It came into crystal focus while traveling across Wyoming. I was somewhere between Saratoga and Casper. I’ve made that drive just a couple of days ago. It was not the first time I’ve traveled this stretch.
Wyoming highway 487 runs between Medicine Bow and Casper. It is a somewhat mountainous road and has been (mostly) resurfaced. This made the drive less technical and jarring! I was pulling my Glacier Peak trailer behind and as usual, there was virtually no traffic. But there was something about THIS drive that brought things into a crystal focus.
Oh my, how radio has changed…
As usual, especially in rural stretches, I was listening to Sirius XM satellite radio as I traveled. It’s still a miracle to me that “over the air” music is accessible in these remote regions!
As a kid, I can still remember riding in the back of my parents car trying to listen to *anything* as we drove into the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. What I got was mostly static! Yep, those were the days of AM radio, and even in the New York City market there were few listening choices. WABC 770 was the local king of top 40 and on trips to the beach, over half of the radios were tuned to that ONE station!
As you know, Sirius works *almost* anywhere and offers 100+ stations to choose from. One of my presets is set to the Bruce Springsteen channel. I tuned to the Springsteen channel and heard…
A 1975 Bruce Springsteen Concert
If you don’t know, Springsteen is an icon (at least in MY eyes) and has been performing in clubs and large venues since the late 1960’s! When I tuned to “his” channel on Sirius, I heard a November 1975 concert in progress, it was recorded in the U.K. (And it was a really great recording!)
In November 1975, I was a high school senior. It impressed me that someone had recorded the concert and somehow it made its way to Bruce’s Sirius XM channel for me to hear that morning! As I traveled across a desolate stretch in Wyoming on the morning of August 25th, 2025, my cab was filled with the sounds of “Bruce” from his (and my) youth.
It did not escape me that it’s been 50 years since that (well recorded) concert and Bruce is STILL performing! At that time, I had not even discovered him or his music. My “indoctrination” to the Jersey Shore music scene was in the summer of 1977. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes were performing the evening before I was set to head north to SUNY-Albany for the start of my sophomore year. I was hooked! And didn’t get home until 3:45am. (My mother was truly thrilled, thank God there were NO cell phones!)
I first saw Bruce Springsteen live in 1978 during the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour. I then actually met him in 1981 at a small, private gym “down the shore” that my friend was a member of. In person, he’s quiet, unassuming, and not at all the center of attention. A steep contrast to his stage presence!
I turned 65 in 2023. Here’s what I learned about Medicare solutions that work for RV travelers…
I prepared this report from my research about Medigap (Medicare Supplemental) plans vs. Medicare “part C” advantage plans… Medicare For RV Travelers
Thanks to that concert
A drive through the “middle of nowhere” was truly brightened by Springsteen singing Tenth Avenue Freezeout, Thunder Road, Rosalita, Jungleland and many other classics. As this was an early concert in Springsteens career, he did a set (the shows were known then to run 4+ hours!) that included several covers. He blasted out Quarter to Three (Gary US Bonds), Twist and Shout (Beatles) and others that could be considered “oldies” even back then!
A trip down memory lane
The juxtaposition was amazing! Recalling the Jersey Shore music scene, listening to a concert from back then and full-time traveling in a (great) 5th wheel trailer across one of the most rural and desolate parts of the nation. That night in November 1975, when Bruce and the E-Street Band were performing in the U.K., I am certain they never considered it could or would be heard in southern Wyoming’s rolling hills and mountains! Yep, technology is kind of amazing (at times.)
Still enjoying “life on the road” and RV travel
I’ve been a “full timer”, living in a trailer nearly every night for the past 14 years. In a way its been a 14 year vacation, though during that time, I have held several “jobs.” I worked in an RV store (in sales) for 4 summers, I camp-hosted two summers, I’ve ski instructed for over 10 of the winters, and of course, I now have my own Concierge RV Buying and Selling Service. But these are more “avocations” than “vocations.”
Along the way? Many new friends, places to visit (and sometimes re-visit) and pepper in new places. This winter will open up new territory (and ski terrain!) that I have not explored or camped in prior.
Full-time RV life and travel CAN rock
I have a post “on deck” that will address “practicalities and realities” of full-time RV life and RV living. I am prompted to make that post to address those who have made posts about actually quitting RV life. There are reasons their experience has not mirrored mine and I will share my thoughts in the NEXT post!
For now, please do leave comments below; click on the video above and go to YouTube directly to like, share, and comment. It truly helps with the “thing” called the “algorithm.”
Winter is Coming – sooner than you think!
Perhaps its time to think about RV Skirting? IF you winter (as I do) in cold weather, an RV skirt is an important part of your winter-prep. Here’s my report on a skirting company that I trust…
Incidentally while in Saratoga…
I stayed at Saratoga Lake. This year it was actually clean enough to paddle in! I spent two weeks, soaking most mornings AND evenings in their world-class hot springs. I’m now in Casper. Saw several former colleagues and friends at Sherries (great breakfast) and am enjoying a rainy day today as I share all these thoughts with you.
It’s RV’ing season… NEED ACCESSORIES?
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This is a great read living full-time in an RV for nearly 14 years and still finding joy in simple moments like listening to music on the road makes you rethink what “home” even means. When I travel through bigger cities or need to fly in/out, having something like bnlbostonlimo.com waiting feels like a luxury that helps the whole journey feel more grounded.
I like your style Bob