The Great West Trip: What Wasn't Said

In closing this series, there are a few things I left unsaid while writing these posts. If you personally know us, then most of these won't be a surprise.

1964- November 11, 2023

1. This trip almost didn't happen. Robert was diagnosed with colon cancer on January 27, 2021. While he did fantastic with chemo, the cancer began to catch up with him in May of 2023 when he began to undergo paracentesis to relieve fluid in his abdomen. While we were at my sister's house at the beginning of the trip, he didn't feel well and we discussed going home so he could undergo the procedure and we would start the trip again. He was insistent that we continue. I think he knew this would be our final trip with Maeve Anne. 

2. Robert spent most of the time in the van. I know we missed out on a lot of things because of his inability to get out and walk around. I was unaware of how badly he felt during the trip. That just means I need to go back out west and do those things in his memory. This was also a factor in the decision to travel from Billings to Yellowstone and not continue on to Banff. It was also a factor in why we didn't boondock as much as I thought we would. Looking back, I'm sure he wanted to make sure we were near a highway/interstate and had cell service in case of an emergency. If you look back at Part 5, you'll notice that I glazed over our day in Salt Lake...that's because we spent the day in the ER so Robert could have a paracentesis. 

3. I sold Maeve Anne. She did great on the trip and I wasn't having any trouble with her, but the thoughts of "what if" and not knowing how to take care of her caused me great anxiety and stress. Without Robert, I knew I would not need the 4-wheel drive; I don't need a van of that caliber when I won't be boondocking or going off-grid. I looked at an Entegra Arc online but decided against it since 2024 is its first year. If I feel the need to camp I have the Gazelle Tent and Gazebo, along with my comfy cot. 

4. This doesn't mean the end of "Flyin' the Coop". I plan to keep my promise to Robert by traveling and seeing the things I've only dreamed of. He nurtured my adventurous side; the side of me I didn't even know I had! So stay tuned for more adventures.

This was a gift from a group of friends.