Modern Stargazer Life

I’m writing this from a camp chair just outside our Airstream—coffee in hand, birds chirping, and the faint sound of my husband Chris “fine-tuning” something on the hitch (he says it’s necessary; I think it’s part of his relaxation ritual). The morning smells like pine and sunscreen, and my hair smells like last night’s campfire, which, honestly, is how I know it was a good day.

Behind me is Stargazer, our recently acquired Airstream travel trailer and the heart of this new chapter. And this blog? This is Modern Stargazer—my journal of travel, reflection, and becoming. Because midlife is not the end of the road—it’s the on-ramp to something new. And right now, that something looks like slow travel, roadside coffee, and learning how to empty a black tank without crying.

Life Lately

We’re in that funny in-between stage of life. Not quite empty nesters—but we can feel it coming. One of our kids just graduated college this spring, and the other is about to start their final year in the fall.

After nearly two decades with the same company, I suddenly had… time. I’m not calling it retirement—I’m just in the midst of figuring out what’s next. Chris is newly semi-retired himself, and flying off to the Philippines now and then to teach (yes, he’s the international one in this duo). We both found ourselves asking: what if this next season was less about schedules and more about discovery?

It All Started with eBikes

The shift really began when we bought e-bikes. What started as a fun way to stay active turned into an invitation to explore—longer rides, spontaneous detours, and entire afternoons without checking our phones. Those e-bike adventures opened the door to something we didn’t even realize we were craving: more freedom, more beauty, more moments.

And just like that, we were on the road—on two wheels at first, and then in something much shinier.

Enter: Stargazer

In May, we brought home Stargazer, our beloved Airstream, and have spent this summer on a series of short trips, mostly within Wisconsin. Our goal? To see our home state with fresh eyes, explore the parks just the two of us, and build our travel legs one peaceful trip at a time.

We’re not full-timers (yet?), but we’re slowly ramping up to longer adventures. Maybe someday, we’ll be brave enough to go cross-country. For now, we’re happy gliding gently into this rhythm, taking the scenic route, and learning as we go.

We named our trailer Stargazer because that’s how we want to live now—looking up, looking forward, and wondering what’s next with curiosity. Plus, the name has personal roots: Stargazer lilies were the flowers Chris gave me way back when we were dating. 

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is a place for:
– Real travel stories—the beautiful and the slightly ridiculous
– Airstream tips—from campsite comforts to setup lessons we learned the hard way
– Midlife reflections—because life doesn’t come with a roadmap, but it sure brings stories
– Favorite e-bike rides—and the joy of going farther with a little boost
– Travel gear and clothes—things that actually make the journey easier, lighter, or just more fun

Basically, if it makes our travels better, more meaningful, or more comfortable, I’ll share it here.

Join Me?

If you’re standing at a crossroads or just craving a little more wonder in your every day, I hope you’ll join me here. This space is for fellow stargazers—those of us navigating the “what’s next” with a mix of courage, coffee, and humor.

We don’t have it all figured out. But we do have a good set of wheels, a sense of adventure, and a decent throw pillow collection.

Thanks for being here. I’m so glad you are.

—Melissa