From Traci:
Today, May 16th marks our one-year anniversary of being on the road. It does not seem real to me that it has been this long. I am proud of us for doing this, because it was a huge step to take. Especially me. Most of you know that I am a pretty routine, structured person, so quitting my job, selling the house and leaving the comforts of home was not really in my master plan. Traveling, yes, but this extreme move, no. So, I must thank Mike for pushing me out of my comfort zone and leading the charge on this because I never would have done this without him. It’s funny, one of the most common questions we get from people (besides ‘what is your favorite place so far’ and ‘how are you able to do this’) is ‘how are you able to spend this much time together?’ We are both a bit amused because it isn’t even an issue for us. It seems normal for us and doing this together is the best part of it. Sure, we need our separate space at times, but I believe we complement each other nicely and have definitely found our groove. You have to, living in a 340 square foot space! It has been freeing to rid ourselves of all of the superfluous stuff and live minimally and on a budget. Sure, I miss my dishwasher and washer/dryer, but otherwise we have all the comforts we need. TV/DVR is probably the biggest thing we need to let go of, but at this point, not gonna happen (I love my shows). I do feel I have made progress on being more flexible and spontaneous, but it takes awhile to undo 45 years of habits!
So far, this has been an amazing adventure and we are so fortunate to be doing it. Meeting new friends, visiting old friends and having others come meet us have really made the trip special. Our choice to see our own country was the best decision we could have made. There is a lot to see here at home which I would highly recommend to anyone! 26 States and 2 Provinces down. I think we have another 6 mo’s in us, but you just never know! Thank you to everyone who has supported us and shown interest in what we are doing. The blog has been a lot of work, but it a perfect way for us to stay connected with friends & family. A labor of love!
My top 5 experiences have been (in no particular order)…
1. Kickoff in Portland watching the WVC Knights win it all!
2. Kentucky Derby
3. The Nashville Scene
4. Hiking in Utah’s National Parks
5. Chillaxing in Key Largo
From Mike:
When I read this quote below, it sparked me even that much more to try and find a way to see the world!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain
Re-reading it again, it still holds true, even more so than it did some three years ago when I came across the words. It has been one full year, a full year that we have been out on the road! I could not be happier that we are able to enjoy this time, share these memories, and go to some of these places that I would have never imagined, all within our own country. We have met some great people along the way. We have also been welcomed into many a friends’ home for a meal, a huge luxury to us that we can not say thank you enough to those we have been lucky enough to see along the way. There have also been a few visitors that have made the trek out to join us, and that is so amazing, we can’t try to explain what it means to us! I end this simply; we sit back and enjoy one of our favorite meals, tacos, I with a shot of my 1942 Don Julio Tequila (Thanks again MIL for the b-day gift!), and a glass of wine to end our first year on the road. Cheers to you all, and I look forward to the rest of this journey, seeing more places, and meeting up with more friends along the way!
P.S. – My top 5 experiences have been (in no particular order)…
1. The Masters!
2. Hiking in Utah.
3. Taking time to enjoy a lost favorite, fishing everywhere.
4. The Florida Keys.
5. The diversity of weather we have experienced.
Today is our someday 
Love your blog, you both do a great job of describing your adventures.
Thank you!
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Beautifully written! Congrats on your year anniversary! Seriously, it’s been that long?
Thanks Julie! I just can’t believe how time flies.
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You guys are amazing, Lolly would be so proud of you two, you know she’s watching! Please come back this way to Florida and see us in the Fall, weather is nice then, come for Thanksgiving!
Bill & Emily Lee, Maggie too!
Thanks Emily! We will definitely come if we are back thru FL. Hope all is great with you guys. xo
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So sweet to read the year wrap up. Vonnie and I have really enjoyed the pictures and writings and especially the clear excitement of your times rolling around the country. It gives great motivation and inspiration to us and I am sure many others.
-Evan
Thanks Ev!
Date: Sun, 18 May 2014 13:28:03 +0000 To: tmiller505@hotmail.com
I just found you, but I’ve been enjoying catching up on your past adventures.
Last summer my family took a trip to the canyons of Utah and Arizona, though we didn’t make the time to hike in them. So beautiful!
Mark Twain’s quote really speaks to me, too. That’s why we’ll be taking our trip through the U.S. this summer… For the rest of their lives my boys will be able to say, “When I was a teenager my mom and I did this crazy thing…” I hope we have as many wonderful adventures as you’ve had.
May you create many more happy memories over the next year on the road.
Alisa
Thanks for your interest in our travels Alisa! Good for you for taking the plunge to travel. I know you won’t regret it! Best to you and your family.
Date: Sun, 18 May 2014 23:52:52 +0000 To: tmiller505@hotmail.com
Great forr you guys! You will never have to say ” what if”. Keep it going.
Thanks Bob. We always appreciate your support!
Date: Mon, 19 May 2014 12:03:52 +0000 To: tmiller505@hotmail.com
So happy for you two! What a great experience and way to be bold! 🙂 I love reading about your adventures.
Thanks Kari! Glad you are enjoying the blog.
Way to go guys! Thanks for taking the time to share everything with us. Jealous of your visits to the Masters and the Derby. Traci, I secretly like the show Nashville too. Guess it’s not a secret anymore.
Thanks Scott! LOVE Nashville. Hope all is great with you & Nicole.
Hi Traci and Mike, we really enjoyed chatting with you at Cherry Hill and couldn’t wait to read you blog! You gave us a lot to think about as we try to decide where retirement will take us. Thanks for a lot of good suggestions. Hope the rest of your journey goes well. Maybe we will see you “on the road” someday. Until then we will read your posts. Safe and happy travels. Mike and Kathy Ferree
Hi Mike and Kathy! Thanks for looking us up and posting a note. I hope you can start your journey on the road soon. Safe travels to you as well!
Hello Mike and Traci, we just picked up our new RV yesterday and are starting to plan for next year’s trip to Arizona. We will definitely try Utah after your comments.Looks like you are still having a great time. Enjoyed seeing where you went after DC.
Nice to hear from you. Congrats on the new RV! And, yes, Utah is a MUST!!
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2014 23:17:16 +0000 To: tmiller505@hotmail.com
Hi M & T;
I enjoy reading your blogs and look forward to the next one. I think this one is your best! I very much enjoy hearing about your travels, but the passion you put into this blog gives me a warm feeling for both of you. I miss you being around, but have actually had more contact with you since you left. We need to rectify that when you get back.
I love reliving my adventures through the ones you and I share… Arizona, San Antonio, the 5 Utah National Parks, etc.
Maybe when you get back you can spend a few days in PT. I would love to share my corner of the world with you. We even have some good wines here!
Can’t wait for your next blog.
Love you both,
Bob & Jan.
Thanks Uncle Bob! We are having a great time, and it is fun to go places that others have been too, and we can discuss those with people when we see them in person more. Agreed, need to spend more time on the Oly Pen when we get back to the NW.
M&T
Fabulous… so glad you are having fun!! Do You know the song… Someday Oneday by The Seekers. Just think of that song when I see your blog title.
Thanks Nancy. We’ll check out the song!
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