Date with Strangers

11 Comments

We had a little get-together at the pub the other day. We do these every now and again—inviting Bum friends to drop in and say hi face-to-face instead of through our usual virtual reality. People always ask us, “Isn’t it kind of weird meeting a bunch of people you don’t know, but that seem to know everything about you?” And the truth is that once upon a time it was, but after all these years we are totally over the awkwardness. And really, the best part of meeting new people through our site is that we already know that we’ve got some common ground. It isn’t anything like a blind date. “Ummm, do you like cats? You have five? I’m allergic. Should we order? What’s a vegan?”

More than one person commented to me during the party that they had a really good time meeting such interesting people, and I totally concur. We had cruisers, full-time RVers, vehicle-free cargo-bikers, dreamers, and schemers. Anyway, thanks to everyone who came out. And especially for bringing along the gaggle of kids.

Speaking of full-time RVers, why is it that there is no good word to describe them? Full-timers? That’s stupid. Nobody except other full-timers would ever have a clue what you were talking about if you called yourself that. Sailing has cruisers, and I think even the non-sailors out there could make an educated guess what you meant by the term. But full-timers? They need a new word.

We were going to head out of Portland today, but Lowe has been sick for a few days now and last night his cough suddenly kicked in. He didn’t get much sleep, and taking off and going to a county fair today didn’t seem like the best way to help him get over it. Mañana.

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It’s now been three days since I even touched the camera. A sure sign that it is time to hit the road.

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11 Comments on “Date with Strangers”

  1. “Turtles” would seem like a good choice. They’re kinda cute, somewhat irritating on the freeway, generally slow when they come out of their shells, but sort of endearing (maybe from envy) all the same.

    Somehow I don’t see it taking off though.

  2. I believe there is a name for this…

    “RV Gypsy”

    If your a retired Canadian and head south in during winter, then you are called a “Snow Bird”. Lots of them go in RVs.

  3. We really enjoyed meeting you guys and many others that we had a chance to talk to. Like minded folks, cool. Ali was so genuinely sweet, especially to our little Gabriel. Good times. Thanks and happy trails, Suzie Dale and Gabe.

  4. I thought they used to be called gypsies “• a person who leads an unconventional life.” ;-).
    My vote would be Roamers. No particular place to go is always the best destination…
    All Smiles!
    G

  5. Forgot to ask if you have started marking Ouest and Lowe’s heights yet? Looks like you have a lot of marking real estate on your plywood walls… It was always fun as a kid to look back at dates and hight marks.
    G

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