MinT Photography
Vici Amanti
Letter from Rick
It’s been a long time coming, but I’m back. Writing has never been something that came easy. The first draft gets my thoughts down, while the follow-up drafts fine-tune my writings to something readable. Anyway, the loss of Susan put a screeching stop to my writing. However, I did try to put one additional issue out last July but it was sub-par, so I stopped writing rather than put out garbage.
During that time, many changes were taking place, I decided to sell the house and with encouragement from my sister, decided to buy an RV and become a full-time RVer in Florida. I’ll admit it was a little scary at first, but with her support, I now love my new life.
So what’s next? I’m slowly getting the feel of how a full-time RVer lives and moves about the country. I’m currently a volunteer for the Florida State Parks system. Recently I joined the Virginia State Parks system and in April of 2022, I’ll be heading west to perform camp host duties in Dead Horse Point State Park in Utal. A very exciting opportunity indeed.
There will be a slight difference in the content of my magazine. I won’t focus so much on motorcycle travel as before. My travels, no matter the mode of travel, will be how I will share my adventures. Also, I don’t know if there will be a standard pattern to their releases, but I will try to put them out as I deem beneficial to me and my readers.
My comeback issue will include a couple of woman who travels about the country. Her name is Cindy Atwell Noe, a new full-time van dweller. I think you will enjoy reading about her.
Also, I’m including my motorcycle trip out west. It was truly an unplanned adventure. In the following issues, I’ll write in more detail what I discovered about each state. So looking forward to this part as I’ll use my writings for planning RV adventures!
So sit back and enjoy! I’ll do my best to bring you quality and fun reading. Who knows, it might even inspire you to get out and ‘Ride America’!
I'm thankful for my readers who follow me on my travels. I love telling my stories and hope you enjoy them.
On the Cover
108 Stirrup Ln - After the loss of Susan, my wife of 33 years, change was inevitable. So, I sold my house and contents bought myself an RV to begin chapter two of my life.
New Beginnings
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
I think there’s a saying about nothing that can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. Even though the dying process was slow, her death came suddenly. It was several months before I knew how sudden that would be. Would I be prepared for her death?
Her last wish was to see the ocean one more time before her journey home began. Emily arranged for her to stay in a nice condo at Hilton Head. Emily, Vickie, Val, and I spent a few days with her. Susan loved the beach and thank you Emily for making that possible.
Another wish was to have crab legs for dinner while we were there. Emily and I went out and bought her a pound of them. Oh happy she was. I think I was as happy as her to see the joy on her face.
As time went by, I could sense Susan get weaker and struggling to keep the smile on her face she was so well known for. We all agreed that she needed to make a trip to her doctor as soon as possible.
Long story short, her Dr said the time was here. She decided the Tuesday following that visit to discontinue taking the one medicine that was keeping her alive.
I had promised her I would not leave her side. Each day I watched her slip further and further away, as her breathing becoming more shallow. She loved hymns and I sang as many of them as I could remember, hoping in some small way it would give her comfort.
I didn’t hear her last breath, but I was right by her side. Next would come informing hospice she had passed and watch them take her through our house door for her final ride.
We had good times and a lot of bad times the final few years, but we did love each other in our own special way that no one would or could understand. I still miss her, but I rest knowing that she came back to show me she was fine. I’m so thankful for that blessing the Lord allowed me to have.
I had to give Mitzi up to Emily knowing that I wouldn’t be able to give her the love and attention that Emily could give. She also had another dog that would keep her company.
I miss my little buddy. Mitzi is a Shitzu Emily and I gave Susan as a companion. We walked twice a day in the neighborhood. Love this little dog!
The Decision
Months after Susan’s passing I was still not sure what to do with the rest of my life without her. Should I sell my home or keep making payments on it and relive all the memories that were within the four walls?
Many prayers were sent to God. I needed to know from Him what I should do. One day that prayer was answered. Sell everything and trust in Him. So that’s what I did. Of course, I wanted Emily’s blessings on selling the house. She agreed and plans were put into action.
With Vickie’s help (actually her leadership) everything was sold or given away. Susan even appeared to Vickie one night and talked about how well the yard sale was going. I know, you think I’m nuts, but she did. Susan even appeared to me while I was standing in the driveway one day. I really did see her through God’s blessing.
So all there was to do at this point was to load up my bike and head south with Vickie.
Was I nervous? Yes. Did I have doubts? Yes, but as the song ‘Carry on’ by Boston says, I carried on. Each and every day brings a new adventure. Susan will remain in my heart and mind forever. One day I will see her again.
Florida Bound
Cindy Atwell Noe - Off the Grid
Never did I imagine how my life would change as a Florida state park volunteer. I have met so many interesting people that have restored my love for nature and adventure. One such person is Cindy Atwell Noe. I’m always curious about how and why people do what they do and Cindy was no exception. Read on to get some insight into Cindy’s 12-month plan that got her to this point.
SFTR - When did you decide to pursue your new beginning?
Cindy - I first decided to do van life in June 2019 after my sister told me about the Solo Woman Van Dwellers Facebook page. I joined the group and read the posts for 2 months and realized the women in this group were so empowering and helpful with building out vans that I knew that was going to be my new life style. Women are strong!
SFTR - Did your family approve of your decision?
Cindy - My family - Mom and Dad think I am nuts... but if that’s what you want to do. The kids 45, 43 and 35 yrs old thinks it’s cool. They support me. My friends all are jealous and wish they could do it too. When I planned this new journey, I never took into consideration my family or friends feelings or thoughts. It was something I wanted to do for ME! I had a friend tell me that she was bumming cause she was losing me as a close friend of 30 years or more. The same with my neighbors I had lived next to for 31 years. I am glad they all supported me, as I am parked in their yards when I am in town.
SFTR - Why did you choose a van to travel around instead of some type of RV?
Cindy - I chose a van because i had no money saved to purchase an RV. The van is a 2000 Ford Econoline E-150 and when purchased in September 2019 it had only 57,000 miles on it. And it was in immaculate condition and I paid $2500.00. After watching the builds on the SWVD page I had to build the van out like I wanted it. Simple! I also want to be stealth and park anywhere even in the city.
SFTR - I've seen your van. I was quite impressed with what you've 'done with the space'. Were these changes planned or the result of necessity? Would you elaborate on the changes you made? What solar additions have you made? Do you use a generator too?
Cindy - Well yesterday we unhooked Mr controller and put the white box on. My solar is putting out loads of power but we can’t figure out where it is “leaking”
SFTR - What’s a Jackery
Cindy - This is it. It has its own solar panel too.
SFTR - Any other epiphanies that you have gotten while making your modifications?
Cindy - The changes I make on the van now will be to make living in it the best! I now know that I don’t need 80% of the clothes I brought or kitchen stuff. Eliminating these will free up room for stuff I need and enjoy.
STFR - Thank you Cindy for sharing your story! I look forward to following you on your new journey!!
Update - Cindy and her brother have since made an 11 week adventure across the US. As she put it ‘….11 week journey is complete! We stayed at many Walmart’s, rest areas, dispersed land/BLM land, State and National Parks, Corp of Engineers campgrounds, a few friends houses along the way and a few Air Force FamCamps! ‘
That is awesome Cindy! I’ll see ya on the road!
The Vehicle
What’s Inside
This is the dometic cooler/ freezer that I have. It’s charged daily by my solar panels
Some Reno’s
Cindy, I see you’re doing some reno to your van. I don’t think there was hardwood floors before. I can see why the carpet is history. Dirt can be a real issue when most of our time is spent on trials and campgrounds. I’d like my carpet gone in my rv. We’ll see.
The changes I make on the van now will be to make living in it the best! I now know that I don’t need 80% of the clothes I brought or kitchen stuff. Eliminating these will free up room for stuff I need and enjoy.
See ya off the grid!
Courtesy of MinT Photography
Victoria Amanti
Riding
When we meet again
Beginning the next issue, I’ll begin sharing my motorcycle journey out west in the ’Riding America’ segment.
I think you’re going to like it.
So much more to share in my next issue. So be sure to come back and see where I’’ve been and where I may be going.
Until we meet again!
