Interstate Adventures

It was time to leave our campground in Hermann, MO and head to Minneapolis. We offered our leftover firewood to our neighbors who were a retired couple from Louisiana. The gentleman came to our site to collect it. He looked over at the bikes on the back of the van and asked us if we were cyclists. I told him we were sore cyclists from yesterday’s ride. 

He was traveling in a class C camper, much bigger than our 19-foot van. He was curious about the interior. I had just tidied up, so I invited him in. I showed him the microwave, compact bathroom, and kitchen sink. I ignored the fact that you could see all our gear in the overhead shelving and our bike helmets hanging on hooks. 

I suddenly noticed how small our space is. I realized we have a rolled up mattress in the back and I became self-conscious. I felt like a messy teenager. Without this mattress we would never get a good night’s rest. I always leave the bed half set up so that the mattress can be pushed out of the way. The bed setup is a two-person job. It involves digging out metal rods from a cubby inside the bench and holding the bench up while the other person inserts the rods. It is a dreaded task after a fun-filled day.

When they gave us a tour of their 26-foot camper, we learned what 7 more feet can get you. They had a home.

They showed us the bedroom with a cozy twin bed set up with a cross perched among family pictures on the walls. They we excited about their oven for baking biscuits and I was surprised when I realized that all four of us fit in the kitchen. We asked if they like the slide out and our neighbor replied “As we like to say in Louisiana, it gives us beau-coup room.”

I became aware that our van is not a home. It is a launch pad into the unfamiliar. When we go on a road trip, we balance the van with an Airbnb or a hotel stay like in Minneapolis for the conference. So, when Bruce had to be in Austin for work, rather than rush home, we decided to continue our adventure into three states we have never been to.