I had envisioned spending the whole summer in one spot. Enjoying a sense of peace and quiet. Savoring our little slice of Island Life nestled amongst the trees, with its peek-a-boo view of the bay. Summering on the southwest side of Fidalgo Island. To being stationary for a while and reclining into a day-to-day routine that did not involve packing and unpacking, sightseeing, and lots of driving. I was looking forward to having the time to start and finish some much needed projects inside and outside of Betty Jo.

We have been back for three weeks now and I am feeling - ANTYSY! This surprised me, how much I needed to be on the road. I had a little inkling of being antsy while we spent a month in one location in Florida, but there was so much to see that it didn’t really take hold. Now, however, in a place familiar to us, it is hitting and hitting hard. I find myself craving to hitch up and just go. I have to often work hard to calm the antsy down. We had planned to do some short trips over the summer, but I was craving more than that…I wanted to hit the road and never turn back. Life doesn’t always cooperate and allow what we want to happen, as much as I want this, now is not the time.

The practical side of me says to be patient. To take this time to take care of business. I tell myself to be grateful. With gas prices soaring, the wild weather of Mother Nature roaring across the country, I tell myself this is where we are meant to be and to ride out the storm. The road will still be there come Fall. But still…the twinges of antsiness pinches me, reminding me — I am not finished, not yet.

For now, I will satisfy myself with short jaunts, looking back, and planning for what is to come.

In the meantime… Here is a look at some of our favorite spots.

1. THE WINDOWS - Out my window... I see a dream, a reality, incredible beauty, a moment of gratitude.

My favorite feature of Betty Jo (and any Airstream) are the windows - and there are a lot of them. Before I start my morning routine I open all the curtains to let the light burst in. I need LIGHT!! And, lots of it.

And, then there are the views from each window… a frame of nature’s beauty promising a day of greatness. As I open each curtain, I stop and take a moment to enjoy the view. I am filled with gratitude of what each day brings and the enjoyment I get from receiving.

As an RVer, one thing you can count on is CHANGE - in location, in landscape, in the weather, and your neighbors.  Often, when I open the curtains in the morning I will find a neighbor gone, or replaced with a new neighbor. The weather offers its own drama to the view or provides a stunning beauty that changes, oftentimes in minutes, leaving you breathless with awe and anticipation. Each location has its own rewards and contributes to the incredible view and journey we are on.

2. Her Name

In life, Betty was a feisty and adventurous woman. Born in 1924, she was far beyond her times, as a woman who enjoyed life and excelled in her career and adventures. A photographer, a sailor, a teacher, she lived her life to the fullest.

It is only right that Betty Jo, the Airstream, continues Betty’s adventurous spirit, taking us on travels we only dreamed about.

I am grateful to Betty for this opportunity and grateful that everyday I feel she is with us in spirit and still watching over us.

3.  Her shining beauty - inside and out.

Airstreams entice you with their beauty, their shining exterior, their quality, their aerodynamics. But it is not just her aluminum shell I admire – Betty Jo has a natural beauty, a shining quality of uniqueness, a sturdiness, and a protective nature providing us with a solid home, much like her namesake.

4. Towing - She’s a natural at it.

Betty Jo has a solid streak of independence but when being towed, she is a natural at following and obediently staying on course. Her aerodynamic figure makes her the perfect partner for our Ford F-250 (Jack) truck. Her low center of gravity keeps her weight balanced and easy to tow.

5. Her Quirks

I swear, Betty Jo (the Airstream) has the same personality as her namesake - she can be determined or stubborn, she loves attention, most importantly she can be PROTECTIVE and generous.

In this first year together, I have learned to recognize her various moans, groans, and creaks and what they mean. I can tell when she is satisfied and settled in her spot, and when she is not quite comfortable. She sparkles brilliantly when she has a bath. She enjoys (as much as I do) when we are able to open all the windows and let in fresh air. She revels in sunshine and is quiet in colder weather.

When we name something, it is no longer just a “thing”, we make a connection, and in Betty Jo’s case -  it makes her a home.

It has been almost a year since we bought Betty Jo. A year of learning, determination, crying,  laughter, stress, adventure… most importantly a year of living.