When Travelers Become Friends

Send Fletch a Voicemail or Text! You can spend years chasing adventure through plane tickets and packed itineraries, or you can build a place that makes adventure come to you. I’m back behind the mic after a packed summer, and I’m joined by my friends Curt and Chris Reynolds, who make a bold midlife reinvention feel surprisingly practical: they leave California, buy wooded property in southern Washington, and start creating a calm, welcoming stop for travelers. We talk through the full story, what life looks like before the move (teaching, accounting, raising kids, and squeezing in low-cost road trips), and how Washington won the location hunt. They share the real “unknowns” that come with developing raw land: a creek that cuts off access, the need to build a bridge, and the work of turning dense woodland into livable space. They highlight the underrated superpower of remote work, and how careful planning and living below their means lets them test the transition without panic. If you’re dreaming about a second act, early retirement planning, or moving out of state, this conversation is packed with grounded lessons. We also get honest about what’s harder than expected: county rules, regulations, and the fine print that can shape your dream faster than the weather ever will. Share this with a friend who’s itching for a change, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Then send me a voicemail or text from the show notes: what would your next adventure look like if you stopped waiting? ⸻ **Guest Information** Curtis and Chris Reynolds are longtime Central Valley residents who recently traded familiar routines for a new adventure in southern Washington. Chris spent years serving clients as a trusted accountant, while Curt dedicated his career to educating students in Modesto City Schools. Together, they've embarked on an exciting new chapter...creating a welcoming gathering place for travelers, road trippers, and anyone seeking community along the journey. Their story is one of reinvention, hospitality, and the belief that it's never too late to build something meaningful. **Music used in this episode:** All music in this episode is licensed for use through Epidemic Sound. ⸻ **IF YOU LIKE WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE AT THE MANGO TIMES, PLEASE SUPPORT THE SHOW BY...** ✅ Send me a voicemail/text and let me know what you think. ✅ Share this episode with a friend RIGHT NOW! ✅ PLEASE LEAVE ME A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS HERE. Support the show