“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop

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I’ve always wanted to do this. I have always wanted to jump in a vehicle and drive across the USA. Now the time has come. I am excited but confess to being a bit apprehensive about the length of the trip. Six weeks is a long time. I feel like a kid, grasping for my security blanket, but knowing I have to leave it behind if I am going to venture out into the world.

I have been working since I was 15-years-old. I have not had this amount of time off since having summer vacations from school. I am not sure how to exercise the freedom that comes with retirement. I guess I am going to learn quickly. I suspect I will learn to love it.

We began our adventure in the rain. We had blinding downpours as we headed west through Maryland. The rain was pounding, making lots of racket but above that din we heard another loud rattle. I thought perhaps a cabinet had come open, and was slamming open and shut. It was not quite that simple.

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We have this really great feature in the bunk above the cab. There is an awesome retractable window that allows you to gaze at the stars while you drift off to sleep. At least it is awesome when it is on the track, and not working its way loose. The retractable cover was dangling off the track, right above the driver’s seat. It was bouncing, bumping and barely hanging onto the track, threatening to decapitate me. My poor husband had to crawl up there and jam the thing back in. It was not perfect but it stayed in place until we could properly address it at our destination.

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In spite of the rain and the malfunctioning window we made it to The Outflow Recreation Area in Confluence, PA. It is an Army Corp of Engineers campground that is located on The Great Allegheny Passage bike trail, which meanders along the Youghiogheny River and into Ohiopyle State Park. It is a must do for bike enthusiasts.

I was blessed with a visit from my sister. We walked the trail, lounged on boulders in the river, talked about old times and about what the future might bring. It was a great way to launch the voyage, and made me miss my “blankie” a little less.