Born and bred in the Midwest, Becky & Ken traveled and camped around the United States as they raised their two daughters. A pop-up tent camper was the primary RV, initially pulled by a sedan and later by a full size conversion van. In 2002 a brand new 35’ Class A gas Newmar Kountry Star was acquired and they never considered going back to a pull behind.
Becky was a full time mom and when those duties became more advisory and less hands on, she became a professional market manager for a major consumer products company. She took an early out opportunity and retired in 2010.
Ken was a career federal employee, initially retiring at age 52, and then re-entering the job market in various capacities of lesser demands until fully retiring in late 2012.
Becky & Ken maintain a “sticks and bricks” (actually Stucco) residence in metro Phoenix, Arizona with no immediate plans to downsize or go full time. On the other hand…?
In June 2013 while getting ready to leave the “warm” Arizona summer, they decided to put their fully prepared to travel, 2002 Newmar on Craigslist for a week or so to see if it might sell. It did, in 4 days! Ken had been looking and hoping to move to a diesel pusher. He found the rig he wanted on RV Trader, contacted the owner, and in early July hauling their camping gear in a 8X8 UHaul trailer towed behind their Jeep Wrangler, Becky & Ken headed off to Arkansas to buy a 2009 Tiffin Allegro Bus 43 QRP from a private owner, sight unseen.
Everything worked out wonderfully. The new rig was as advertised. The owners were open, friendly, and honest. The deal was made and Becky and Ken headed off to Red Bay, Alabama, the Tiffin factory, for a quick look over before spending the next three months on the road.
In 2017 they sold their original Arizona “sticks and brick’s” home and bought another home in an active adult community in Sun Lakes, AZ. They love the active lifestyle!
This year, Becky and Ken turned 70 and are planning to spend considerably more time traveling and seeing this great country…and Canada too. They are not complete RV novices. They have traveled throughout much of the western United States and cross country to Florida on multiple occasions. In addition, they made the “Trip of a Lifetime” to Alaska by RV in 2011, 2012 and again in 2019.
No real specific future plans or requirements. No medical issues, work requirements, or geographic limitations. As grandparents there are certain heartstrings and familial ties that may cause travel to be extended, curtailed, or otherwise altered.