I thought I would never part.  Pairing down is difficult kind of like losing weight.  You constantly deny yourself things until it feels natural not to be weighted down with objects, debt, or attachment to material items.  I am fortunate and worked hard not to have debt and very soon will write a check for the balance on my 2013 Ford F150 Crew Cab.  It is a nice vehicle with only fifty thousand miles.  Possibly I will sell it too but I am not quite willing to part with it yet.  I still have dreams of a trip cross country.

My living on the road journey will begin in Petoskey, Michigan a place I fell in love with years ago.  I am fortunate to have cousins Timothy and Dianne that have been gracious to let me stay there many times.  It is a lovely cottage and I spent many days, afternoons and evenings enjoying the quiet lovely town.  It has so much to offer from high end dining at Chandler’s to yummy breakfast at my favorite spot in town Julienne Tomatoes.  I will spend the end of September and the first of October there this year before returning to the American Queen for my October shift.

Click here for information on my favorite American town!

Yummilicious! Click here for Julienne Tomatoes info

My favorite spot for super delicious food! Click here for Chandler’s

Next up…Mexico for Thanksgiving?  Nicaragua for the winter!

Author: freeandroaming

Welcome to **Free and Roaming**—a place for women who are curious, seasoned, slightly scrappy, and still asking big questions. I’m a woman who has lived a full, interesting, occasionally messy life. I’ve never been married, I’ve traveled all over the world, and I’m currently trying on a new relationship like a favorite dress—hopeful, cautious, and a little surprised it fits as well as it does. I write about travel, aging, independence, reinvention, and the quiet (and sometimes funny) truths that show up when you’ve lived long enough to know better—but still don’t have it all figured out. I’m happy, genuinely so, and I also struggle with life in the way most honest people do. Both things can be true. Travel has been my greatest teacher. It’s shown me how resilient women are, how kind the world can be, and how much freedom exists when you stop waiting for permission. I believe adventure doesn’t expire, curiosity keeps us young, and wisdom is best shared—not hoarded. This blog is for women like me: women who are roaming freely—geographically, emotionally, spiritually—or at least trying to. My hope is to offer companionship, laughter, perspective, and encouragement as we keep showing up for our own lives with courage and grace. Pull up a chair. Pack light. Stay curious. You’re welcome here. Yours in faith and fun, and still blessed to be… Free and Roaming View all posts by freeandroaming