Feb. 1 Halfway Point Reflections

Halfway: Feb 1
   Today marks the half way mark in our 6 month adventure across the country.  It has been a remarkable experience traveling in our little RV and managing to get along fine so far!  We have put about 8,000 miles on the van and it too is doing well.  There will be some repairs when we return to Maine but so far nothing too serious.
   We have learned to economize in every way possible.  Water for the most part is a constant worry.  We buy water for drinking in 2 gallon jugs and try to drink as much as we can to stay hydrated.  Showers are interesting in some of the California parks; there can be a charge of  $.25 per minute.  It is quick one but a $1.00 usually gets me clean including a shampoo.  Our food supplies are also limited due to the small refrigerator and cabinet space.  We plan our meals carefully, cooking only what we will eat for each meal.  The most difficult economizing that I have done is wearing my clothes for 3-4 days at a time.  We try to do laundry only as needed and so far that has worked out except when we left Joshua Tree.  The desert sand, dirt and smell of open fire permeated all of our clothes. (I think I will need to go on a shopping spree when I return to Maine!).
   I am surprised how quickly the time has gone by. It is hard to believe that we only have 3 months left with so much more to see.  We have met interesting, friendly and helpful people all along the way.  We haven’t gotten lost too often but when we do I shut up and let Siri do the talking.  I will leave that argument between Mark and her and believe me it has happened.
  There are lessons to be learned about stepping back, taking time to observe nature and not be encumbered with too much stuff.  We have been able to stay abreast of the news, thanks mostly to John Zerner’s emails.  Mark has even had a few momentary conversations with supporters of Trump without any serious consequences.  Perhaps learning to listen is a first step in understanding.  No minds were changed, however.
   As today marks the halfway point of our adventure, we are happy, contented and overjoyed that we are able to have this time together and we are looking forward to the next 3 months.