Category: Friend Trips

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.