All She Wrote... reflections on solo travel

The ZiOsmobile sits in the driveway. I think it is eagerly awaiting the next adventure. It' is definitely awaiting a thorough wash and wax. It is totally cleaned out inside. Road weariness scrubbed off the white cabinets, vacuumed, dusted and emptied out of all clothes and any perishables. I bought it a new vacuum cleaner and other staples remain in the drawers. Damp rid hangs in the closet. It has a fresh oil change.

I am so pleased with the van's performance. We got along fabulously the whole trip. Those of you who know all about our previous travels, know we came into RVing by learning everything the hard way. I did have a moment when I was concerned about battery charging. Driving wasn't even charging the coach batteries as it should; however, I never had that moment again. After a night with electric hook-up, batteries stayed charged the rest of the trip. My solar bank kept everything running and our constant driving (seemed like Sitka and I were moving nearly every day). I did have an occasional campsite that had electric hook-up. I filled the freshwater tank with spring water in Georgia and topped it off again in the Blue Ridge Mts. with more spring water from Connie and Kenny's place. Even though there wasn't opportunity to boondock, we did a lot of dry camping. "What is boondocking?" you ask. Boondocking is essentially camping without hookups. You may also hear it referred to as ‘dry camping’. Often, dry camping means staying in a campground without hookups, whereas, boondocking typically means staying in a completely undeveloped area. That we didn't do. Campgrounds were our overnights. Camping fees were much more costly than any previous trips, because I don't get the senior discount.. yet. I had to pay full price. I will get my National Park Pass as soon as I turn 62! See Gerard is good for something... just kidding.

I drove 3,663 miles through 7 states– Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and South Carolina.

I averaged 16.7 miles per gallon overall; although, there were many days individually I averaged 23mpg. Mountain driving told another story.... 14.6mpg and brought my overall average way down.

Check out my destinations along the way on the map above.

The highest price per gas I paid was $2.29 after the massive leak at the Alabama gas pipeline. It did impact fuel prices in TN, AL GA, SC and NC The best price was $1.68 in Virgnia!

I stayed off the interstate and Google Maps had me meander down country roads, county highways and bi-ways. It was glorious... every last mile! The ZiOsmobile is a joy to drive and I just expected the trip to be problem free. I got what I asked for.

We were able to escape the heat for a week or so. The coolest night was 42º up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the highest the mercury rose was 104º in Roanoke, Virginia.

Everyone was always commenting and asking, "You're traveling alone?" Surprise, concern and mostly wonder was the tone of the conversations. I did hear from a couple of guys that said they wouldn't let their wife go it alone... say what? Really?! Overall, I met amazing people all along the way and felt safe in state and national parks that I frequented. I slept with the van doors open most nights and never felt, even the least bit, compromised or threatened.

Sitka is the best traveling buddy and guard dog, He did start barking at a coyote that made its way into camp and then of course the wild ponies on Assateague Island took Sitka some getting use to before we could sleep undisturbed through the night. I kept meaning to get bear spray as my defense "weapon".... bear spray will shoot 16 feet. And I was certainly more concerned about bear encounters in the mountains than ever needing to use it on a human, but I never ended up making the purchase.

I managed to read 6 books, make some jewelry along the way and wish I had brought the guitar along. Yes, I missed Gerard, especially when the sights and sites were awe inspiring. What I loved the most about being alone was waking in the morning and being able to slip out from under the blankets and make my coffee, climbing back into bed with my book and steaming brew and not worrying about waking the G man. I am an early riser and Gerard can sleep the morning away. I really appreciated the freedom to get up and go whenever the road called. Gerard and I met up regularly over FaceTime.. just about every day. Besides, time apart is good for us. It gives us a chance to appreciate each other and our time together feels fuller when we come back together again.

I am happy to be back home in Cape Coral, Florida...for now. The heat has broken and temps are heavenly! The air conditioning is off and the doors and windows are all open. Sitka and I enjoy our walks here in SoFlo again. Gerard and I leisurely wile away the afternoon floating in the pool. I expect to have some sweet and short trips this fall and winter. I'd like to attend the Greek Festival in Tarpon Springs and the big 6-0 should be spent in the Keys. But come next summer, wanderlust will surely grab hold when the heat drives us inside. I'll pack us up and head north.... and west. Utah has been calling my name for a very long time.