Ancient philosophy and RV camping: the two go together like lobster and smores.

Okay, that’s probably a bit of a stretch. But from time to time, we like to reference ancient philosophers in this humble RV travel blog. Why? Because it makes us look cool.

But seriously, although I studied a little philosophy in college, I don’t claim to be an expert on these matters. I’ve probably spent more time pondering pasta than Plato. Yet sometimes there are certain overarching philosophical notions rattling around in my brain. There are certain fundamental ideas that shape our everyday choices and actions.

At its best, philosophy teaches us to step back from life and assess the big picture. So often, we get ensnared by the daily details of this American existence. We worry about matters which don’t merit the wrinkles. As the saying goes, we don’t see the forest because we’re focused on all the trees.

From time to time, I have drawn personal inspiration from that savvy scribe of Latin catchphrases Horace, who famously invoked the “carpe diem” (seize the day) call to action. Horace also said “Nunc est bibendum!” (“Now we must drink!”) so you know he was fun at a party.

About twenty years ago, my best friend Mike and I took Horace’s words to heart. We loaded up my trusty Honda CRX hatchback with most of my worldly possessions. Our first cross-country roadtrip was a fine one, including stops at Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the St. Louis Arch, the Sturgis motorcycle rally, Mt. Rushmore, and Yellowstone National Park. Although the entire trip stretched not more than two weeks, those were two memorable weeks. I’ll never forget the lunch we enjoyed at a small town Iowa diner; the beer we shared with Hells Angels in South Dakota; and camping alongside the Yellowstone River in Montana.

In many respects, what Kristy and I are doing now with our RV and The Long, Long Honeymoon is consistent in spirit with that original roadtrip. Instead of a canvas tent, we’re toting a 25-foot aluminum-skinned travel trailer. Instead of a lunch box and thermos, we carry our own kitchen. But the core goal is the same: to create pleasant, long term, family memories. To travel, to laugh, and to learn. To seize the day.

Sure, there’s a global economic crisis, the credit market is bonkers, and the sky may indeed be falling. But if you’ll forgive us, we’re going to tune that stuff out and reference our old friend Horace instead. Our Airstream is packed. We’re going camping!

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