Tuesday, April 27, 2010

We PASSED!, on our way to California, and Happy Anniversary to us!

Current location: Lubbock, TX

I wanted to post the good news yesterday, but we were in an area without internet or cell phone service.

So first an update on our driving tests that we took on Monday...we both passed! Hooray, we're legal!! As with so many things that you fret needlessly over, both the written and driving tests ended up being rather easy. Of course I can say that now that they're behind us. For the written test, they hand you a book and tell you to read Chapter 15. The back of the book contains about 30 sample questions from that chapter. The actual test contained 20 questions, most of which were exact replicas of the sample questions. The driving test took about 10-15 minutes. It followed much the same route that we took to get to the office, so there were no surprises. There were a few right turns and a few left turns. We then went down a side street and had to back straight up for a few feet. No markers or anything to drive between, just straight back. And that's it. Really nothing we hadn't done before. But boy, was it a huge relief to get it over with. I think we were more anxious than we realized because we were both exhausted that night. That was the last of our many "chores" to do before settling down for the summer and we now feel free! After all, that's what this lifestyle is all about. Although we do have a deadline to reach California, we have given ourselves more than enough time to get there, so we can just take the slow and easy route. We can finally follow the advice that so many have shared with us...slow down, relax and enjoy the journey.

So we are now on our way out of Texas, slowly. This is one big state! Of course we are practically going from the southeastern corner to the northwestern corner so no wonder it's taking forever. We planned Monday to be a pretty short day, knowing that we would have a late start due to our driving tests. We spent the night in Meridian, TX, just a bit oustide of Waco. It was about a 4 hour day, covering about 200 miles. We overnighted in the Bosque Bottoms RV Park and were the only ones there, other than the camphost. It was very park-like,serene and peaceful...
...until the trains started rumbling through in the middle of the night and the gunshots (not too close) around 6 am. OK, time to get up! We were back on the road by 8.

Today we made it to Lubbock, which was just over 300 miles. We could have probably gone further but are trying to stick to our 300-mile rule. Besides once we pass Lubbock, there wasn't too many other options for another 100 miles or so and that would be too long. So we pulled into an RV park along the highway around 2 and have had a relaxing afternoon. It's nothing special (not even worthy of a picture), but the rate is good and it's reasonably clean. And hopefully there will be no gunshots tonight!

Tomorrow will be a slightly longer day as we have targeted a Corps of Engineer campground north of Albuquerque. It is more our type of place - on a lake in the woods. We plan to spend 3 nights there, hopefully getting in some good hiking. I think we'll all (Hunter included) be ready for some good exercise by then. We're not sure of our exact route beyond that, but have a general idea. We'll find some other interesting places to spend a day or two along the way.

Lastly, I would like to wish my soul mate a happy anniversary. 8 years ago today we exchanged rings in a very private ceremony (just the 2 of us) on the shores of Shadow Mountain Reservior in Grand Lake, Colorado. If someone had told me back then where we'd be and what we'd be doing in eight years, I never would have believed them. It is still surreal. But one thing I can say without a doubt is that there's no way I would be here without Tracy. No, it's not because she coerced me and is dragging me down the road kicking and screaming. (None of you would believe that anyway, would you?) I'm not even sure I can "blame" her (er, I mean give her credit) for coming up with this idea initially. But one of the most important things that I think we provide to each other is the courage to believe in our dreams. I've never been able to be so open and honest with anyone else and I think we both believe that we can achieve anything, as long as we're together. I can't wait to see what the next 8 years bring!

9 comments:

  1. Great news on the driving tests! I knew you could do it.

    Congratulations on the anniversary. Best wishes for many, many more years together.

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  2. Congratulations on two BIG events!!! So glad your driving test is over and successful
    (as I figured it would be). Now you can enjoy being free of that burden!

    Contratulations on your anniversary....may you two have many many more wonderful years together.

    Now just sit back and truly enjoy the journey.

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
    http://freedom2roll.blogspot.com

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  3. Rod and I are so proud of you two for passing the test :), not that you ever had anything to worry about. But, we do understand the presuure of having to prove those skills.

    Happy anniversary Connie and Tracy! You compliment eachother so well. Your combined strength and sense of adventure can only move you both in a positive direction from here on. :)

    I will tip my glass to countless years of happiness to you both!

    Connie

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  4. congrats and here is to you next eight years...

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  5. Now you're really on your way!!! Congrats!

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  6. "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY"

    Congraduations on starting your new journey. We are so excited for you. Be Safe
    Dawn & Denise

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  7. Congratulations on your test and your anniversary. We are having such fun following our progress, we are a few months behind you but can't wait to truly be on the road!

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  8. Congratulations on your anniversary! Congratulations on passing your tests (never any doubt)! and Congratulations on leaving Kerrville with a dream a few short months ago then making it happen!

    Now, go out and have a nice steak dinner and bring Hunter a doggie bag.
    --Rod

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  9. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

    Congrats on the driving test I know it's a load off.

    Gin

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