Where has the passion for the outdoors gone? The lust for adventure and experience, when did we turn our back on nature and everything she has to offer? I’m not speaking about “us” of course. The mere fact that you are reading this means that you undoubtedly know, understand and respect the road and everything you see on her. It doesn’t matter, if you are a weekend warrior or full timer; when I mention the hills, the valleys, the people, the wildlife…I can keep going…the colors, the twists and turns. You know exactly what I’m talking about. The mile markers, you just pictured one in your head, didn’t you?
We have an amazing system of National Parks, Forests and Preserves, why aren’t we visiting them more? Soon there may be nothing left to visit. What’s keeping us from pulling away from the city every now and then, and jumping into our new motorhome, travel trailer or fifth-wheel to commune with nature?
Is it the misconception that camping, RVing, or “roughing it” is tough? You know as well as I do that the smallest amount of effort is worth the thousands of memories it produces.
That is something that I feel has been lost. Of course, even RV Nana is susceptible to the traps of modernity as I write this in my kitchen, on my computer. All the while there is an ancient and beautiful night sky to behold just outside my window filled with stars who’s light we see on Earth is already billions of years old. Unfortunately, I can’t be on the road all of the time, regardless of how much I try.
Don’t you think it’s time for the general public to open their eyes again, as they did during the National Park initiatives in the 50’s and The Highway Beautification Act of October 22nd, 1965. That it’s time to really recognize our shrinking National and State Forests? See it now, before it’s gone. Spend the night and listen to the sounds. Get away from grind. You know that and I know that, but millions don’t, and that’s a shame.
If you landed here by accident and made it this far into reading this: when was the last time you heard a cricket? A woodpecker? Nothing? If you had to think, it’s been too long. Get a pop-up tent trailer and take your first family camping trip. Trust me, kids who grow up outside a little more, understand life a little more.
Now, don’t go knocking the X-BOXY-DO-DAD out of your kids hand, but instead, start talking to them about camping and the outdoors. Check out GORVing.com. It’s a perfect starting point.
So, now to all of the rest of you: The RVers. I just hope I re-inspired you a little to prep that rig and take a trip soon. And for those of you who who already on the road and have that campfire in your belly, well, thanks for reading and understanding the importance of keeping our outdoor culture alive. Maybe, just maybe, 1 person will read this, get a new or used RV and take his family on that very first trip whereby introducing a future generation to the RVing and the outdoors.