Many adults believe their active travel years end at retirement. Society often treats the late eighties as a time to stay home and rest. This expectation stops older individuals from taking risks or seeking new experiences. It leaves many feeling like their best days have passed.
James Staggers and his partner, Nancy, prove this mindset inaccurate. Writing under the pen name Sportyman, James published RIDE WITH US! 15,642 Miles, Seventy Nights Camping to share the reality of their ten-week drive thru Alaska and offer a guide for older travelers. Today, we sit down with James to discuss his trip, camping logistics, and how to keep chasing adventure at any age.
Q: You spent 80 hours planning this ten-week trip four months before leaving. What were the biggest hurdles you faced while booking campsites and preparing your motorhome?
James Staggers: Many of the campgrounds I chose in the Yukon and Alaska were not open in the winter when I attempted to make reservations. Waiting unknowingly for a return phone call was distant from peace of mind. Nancy packed the refrigerator to capacity, and I selected our outerwear for four seasons. Space utilization was a challenge, and still satisfying, because each garment was an essential.
Q: Were the unexpected events stressful?
James Staggers: Age hopefully accompanies increased wisdom, and I have focused on reducing stress because it is self-imposed. I did feel stress with the near pedestrian accident.
Q: People warned you that spending 71 days together in a 22-foot motorhome might hurt your relationship. How did living in such close quarters actually strengthen your bond?
James Staggers: The little mistake game we initiated provided everyday chuckles and added bonding of emotions. Relying on each other to complete the adventure, void of any disasters like personal injury, developed a closer togetherness.
Q: On day one, you wrote about feeling a sense of boldness and eagerness. How did that mindset help you push past real fears, such as encountering grizzly bears?
James Staggers: My training at Parris Island, USMC boot camp, instilled in me a confidence to meet fear head on and be a winner in every situation encountered.
Q: The book highlights spontaneous conversations and shared campfires. What did these interactions with fellow travelers teach you about human connection?
James Staggers: Making new acquaintances is an opportunity for personal growth. I can learn from their experiences and opinions, and with an open mind evolve my better self.
Q: You mention that excitement does not end at age 85. What practical advice do you have for seniors who feel hesitant about starting a new adventure?
James Staggers: New adventures can occur on the sidewalk in your hometown, and seldom in your living room. Maintaining an eagerness every morning toward growth and personal spiritual evolvement provides excitement to be welcomed. My objective in investing in the narrative was to give the experience to those unable to make the journey, and to provide a road map for those planning to feel the freedom of exploring.
Age should never dictate what a person can achieve. James and Nancy proved that careful planning and a willingness to act make cross-country travel possible for anyone. Their 71-day journey shows that facing the unknown builds confidence.
Older adults will continue seeking alternative travel methods as the RV lifestyle grows in popularity. Staying active and exploring new places keeps the mind sharp. RIDE WITH US! provides a clear guide for anyone ready to start their next chapter on the open road.
To learn more, visit https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Miles-Seventy-Nights-Camping/dp/057869462X