Stormin’ Norman

Jill's Journal: One of the best things about traveling is the interesting people you meet. Just as our time here in Carson City is winding down, we’ve met Norman. Now, Norman isn’t actually a person, but a dog. However, he’s definitely not your average dog. In fact, the first day our neighbors arrived Rob said, “The new people next to us must belong to a carnival or something. Their dog rides a bike.”

Yes, he rides a bike. And a scooter. After we’d seen this oddity, we actually met the new neighbors and were delighted to learn they’re a full-timing, homeschooling family just like us. We’ve had such fun comparing notes on our not-totally-conventional lifestyles. We’ve loved many of the same places (like Maine). We’ve had rough RV-driving experiences in many of the same places (like New Jersey and Brooklyn). They gave us tips on places we have to see but haven’t yet (like Yellowstone) and vice versa (like Crater Lake). They’ve had a rough time homeschooling and can’t wait to go back to a regular school district; we’ve been lucky there and may never go back to regular school. They saved up their money and quit their jobs to do this trip; we couldn’t be on this journey if Rob didn’t work. It’s amazing how many hours can pass talking with people who are complete strangers and yet feel like old friends since we have so much in common.

Back to bike-riding Norman. It turns out he’s quite the celebrity for his bike/scooter-riding capabilities. He’s appeared on David Letterman, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and apparently dozens of other t.v. shows this year alone. He’s headed to L.A. soon to learn how to ride a surfboard for a float in the Rose Parade. He’s the spokesdog for a major dog food company. He may even have a movie deal soon.

Yes, one of the best things about traveling is the interesting people – and animals – you meet.