Saturday, July 27, 2024

I DID IT ALL





I'm thrilled, fortunate, and grateful to announce that as of July 27, 2024, I've visited and spent the night in every state in the continental United States. This personal achievement has been incredibly fun, rewarding, and special.



"It always seems impossible until it's done." — Nelson Mandela


36 comments:

  1. What a great accomplishment, and how fortunate we all are that we could feel a part of it through your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. So glad you got a chance to read and enjoy them.

      Delete
  2. Congratulations!!! You did it. I was concerned about the wild fires in Washington and Oregon but obviously you skirted them successfully. Looking forward to seeing you in Lancaster and getting a first hand account. Drive Safe!! Tony

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tony. On my way to Sumpter, Oregon, I had my first encounter with a forest fire. Signs indicated the road was closed 5 miles ahead. Fortunately, just one lane was closed. An upcoming blog will have photos of what it was like driving through that zone. Billowing white smoke and low visibility.

      Delete
  3. So proud of you Charlie! Amazing!!! I will tell my dad when I see him tomorrow. - Kristin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kristin. Do give my regards to Dad. He is on my mailing list for blogs.

      Delete
  4. Congrats Charlie!! I’m so happy you reached your goal!! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
    Nettie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nettie. Glad you're enjoying them. You've got quite a few wonderful trips already taken and I'm sure, plenty more to come.

      Delete
  5. There was no doubt in my mind that you would achieve your goal. It took 2 RVs! I enjoyed your eloquent writing and pictures! Thank you for sharing and careful coming home! We all miss you! Sushi soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, DS. Glad you've found the time in your busy retirement schedule to read and catch up on my adventures. Think of you AND sushi often. One of my big TO-DO's when I eventually get home.

      Delete
  6. Excellent, Charlie!!! Good for you. You did it and we all knew you could and would. J&M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In the words of Vance Havner, a well-known American preacher and writer, "Death and old age can't hit a moving target." And that's just what I plan to do...keep moving (in my RV).

      Delete
  7. A job well done. Congratulations to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah Charlie! Be safe returning! Kathy & Ray

      Delete
  8. wholly cow - that's awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you BR. Have a ton of KOA campground maps for your future travels when I see you in September.

      Delete
  9. Ahh, well done! Now for the accolades: Time Magazine cover? The Tonight Show appearance? AARP story? Endless possibilities...
    So, how far is Alaska from CPP?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. Alaska? I looked into it. From were I just left, Olympic Peninsula, WA, to the first city in Alaska, Juneau, the only road up there would take me 37 hours, 1,733 miles. Maybe in my next life. From CPP? 3,842 miles, most of it through Canada.

      Delete
  10. Quite the accomplishment! Have a safe drive home and we'll see you in September. Congratulations, Gene, Sue, Gene Jr. and Stella!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, thank you, I think it was. Took about 10 years, but hey, when you have no life, this is a good one. Say hi to all and see you in September.

      Delete
  11. Many congratulations Charlie I'm proud of you!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. From a world traveler such as yourself and Adriana, that's a terrific statement. Thank you.

      Delete
  12. Well done! What’s next?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Well, I think I'll concentrate on New York State. There's over 850 campgrounds and no, I'm not gonna do 'em all but the state and county parks have been beautiful

      Delete
    2. Charlie's going to Nova Scotia with the Hudson islanders 2025!!!

      Delete
  13. Only you, Charlie. Only you! CONGRATULATIONS!
    BJ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Thank you. But I think there are a few million who have accomplished similar goals. Take Ray and Wilma Yoder. Back in 2017 they made it into Ripley's for visiting 664 or the 665 Cracker Barrell locations in America spanning 5 million miles. I'm sure there's few businessmen who have slept in every state.

      Delete
  14. Great job! You have to be very greatful for this incredible chance! It's a very special acheivement. So now you could start with Europe? ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alas, I will pass on Europe. There is so much more yet to see in the good ol' USA

      Delete
  15. So happy for you! You’ve waited a long time to be able to throw your arms up and relish the moment.

    I’ve read so many along your journey and, and while seeing photos and hearing stories, nothing beats the sounds and smells of a place.

    So, where are you going next? ~vc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, V. Well, beginning 11/1st I'll hit the road again and head south until April or May. There's a lot in NYS as well.

      Delete
  16. So glad for you Charlie. Congratulations!!! Not everyone can say that!! You've not only showed us some great places to go but educated us along the way as well. Yes, the big question!!! Where to next?????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tanya. I appreciate that. I know not everyone can do what I was fortunate to do, so the teacher in me says, "share."

      Delete
  17. Yay, Charlie! That's a wonderful accomplishment! Congratulations. On to Nova Scotia 2025! RF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you R. Yes, Looking forward to Nova Scotia and all stops in between. How long are you planning. I'm a "Plan Ahead" OCD guy.

      Delete
    2. I will have the itinerary ready at Croton. Then you can make your reservations!

      Delete