Q: When is the perfect time?
A: Who can say, but probably somewhere between haste and delay – and it’s usually most wise to start today.
– Rasheed Ogunlaru
Bottom Line Up Front: Rose and I have decided to retire early, buy an RV and travel the country for at least a year. We have begun the steps towards this process, including extensive and ongoing research, practice weekend RV trips, the slow process of downsizing, and most importantly, determining our “exit strategy.” We will start the
adventure in 22 months, sooner if my State Department contracted job ends earlier than expected.
Our family and friends have greeted this news with mixed reaction: some enthusiastically endorsing the idea, others expressing bewilderment, and more than a few feeling the latter but valiantly expressing the former. It’s OK, we understand. We are doing this because we can, because we want to, and because all of the things that might make such a move irresponsible for some are no longer relevant to us. I have a reasonable military pension, we have no debts aside from a partially paid off mortgage on a soon-to-be-sold condo, my kids are grown, and we have a burning desire to see everything. We are incredibly fortunate to be in such a position, and more than a few full time RVers are managing under much more difficult circumstances.
But we get the doubts. I had the same reaction a few years back when my Dad told me of his similar plan for Western and Midwestern U.S. adventure exploration. Why in the world would you want to live in an RV when you can just buy a quite affordable small house in, I don’t know, Utah, for Christ’s sake? It took a year or two to realize how perfect a plan it was, even more so for him given his actual “normally timed” retirement and mountain oriented wanderlust. And now we will probably beat him to the punch, though not by much.
Shell On Wheels 
We will live vicariously through you both. Who the heck wants to be “responsible”… urghhh how about boring.. Love you both xoxo
we will also live vicariously through you both if you can do it i say go for it life is way to short not to enjoy it or have regrets we also plan on doing more traveling and enjoying life because you just never know!! enjoy my friends live love and laugh and have some wine in between xoxoxo
Thanks to both of you for the well wishes!
We will for sure miss you but we are so excited for you both. Can’t wait to read and see all of the exciting, interesting and amazing places you will go and undoubtedly the crazy adventures along the way. Thankfully we have texts, blogs and video chatting so even when many miles separate us we can still be in touch. I wish you safe travels and the best time of your life. PS. Hope that RV is big enough for the Nieves family to come visit. PPS. We still have a lot of fun memories to make before you set off into the sunset. XOXO
Jack and Rosemarie, Let the Adventure begin! Love, OR
Thank you ladies 🙂 it’s 22 months away but it truly is a bitter sweet journey we are gearing up for! It warms my heart & helps me keep my eye on the prize knowing you all wish us well and will share the journey with us!!. Like Lisa said “Thankfully we have texts, blogs and video chatting so even when many miles separate us we can still be in touch” XoXo
This is so exciting ! I am happy for you guys. It will be an amazing experience and it ll bring great personal growth. You are very blessed to have this opportunity to witness all the different places that God has left for us to enjoy!!! Fasten your belt and enjoy the ride !! ;))
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