Most people have a “bucket list” but I never wanted to call mine that because it implies you want to cram all of these things in before you die. You know, as in “kick the proverbial bucket.” The focus there isn’t on joy or inspiration, it’s on racing against an imaginary grim reaper. After much thought, I decided to call my list The Love List.
It is a list of experiences I’d love to have, and places I’d love to see. They are places I want to visit for either relaxation, adventurous, educational or spiritual purposes.
My Love List has one huge qualifier: We must be able to drive to each place since we now own a motor home. Portugal? Probably not. Roma or Sicily? No, grazie. Key West? Hello, Margaritaville!
For us, since I’m not doing this alone, the journey has always been just as important as the destination. Who knows what wonderful things will happen along the way? Who knows what wonderful new friends we will meet along the way? And who knows which conversation may lead to Another Roadside Attraction we knew nothing about?
A few of the top things on my list are:
- A gorgeous Saguaro sunrise with my morning coffee
- Experiencing the Aurora Borealis
- Hearing wolves howling at night
The thing I like best about having a motorhome is the freedom to surrender to serendipity; no schedule to meet; no planes to catch, cars to rent or bags to lug around. Like sweet little hermit crabs, we have what we need right there with us.
Our RV is equipped with a very comfortable fold-out-bed (not an oxymoron anymore) so that friends can come for a visit and have a luxurious time. Actually we hope to get them hooked so they’ll want to buy their own RV and travel with us. Maybe that’s what the term “Diesel-Pusher” really means, after all. . .
XO Donna
P.S. – If you have a favorite destination a bit off the beaten path, please let me know. I’d love to go!
10 Comments
The coast of Oregon is beautiful. I live in Austin, too, so I know it’s a long drive.
Oregon coast is WAY up there on my list, too! And I love long drives. Great minds think alike, Maguarite!
XO
Donna – While traveling this past summer through the Finger Lakes in New York, we met a couple that had a five-year plan to tour the US in their motor home. They sold most of their stuff and what they wanted to keep, they put in storage. We were at an elegant restaurant and they were all dressed up … it was their “date night”. This 60+ couple were enjoying their bucket list or as you eloquently call it, their “love list”. We were in awe of their guts to up and leave everything that was comfortable to them for this adventure.
Enjoy your travels!
Elaine
That is our plan, too, Elaine! Our lease on this small apartment is up in 8 months… by then we will have jettisoned everything we don’t love, put the rest in storage, and gone out to wander – perhaps forever. Thanks for the positive reinforcement by calling it “guts,” I occasionally wonder if it’s insanity?
XO
Oh, that sounds like paradise. There are so many wonderful places to visit. I’m sure you are having a ball!
You’re so sweet, Jen! A couple of weeks ago we were looking at RV parks up in Nova Scotia – and then I read your article.
I will let you know if we make it up that way! And, of course if you are ever in Texas –
XO
Love that you’re getting to do this! Having someone special to travel with again is on my Love List. xoxox, Brenda
Thank you, it really is a lot of fun now that the learning curve has straightened out!
Since it’s on your Love List, it will happen!
XO
Donna, you continue to inspire me! I just checked off one of my love-list destinations when I went with my daughters to Boston. None of us had even been ther, and we had a ball! What a beautiful city. Oodles of good food, too. You know, they actually have seasons there!!
I love the concept of the ‘Love List’ and I also love what you have planned! So exiting and so inspirational. Esther xx