It is with a heavy heart we announce today the temporary suspension of our travels across the country due to the ever developing coronavirus situation.
It has become apparent in the last few days that travel between states, venues, etc. is not in the best interest of everyone’s safety.
We set out on this trip to experience the backroads of America, and that includes meeting and speaking with so many wonderful people along the way. With that in mind, we certainly don’t want to jeopardize anyone’s health by continuing to travel during this current situation.
We are 100% healthy and feeling great, but simply cannot risk the chance of being a carrier or spreading this as we travel.
As of today, we are placing the trip on hold until further notice. It is our hope in the coming weeks or months that the situation will improve, and we can resume what up until today has been an amazing journey.
In the meantime, we are heading back to our farm in Ohio to wait and see what the coming weeks will bring.
We hope everyone will understand why we are taking these actions, and we certainly hope and pray for everyone affected by this virus now and in the coming weeks.
The dream is far from over, just on hold!
Thank you so very much for being a part of this amazing journey. Moving forward, we will post a single weekly update on the status of the trip.
Thank you to all for understanding!
Jim and Mary
Hi this is the lady from Ohio you met in the Charleston campground. I saw that you left here and sorry to hear your trip has bee suspended. At least you were in a convenient place to head for home. I am sure you will be able to finish this dream trip at another time! Safe travels!
So sorry for the need to do this but so proud of you for making such a difficult decision . I know your parents will welcome you back with open arms. Can’t wait for you to be able to complete your journey. Sincerely, Cora and Don Davies
I concur. You could probably also stand a break. Keerp up the good work!
Sad but necessary. Things will get better and I know you will continue your adventure. I’ve enjoyed the trip so much so far. Everyone stay safe and healthy.
How brave your decision. We will welcome you back to Ohio with open arms. I have loved your blogs and recipes and look forward to more when you can continue your trip. Travel back safely.
We all enjoyed your travels. We look forward to the continuation of your travel odyssey. I believe you did the sane and intelligent choice that everyone should be making today.
You all have made a smart decision for sure. Pray this subsides very soon. Not a good situation at this point though. Safe travels back home. Sure have enjoyed all your adventures.
A difficult, but wise decision. We don’t always get to do what we want to when we want to, and life sometimes throws in a detour or two along the way. Looking forward to your return on the road when the time is right.
You are making the correct decision. Have really enjoyed your travels. Thank you for sharing. Look forward to the time your journey resumes. Safe travels home.
I thought of you guys as the updates are getting more frequent and serious. I also believe that is the best course of action for now and hopefully you will be able to resume your trip when it proves prudent to do so. Being on your farm during this time must surely be a comforting thought.
Looking forward….Deborah
You are definitely doing the right thing!! ELeduc
I drove past your home today and everything looks great. It will be nice to have you back in Ohio, for now.
Are you doing the right thing ? of course you are .As an old and experienced traveler around Australia Travelling for some 8 years,off and on ( more on than off ) We had to cancel and return to base on a couple of occasions . There is an Australian saying “It is always good to get back on your own dung hill”. I have enjoyed your travels and look forward to when you get on the road again. Remember there is nothing like looking at Natures Television That is through the windscreen of your car.
So sad, but I completely understand your decision. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your travel updates as you have been on the road. Have a safe trip back to the farm, and stay well. Hopefully, you will be able to take up where you left off–sooner than you would even imagine! God bless you
I will miss your adventures, but I completely understand your decision. I am looking forward to following you in the future.
Safe travels home.
Sigh,…and as the saying goes, …“The best laid plans of mice and men”….and as hard and disappointing as it may be for you both right now, we really commend you for such an unselfish, wise, and thoughtful decision.
You’ve inspired us with your sense of adventure and your courage to live out your dreams and it’s been a real privilege to accompany you on this wonderful adventure so far.
We are looking forward to being “back on the road” again with you soon!
Thanks for an amazing “first half”….
Stay well. 👍💕
I really feel relieved that you’re going home and I knew as smart as you both are that you would go home. You have so many of us on your adventures with you that you both need to stay well so we all can finish the adventure with you. This will give you some time to start the book (can’t wait for it) so you won’t have so much to do after the end of the trip. Stay well and we hope to hear from you out on the road again soon.
Glad to hear that you’re heading home until this pandemic is more under control. I live in Canada & have enjoyed following you along on your journey. I felt like I was right there beside you two. Have a safe trip home.
We have been following your trip with interest from here in Tasmania, Australia. So sad to have to abandon it after achieving so much already, but you are no doubt doing the right thing by yourselves and everyone else. Wish you and all your fellow country men and women the best from Aussie.
John & Sue
on the bright side – it’s garden season – I hope there’s time to get your garden open and spend some time there.
Love you two no matter where you are!..have been living the dream with you and will look forward to continuing with you in the future!
As you said, your dream is simply on hold! Enjoy your time on your farm and catching up with family and friends. We’ll all look forward to a restart when the time is right for you. Safe travels.
Common sense is the rule during this time. You made the best decision and this is just a little “bump in the road” and you will be traveling again soon. Welcome home to Ohio. We just returned from a five week stay in Myrtle Beach and while it was nice to get away from the cold Ohio weather, it was good to be home again!
Good decision. We have been worried about you out there. Travel safe.
Thank you so much for” taking ” me to places I know I’ll never get to see. God bless & keep all of you healthy. Looking forward to hearing up dates!
Again, Thank you
Debra Karns
You’re trip has kept my nosey-busy-body self wondering what is next. I am glad you guys are being safe. It has been great reading all of your posts throughout the months. Now get Gardening!
Jim and Mary, I know it was a decision you didn’t want to have to make, but this has affected everyone in many different ways, including many of us (personally) here in Augusta with the recent cancellation of the Master’s Golf Tournament. You weren’t that far away and at places we love to visit! I was wishing I could meet you both! I’ve enjoyed and learned so much from your gardening, recipes, building of your home, and great advice and of course your great adventures from state to state! I’ll miss them too but know you’ll be back when the time is right. I bet you’ll be planting some things pretty soon though! Wishing you both well and look forward to hearing from you again soon!
I applaud your sense in these trying times. Take care of yourselves, we eagerly await the resumption of your adventure.
While this won’t make anyone feel any better about canceling trips, I have decided to not attend my own Mother’s funeral mass. It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision as I am over 70 and while I feel my immune system is strong, that is not enough as I also have hypertension and don’t want to have to battle this disease. So I understand your must do decision for your trip. Thanks for all the updates, its been inspiring.
I am sorry you have had to suspend your trip, but thank you for being thoughtful & caring folks.
Sorry I missed you when you were in Arkansas, but I am up in the north central part of the state. Still, hope to meet you one day, as do many of my Master Gardner friends.
Even though I have enjoyed reading about your trip and I couldn’t wait until Monday morning to read all about the places you have been, I truly understand and applaud you for your decision. Have a safe trip home and stay healthy. I enjoy your information on gardening and I have a notepad near so I can write your tips down. Thank you!
Oh No! I’m sorry to hear you have cut your trip short, but I fully understand. We are about to start full timing in April and are debating our next move. Technically we’ll be homeless as of 4/20/20 as our lease on our condo is ending. Thankfully we have family that we can go to stay with on their property (and in their house). My husband, Craig and I met you and your wife at Proctor’s Goat Farm in Florida several weeks ago. I hope you both continue to remain well and maybe one day our paths will cross again. We are ikigaiRV.com (website still under construction but live).
You know, you might be able to raid your freezer & cellar to find foods to dehydrate. Then you can bring your own homegrown snacks along when you venture out again. This situation sure smells lemon-y, so let’s all make some lemonade! Oh! And if you look around, I bet you can find some lovely flowers &”weeds” to make tea out of. Mmmm… lavender & elderflower tea before bed while watching the stars out west… Dried dandelion flowers to add to fritters for breakfast… I’m sure you get the idea. Danggit. Now I’m hungry. Safe travels & we’ll be cheering you on from Florida.
I moved and replaced my computer about the time you had decided to move from your lovely farm. Lost track of you, during my own move. So glad I found your site again yesterday! I need to catch up…Lindell now in Southern Oregon. 7th year developing my garden on a hard scrabble rock pile. Looking good now…💚🌍stay safe
Hello, Jim and Mary; Think I e-mailed you before, my husband and I made several trips doing what you are doing, seeing what you are seeing. Our youngest daughter also began a similar trip after they retired. They too are on hold in Florida. There was no sense going forward with most of the things they wanted to see and do closed. Their plans included a cruise with me to Alaska in May. They are making the best of it , like you planning on continuing after this pandemic is over. Enjoy what the Lord has given you and be healthy.