Category: Friend Trips

Summer RV Tour 2025: A Retirement Adventure

July 5, 2025 / Stan.Cromlish / 0 Comments

57 Days. 4,700 Miles. Countless Memories.

The Summer RV Tour 2025 wasn’t just a trip—it was the first chapter of retirement, a rolling adventure across the American West with Bertie Bea, my Tiffin Allegro Open Road, and Rosie in tow. From the high plains of Colorado to the historic falls of Montana, every stop along the way carried its own flavor, history, and cast of characters.

Whether you’re a seasoned full-timer or dreaming of your first RV trip, I hope this post inspires you to hit the road, chase some sunsets, and listen to the stories each town and trail has to offer.

🚀 Launching Into Retirement

In May 2025, I shut down the work laptop for good. After years in the office, the open road was calling—and I answered. Retirement meant more than extra free time; it meant finally being able to live fully on the road with no deadline but the horizon.

🌾 Kit Carson, CO – Where the Wind Still Whispers

My first stop was Kit Carson, Colorado, a high plains town named for the legendary frontiersman and scout. The wind out there doesn’t mess around—one night brought 40mph sustained winds with gusts up to 70mph. I had to pull in Bertie Bea’s slides just to keep the toppers from becoming airborne.

It was wild. It was raw. And it was a beautiful reminder of why the frontier spirit is still alive and well out there.

🧭 Historical Side Note: Kit Carson helped guide the Frémont expeditions and played a significant role in westward expansion. His legacy is storied—and complicated—but the town bearing his name still holds echoes of that old west grit.

🎣 North Sterling State Park, CO – Friendship and Fresh Air

Next up: North Sterling State Park. Nestled around North Sterling Lake, it’s the perfect place for reconnecting—with old friends and new. The campground was alive with weekend laughter, shared meals, and lakeside chats that stretched well past sunset.

For me, this stop was a reaffirmation that RV life isn’t just about seeing the country—it’s about building community wherever your tires touch the ground.

🏛️ Laramie, WY – From Outlaws to On-Air

In Laramie, I found a quiet place to catch up on Wandering Gypsy RV Life projects and begin laying the groundwork for a brand-new podcast: On the Road with TechnoRV.

I also visited the Wyoming Territorial Prison, where the infamous Butch Cassidy was once incarcerated. Walking those cold stone halls was like stepping into another time.

📚 Historical Highlight: Laramie was once known as “Hell on Wheels” thanks to its wild railroad boom. Today, it’s a balance of college town charm and old-west heritage.

🎂 Alcova, WY – A Dam Fine Birthday Week

I rang in my birthday fishing the North Platte River in Alcova with my friends Brian Hilbert and Rowdy. The local slogan, “It’s a dam site,” was spot-on.

We floated, fished, and flung enough flies to make any trout nervous—and managed to land some beautiful rainbows. There may have been a few epic fishing fails too… but I’ll let my YouTube video tell that story.

🎣 Fishing Fan? Watch the video of my birthday week fly fishing adventure (and bloopers!) on YouTube »

🏞️ Medora, ND – National Parks and Rodeo Legends

Medora is a treasure on the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Rosie and I drove the scenic loop, where bison roam and badlands blaze in the sunset.

I also stopped by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, where I was moved by an exhibit featuring Wayne Herman, PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider, and one of my childhood rodeo heroes. His grit and resilience made a huge impact on me growing up—and still does.

🐴 Miles City, MT – Museums and Military History

In Miles City, I toured the Range Rider Museum, located on the site of Fort Keogh—named after Capt. Myles Keogh, who died with Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

The museum is packed with frontier history: rifles, saddles, wagons, and cowboy artifacts from every era. It’s one of the most authentic looks at the American West you’ll find.

🌊 Great Falls, MT – Tracing the Lewis & Clark Trail

In Billings, I met up with Doug Simcox from the Beyond the Chutes podcast, and we made a road trip to Great Falls to explore the very ground where Lewis and Clark once stood.

The expedition had to portage five massive waterfalls in this area—a grueling task that nearly broke them. Seeing those falls firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for their journey.

🎙️ Bonus: Doug and I recorded some great podcast content during our time together—stay tuned!

🎪 Rock Springs, WY – Tiffin Rallies and River Days

The Tiffin Allegro Club “Riding the Range” Rally at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs was 10 days of education, upgrades, and good old-fashioned fun.

I teamed up with Michael Kilbourne and the TechnoRV crew to record seminars and podcast episodes and even took a day off to fish the Green River with guide Austin Fox of The Solitary Angler—one of the best guides I’ve ever had.

It was also a pleasure to meet Bob Tiffin, the founder of Tiffin Motorhomes, and Brett Davis, owner of National Indoor RV Centers and 2025 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Safe to say the RV world is in good hands.

🚐 The Road Home – 1,700 Miles and a Full Heart

After the rally, I drove 1,700 miles over four days and pulled into Kick Back Ranch & Event Center—my home base in Alabama—on June 26.

Fifty-seven days. Dozens of stops. More memories than I can count. And I’d do it all over again tomorrow.

📣 Follow the Journey

If you enjoyed this recap, be sure to:

🔹 Subscribe to the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast

🔹 Watch the fly fishing fails and road adventures on YouTube »

🔹 Follow me on Facebook and Instagram

Whether you’re full-timing or weekend wandering, remember:

“Not all who wander are lost.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien

Until next time, keep your coffee hot, your hitch tight, and your spirit wide open.

See you on the road,

– Stan

Trout, Friendships & Fly Lines: A Week on Wyoming’s North Platte River

May 31, 2025 / Stan.Cromlish / 0 Comments

The wide open skies of Wyoming along the North Platte River in Alcova, Wyoming.

There’s something about the North Platte River that keeps calling me back—like an old friend waving from the distance, a place where time slows down and the fishing stories practically write themselves.

This past week was one for the books. I had the chance to spend quality time with two of my closest buddies, Rowdy and Brian, casting lines, sharing laughs, and making memories along the banks of one of the West’s most iconic trout fisheries.

Stan is incognito in this photo on the boat with Rowdy (Seated) and Brian during another great day on the water.

First Stop: Grey Reef Magic

We kicked off the week on the legendary Grey Reef section of the North Platte. This stretch is well-known among fly anglers for its rich insect hatches, big rainbows, and that surreal Wyoming landscape where wide skies meet rugged terrain. On that particular Tuesday, everything clicked—the fish were active, the weather played nice, and the camaraderie on the boat made it all that much sweeter.

There’s a kind of peace that settles over you when you’re drifting through slow runs and riffles with good friends. The quiet anticipation before a strike. The sudden shout when a fish hits or when Stan’s mind wanders from the task at hand which would be watching the nymph rig bobber for the hint of a strike. I can’t count how many times, Brian yelled, “STAN, keep your eyes on the bobber!” The shared grins when someone finally lands that trout they’ve been stalking for half the float. It was one of those days that reminds you why you put in the miles to get here.

A Tougher Day, a Guide’s Grace

Not every day on the river is a home run. That’s just how fly fishing goes.

Later in the week, we floated a lower section of the North Platte that just didn’t want to cooperate. The water was beautiful, the casts were sharp, but the fish? They were tight-lipped and hiding.

But here’s where having a guide like Brian Hilbert of Colorado River Outfitters makes all the difference. Instead of chalking it up as a loss, Brian did what great guides do—he pivoted. After a short haul back to the take-out, he suggested we fish the lake right in front of our home base for the week: The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park.

Rowdy with a nice trout from the reservoir that fronts the Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park.

That lake turned the day around. Thanks to Brian’s deep knowledge of the area and a well-timed fly swap, we found success where others might have packed it in.

Stan with a nice 22″ Rainbow from the reservoir that fronts the Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park.

Home Base: The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park

If you’re an RVer or a fly fisherman—or better yet, both—the Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park is a little slice of heaven. I parked Bertie Bea, my Tiffin Allegro Open Road, in a spacious site with room to stretch out. From there, it was just a short drive in Rosie (my trusty tow car) to all the surrounding access points and boat ramps.

The shop itself is a hub of fly fishing culture—buzzing in the early mornings with guides, travelers, and local anglers sipping coffee, checking river reports, and tying up last-minute leaders. The folks running the shop are the real deal: welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to help whether it’s your first time holding a fly rod or you’re a seasoned veteran chasing the next big hatch.

I can’t say enough about the hospitality. The place is clean, quiet, and right in the heart of the action. You can walk out your camper door and be on the water in minutes—or hang out by the shop swapping stories and learning from some of the best fly fishers around.

More Than Fish

The fish are part of it, sure. But this trip, like so many others on the road, was more about the who than the what. Rowdy brings energy and grit to every outing. Brian brings unmatched expertise and a calm presence that every boat needs. Together, they help make each trip not just enjoyable, but unforgettable.

Whether it was a missed strike that turned into a full-blown fish tale, or the quiet hum of the boat drifting through a canyon, these moments stack up into the kind of memories that don’t fade with the seasons.

Why You Should Go

If you’ve been itching for an RV destination that offers adventure, comfort, and good people, make your way to Alcova, Wyoming. Basecamp at the Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park, and give the Grey Reef a shot—or let a pro like Brian show you the lesser-known gems.

And if you’re not ready to hang up the rod after a slow float, remember that sometimes the best fishing is waiting just outside your RV windshield.

Plan Your Trip:

🎣 Colorado River Outfitters – Book a trip with Brian Hilbert
🚐 The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park
📍 Alcova, Wyoming – Fly fishing central, nestled along the North Platte River

Follow My Journey:

🛻 WanderingGypsyRVLife.com
📸 Instagram + Facebook: @WanderingGypsyRVLife
🎧 Listen to the podcast episode that inspired this blog

From Bertha to Bertie Bea: A Personal RV Adventure

April 26, 2025 / Stan.Cromlish / 0 Comments

When you live the RV life long enough, you realize that the rig you travel in isn’t just a vehicle but a character in your story. That’s exactly how it felt when I found Bertie Bea and hitched up Rosie for our first big adventure together.

It all started in March 2023 at the FRVA International Convention in Perry, Georgia. If you’ve never been, picture the Super Bowl of RV life—rows of rigs, mountains of camp chairs, and more seminars than a curious wanderer could dream of.

There, I test-drove a Fleetwood Southwind with liquid spring suspension, and the ride was smoother than a cold root beer float on a July afternoon. That drive sparked a realization: it was time to say goodbye to Bertha, my faithful Class C Forest River Sunseeker, and start a new chapter.

My search led me to the Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA—a rig that checked every box, from four slides to a coveted stackable washer and dryer. After a few close calls and one rig that smelled suspiciously like wet dog and regret, I finally found Bertie Bea—a beautiful maroon and gray beauty in Beaufort, South Carolina. A certified NRVIA RV inspector sealed the deal, and on March 31, 2023, she officially became family.

Three weeks later, Bertie Bea, Rosie, and I set off on a five-month, full-blown cross-country adventure—and life would never be the same.

We faced a few “baptisms by fire,” including a water pump failure mid-shower in Nebraska (nothing like trying to fix a water system in a towel). But the road had rewards, like the crystal-clear waters of Wyoming’s Grey Reef section of the North Platte River. Fly-fishing at dawn, eagles soaring overhead, and fish practically leaping onto our lines—the kind of magic you can’t buy. If you want to read more about the fishing trip, check out “An Unforgettable Day on the North Platte with Rowdy and Brian.”

From the tightest parking job of my life in Washington State to laughter-filled reunions with fellow RV friends in Island Park, Idaho, every mile was packed with new memories. We explored Yellowstone National Park, fished on Yellowstone Lake, and learned a vital culinary lesson about Rocky Mountain Oysters (spoiler: they’re not seafood).

And through it all—laughs, flat tires, fish tales, and late-night campfires—Bertie Bea and Rosie weren’t just vehicles. They became home.

The stretch from Island Park to Gillette, Wyoming (for yet another FRVA International Convention) reminded me why we choose this life: it’s not just about the miles traveled. It’s about the people, the stories, the wide open spaces, and the realization that life is better when you keep moving forward, coffee in hand and adventure in your heart.

Ready to chase your own adventure?

Follow along with Wandering Gypsy RV Life on Instagram and Facebook, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more stories from the open road!

Until next time, remember:

✨ Not all who wander are lost.

Summer RV Tour 2023: The Journey Along Brother Highway Continues

February 5, 2024 / Stan.Cromlish / 0 Comments

The week of the Fourth of July marked a turning point in the journey as we set our sights on the return trip. Heading towards Idaho, I embarked on a two-week visit with Jeff Roper in Idaho Falls. The Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park offered a haven, and together, Jeff and I embarked on a fishing expedition on the Henry’s Fork.

The guide’s expertise put us on the fish, but nature had a surprise. An audacious osprey made my fishing experience more enjoyable by snatching one of my prized catches right off my line. The unexpected encounter added a touch of wild beauty to the Idaho waters.

Hanging with Richard and Charlene

Leaving Idaho Falls, the road unfolded its chapters with a promise of more stories. In Island Park, Idaho, I had the pleasure of meeting Charlene and Richard Guidry and their 2019 Tiffin Allegro Red 37PA. A week exploring Yellowstone National Park set the stage for a journey that would unfold into the heart of Wyoming.

A day on Yellowstone Lake with our Yellowstone National Park Guide, Lindsey, became a highlight as Charlene, Richard, and I fished for lake trout and cutthroat trout. Trolling spoons deep in the crystal-clear waters brought forth a bountiful catch, creating memories that shimmered like the ripples on the lake.

Cody, Wyoming, became a familiar stop once again, where Charlene, Richard, and I, along with our motorhomes, hung out for a week and enjoyed one more day of fishing on Lake Yellowstone.

FMCA Rally in Gillette, Wyoming

Our motorhome convoy continued to Gillette, Wyoming, for the grand finale of Summer RV Tour 2023 – the 107th International Convention of the Family Motorcoach Association. Taking RV Basics classes, we discovered more tips and tricks for maintaining our cherished motorhomes. The week became a blend of camaraderie, shared experiences, and the inevitable required upkeep of our beloved RVs. As always, new friends quickly became old friends, and old friends became family. All too quickly, one of the best weeks of the year came to an end.

The Journey Home to Kick Back

Thursday, August 31, marked a bittersweet moment as I bid Richard and Charlene adieu at the Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday. The open road stretched before me, a 1,556-mile journey to the final destination – the Kick Back Ranch & Event Center in Ramer, AL. The miles ahead promised reflections, lessons learned, and the echo of laughter shared with newfound friends.

The journey reached its poignant final destination on Sunday, September 3, when Bertie Bea and I arrived at Kick Back Ranch & Event Center. Summer RV Tour 2023 and Brother Highway took me through 13 states and countless adventures with friends who’ve become family. Once again, the experience was worth the effort. Remember to follow your dreams and live life to the fullest.

Summer RV Tour 2023: Brother Highway Beckoned

February 4, 2024 / Stan.Cromlish / 0 Comments

Bertha, a 2015 Forest River Sunseeker 3200, provided me with two years of enjoyment on the road, and I sold her to a new owner to continue her journey. On March 31, 2023, I welcomed the newest member of the family – a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA. A majestic road companion, that I have affectionately christened Bertie Bea. Bertie became my home away from home for my next journey along Brother Highway. We wove our way through the heart of America, seeing sights and visiting friends. When I first turned the key, Brother Highway beckoned, and Bertie Bea answered with a purr that promised countless adventures.

The Journey Begins

The journey unfolded from April 22, 2023, to September 3, 2023, carrying us through a tapestry of states – Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Each state offered a unique chapter, a patchwork quilt of experiences stitched together by the hum of the road beneath us.

Nebraska saw me visit Tim Brewster and hang out for a week in Kearney, Nebraska. It was off the Cheyenne, where I visited the rodeo grounds of the Daddy of’em All, Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. The week was spent preparing for the first epic stop of the trip, Alcova, Wyoming, and the chance to fish the epic Grey Reef section of the North Platte River.

The sun danced on the waters of the North Platte River, and the promise of a day filled with fishing adventures beckoned. Brian and Rowdy, my trusty companions, and I shared laughter, stories, and the thrill of reeling in catches against the scenic backdrop of the river. To learn how I earned my new handle, Mr. Botangles, check out my post about our epic day on the waters of the Grey Reef Section of the North Platte River – An Unforgettable Day on the North Platte with Rowdy and Brian.

Next on the map was Kaycee, Wyoming, the hometown of the legendary rodeo cowboy and musician, Chris Ledoux. Chris’ son Ned continues delivering the music that drives my passion for life on the road and living the western lifestyle. A visit with Larry Sandvick added a touch of rodeo flair to Bertie Bea. The bareback rigging coozies I picked up became cherished souvenirs, serving as a nod to the spirit of the West.

Cody, Wyoming, became a rendezvous with a couple of old friends, Sid McFarland, a rodeo clown from Prattville, Alabama, and Timber Tuckness from Meeteetse, Wyoming. Sid’s fiftieth year in the rodeo business infused the legendary Cody Night Rodeo with nostalgia, where he performed from Memorial Day through August 9. Sid’s professional antics kept the crowd in stitches, and his fire truck act left the crowd wanting more each night. For two weeks, we shared laughs, applause, and stories beneath the starlit Wyoming sky until the call of the road beckoned me to continue my journey along Brother Highway.

Melrose, Montana, and the Sportsman Lodging and RV Park introduced a new challenge – my first back-in parking spot for the 36-foot Bertie Bea. The skies threatened rain, adding an extra layer of complexity. A decision to leave early and camp at Indian Creek Campground in Deer Lodge, Montana, spared us the potential mud wrestling match.

Loon Lake, Washington, presented a humorous twist in our journey. The camping spot at Teri and Paul’s lake house was a challenge – a narrow driveway, a tight parking space, and the need for precise maneuvering. Describing the process of backing a colossal RV into a postage stamp spot became a tale of comedic trials, turning what could have been a stressful situation into an adventure punctuated by laughter.

Spending two weeks with Teri, Paul, and their son Grayson on Deer Lake brought a deeper connection. Fishing off their dock, exploring the scenic wonders of Central Washington, and sharing stories added warmth to the journey. The humor and camaraderie infused the journey with memories that would linger long after the road ahead unfolded.

Brother Highway called, and after spending the week of the fourth of July in Washington, I started the journey east towards Idaho.

The road beckoned me in the Summer of 2023 and the trip was one of not only seeing what was around the next bend but fishing pristine waters along with hanging with old friends and new. From Belmont, North Carolina to Loon Lake, Washington, Bertie Bea and Brother Highway kept me excited about what life will hold over the next hill or around the next curve. Follow your dreams and look for the next installment of Life on the Road during the Summer 2023 RV Tour.

An Unforgettable Day on the North Platte with Rowdy and Brian

September 23, 2023 / Stan.Cromlish / 0 Comments

In the heart of Wyoming, where the North Platte River weaves its serpentine path through the rugged landscape, adventure called to us like a siren’s song. With my good friend Rowdy and our seasoned guide Brian, we embarked on a fly fishing expedition down the Grey Reef section of the North Platte River. Little did we know that this journey would be etched into our memories, not just for the pristine rainbow trout we would catch, but for the unforgettable mishap that would unfold in true Hemingway fashion.

The Promise of the River

Our journey began at dawn as the sun cast its golden hues across the vast expanse of the Wyoming wilderness. The North Platte River, shrouded in mist, was a picture of serenity. Rowdy and I eagerly listened to Brian’s instructions, the river’s soft whispers guiding us into its secrets. The promise of a day filled with rainbow trout and tales spun from the river’s depths hung heavy in the air.

The Tumultuous Pursuit

The Grey Reef section of the North Platte was known for its feisty rainbow trout, and our pursuit of these elusive fish was an adventure in itself. As we floated downstream in our trusty drift boat, Brian’s eyes never left the water. Rowdy and I cast our lines with precision, letting the flies dance beneath the surface. The river became a silent observer of our dance, where man and fish engaged in a timeless battle.

In the true spirit of Hemingway, our pursuit was intense and unyielding. We felt the tug on our lines and the thrill of the fight as the rainbows tested our mettle. The river’s currents were our battleground, and every catch was a triumph over nature’s forces.

Release of another North Platte Rainbow by Brian

The Tangle of Fate

But in the midst of this epic struggle, fate had its own plans. As I cast my line with a fervor only rivaled by Ahab pursuing Moby Dick, disaster struck. The trolling motor, a vital instrument in our quest, caught the line, and the propeller was ensnared in a web of my own making. Brian, the stoic guide, tried to assist, but his efforts only led to further entanglement.

We found ourselves in a comical tableau, three men grappling with a trolling motor, a propeller, and a mess of tippet and flies wrapped unmercifully. In true Hemingway fashion, this mishap became a metaphor for the chaos of life and the unpredictability of the wilderness.

Laughter Amidst the Chaos

Instead of frustration, we found ourselves overcome with laughter. Our guide, Brian, a man of few words, couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Rowdy, with his trademark irreverence, made light of my predicament. In the midst of our tangled mess, we discovered the camaraderie that comes from shared misadventures.

At that moment, the North Platte River, the fish, and the tangled mess of equipment faded into the background. We were three friends, bound by the chaos of the moment and the shared laughter that echoed through the canyon walls. It was a reminder that the best stories are often born from the most unexpected circumstances.

The Redemption of the River

After what felt like an eternity, we finally freed the trolling motor, disentangled ourselves, and got back to the business of fishing. The river, seemingly amused by our antics, rewarded our persistence with a flurry of rainbow trout. Each catch or miss was a testament to our tenacity and the resilience of the human spirit.

As the sun began its descent over the Wyoming landscape, we returned to the landing, tired but triumphant. The North Platte River had tested us, tangled us both literally and figuratively in its mysteries, and ultimately rewarded us with its treasures.

Painting by Julie Thurston from one of the beautiful rainbows of the North Platte River in Wyoming

Conclusion

In the spirit of Ernest Hemingway, our day on the North Platte River was a reminder that true adventure lies not just in the pursuit of fish but in the unpredictable twists of fate that shape our journey. It was a day of laughter, camaraderie, and, yes, several epic tangles that tested our mettle.

As we drove away from the Grey Reef section of the North Platte River, the sun setting behind us, I couldn’t help but smile. Our adventure had all the elements of a Hemingway story – the pursuit, the mishap, and the enduring friendship forged on the water. It was a day that would be etched in our memories, a tale to be told any time we gathered for years to come.