A question we must ask ourselves at some time.

[Killgore]

The other day as I bounded out of the cab of my truck at the state park dump station, an old man in an older RV in the other lane walked over to say 'howdy'. I tend to be jovial in nature with a smile that invites conversation:

"How you doin, Son?", it started. (I'm seventy.) The jest of the conversation was that he was 87 and still behind the wheel, enjoying life, and from all appearances doing pretty good.

Our conversation germinated the seed that I didn't want to see grow. You see I am a 'driver'; always have been, and I suspect I will always enjoy being on the road hammering down the asphalt from point A to point B. In my own mind I am only 23, just trapped in an old man's body. But the old gentleman forced me to consider when I'll have to get out from behind the wheel?

After retiring, some of us begin to question our mortality, perhaps become more spiritual, work on genealogy, and spend more time with the grand-kids trying to impart some desireable family traits and knowledge into the furtile little minds. I've done all of this but the most chilling and difficult thing that I have been forced to recognize and confront is that one day I will not be able to safely sit behind the wheel. For one reason or another Jennifer will take over my job and I'll just sit in the passenger seat, nap and drool, and wonder where the hell we are.

And so I am forced to ask a question of my older friends: Are you taking better care of your truck than yourself? Are you still on the road, and how old are you?

- Ed

 

[B.G. Smith]

Excellent question/topic. First, I probably take better care of my truck than myself? I am very particular about what I allow to be consumed by my truck(those things I have any control over). For instance I wouldn't put LSD in it if the regular diesel were available. I am 80 plus a few days and still enjoy driving (when I have an interesting destination). Not that crazy about going to the grocery store and all those other short but necessary trips. We plan on making a trip or two this year, maybe Colorado and Tennessee and Branson Mo. for a few days. For sure want to make a trip to Canton Texas for first Monday. I'm still comfortable driving the rig but just can't go six hundred miles in one day anymore. It is so nice when on a trip to come back to the trailer at night and not have to worry about who slept in the bed last night or what is in the carpet. bg

 

[Killgore]

BG, I'm impressed and you are an inspiration! I spent too many years on the road in sales and marketing, and I too appreciate sleeping in my own bed when on the road now. I also find it convenient to have my bathroom with me since coffee and some of my medications tend to make life exciting.
- Ed

 

[JR]

My grandfather travelled until he began having some health issues, he was in his mid 70s when he sold his motorhome. He took me on many trips during the summers when I was out of school, I have a lot of great memories with my grandparents. I was really bummed when he decided to put the motorhome up for sale, but he had a different outlook. His views were that he was very fortunate to have been able to afford the opportunity to travel and see and do things he had been wanting to experience his whole life. He grew up during the depression and always appreciated everything he had no matter how small or insignificant it seemed to me. I didn't understand much at the time, but I can appreciate his optimism now. Hopefully I will be able to do the same.

 

[jgillott]

BG, I'm impressed and you are an inspiration! I spent too many years on the road in sales and marketing, and I too appreciate sleeping in my own bed when on the road now. I also find it convenient to have my bathroom with me since coffee and some of my medications tend to make life exciting.
- Ed

:-laf Story of my life. We do a lot of traveling during the summer months. My Dr. told me once that it is a good Idea to stop every couple of hours and walk around to keep from getting blood clots. I broke in to laughter and told him that with the BP medicine he has me on, it wasn't a just a good Idea, it was mandatory.

 

[Killgore]

Hmmm. Now that I ponder the situation.... I eat a balanced diet, sometimes practicing moderation (good fuel). I do use a fuel enhancer/additive that I limit to the prescribed rate of two drinks per day of 10 year-old bourbon. I get regular servicing by going to the doctor or garage every six months whether I need it or not. And, I don't hot rod around and spin my wheels anymore, not that I could. Some would say that I run myself like I drive my truck; no short hauls, just long steady pulls, enjoying the road. I think my truck and I have a lot in common!
- Ed

 

[Dieselnerd]

I'm 78 and I like to think I take as good care of myself as I do my trucks. I still take long trips and drive from MN to AZ and back every year. My mother still drove her car alone from New Mexico to Minnesota and back in her late 80's.

I often wonder when it will catch up to me. I still hike, ride bicycle and also ride my Harley. I gave up motorcycling not long after I retired in 1990 but missed it so much that I went out and got another one a few years later. I don't take medications for anything, just vitamins and avoid eating junk food. I lift weights and try to maintain my strength and a healthy weight too. I know I won't live forever but I want to keep going as long as I can.

 

[JSoloman]

You all are the inspiration that keeps me reading this forum, knowing the advice I receive comes those who are far wiser and have experienced it ahead of me. I am fortunate to have been able to enjoy my career and retire young. I am a mere 57 and feel that I am only getting warmed up. I am in hopes you have many great driving years ahead. Statistics are currently showing the over 65 group are safer on the road than those younger.

 

[jelag]

I'm 65.... almost feel like the baby here.... thanks guys.... wife and I have traveled either by camping... motels when on the motorcycle and now with a 5th wheel.... we spend 4 months a year on our summer home.... travel 2 months and than spend 4 months in the winter months.. and travel another 2.... you get the picture... but this summer we intend to take the 5er to Alaska.... this is our 3rd trip.. the other two were for 4 to 5 weeks in the summer on the Motorcycle.... this time it will be slower... but longer.... maybe our last trip...

I'm guessing that we'll do this a few more years.... taking care of the truck and trailer is a PITA sometimes.... but we've got a lot of national parks to see... and some volunteer spots picked out that we've not yet done....

Happy Trails to you... Until we meet again..

 

[JMetzger]

I am 78 years old & we have had to give up the RV as I am diabetic for 40 years, have COPD & had three back surgery's & my wife is not much better.. We still travel some but pulling the RV got to be to much. I now have a 32FT 1996 Holiday Rambler that I can't give away. We both really miss not RVing. We were doing good but moving to IN from the Carson City, NV area has really played h-- with both of our health. Would love to go back to NV.

 

[Killgore]

Jack, every life has its' seasons, and possibly you are in a new season that involves a slower pace, time with family and friends, and of course, an appreciation for the quieter and reflective times that are now available to you and your wife. Being a spiritual person, I don't hesitate to confront it, only considering it another challenge that must be met, dealt with, and enjoyed. I too, am a diabetic, had a heat stroke with no real side effects that forced my early retirement at 68, and have been on BP medications since I was 26. All that being said, I still am excited about each new season that comes, and of course, I wish blessings on you and your wife.
- Ed

 

[JMetzger]

Thanks ED That was very thoughtful. Up until a year ago I still played the Organ at church & played in a Gospel group, but since almost all churches have gone to the newer music I don't play any more. Still play the old Hymns & Gospel songs at home.

 

[Killgore]

JSoloman, thanks for the kind wishes. I was very excited about retiring when I finally did, but after about three months I found myself missing the folks I use to work with. My wife works during the day and I spend too much time talking with the dogs. "I want to eat; let me out; let me in, etc. ".

Cranking up and heading out with the camper in tow gives me a lot of pleasure because I plan ahead, research where I'm going, and then what I'll do when I get there. It's something to look forward to, and I believe that all of us probably establish these goals either short-term or long-term, and it keeps our minds active and engenders some excitement.

Next year in May or June we will make the ultimate pull up to Alaska. I hope that I run up on some TDR members who will be making the trip about the same time. Actually, I'm hoping that there will be another Tour of the CMEP around the first of June next year and I would tie it all together and leave from Columbus convoying with others headed north. Hmmm...
- Ed

 

[SnoKing]

I turn 70 in June and posted just this morning or yesterday, or was it the day before, that I hope the DW and I can continue RVing and snowbirding for another 10 years or so based on health.

Had the transmission in the truck repaired and new TC installed, after finding broken hard parts in the pan when I went in to replace Governor pressure sensor and solenoid. Buttoned it up and return the parts and took to a professional.

Then I changed the engine oil, diff oils and adjusted the valves myself. Got a list other items to service including new brake fluid and sound deading under carpets. I like it that I know the quality of the work and who to talk to if there is problem.

Do my own service on the Cummins B150's in the boat also. Chris

 

[Killgore]

Chris, you and I are on the same page. I do my own maintenance and the installation of the after-market items that I know I would be unable to live without (?). Paying $100/hr to the local yahoo while he learns about diesel engines on my ticket and then doesn't tighten things up, etc. is unacceptable. I am blessed by having a good transmission shop close by, and a neighbor who doesn't mind answering dumb questions and taking over the wrenches when I get frustrated.
- Ed

 

[B.G. Smith]

. I like it that I know the quality of the work and who to talk to if there is problem.

Reminds me of an old fellow employee who was in charge of the area where scrap and equipment which might be used again were stored. Folks would often visit him on the job and observe him talking to himself. Someone asked him why he was talking to himself, his reply, "Well when I'm talking to myself, at least I'm talking to an intellegent person". My sentiments exactly. bg

 

[Killgore]

BG, I'd be willing to bet you have a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face all the time. Some would probably call you dangerous.
- Ed

 

[BLNRAY]

I am 62 and i am a driver,i drove over the road tractor-trailer for a number of years,have driven thru every state in the lower 48,hauled every thing from autoparts to zebra's.Got out of trucking some years ago and now work as a mechanic,have a 03 with 396,000 plus miles i take pretty goo care of i also take good care of myself,maybe in acouple more years will get back on the road again,i really like it out there.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I read an article the other day talking about an elderly man rescuing this younger person from a dire situation. The article went on to say the elderly man was 65 years old. I said ELDERLY MAN? I am nearly 65 and I do not consider myself elderly! Would you?

 

[Killgore]

Jumbo, you're just a young squirt! :-laf But in truth, I think all of us have an age that we think and attempt to perform at. This is where we get into problems: fixing the shingles on the roof, climbing up and down ladders, and chasing young women. (I gave up chasing young women several days ago.)

I asked my mother what it felt like to be 89. In her slow and proper Mississippi dilect without hesitation she replied,"Edward, I am a young woman trapped in an old person's body". She continued to ride horses with me until she was nearly eighty, had a brilliant mind and fire in her eyes. She and my father both lived to be 93.
- Ed