Living On The Road Since 2014, The Gilberts Explain Why They Made The Decision And How Their Life Has Been Ever Since
In June of 2014, Kate and Iain Gilbert quit their jobs (although Kate continues to freelance), sold their home and possessions and, as Kate puts it “hit the road in a 27 foot Airstream trailer.” She continues, “we were both disillusioned by the corporate world we were in, working harder, never unplugging, all to pay for an increasingly expensive lifestyle. In our late 40's, we couldn't face another 10 to 15 years of the same. It was taking a toll on our happiness” So they decided to make, what they would call, “drastic changes.”
Kate and Iain had been working all along with their financial planner, and Kate said that the turning point came the day he told them that they were doing well and could look at retiring in their 50's.... IF they kept their jobs and salaries for another 5 to 10 years. After returning home and deciding that they just couldn't handle more years of long hours and cell phones attached to their ears, Kate and Iain got back on the phone to their adviser to see if, perchance, they sold their home (which was the main thing keeping them in their jobs anyway) and then had a drastic reduction in income, would it then work to leave their stressful jobs then and there, to begin full time RVing? When their adviser said yes, they put their home on the market and began making plans.
Originally moving to California from the UK, the couple finally had the weather that allowed them to enjoy the outdoors. They found that they enjoyed camping, starting out with a tent in 2008 then purchasing a 24 ft. Winnebago, they found that they could extend their weekend jaunts further into the season. Now, they were finally going to be able to live the good life....away from the stress of business cell phones, executive stress and being limited to weekend getaways and short vacations. Kate and Iain were now “full timers” and could live the life they dreamed, complete with family support of this “unconventional” lifestyle.
Kate says that although there have been many highlights in their travels...”too many to mention”, she says that the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was amazing and they were also able to attend the Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, where they camped at the track. However, they like San Diego the best, due to the warm weather. “But honestly”, says Kate, “the main highlight of the past 2 ½ years are the friends we have made on the road. We never expected to meet so many new people.” Kate continues “some we have just spent a few days with as our paths cross, while others we have met up with again and again.” Kate says that it has been a “wonderful and unanticipated element of our lifestyle.”
When on the road, Kate and Iain tend to stay in one place for about a week, then move on. “We tend not to have reservations unless it is the height of summer or a holiday weekend. We will stick around if we like where we are and move on if the weather is not favorable or cell service is lacking. So far they have returned back to San Diego pretty much throughout.
Of course, not everything in life is perfect, and living full time in an RV can also have its own issues. Kate says that their (tow) truck has had several tire punctures, and a major breakdown. When a sudden storm hit in Wyoming, they ended up with what is now known as “the awning incident”. However, all in all Kate says that these issues really have been no more difficult than issues they faced when they were brick and mortar home owners.
Although neither knows what the future holds, Kate and Iain have thought about eventually purchasing a piece of land in Central California where “we can build a little structure to accompany our Airstream home. Or, we may even move overseas for a while.”
Although Kate and Iain don't regret making their life on the road, they still want to visit other countries. When the itch comes, as with their Asian trip, the couple parks the Airstream and spent 6 months in Asia. Next year, however, they are planning to spend 3 months in Europe!. As Kate says, “we like to mix things up...”
When asked if they intend to continue being full time RVers, Kate replies, “We have thought about a piece of land in Central California where we could build a little structure to accompany our Airstream home. But no matter what we decide, travel will always be a part of our lifestyle.”
Kim Pezza
A graduate of State University Of New York At Fredonia with a BA in Creative Writing, Kim is an author for Hatherleigh Press [Random House] and Seaside Publishing. She enjoys camping, cheese making and historic crafts.
Make Sure To Check Out:
www.TalesFromTheScenicRoute.com, where the Gilberts blog and share their life with others all around the world.