At 80 years old, I am the oldest of my generation of Burdens. I have five healthy siblings, a son and daughter, four grandkids and three more generations of cousins spread around the country. Not exactly a patriarch, but something like that. And I hope to connect again to many of my vibrant family at my brother's reunion in Colorado in the middle of September.
I'm not in this pic, I'm taking this pic. From 2023. We like reunions (we call them conviviums).
I'm in excellent shape for my age, but I am definitely all of my age, and do not know what the future will bring (or rather, I do not know what, just not when). I have enough energy that a few months ago I bought an old van and have been getting it running reliably and converting it into a camper van, or as I call it, my Fish Camp Van, and my dream includes driving that van to Colorado, and fishing and camping along the way. One big van trip on my "farewell tour." (And no comments about "buckets". Or "kicking".)
I've been able to test all my gear just staying in my neighborhood (this is on the North Yuba), and I think I'm ready to hit the road.
I am also living with virtually no disposable income. While my trip budget includes what I would normally spend on food, it doesn't really count for the eight (approx.) tankfulls it will take to cover the 2500 miles there and back (home is in the Sierra Nevada of California). You know the price of gas, so you can pencil out what I'll need to cover it. I'm planning to camp when I can between here and there (I've got good parking at brother Bob's), and might camp along the way, perhaps 10 nights at a max of $20 per (I have my Senior Forest Service card). And a breakfast stop every now and then on the road would be nice. By the way, any advice on boon-docking in Nevada, Utah and Colorado would be most gratefully received.
It's not that it's cheaper than flying, but this road trip will let me see much of this beautiful country, breathe its air, in what time I do have left.
I have had a satisfying, adventure-filled life, and the last few years have been blessed by the help of a wonderful family, but I'm putting this "ask" out to the public thinking my story might strike a chord with some of you (and take a little pressure off of the fam).
By the way, I will be documenting my journey on Facebook for whoever is able to help out, or is interested. And of course, even $5 will make a big difference to me.
Thank you in advance. Enjoy YOUR journey, too.
Sweet Dreams?
