It has been a very fast two weeks since we arrived to the southwest Virginia area that was our home for over twenty years. We retired just over three years ago and have since been on the road traveling all over the US. Until the pandemic arrived and then we sat it out like most others until we got the green light and good to go note. Well, here is a quick update on our activities upon arriving in Virginia to start the house hunting process!
Background
When I retired from my accounting position and 45 years at Federal-Mogul Corp, we made the decision to sell our home in Virginia, buy an RV, and travel full time around this great country of ours. The timing was perfect since we were both in good health and still young enough to do all the activities that we wanted.
Our initial plan was to travel for 3-5 years and then find the perfect place to buy another house to begin a part time travel plan. A best of both worlds. Having the space in a house to pursue hobbies, have family and friend visits, and become involved in a church.
During 2019, we actually discussed traveling for 2-3 more years. There is just so much to still see in this vast country. We have been from Maine to Florida and from Texas to Montana and even though we have 30 states on our map, there is still so much more to see. And then to re-visit our favorites. We could easily travel another five years.
And then came the virus from China that seems to have changed our world. There are still many opportunities to travel in the RV and explore the many parks and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. And many folks are out there doing that as evidenced by the full RV parks that we have seen.
We enjoy all of the outdoor activities plus also to tour the local museums, visit the local shops, diners, pubs, breweries, gyms, and really to try to live like a local. Learn about the local history and culture.
Now with the Covid, many northeast states still have travel restrictions, many parks are closed or limited, and most museums are still closed. And who wants to go to local restaurants, bars, or other indoor places that are likely spreading events? Not to mention the safety element of going into most of our large cities with continued higher crime rates.
Okay, with that longish background review, we have decided that now is the time to settle down again to a home and begin a part time travel plan. The winters for sure to head southbound to escape the long dreary and freezing days. And then a couple of month long summer travel trips to somewhere in the northern states. Of course, this will be after the world is back to a more or less normal.
That’s the plan at the moment all subject to change I’m sure.
Virginia Activities
Since arriving in the state we have been very careful to not become exposed. Keeping visits with others limited to our two local kids. We met Ross and Audrey at a local brewery in their outdoor section and had a taco dinner from a food truck! It was very nice!
Moon Hollow brewery just outside of Blacksburg. 
Our family: Audrey, Ross, Pat and me. 
Social distancing was pretty easy.
Beyond that meeting it has been all house hunting. We toured through about a dozen homes that all came close to meeting our wants. But, they all were lacking something. Not the perfect house, at least in our price range.
It is a strange market. Not many homes listed and many buyers for some reason. Maybe pent up demand from the spring lock down. We wore our masks and were careful in the tours. We did not do any of the virtual tours that are offered. I can not imagine making a major purchase like that from some internet photos. That brings to mind some beautiful RV park photos on their website and then something completely opposite when we arrived.
We have had a great realtor to assist and have also seen some for sale by owners houses. We might be getting close to a purchase, but one just never knows on these things. So many variables to go sideways. If it doesn’t work out this year, then we just go back to the RV’ing plan. Not a bad backup plan.
We are currently at Fort Chiswell RV Park and will stay here until we find a house or else it is time to relocate again. Take care and God Bless our country.
Thanks for the update. Hope you find a house you like enough to call home. I know you will but hope it happens soon. I know you are busy getting lots done. Know its good to be home again with family and friends. Luv Lorna
Yes, it will be good to be home again and have a home again. But will miss the fulltime RV travel.
Miss you guys. Quite here in the park outside the virus is raging so we just kind of stay here in our bubble
Thanks Tom! Stay safe down there in the valley. Unfortunately, we will probably be staying Up North this winter to wait this virus out. Will miss y’all and all the Llano activities.
Hi! So glad you’ve decided your home purchase will be around here! I hope you find the perfect one.
After searching all over the country, we have decided this is not a bad place to live! At least for half the year! 🙂
Thanks for the update! We totally understand what you guys are doing. We have also been thinking about it but after 9 months in Georgia, we just started traveling again. We spent a week at Ft Chiswell watching the daily exodus and influx in the afternoons. Stay well and best wishes! See ya down the road somewhere!
Enjoy your traveling again and stay safe!
Fun to see family and friends again. I like the idea you are not rushed while you look for the right place. Thanks for the update.
I’m sure not used to all the staying in one place yet while we are in the home purchase mode. Take care.