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A year in my Roadtrek

| Updated Dec 18, 2013

It's that time of year when we look back at the year now ending. For me, 2013 ended up being a great year for me after a rocky start. My step-father died Dec. 30th. He was a great man who had raised me since I was 9 years old.  I also had some mysterious tumors in my lung so had a chunk taken out in February.  Not fun – 5 days in the hospital during a blizzard- but they turned out to be some weird anomaly and nothing serious! Yay! This after 6 months of wondering if my breast cancer had come back.

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We traveled the country in this beautiful RV!

Two weeks later, I hit the road in my Roadtrek camper van and the healing began.  Studies show that nature and being outdoors is good mojo mentally, physically and spiritually. Not to mention, the love and support of friends and family. I got all that and more!

There were a few bumps along the way- a few vehicle issues like fuel lines and some tennis ball sized hail. My dog, Ruka, got very sick and almost died in Idaho. But people took care of us the whole way. Perfect strangers gave me hugs, offered help with the van and Ruka is fit as a fiddle after the folks in Salmon, Idaho and a local vet (who is a goddess as far as I'm concerned) took us into their care. Then my friend Vic had a heart attack on our horse trip. Fortunately, he is also back in the saddle!

I visited friends, went to the corporate Roadtrek rally and enjoyed two more casual Roadtrek meet ups – 14 states, 14 weeks and 20,000 miles.  I met amazing people, many of whom I now consider “family” and I saw some incredible sights. So here is my wonderful year in 9 minutes.

Safe journeys to you and happy holidays!

Mike Wendland

Published on 2013-12-18

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

25 Responses to “A year in my Roadtrek”

October 23, 2014at9:11 am, Marlene Evatt Ansley said:

I envy you all. Would love to travel like this!! 🙂

October 22, 2014at11:46 am, Judy Kaye Keen Lott said:

Would love to do a years traveling. However, my husband is just too large for the van. Couldn’t afford gas for a larger RV.

October 21, 2014at11:53 pm, Mary Hannah said:

I’m planning on doing a road trip in three years and follow NASCAR for a whole season

October 21, 2014at9:53 pm, Roberta Robinson Grissett said:

Thanks for sharing. Thankful that all is well!

July 24, 2014at10:34 am, Phyllis Trantham said:

Where can you rent ?

July 22, 2014at10:23 pm, Trena Allison said:

I had a roadtrek and miss it. I pull a 5er now.

July 22, 2014at9:46 pm, Micheal Mora said:

Yes Michelle

July 22, 2014at9:41 pm, Michelle Upham said:

Stupid question…. Can these be rented like the big motor homes?

July 22, 2014at9:36 pm, Stephana Clark Burkett said:

When I win the lottery…..

January 08, 2014at3:47 pm, Judy Blackwell said:

What a beautiful video of your travels, Laura. Our life story is very similar. From the age of 13, I was raised by a fantastic stepfather, who passed away in March 2009 at the ripe age of 99. I feel so blessed to have been able to share in his life and have such a role model. You are living what I have only be able to dream about. I love to travel and would love to be able to afford a motorhome like the one you own and be able to roam the country until I am no longer able to go. I think my five children thought I had lost my mind when I expressed my dreams and aspirations to them. So for now, I just live my dreams through blogs such as the one you have so beautifully created and pray that I will someday be able to fulfill those dreams before I pass on. Many blessings and safe travels to you.

December 23, 2013at6:14 pm, Rick Ashworth said:

Laura, what a great slide show and it is very obvious you are a talented photographer. only wish there was a way to slow it down so I could study the pictures. Too good to zoom through.

December 23, 2013at8:15 am, Jack in Jax, N3FYP said:

Thank you, Laura. Your video of your memories sparked lots of my own, so I got two videos in one. Best wishes on your travels in 2014.

December 19, 2013at12:38 am, John said:

Beautiful photos and a great story. I think there should be music credits though.

December 18, 2013at11:46 pm, Laura Robinson said:

Tim! Canada is on my short list!!!!! I’ve only made it as far as southern lake Huron at my brother’s place. There is a whole, gorgeous country to explore!!!!! (and I am just lucky enough to know “people” up there! Hint, Hint!)

December 18, 2013at7:49 pm, Morning Star said:

Well, that was just beautiful,makes you want to never come home. Second star to right & straight on til morning…………Peter Pan Morning Star

December 18, 2013at7:17 pm, Tim Mallon said:

Wonderful montage of memories, Laura. Carol and I are so glad to have met you in 2013 and hope that your 2014 video has more memories of Canada in it. 🙂

December 18, 2013at2:45 pm, Ellie said:

Amazing. Love all the photos. You have breath taking nature and bird pictures. Thanks so much. May your travels be as spectacular next year….and years to come. Thanks again.

December 18, 2013at2:26 pm, Linda Rupp said:

Thank you so much for sharing… What great Joy to watch this!!!! That’s Living!!!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year:)

December 18, 2013at1:09 pm, Bonnie Albrecht said:

Wow . My little boy has Cancer. He asked for one of these from Make A WIsh Canada . He wanted to Roadtrip across Canada and U.S. When he finishes treatment in June 2014. Unfortunately they can’t grant a Road Trek not in the budget. I loved watching your adventure and will show him another Cancer Warrior.

December 18, 2013at11:44 pm, Laura Robinson said:

Thank you, Bonnie. Yes, as Cathy R. said, “…each day is precious.” I send my very best wishes for your son and family.

December 18, 2013at12:10 pm, Cathy R said:

It gave me goose bumps watching this! A beautiful reminder of what a wonderful world we live in and how each day is precious. Happy holidays and thank you for posting.

December 18, 2013at12:08 pm, Barbara K said:

Wonderful experience and wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing. I plan to do this in a few year’s time. You make me want to go now!!!

December 18, 2013at12:01 pm, Nancy said:

Loved you year in review pictures, What a great way to heal the soul! May you be blessed this Christmas and enjoy a wonderful year of travels in 2014.

December 18, 2013at11:44 am, KathyB said:

What a wonderful year you had, that video sure made me smile and want to go. Thank you so much for sharing. Hope you have a Merry Christmas, and Happy Trails in 2014.

December 18, 2013at11:27 am, Maureen said:

Wow Laura. What a wonderful gift you have made to the Roadtreking followers. Christmas blessings to you all!

Comments are closed.

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