On the Road with Echo: A Journey of Change and Discovery
As I pack up for a nine-month adventure across the states, the thought of leaving behind any semblance of my usual life brings both a sense of excitement and a hint of apprehension. Yet, there's one aspect of my life that remains non-negotiable: Echo, my spirited one-year-old Labrador Retriever. The decision to bring her along wasn't just a preference; it was imperative. The thought of her staying with a boarder or even family felt unthinkable. Our RV adventure signifies more than a journey; it's a testament to our inseparable bond and shared quest for new horizons.
Echo isn't new to the traveler's life. Since fetching her from a breeder in Vermont, near the Canadian border in April 2023, she's been my constant companion, traversing the East Coast with unmatched zeal. Named in memory of my last Labrador who passed away at 14 in 2022, Echo indeed embodies the spirit of her predecessor, bringing joy and companionship to every mile we cover.
Relocating to North Carolina without settling due to the turbulent housing market, I chose to embrace this transient lifestyle fully. We pared down our possessions, determining what was truly essential and what we could let go of. The exercise was revealing, shedding light on the material clutter that often fills our lives and distracts us from what truly matters. Preparing for this journey, I felt the weight of unnecessary belongings lift, making room for experiences, connections, and the open road ahead.
This isn't my first dance with RV living. Growing up, RV trips were a staple of family vacations, fostering a love for exploration and the outdoors. Yet, this journey with Echo marks a new chapter, towing a travel trailer for the first time, behind my trusted Toyota Tundra. This truck, a departure from my brief flirtation with electric vehicles, suits our nomadic needs perfectly, equipped with high-tech features like towing backup assist, which I'm eager to master. As someone who loves diving into the latest tech and happens to teach technology, I'm always on the lookout for cool innovations. For anyone curious about the neat features of my Toyota Tundra, like the Backup Assist, I stumbled upon a great video that breaks down how it works: Toyota Tundra Backup Assist Demo. Keep an eye on my upcoming posts – I’m excited to share some of my experiences and maybe even create a few videos showing how we’re using these tech features on the road.
The heart of our adventure lies in connecting with communities across the country, especially in these post-COVID times. It's a chance to move beyond digital interactions and witness firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities in each locale. This journey is about more than sightseeing; it's about deepening our understanding of the diverse landscapes and people that make up our nation. It's about discovering how we can contribute to and learn from the communities we visit, enriching both our lives and theirs.
We're embarking on this journey not just for adventure but to make a meaningful difference. If your community is hungry for change, eager to explore new possibilities, or could benefit from our visit, we're just an email away. Connect with us at tour@wctd.org and let's explore how we can make a positive impact together.
Join Echo and me as we set out on this journey of discovery, change, and connection. Through every town visited, every road taken, and every new face met, we carry with us the belief that change is not merely an end but a beginning. A beginning of new experiences, unexplored paths, and untold stories waiting to unfold, and we will be telling every story through our America Tour Blog page. This journey is an invitation to all who dream of making a difference, one mile at a time.
Let's hit the road together.
Thank you to our National Sponsor Apex Systems
