Our lap around the United States took us to 25 states in 61 days, covering 9,833 miles. We spent 58 nights in RV parks, state campgrounds and one federal camp. We stayed three nights in motels when the weather was just too much.
The average cost of our RV stays was $39. We paid $11 at a fantastic Corps of Engineers campground and $15 in Bowie, Arizona, which turned out to be one of our favorites. It was quite rustic, but charming. All our camps had at least electric and water hookups; most also had sewer. The high was $70, just outside Charleston, S.C.
Could we have done it cheaper? Sure, but we usually opted for location and convenience, which push the rent higher.
Weather. After riding out a tornado warning in Texas, Sue watched the alerts and we stayed away from anything labeled “severe.” That is one reason a few states in the middle are not colored in. We wanted to go up the east coast of Michigan, but winter in May kept us away.
Warm (70s and 80s), dry weather, with rare exception, took us east across the southerly route. It got cool and damp in North Carolina and remained that way much of the way home. But, we got some great weather in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.
So much for the statistics. It was our longest-lasting trip and we are sad to see it end. Sue is especially happy to be home, but we both miss our little trailer. It convinced us that RVing is a great way to see the USA. Overall, trailer life was easier and more fun than we expected. No, our blog has not been hijacked for advertising, that’s how we feel.
We learned you can’t see as much as you would think, but you will see much more without a bucket list. We traveled day to day without an itinerary. We drove for a couple of days, then stayed put for up to four days to explore an area without pulling the trailer.
The highlight? Spending most of a week with our son Chris and his girlfriend Gail in West Virginia, the hardest place to leave.
Surprises galore, but no regrets. Big Bend, New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Florida, Nashville. Nope, didn’t go there. Chiricahua, Bowie, Saguaro, Warm Springs, north central Indiana. All five stars, just jumped out in front of us!
Was it easy? Absolutely not, but the best trips have challenges. Call us crazy, but we think overcoming hardships is part of the joy of travel. Towing a trailer into a hard wind is no fun, but the smell of coffee from your own kitchen each morning is a dividend.
So, we have left the road behind, but just for a spell.
carryoncouple 
Obviously, quite a trip. Good to have you back in town. Can’t wait to hear all the stories.
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Thanks, Ken. Looking forward to seeing you and Debbie!
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We loved following your trip and can’t wait to hear all about it. Such an adventure! Lets talk soon.
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Thanks, Kathy! We are excited about our adventure trip with you and Doug in August!
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Welcome Home! We’re at Bullard Beach State Park near Bandon on the coast. Great weather!
Loved following you two on your blog! Thanks for all the great tips and info. See you Soon! Cheers! Jackie
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Thanks Jackie! Enjoy Bullard Beach. That was our first camping experience with the trailer.
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Na,Na,Na. I covered more territory with three teenagers and a smaller trailer. Of course, divorce followed.
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You have us there, Jim. Plus, you ended up with Pam, and we are so glad you did. (Nothing personal about your ex, but…)
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Reg you express yourself so well Charlie says you are eloquent I’m glad your trip was so successful and I agree the challenges make it interesting.
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Thank you, Carolyn and Charlie. Hope things are going well in Santa Barbara!
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I thoroughly enjoyed your travels. The pictures were amazing and I was inspired every time I opened your blog. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy trails-you certainly had some. Lori
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I so enjoy your blogs- almost like I am there with you! It was a fabulous trip for you! I’m just sorry we were not able to meet but maybe on your next trip!
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This is amazing! Just found your blog and I cant wait to read all of your posts about your trip. It looked like you had an amazing time – this is very inspiring!
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Thanks so much. It was an amazing trip. It looks like you are well on your way to inspiring travelers yourself!
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Loved all your posts – what a great adventure!
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Thank you guys. This has been my first venture in researching a potential travel trailer trip across the U. S. Your input is very helpful.
Thank you for taking the time.
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Glad it helped. We loved our trip!
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WV is the hardest state to leave. It will forever call you to return
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We are looking forward to a return trip to West Virginia…soon we hope.
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