A TEAM EFFORT

I believe that angels are God’s emissaries who appear when needed to help and guide us through not only the challenges but rejoice in the good times.  My job was to recognize the angels, trust, stay happy, stay alert and see the positive.  Angels can take many forms:  human, a truck driver in a closed, rainy rest area where I’m stranded; animal, a sweet and loving companion named Molly; or nature, a breeze in 103 degree weather or rain to temper a fire.  I felt them every day, all day.  Travelling alone in unfamiliar territory, I was perhaps more receptive to and acutely aware of my angels.  It gave me comfort to reach out my hand and feel Molly’s heart beating and take solace in knowing I was never alone.  This little ball of white fur with big round black eyes loves unconditionally, is ready for any adventure and knows I will always take care of her.  The multitude of new and welcoming friends and strangers kept me safe and content.  But, most of all, my friends and family traveled with me in spirit.  I always knew I was loved and they were urging me onward, praying for safe travels.

Many people asked how I came to take such a trip.  What I was about to embark upon seemed so out-of-the-box for a woman of my age, 68 years young.  Most folks were skeptical or simply thought I had lost my mind.  All of the questions were legitimate and were questions I had to ask myself and answer.  They had many concerns because they cared about my well being.  I love every one of them because they care so much.  Knowing me well, they did not question my making the trip, but worried about the unexpected, especially safety and health issues.  I even listened to the naysayers because they, too, offered tidbits of knowledge to be considered.  So, right or wrong, I made my decision and began preparations for travel.  My standard response became “I may not make it past the Pennsylvania border, but at least I tried – it’s all part of the adventure.  No regrets.  I would be sad to end my adventure early, but would be extremely happy and proud knowing I made an attempt and had a wonderful two years planning every detail.”

“Overcome fear, behold wonder.”  ~ Richard Bach

I picked up my trailer from Bonner Sports & RV, on May 5, 2012.  That left me with 2-1/2 months to take several shake-down trips to familiarize myself with the trailer.  I chose Bonner’s not based on price but because of their supporting and encouraging staff.  I liked the woman, Wendy, who sold me the trailer, but the men were equally caring.  They got to know me personally, answered my questions whether at home or on the road and published some of my journal entries on their website.  It gave me peace of mind knowing they were there for me if I got into trouble – trailer trouble, of course.  Wendy, Kelly, Bob, Jay and Dave were all my second set of angels - kudos and love to you all.  

We’d like you to meet Jean Hoffman.  We love Jean and we think she has an inspirational story to tell.  She is 68 years old & in one week she will embark on a SOLO journey across the US pulling her new Koala travel trailer named Baby K.  We’ll be keeping tabs on Jean throughout her journey, so be sure to check our page often.  Stay tuned…..

Several months ago a customer came into our store to look at purchasing a travel trailer, her name is Jean Hoffman and she is single and 68 years old.  Jean lives in State College, PA, she’s pretty spunky and immediately mentioned that she preferred dealing with women—lucky for us we have several on staff here at Bonner Sports.

Jean has lived in Central PA for the last 35 years but is originally from the Bay Area [south of San Francisco, CA].  As a part of her bucket list, she had a desire to visit several places throughout the US as well as attend her 50^th high school class reunion.  She is also spending one month in Spokane, Washington with her sister.  She is planning this trip across the US, solo, (except for her dog Molly, who will also be her co-pilot).

At 68 years old, I can’t imagine towing a travel trailer to the West Coast from Pennsylvania alone.  One of Jean’s motto is “It’s not going to happen unless you make it happen.  You just have to stay positive and not worry about the bad that can happen.”

Jean is towing her Koala with a GMC Acadia and plans to use GPS to navigate.  Jean named her RV Baby K and has mapped out campgrounds and RV parks all along the way.  Jean is planning an interactive game with her four grandchildren called “Where in the World is Gramma Jean?”  The kids can log onto the internet each day and map her progress.  Jean has also dedicated a Facebook group to her journey in order to share her thoughts with friends and fans.

Jean’s trip is scheduled to begin next week.  Please “like” our Bonner Sports & RV page in order to follow Jean’s progress and support a truly inspiring woman.     

           

                   

                                                  

Jay at Bonner RV is giving the scoop on the poop pipe – tickled my funny bone.  That reminds me, I smell a treat out here somewhere…

My first set of angels was Tammy and Will, my children.  Without their love, support and positivity throughout, I would have been greatly stressed and saddened.  They allowed me to be me and did not let their reservations about my travelling alone get in the way.  With today’s social media I had the perfect way to keep in touch.  My list of angels goes on infinitely but I’m sure you get the idea.  I had trust in my angels, Molly at my side, a supportive family and never felt safer or happier.