Community

 

Two weeks ago we departed Lake Hills Texas with no real set destination in mind other than it needed to be west and perhaps north. 2400 miles later we've paused in our travels at Sunset Bay, the same park we were hosting at back in November. The reason for our return and yes, the “theme” of this blog entry is the same – the RV community.

 

This wonderful community we have become members in can best be described as like small town America was and while we don't have a main street per se, each campground, park, boondock turnout or any other place that can accomodate 2 or more RV's can quickly become like the old center-of-town bandstand where folks check in with people they know, meet new folks to the neighborhood and swap stories of the places they've been and the things they've seen. It surprises those not familiar with the community that despite the vast differences we have, one commonality will bring us together; some with bonds that are just as close as family.

This commanality is a love for the rigs we own and the places we've been. It is the freedom of being able to pick up and leave when we want to where we want. It is the routing of the trip and the anticipation of renewing friendships. It is the desire to explore and see with one's own eyes the things others have described and to describe those places others might yet discover.

It never ceases to amaze; the formation of such friendships founded on a simple “Where are you headed?” or “Where have you been?” usually followed by “What route?”. Of course these two questions can and very often do inspire a group discussion lasting several hours.

We all know it will end all too soon with each of us going our separate ways yet the difference in the goodbyes is that a promise to email is kept and we do keep the others in our thoughts.

Which leads me back to the beginning. We had been meandering westbound for some time when word had gone round there were Oregon state parks needing hosts. We learned about it from a couple we had met at Lake Hills who emailed us. Since we were in Sacremento California anyway (we stopped to enjoy the miles of orchard blossoms), we decided to head north and see if Sunset Bay was one of the parks in need and indeed it was. Stephanie was manning the booth when we pulled in and her grin on our arrival lit up the day.

We are home. Yes, it may be temporary but for this month we are with “old” friends, making new friends and yes, comparing notes on where we've been and where we're headed.