The Schooler's

Relevant, but not timely (can't believe it's been 6 months since the trip) - that's an appropriate expectation to set for this final post on our RV experience.  My last post described our adventure's soaring in Durango.  We left Durango and made our last planned stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The drive down was a picturesque transition of mountainous terrain to a desert scape with views for miles.

My wife's efficient meal planning worked well as we ran out of prepared foods just in time to really enjoy eating out in Santa Fe.  My in-laws, Doug and Vicki (a/k/a Poppy and Mimi) were arriving via corporate jet (i.e. Southwest Airlines) on the same day, and the kids were also excited to have some time alone with them.

Negotiating an RV on the streets of Santa Fe is no small task.  Again, four years of driving a bus at Texas A&M really paid off.  We met my inlaws at their hotel, and after walking around a little, Christy and I took off to check in at the RV Park and go on a date.  Dinner sans children in beautiful Santa Fe.  The RV was awfully quiet without Rebecca and Luke, but we managed.

Family breakfast in Santa Fe, and yes I could get used to eating out in this town.  At this point, I'm beginnnig to realize all the healthy eating, snacks, drinking lots of water, and hauling Luke around via backpack has had a positive impact on my wasteline.  I need queso.  I need a margarita.

Two nights later, we're at family breakfast again and preparing to make the run to Austin.  We are all ready to see Austin again, and sleep in a bed that doesn't move with the wind in the evening!  Despite this passion though, a late start and rain contribute to our arrival in Abilene at 11PM, with a four hour run ahead of us to Austin, I opt for safety and we call ahead to a local KOA.

Now for one of the many highlights of the trip.  We stop at the Flying J in Abilene to stretch legs, replenish water, and gas up for tomorrow's run.  Christy suggests we stay there since we're only going to sleep for 5 or so hours before our final leg.  I am reaffirmed in my faith that God brought this woman into my life, and that I am in love with her and adore her.  YES - we're going to end the RV trip staying at a truck stop!  Check that off the list of to do's.

Honestly, the experience was only made more complete with the use of the PA system to announce the restaurant is closing in 5 minutes, and then again when it closed at 12AM.  One of the last things I heard over the PA was "Beth, you have a call on Line 1 ... Beth, you have a call on Line 1" to be followed about 20 minutes later with "Beth, your mom's here ... Beth, your mom's here"  Music to my ears, our first family RV trip is now complete.

We did watch the movie RV together, and several times on the trip.  Definitely a trip that we will remember with joy for years to come.  A few random thoughts on the experience:

1. Small RV's never stop moving - even parked at night they are in motion if there's a breeze, and over the two weeks, at some point everyone dealt with motion sickness.  While it personally never made me sick, it was a surreal feeling to constantly feel in motion, even 2 days after returning to Austin.
2. Two year old boys do not like to sit still, but they are quick learners when the room they are in moves around suddenly and without warning.
3. Engineers that design RV's make efficient use of space - and still we brought more than we needed, but we were always prepared - so my inner Boy Scout was at peace.
4. Everyone needs to get out and see parts of America that are too frequently flown over.
5. It's amazing that the smallest RV park provides free WiFi, but "nice" hotels charge per the day for access???
6. When Luke screams in the bottom of Carlsbad Caverns it is really loud, and yes everyone hears it.
7. No problems with the septic system - whew I'm grateful for that one.
8. Rebecca is like an energizer bunny - she can keep going and going and going - she has a natural inquisitiveness and desire to learn - a gentle spirit, and a desire to serve and help others
9. Waking up at 4AM to hike the Grand Canyon with Rebecca as the sun rises ... priceless
10. Pulling up to our house after almost 3,000 miles and 15 nights away, looking at my beautiful bride and knowing we just had a trip of a lifetime with our family ... priceless
11. 90 minutes is about the maximum amount of time Luke will endure in the backpack before nuclear meltdown
12. I do not get motion sickness - unfortunately not true of all members in the family
13. Researching RV parks and making reservations - very wise
14. Seeing my family's expressions as they see the Grand Canyon for the first time - amazing
15. My wife rocks - she will roll with me whether in a 5 star resort rocking room service or sleeping in an RV at the Flying J truck stop in Abilene listening to announcements broadcast over the PA.