Monday, March 6
“You know, guys? We need to go somewhere. The sun is shining and here we are holed up in this trailer. Let’s go!”
Bridget, Reggie and I leave our camp at Ward Mountain and roll down into Ely on Highway 6. At the red light I stop and look to my left. There’s a statue of bears in front of a McDonald’s Restaurant.
Unhappy customers?
I’ll skip over what the crew and I find to do in town. I’ll tell you about that in the next post. For now . . .
I want to write about what makes me giggle!
The crew and I cruise around Ely and East Ely in the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
What is going on over there? Oh! That man is feeding the ducks!
Immediately I park the PTV and jump out with my camera.
This will be fun!
“Bye, guys. I’ll be right back.”
What a commotion!
A cacaphony of honks and quacks as ducks, geese, and pigeons rush toward the man at the fence. He dumps stale bread from a bag over the fence to the hungry crowd.
These two are good about eating their vegetables!
The pigeons have a communal thing going, the way pigeons often do.
The pond is located next to a park that is next to the middle school, the AT & T building, and other businesses.
I move around the perimeter looking for photo opportunities.
It’s fun trying to capture a composition of subjects who keep moving and don’t listen to instructions.
With graceful forms such as they possess, it’s not difficult to make a picture that’s pleasing to the eye.
A few blocks away from here is a casino with a restaurant, shows, a bar, and gambling, of course. None of that holds any interest at all for me.
I’d rather giggle with delight while photographing ducks, geese, and pigeons on a cool April afternoon.
Maybe that bores the socks off of you. That’s okay. We’re different, that’s all.
Which has me thinking about the choices we make . . . .
It’s not necessary to have a lot of money to enjoy a full life. I’m sure you’ve heard that many times before. Maybe you thought, well, it certainly helps!
I travel with my crew and my 17-foot trailer in a series of short trips between camps. Sometimes the camps are only an hour or two of driving apart.
Then when we arrive at a new camp, we might stay for several days. While there, we wander around and do whatever we feel like doing.
I look with an eye for the simpler things.
From this camp at Ward Mountain, ten miles southeast of Ely, we walk many different trails in the forest surrounding the campground. Reggie and Bridget love that! I do, too.
We’ run around in new snow.
(BTW, 1-4 inches expected in Ely and 4-10 inches in the mountains this coming Thursday!)
Let’s see. . . other things we do . . .
We break into a spontaneous race on the campground loop.
We go into town and do laundry or I pick up the makings of a picnic.
I buy a few DVD movies at the thrift store and download Kindle books to my Paperwhite.
I write blog posts and “talk” with my readers.
The crew and I bump around on back roads of dirt at the foot of snow-topped mountains.
We wander around the grounds of an old railroad depot and I go inside the museum. (More about that in the next post.)
None of these things cost very much. Most of the time, the things that entertain me and my crew are free.
Even so, we have a great time, because they are things we enjoy doing!
All of a sudden there’s much splashing and honking on the other side of the pond from where I’m standing.
Oh my gosh, what’s going on over there!
The splashing subsides, the feeding frenzy is over, the man who brought the bread, carrots, and celery is gone, and it’s time for me to go back to the crew waiting in the PTV.
I drive around town taking photos of the historical murals on the exterior walls of buildings. Bridget, Reggie and I walk together until it’s too cold for that. Then we go back to camp.
A fun, little outing with those I love!
rvsue
NOTE: I won’t reply to comments like I usually do. I’d rather have you do the “talking.” Maybe tell us about the rig you have or the rig you hope to have. Or how about telling us the way you travel and what you do for enjoyment whether traveling or not (And it’s okay if your fun costs money). Feel free to write about a topic of your choice!
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Texsport 7 Pc. Kangaroo Cook Set
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Spread your wings!
Hey, could it be…..me #1. Oh I better hurry and post.
Is this a new post? No comments yet?
Well, I was almost number uno.
There were no comments and I just couldn’t type fast enough.
Oh well, no foul, Congrats to Shirlene for being #1.
Going back and reading the post now 😉 I love it when The Crew takes an Day Outing!
So you are leaving us to our own devices, or vices as it were…my vice will be my Class A motorhome, not long, about 33 to 34 feet is all I want, and I want it this summer! I am not sure it that is in the cards, a lot of things have to fall into place for that to happen, but we can dream… Then…….I will be fulltiming it in 2016…After the house sells and all my worldly goods are stored somewhere and tucked away in my RV. I hope to see Geri and Chuck in Florida…and whoever would like a visit from a fun type woman with time on her hands, lol. Happy day for me being #1….enjoy your time AFK, Sue….hope you come back soon.
Thanks Pam, just lucky! Sorry I stole your thunder…nex time…
LOL, I just need to work on that typing thing…
Besides, you have rank since I am new to coming here…
That makes it only fitting that you were First 😉
Hugs to you and hope your RV dreams come true for you this year!
You both posted at 1:06…must have been just seconds apart! Does that qualify as a tie?! 🙂
Giggles now…Nope, no tie.
I concede to Second Place. Second Place never has to give a News Conference 😉 It’s a Good Thing to sometimes be Second 🙂
LOL! 🙂
I would like to get a Casita Patriot, the 13 foot model. I do not know if it would be too small, but I think it would be perfect for me! I had a 21 foot class B years ago and I loved every minute of it, but I think the smaller trailer would be nice to park and have your home waiting for you to come back to, like RV Sue does. Sue says snow is expected this Thursday. How do you keep your pipes from freezing? I would worry about that.
My bestie had a 13 foot Scamp and she loved it. She pulled it with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Then I moved her to the dark side after I got my Casita, she really liked having indoor pluming, lol. So,she bought a 16 foot Scamp that she loves! I have pulled our big fifth wheel,,which we gave our son for his family. And am so happy with this more modest rig.
Depending on your tow vehicle…your choice! But I pull with a half ton Ford Super cab…the best for us. And the truck gets fairly good fuel economy, 16 or 17 mpg when towing, 21 mpg empty…
My best to you and your plans!
You might want to ask EmilyO about the 13 footer. She has travelled in one for several years. She posts here often.
Patricia, although the gray and black tank pipes are outside the trailer you really don’t have to worry too much until the temps get below freezing and stay there for a while. We’ve camped in our Casita when it got down to 25 outside and didn’t get above 36 during the day without a problem – as long as those conditions don’t stick around for more than a day or so. Where Sue is, it gets cold at night and may snow but it’s back up in the 40s or 50s during the day so no worries.
Sue’s main technique for handling extended sub freezing temps is to avoid them! The nice thing about a movable home is you can always go somewhere it’s warmer or cooler as needed.
I am not an RVer….never plan to be but I enjoy hearing about the travels of others. I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures in this post. I love watching birds on the water.
Hi ,Pauline,I never plan do lots of things that I enjoy through others 🙂 Flying airplanes comes to mind.”Go ahead,take the lessons,get your license,get really good at doing it safely. I’ll just sit here and enjoy the view through the window ,thanks!” Hope you and the family are well.Is there water close enough to where you live to allow you to watch birds on it sometimes?
Thanks Weather….we have some ponds around to see some birds but it is not like sitting at a lake, river or ponds.
ah-h…-enough to never be completely without,May you ever be so blessed in all ways
Shirlene, if your in the market for a 34 ft class A bounder we are looking to sell… cheap! lol. We’ve been sporting it for a few years, and last weekend we ditched it, hoped in our SUV and stayed in a yurt at Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton Oregon. I had a wonderful time!
We hope to buy a small trailer to pull with one of the rigs we already own soon. I like to get away from camp, if the mood strikes (like sue, the free or cheap activity is great with me!). 34 ft + a car behind is too much for us at this point.
Hi Cat Lady, maybe we should talk? I would like a diesel, what do you think, I will be towing a car also.
Why hello!
For us the “big bit@$” is just too big. For what we do it is mostly in our way. We bought a 95 boulder with low miles when we didn’t really know what we wanted. After a couple years of ownership we know, and thankfully we own it rather than having 10 years of payments to be made on it. Live and learn. As far as diesel, I couldn’t give an opinion as ours is gas and gets about 7 miles a gal (ouch). So if anyone out there is looking for a starter rv we know where you can find one for $7,000. LOL.
You make some really good and wise points about the larger rigs and the cost associated with them. And once you have them you can’t just park it and let it sit either…they hate that and the costs for repairs mount quickly! With a smaller rig and the associated repair costs, well, I could do some serious travel and entertainment with that same money in a smaller rig anytime. 8 miles to the gallon?!!! Serious OUCH! I used to envy the big-rig owners, not anymore, but to each his/her own. There’s a place for all RVs, my place is a ~little~ piece of heaven on wheels.
Close to the top. Woo hoo! Have a great day Sue and crew. It’s off and on showers here today in Sacramento region.
Okay, I’ll bite! Here’s my plan. I am moving back to the U.S. in just 9 more days!! Woot Woot! Roxie (Havanese) and I are moving from a massive 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 3 story home to a 6.5 x 9′ ALiner Sport camper. Yes, 58.5 square feet, full time. It’s very cute, has a single bed, small 3-way fridge, 2 burner stove and microwave. It only weighs about 1100# so it’s pretty easy for my Subaru hatchback to tow. I’ll be tent camping (ugh!) with friends at Hunting Island State Park (SC) for a few weeks, then hang out at a friend’s place in Asheville, NC until June, when I leave for Michigan. Will spend the summer in the Upper Peninsula where hopefully it’ll be nice and cool! (I hate heat!) I’ll mostly be camping in national forest dispersed camping sites, with a few nat. forest sites with hookups thrown in. In late August a bunch of camping friends will join me for 2 weeks of touring the western U.P.. Then the fall months parked at a friend’s place in upstate SC, and in early December hope to head west and do what so many of you are doing, staying at the free BLM campsites & traveling around. I can’t wait!
Hey Janis,
It’s LOVELY in UP, MI in the summer! In 2011 we were there in July, in a state park across from Mackinac Is. You’re gonna love it!
I grew up in Mich. not far from Detroit. I really like the cool summer temps up there!
Oh yes….we had a good time.
My mother’s family are all from UP. Dad’s from Chicago. I was born in Chicago….the REAL city; Near North Side.
I keep meeting transplants here in AZ “from” Chicago. And it’s always a suburb! I just tell them straight out; um not Chicago, then.
🙂
While you’re in Asheville, take the tour of the brand new Sierra Nevada brewery. It’s absolutely beautiful and fun. Worth seeing (I’m not a beer drinker, but I love to see how things work). Great story of an American company.
We love the Blue Ridge Mts, and hope to be doing some camping there on the Parkway next Spring. My sister lives outside of Asheville, and it’s a great place in a beautiful setting. Love the Carolina Mts.
I lived in the Asheville area for 35 years….love it! We do plan to do the micro-brewery tour; I’ll be sure we hit that one, thanks! It’s new since I was last there.
Janis you will absolutely love Hunting Island State Park. It is my favorite campground. I’ve been there twice this year already. Be sure to pick up some local shrimp and try the Dockside Restaurant in St Helena. They are open for dinner only. There are some other nice places for lunch as well. Beaufort is a great little town. Have fun in Asheville as well.
Hunting Island is an annual gathering place for my women’s camping group…it’s my all-time favorite place to camp too! It’s great to get 20+ friends together there for 2 weeks. And we always have a group dinner at Dockside! We usually get shrimp from the Gay Fish Company near the park.
Lots of really nice national forest campgrounds in the U.P. We love camping in NFCG, too. There’s so much to see and do (and just be) in the U.P. that you won’t be bored. It does get warm, but if you stick to campgrounds on Lake Superior you’ll hopefully get a nice, cool breeze off the lake.
Get a Michigan Gazetteer by DeLorme. It will help you find those nice little out of the way campgrounds. And for things to do and see go to Michigan.org
I love Michigan and I’m so excited you’ll be visiting our state (I’m originally from Wisconsin). I’ll wave as we go through the U.P. on our way to Alaska.
We follow you regularly and use you, among other RV lifestylers as an inspiration for full-timing it. Although we are experienced RVers, we have not done it fulltime…but we will.
As I think you already know, our Great Escape is planned for 2016. As reflected on our blog, we have a “vintage” 32′ Bounder that we have had since NEW. And although it is “old” by today’s standards, it only has 30,000 original miles and has a;lmost always been garaged. So it’s new to us. We have completed our solar install and currently are finishing up a bit of remodeling of the bedroom and flooring throughout, getting rid of carpet in exchange for vinyl “wood plank” flooring. We’ve gotten rid of our home and lease until “Escape”. No debt. Rig’s paid for. Purchased a Jeep “toad” and are presently selling other vehicles (we have several), building savings and locking in fixed incomes. We own a small business which we intend to wind down soon. Woohoo!
That’s is so exciting. It will be here very soon. My husband and I both have businesses, and we’re working out a plan to travel more and more each year, until we retire.
“That’s is….” Goodness, I really need to proof read better before I hit that button!
Looking at a C motorhome right now. 24 ft. ..planning at first going with
Grandkids to Pa state parks . My black lab Ebony will be company most of the
Time. After 41 years of marriage , traveling alone , but sure do miss him.
Will start with east coast and get some practice … Looking forward to the
Adventure again..
You’ll have lots of fun, Deb. That 24′ is the best, size!
Hi Deb, just popping in here with a I feel ya! I too must move on by myself since loosing my husband 11 months ago. Planning full timing by June.
God bless us both with safety and happiness.
I think of you Debs. God bless both of you on your plans and your travels. Although I know you have sadness, it is so wonderful to see you striking out.
Sorry for your loss deb… I recently lost my hubby after 40 years and I’m also traveling in a class c with my German Shepard. I love traveling and joined a club, wandering individuals network…WIN. It’s a fun club and they camp for free or near free. I love sue’s blog for all the info on where to camp and I appreciate the financial aspect she gives us. Helps me realize it can be done without spending a fortune.
I travel full time in a 2015 4X4 Tiger TX with my 12-13 year old dog, Bucky [adopted at ‘two years old’. I use his adoption date as his birthday, so he could be as old as 13]. This is my chosen lifestyle after selling my house after the death of my husband two years ago. Like you, my tastes are simple and I boondock most of the time. Books and hiking are my sources of entertainment.
That’s one of my dream rigs. Very nifty!
How do you get the ‘guts’ to do this lifestyle? I want to, but I’m afraid to ‘let go’ of my house and I can’t afford to full-time without doing so. I guess I can’t see myself full-timing indefinitely. I’m widowed too. Been sitting in this house 5 years now. Unemployed with no desire to return to work. Two dogs would be coming with me. I’m just too afraid.
Well, if it’s not too personal, what are you afraid of? I don’t mean that in a “you shouldn’t be” flippant way, but more in a “Well, I wonder if you voice it, it might help to find ways to overcome it?” sort of way. (Or if the fears do end up making you decide not to travel, at least you’ve examined.)
I do hear you on the house vs. travel. I can’t afford both, so for now I’m traveling. But that probably won’t last forever, so it’s good to have some sort of exit plan – if possible. For me one thing was to buy an older/less expensive RV, so that I wasn’t spending “a house’s worth” of money on it. (On the other hand, some folks buy nice/high and then sell correspondingly so, and thus get the use of something really nice in between buying and selling – that always makes me too nervous!)
Anyway, Sandy, whether or not you do choose to travel, I’m glad you’re considering it since it appeals to you.
Can you be more specific, Sandy?
Are you afraid of the money-thing? Driving a rig? Safety issues? What exactly?
To be honest, I never had any doubts nor was I reluctant to get rid of my house [although I lost a lot of money on the sale, the market being very soft] and hit the road. It’s something I knew I would like.
Hi sandy… I travel in a 22 foot class C with my German Shepard and shitzu mix dog. I love it. Sometimes I travel alone and sometimes with family or my travel club. Everyone I know that has sold their homes and live in their RV’s love it. Some RV’s are big and some are smaller than mine. I agree with the scary part but they all seem so happy and without stress. Sue sure sounds like she has fun.
Sandy, Here’s a thought. How about storing things that are important to you and start by renting your house out for 6 months or longer. This will give you an idea if you can really go with the RV lifestyle or if it’s not for you, and you will have income. You might want to check out some groups like Loners On Wheels I think it is, where all are by themselves but don’t necessarily want to go it alone. That way you can have your home to come back to if the road doesn’t work out. Good Luck
JazzLover
Sandy… Renting your home is risky. Be prepared to come home to find your house trashed and damaged, people refusing to pay their rent, and refusing to leave. Being a landlord can be a nightmare.
This is true in some places like CA…I hear they can hang out for as long as 6 months…and not pay a dime just waiting to be evicted. I think that’s only in rent-control areas, though.
Here in AZ, however..the Sheriff’s dept shows up, and out you go!
Wow RV Sue, what a nightmare. I did not have that experience when I rented mine one winter, of course I had someone I trusted checking on it from time to time as they had to plow the driveway and check the pipes and furnace to make sure all was working well. I realize there are people who don’t care as it isn’t their property, but usually if you go through a known realtor you will be alright.
Yeah, that’s true Jazz,
Around here we have a lot of rentals because of the snowbirds. And there’s quite a few very experienced Property Managers…and their percentage take is surprisingly low. So many are absentee landlords, and if the Property Managers didn’t do their job well…they’d lose a heck of a lot of biz.
Anyway, the laws around here favor the landlord.
I know I would put my house up for rent in a heart beat. I’m in a “good” neighborhood (I hate it, though), and there’s certain types of people who would kill to rent in here. Trouble is there’s more for sale than for rent…as the market dropped again. However, that’s precisely when people SHOULD consider renting their houses out. Many are scared, though because they hear that’s its a bad idea to do so. Well…all the “bad” ones I hear about are when the property owner tries to do it themselves, and feels “sorry” for the renter, or worse rents to a family member who has no sense of responsibility.
Hey…you gotta take your personal-feelings hat off, and put your take-no-prisoners biz hat on when dealing with stuff like this…that’s all.
I guess I’m used to it since I’ve got a lot of customer experience.
Same is true here Cindy as it’s a summer tourist destination due to the music, theater and dance that is all over. Same deal with property managers/rental agents of whom there are as many as blades of grass. Just pick a knowledgeable person.
My dream vehicle is the Tiger Malayan. Way out of my league right now….but if you are gonna dream…..may as well dream big! 🙂 If the opportunity arises, I will go with a camper shell on my pick up if I need to. 😛 I so need to be “out there”! Safe travels and have fun in your Tiger!
MB from VA
Thanks, MB. The Malayans are nice but, as you imply, very pricey. I wouldn’t be happy with the cassette toilet.
Do you have particular knowledge of the cassette toilet, that you could share?
When I watched that video, I was trying to imagine actually dumping, cleaning; didn’t get very far…since I have no clue. Lol!
Cassette toilets can be dumped in any toilet but they don’t hold very much and are heavy [water weighs about 8.3 lbs. I prefer a holding tank that enables me to go about a week without dumping, since I don’t usually camp where a toilet is available. Some have opted for a composting toilet but I much prefer my current system.
I didn’t finish the sentence. Water weighs about 8.3 lbs per gallon.
I didn’t see it in the Tiger video, but do you know what the gallon capacity is for those cassette tanks?
Seriously, if you use no paper…black tanks take a long time to fill…
About five gallons, I believe. I have a 20 gallon black tank and a 20 gallon grey tank in my Tiger. As often as I pee, a five gallon tank wouldn’t get me to first base. 😉
I hear you on that, Mockturtle. I have used a Porta Potti in the past, and a cassette toilet is somewhat similar (albeit a bit more convenient to get the tank out, typically). The Porta Potti is great (in my opinion) if you can’t have a black tank (small boat, wee trailer, etc.), but I’m with you in that if possible, I’d rather have the black tank — even though I typically eschew “systems.” But the reason is that I would rather pull a lever to empty vs. lifting out 40+# of liquid (in the cassette). ‘course I also use the great outdoors when appropriate. Nice to have a view and a light breeze 😀 😀
LOL!
Boy, I hear ya…in the mornings when I first take off…I’ve had my tea, my fiber/Vit C water, and my breakfast. I usually have to stop every 45 minutes, or so!
I have a cab over camper bolted to a trailer and I use a 5 gal bucket with a toilet seat on it. I use chemical disposal bags in it and just dump it after use. I dont use it that much since Im usually in a campground that has public restrooms. works for me! as long as I have AC, heater, electric, water, oven, stove, sink what else to I need?
Wow…just watched the video!
They occasionally have some used ones, right?
That is one awesome dreamin’ vehicle!
I just looked up your Tiger. Wow, I love it! Have never heard of them before.
Just bought my 2004 29′ Class C Leprechaun and will be on the road in about a month. House is sold and the estate sale is scheduled. With me will be my three little furballs, Kobie, Dilla and Mona. We’re going to expl0re the south this year, planning to winter in Florida and wander up the entire east coast next year. My first time rving but I can’t wait.
These (true) stories are all so fun to read. I find myself thinking “Oh, I want to go!” Funny thing is I am already out traveling (but still, the idea of heading out never gets old :D)
You are so funny, Pen!
My husband and I just purchased TT 19′ and we are now traveling around Florida state parks and love what we have found. On our first trip we met fellow campers and the wife suggested I follow your blog. I have been enjoying it very much. Sue K.
Welcome,Kelly,your trips sound like fun!I hope you come back and tell us about them as you go.
We bought a 1997 36′ Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour a year ago. We plan to work camp when we retire in four years when my husband turns 66. We may buy a smaller new RV at that time. We plan on selling the house. I have already started getting rid of stuff. I have given away furniture to my granddaughter already and the other kids are lining up for their share too. We should be empty by the time we retire. The only thing I am worried about is the cost of health insurance. I have been without insurance in the past when my husband was dropped from his insurance because of high blood pressure. It is scary. In spite of the insurance worry, I know we will enjoy the adventure. We are simple people too, just give us a good book and our cats and dogs and we are good.
Love your last sentence,Jean- 🙂 that attitude and your plan make it likely that you’ll enjoy the life.
We are still looking for the right rig at the right time for the right price. We owned one for about eight years or so. We went to renaissance faires and played music. We used to do 20 or more weekends a year, up and down the Northern CA coast and inland to Tahoe.
We also lived in our RV for six weeks when we moved from California to Arkansas. (husband, myself, our then 7 year old son, a German Shepherd, two rat terriers, and three cats in a 24′ Class C) (ps – everyone survived!)
We sadly had to sell the rig for financial reasons. This was all during the height of the crash/recession when hubby lost his job and we lost most of our savings.
We have finally gotten back to where we can travel a bit again and would like to actually take a real vacation and go back for a few weeks a year, to California and hit the circuit that we used to go to, and play music at the renfaires again.
We also hope to relocate back west somewhere in five years or so and would live in the RV again until we landed somewhere to establish a “base of operations”. Then we hope to be at least semi-retired.
Ideally, if we could do it, we’d go for a Lazy Daze. Chances are we will end up with a different brand though. The ideal rig would be a Class C, 24-28 foot in length, mid-bath, and no slides.
Lots to dream about, which is why I enjoy this blog so much. I miss the simpler life, the campfires, the air, Mother Nature, and just being. Just being. Does that make sense?
It makes perfect sense. I feel that way too. I want to just be for awhile.
Yep…makes perfect sense.
I almost l lost myself in 33 years of marriage….I’m now getting me back.
It will be lonely at first…..but I think a “good” lonely, cuz now I’m living a “bad” lonely.
Yes, just being, is a good thing.
OHHhhhh yea. It makes perfect sense. It brought tears to my eyes, it makes so much sense. 🙂 And if you and your husband can come back from what you described this quickly, I know you’ll be back out there soon. 🙂 Best, MB from VA
Thanks MB. It’s been rough. All our life savings is gone. But we came through it better than many! I try to keep an optimistic eye towards the future. 🙂
We WILL have a rig again and we WILL travel again, perhaps full timers even! I have one son in San Diego, one in Austin, TX, a daughter in Albuquerque, and one still at home. We could travel to see them all, every year! 😀
Sounds like a good plan to me. 🙂
What a fun day Sue and the Crew!
And thank you for the opportunity you’re giving us to tell our stories!
OK, I’ll tell you all about my rig and future tentative plans.
I thought about getting a “better” rig. But I realized that’s just more money better saved. Besides, every rig is made bland….none are perfect for each buyer.
So my Class C, which has very low miles and runs great will have to be modified. It’s 25′ tip to tail; no slides. It has a “trickle” solar panel, but I want to go full-tilt on that. Also, I need work space, so will remove the useless JK sofa, and equally useless barrel chair. I’ll put a tallish table, roller chair, and a compact reclining chair there instead. Underneath the table will be bins/storage and dog beds.
Also, I currently have Reflectix that I cut myself in every window, under the shades. It’s ugly, but works against the harsh sun. However, I want to take off the valances and shades, and put household light-blocking roller shades on every window instead.
My car will go along….no way around that. I follow a lot of RV blogs/vlogs, and people who try to FT in something larger than a van have a lot of limitations with no car.
I’ll be 62 in 4.5 years….I’ll go FT then; sooner if the opportunity arises.
I will travel around the US, similarly to what Sue does, but probably winter back here in AZ so I can visit my daughter and soon-to-be SIL. They will be married this July. I will probably work camp and still pet sit during that time.
I do also, want to try work camping at Amazon at least once. If it doesn’t kill me I might do it more often to sock away $. AM Peak $ can go a long way to a full timer.
In the summer when my daughter is off her teaching job, I’ll likely take a trip with her and her canine crew. Our 2 crews together (5) are the Tiny Dog Parade. They have their own YouTube channel, which I will populate with videos while traveling.
Hopefully, I’ll have figured out my air conditioning problem by then; my AC freezes up, only in the AZ summers, and only at night.
While traveling I plan on doing videos, write on my blog (Pet Daily Press), continue to sell books on my Amazon FBA acct. (It’s called Jooj & Me; opened 2013), and work camp here and there either for money or pleasure.
I am married now (33 years this May 1st), but who knows if I still will be in the near future. The writing on the wall says no. However, he’s been cooperative and helpful so far.
That’s a synopsis…feel free to ask questions, or comment.
I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s stories!
I, just yesterday, read a warning about reflectix-style window covers!
It said that the heat build up causes some cars and RVs to form little bubbles in the glass of windows. Those bubbles turn into cracks once the winter weather sets in and it cost a lot to repair those cracks. I had been looking at doing the same thing you did with the reflectix-style window covers. The warning said to place a bib-style cover on the outside instead of the inside so the heat doesn’t build up as much. I’m currently looking into that and trying to read more about it. It also seems that the older the glass, the more likely it is to form the bubbles in it but I guess it could be the brand of glass too…
Just a heads-up to think about.
Somebody a Casita forum, casitaforum.com, did some indoor temperature testing with a reflectix cover versus a standard white or fabric cover and the reflectix inside temp was way higher than the other. It was right when I was purchasing a new cover for mine and exploring different brands and found that the temps are really hot inside! You would think that the heat is being reflected but the heat is also building up. Maybe because of lack of ventilation on the reflectix? Needless to say, I purchased the Sunbrella fabric that breathes.
Was the person comparing Reflectix inside the window(s) to the white cover on the outside? Reason I ask is that an outside cover will basically always work better, because it stops the heat from even touching/coming through the glass.
Even so (and even thought I have an outside cab window cover), I most often use the silver/reflective inside window covers, because they are so quick and easy to put on and take off. Not that the outside cover is hard, but not as quick if I might want to run into town, and might be wet/dirty in bad weather. Also larger to store.
But then the outside cover is not such a big deal if you are camping more ‘base camp’ style.
Oops….I was thinking Silvertech for some reason. Silvertech is the brand name on the covers while reflectix is the bubble with foil on it. Sorry! But, to chime in on the reflectix on the windows, lots of Casita owners that I know have had them for years without problem. I never added them until almost a year ago and they make a world of difference for the better. Less drafts during the winter and less heat during the summer. By the way, I think that reflectix and window breakage is due to double pane windows. Here’s a quote from the rv forum: “We installed reflecting film on the inside of dual pane windows in our prior home in California. We were warned about it causing heat build up between the sealed panes and possible cracking one or the other pane, especially during hot weather. We treated about twenty windows and only had one crack. I would think the risk is less with smaller size panes. I know that I have seen it used successfully in RV’s. If possible check with the manufacture. “
I read this somewhere (or that it could cause glass cracking) and then decided to look into it, since I use a store-bought and purpose-made) inside windshield cover that is a lot like Reflectix, plus sometimes actual Reflectix in the (Ford van) cab side windows plus camper windows. (I have been in hot sun and 100º temps and never an issue.)
What I read was that this only applies to certain types of glass (which I don’t have in my rig). Unfortunately I can’t remember the details now (once I knew it didn’t apply to me I “let them go”) but it’s something you could look into. I think it had to do with laminated vs. tempered vs….?
On a similar topic, I read a (to my mind well done) experiment on inside windshield covers comparing the shiny silver type, vs. the tailored foam/felt type (Cover Craft like) vs. none. Obviously none was super hot, but after that the foam one scored somewhat less well than the foil one. The foam ones do look nice though.
That’s what I thought too, SP.
All I know is that once I put the real Reflectix in, I was able to cool down the inside way quicker, and to about 6 degrees farther than before.
I’m worried that when I switch to the light blocking roller shades they will do a less effective job.
For that reason I’m going to hang onto the pieces so if necessary I can still slide them under the shades.
I’m going to keep my Reflectix too. Right now I have the usual day/night shades, and I don’t like them, so I’m going to change to curtains. But what I was thinking is that I would keep the strings/bobbins from the shades (or at least similar ones) because the Reflectix fits right behind them and “locks” in place. I just have one long piece that fits in the main window on either side, since rarely is the sun coming in on both sides. I roll it up when not in use.
I also have a piece cut for one of the side windows in the cab – just a friction fit. Usually one is enough, and less to store.
Now if I had a sewing machine!
Lol!
I could sell you one of mine!
Do you have those RV Day and Night roller shades? The kind with 2 rollers?
I don’t want those. I’m planning on getting the household light blocking roller shades. You have to mount them outside of your frame of course. So, to keep the light from peaking through the sides your measurements should go 1.5″ beyond the frame. And to keep the shades from clattering around when driving you get some sticky velcro to hold the bottoms of the shades to the wall. That way you can still slip your Reflectix in behind there.
Wa-laa! No ugly outdated valences to attract hair, dirt and dust.
I have the ones that are pleated fabric, and … how to describe it… there are two shades attached to each other top-t0-bottom.
So, when “up” you just see a little bit of shade, sort of like a stowed mini blind. When you pull the first half down, it’s a “day” shade (lets light in, gives some privacy), and then if you pull the second half down (at which point the first half compresses at the bottom of the window), there is more room-darkening and privacy.
The reasons I don’t like them are these:
1) There is no way to just “pull an end aside” to take a peek outside.
2) Hard to reach past them to open/close window.
3) They are not really totally private at night (you can see some through the fabric, plus through the “string holes”).
4) I can’t open/close them from my bed (have to stand up, lean into the job, and use both hands).
5) Not to mention they are light blue – so the light that comes in through the day shades is light blueish.
6) If they are partially or completely down they rattle a bit on the window frame when driving.
So, my plan (subject to change) is to sew curtains and mount them on an easy slide track (so they are quick/easy to open and close). The primary ones would be totally blackout/private, and then I might also have a secondary set that are more like “sheers” for daytime privacy or a little sun shading but without totally blocking the light.
For now I’m “suffering” with the day/night shades – at least no strings have broken yet (one did on my last rig…)
Ok…I know what kind you are talking about. I just watched a YT video by 2012escapee. She had to replace that same kind of shade in the big window of her A. She had to fit it in the valance, and get it to snap in.place. She got really, really frustrated. I wanted to yell at her, ” You’re supposed to take the valance off first!”
Anyway, I’m glad I watched that video….now I know I never want those kind of shades.
I see your point however, about not being able to just peak around. My plan is to get the light blocking shades but have some removable sheer things that I can drape over the windows while parked. Of course I would only need them if I was parked where there were a lot of people. In the middle of the wilderness….who cares?
I wonder if regular foam insulation board covered with some type of tapestry fabric would work and be less hot. But there might be some low-level health risks with the foam insulation boards, not sure. Just pondering on the subject. I have very dark tinted glass in the van, that helps a whole lot to keep GA summer heat at bay and shades for the non-driver/passenger areas. The Airstream has all blackout shades so there is never an issue there. Anyway, always something to muse about and look at upgrading. Some of us love that, never seems completely finished until time to sell it…just like a house, lol.
The projects can be fun, can’t they? On the foam board, even if it worked well (and it likely would, as Reflectix really isn’t much for insulation), I would have a hard time storing it vs. the Reflectix which I can roll up. But then too, it depends – I’m sure some rigs have a good spot for storing something big/flat like that – I just don’t happen to.
Not sure if anyone reads prior posts and comments but I made privacy shades out of Reflectix with upholstery fabric attached to one side with spray adhesive. Then put a binding around the edge. We have a Casita and the combination works great for insulation and provides complete privacy. We also have the blinds that came with the Casita. We use the privacy/insulation shades when traveling and at night and use the blinds during the day when we’re camped. When not in use the shades are removed and stored rolled up on ribbon loops next to the ceiling.
Yes, I read them Reine 🙂
Do you have mini-blinds in your Casita?
I want to get rid of my ugly valances, and those puffy cell shades that always get bent and wrinkled…then the cords eventually wear out, anyway.
Yep, another that came back and read your good info. Can you tell what you “edged” them with? Also, what holds them in place when you are using them?
I might get some ideas! I’m just itching to get rid of the day/night shades, but haven’t quite decided what to replace them with (have a few ideas, but still not decided).
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CINDY: “Hopefully, I’ll have figured out my air conditioning problem by then; my AC freezes up, only in the AZ summers, and only at night.”
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There might be some AC techs on here who know a LOT more than me but, IMHO, only two things can cause the coils on an AC unit to freeze up = inadequate air flow *or* low on freon. Things to check for air flow = filter(s) clean? Fan blades or squirrel cage blades clean? (Dirty ones can reduce air flow 50% or more — once cleaned — if needed — you will FEEL the difference.) The blower on your rooftop AC (assuming) is not even visible without removing the rooftop cover (not for the faint of heart). Every AC coil has a clean side and a “dirty” side — and the dirty side is *not* the easy side to see. If you have pets and/or a previous owner ran it without filters, the dirty side can be mostly (or completely!) plugged with hair and lint . . . this keeps air from moving through the coil even *if* your filters and blower are clean! Discharge air temp on a properly ‘tuned’ AC is only about 55 degrees F so you have to ask, “How in the world can that make ICE?” And the reality is it can’t so if you have ICE on your AC coils (which plugs the openings in the coil; further reducing air flow and making things worse!), something is seriously amiss. My bet? Low on freon. I’m thinking “AZ summers” means the AC is thumping its heart out — doing the best it can — but those cooler nights (common desert scenario) is dropping your condensation (on the coils) below dewpoint.
JIM & ANNIE ~ BOISE, ID
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Hi Jim,
That’s why I took her in right away when it first happened. The techs cleaned, checked and tested (with AC meters) everything out. Said it’s working the way it’s supposed to.
The AC is running high when the sun goes down…naturally the tons of condensation freezes up. That’s why husband thinks making the AC sit “crooked” on purpose will fix it. Our TT has a curved roof, and works beautiful; MINE’s roof is perfectly flat….so this is his logic. Ah, but I know the AC on the TT is sitting in the perfectly flat middle.
I see Michael’s point though, about the thermostat. Probably what’ll happen is I’ll get a 15k BTU with a thermostat installed. I doubt husband’s sitting-crooked experiment will work. I’ll report back after said experiment is complete 😉
Cindy, I like your plan!
Thank you, Cindy!
I think it’s so cool that you are in a 360 sq ft house! If I had a place that small I’d probably stay. Ah, but I usually have a neighbor problem after 6 months 😉 I’ve never done well with neighbors….especially the ones who couldn’t treat an animal right if it saved their own life to do so.
Seriously though, your friend is right….if I had it to do over again I wouldn’t buy any RE. But, I learned a hell of a lot from doing so. Now, at least when/if I divorce I got that equity that’s mine.
The top-heavy thing: that’s an issue. My C’s previous owner did a lot of after market stuff to my rig. He knew what he was doing. One thing added was a stabilizing bar to help with swaying while driving. What happened though was she was swaying when I took delivery. So, after I did some research on my own I took her into Ford, and they checked her aligment and balancing. Sure enough she was out of alignment. It was then the tech told.me the stabilizing bar was there. I never would have known because of the bad handling. But, after that alignment she handles real nice.
Now, I know what the difference feels like.
Sue, I will take you up on your invitation to “talk”. I’m 59 now and hope to stay healthy enough to go back on the road full time at 67, when I qualify for full SS. I grew up on the road, traveling with my mom and gramma, who ran the “famiiy business”, operating game concessions with a carnival. My gramma (born in 1900) and mom (1924) were born in the carnival business too. Labor Day-Memorial Day we worked town jobs, then spent summers on the road. Nana passed at 106, and mom at 83 and at the end of their lives all they begged for was to get back “on the road” in their last days. (Social workers had control and wouldn’t let them leave their nursing homes.) I won’t be able to buy back the 4 rides and 8 game concessions we had, and the business has changed, so what I’m working toward is retirement from my executive assistant position, a smallish travel trailer (18-22′) to tow behind my 3/4 ton Ford van, and a job working in the office of one of the larger East Coast carnivals (we were small and Wisconsin-based) and spend the rest of my life on the road. A travel trailer or RV is the ONLY place I’ve ever felt at home. In the meantime, I love your blog and live vicariously through you and your travels, even though you make me so ashamed: you had the guts to dive headlong into a new way of life alone, and I don’t have the guts to RETURN to the way of life I loved and long for. Nonetheless…rock on, RV Sue!
Awww…Pam. Don’t beat yourself up. You’ll do it, you’ll see 🙂
OMG! I hope your dream of returning to The Road come true for you!!! Sounds divine what your Gran and Mother did!!! My husband and I have often thought about working for someone during the State Fairs, working in one of the breakfast stands serving breakfast and doing clean up. He and his mother did that when he was a child in Minnesota for the State Fair. Recalls such a fun time and loved seeing, hearing and smelling the Fair ~come-to-life~ each morning!
He is sitting here nodding at that!!!! 🙂 And he is NOT a morning person AT ALL, but there was just something magic about that time of day in that setting…he loved it.
The few times I could sneak Mom out of the nursing home toward the end, that’s where we’d go. Very early in the morning, go to have coffee on the lot of whatever agricultural county fair was running that week, watch the farm kids taking care of their animals, chat with a few of our early rising (former) colleagues on the midway. Love that time of day!
What a wonderful childhood you had. So cool. Obviously you and your family thrived in that atmosphere. Hope your road dreams come true.
Hey Pam, the on-the-road way of life is obviously in your blood! I bet it will all come back to you just like riding a bicycle!
Sue, I read your blog every day for inspiration, guidance and advice. I will have the opportunity to retire this September with a small pension, but with a 22 year old son in college, I can’t up and sell the house just yet. I purchased a used SUV that can tow up to 5k lbs, so I’ll be looking at TT’s to fit that bill. In the meantime I’ll be tent camping on the weekends this summer here in PA. When the time comes to hit the road full time I will live simply, within my means and hope to boondock in the winters out west with 2 small dogs and an umbrella cockatoo (anyone have experience camping with a parrot?).
Hi Marcain,
I also, have parrots; a White-Fronted Amazon (Phoebe), and an Orange Winged AM (Fred).
Sadly, Fred will likely be gone by the time I hit the road; I’ve been dealing with his severe health problems for a year, now…he might even be gone in the next month!
But Phoebe is healthy, and will only be 25 when we go. She’s used to being out of her cage all day long, so her cage can be small, which would fit into my remodeling plan.
But we have folding travel cages for them, so If you are parked for a long time you can fold it up and put it away if you want. Fred doesn’t live in a cage at all, but it’s easy to take him in and out of his traveling cage. He lives.on a rolling tray. Small trays can be used on a table top.
During travel I would likely put the cage on the floor, and bungee it to something solid and unmovable.
That’s what we did when we moved from CA to here.
We have an Orange Winged Amazon, named Susie who we have had since 79 when she was said to be about 5 years old by those who got her as a baby. Have boy traveled with her however.
Got you beat. 😉
Fred was born in 63′
But we’ve only had him 2 years. We rescued him from the AZ Exotic Bird Rescue inTempe. He was sick already, but we didn’t know.
I’m having a very hard time with this; he’s not getting better, and we’ve tried everything. He never really had a chance to have a happy, pain free life with us, and I feel like I failed him.
I’ve been a follower for years, but don’t often post. Thanks again for letting me tag along on your journey. I have 7 more years until retirement and my husband has 10. We are hoping to get a good used Lazy Daze. We love to visit National Parks and other scenic parts of the country. We are parents to a great dog and cat.
Glad you’re back,Judi,hope you find your RV.
My husband and I have been full-timing for some 18 years, mostly around the South, sometimes the Mid-West. We have two RVs. A Gulfstream 31 ft and a Vintage Airstream 19 ft. We lived in the Gulfstream at first, then moved into the Airstream when my husband retired to have more ease-of-use while traveling longer distances. That was the plan anyway, lol. He was retired all of 42 days before being asked to come back to work a special work related project. So…now I do some travels in my new-to-me Conversion Van. SOLO trips while he works his contract and waits to retire AGAIN.
Stuff we do:
Love theater-in-the-round. We look for college performers, they are always so good at it and have such fun performing live on an outdoor stage. Museums, we can spend hours on end reading every word and looking at everything. The lakes…love everything about them! The wildlife, photography, sights and sounds. A pure pleasure every time! Now don’t laugh at this next one… We love packing a picnic and going to a Drive-In Move during the warm Summer nights. There is a vintage-style Drive-In Movie place here and it is devine! Almost as good as football tailgating! Another fun thing we enjoy. High School football games. Not often, they can be pricey. But we plan our times and never do the great rival games so the tickets are cheaper that way. And then there are the little league games and softball games. Always plenty to do and if you just ask the locals what’s happening they will be glad to tout their town’s happenings.
But above all else, the ocean calls me and I go! Walking the piers, the beach sands, the birds and turtles, reading, photography, picnics, it’s endless enjoyment for me. I never tire of it, rain or shine…and it’s ALL FREE, Perfect! And yes, I still love to ride my Vespa scooters! When I get bored or have a worry about something, I ride. It seems to make all the worries just melt away 🙂 Worries Gone, done with, that’s the beauty of a good motorcycle ride. Always a pleasure riding the backroads and so much to see and photograph. Pulling over on a scooter is always easy, time to take photos with ease and have alittle-lunch as the Mid-West folks would say 😉
Oh! And I do NOT get caught up in doing too many chores! They suck your time and take away from the true reason you left your ~real houses~ behind…too much work…too little time…no fun in that! RVing is about being FREE to live ones life. Reach for it always.
Safe and Happy Travels to everyone!
Giving up my 35 foot trailer to my Adirondack lake lot,just finished well.septic,electric will stay there 10 days a month April thru October.
Looking for a Coachmen Leprechaun 32 foot for our 3 month snowbird stints and occasional weekend stints from our PA home.
Tired of towing 35 feet of trailer.
Chas: Will 3 feet make that much of a difference? Or do I not understand the difference between what you’re describing?
Cynthia, Chas is going to live in the TT on his lot, and travel in a motor home.
OH, I get it now. Thanx.
A Coachmen Leprechaun is a Class C, motorized vehicle.
Hey Chas, Where are you up there?
We are buying a different camper as soon as we agree on which one to get. We currently have a 1972 Compact Jr. It is 14 feet and just so cute, but my husband is wanting something just a little bit bigger. I want the new Casita Independence which has a twin bed option, but I want to skip the bathroom and put in a couch there instead. My husband wants a nicer popup, for the additional room and inside height. We plan to travel alot, but not fulltime. Decisios, decisions….. 🙂 I need a portapotty but ok with skipping the bathroom, they are all so small in the campers in our price range. Oh well…
Nice decisions to think about,Angie,have fun with them and traveling a lot!
A new model in the Casita line?! Off I go to their website! Be right back!
Angie2B,
We ordered a 17ft Casita Spirit without a bathroom and with the couch/bunk up front. We found it simple and more spacious. No black water tanks, water heater, etc to deal with. I would guess that 95% or more of the Casita’s have bathrooms but we are very happy without. You also get a front window!
But, do you have a little porta-potty emergency, night time use set up inside?
I am enjoying reading about everyone. I keep up with RV Sue and Crew’s adventures. The bear statues are interesting. I loved seeing birds at the pond.
While growing up as an army brat, I never got to go camping. But, I lived a lot of places in the States and overseas. When I was in my 30’s, I stated camping. Over the years, I’ve camped in tents, popups, travel trailers and currently in a 2014 Forrest River Grey Wolf TT. The 26 ft. Grey Wolf doesn’t have slides and is not very roomy. It has bunks for the granddaughters 11, 12, and 14. The granddaughters camp frequently with us. We have 2 large dogs, Buddy the Black Lab and Dodger the German Shepherd. Sometimes it can be really tight, but we manage. I always tell everyone the dogs know how to be skinny.
We have had a membership and camped in a private Camping Resort in Gettysburg, PA for the last 12 years. This year my husband will be working parttime as a Work Camper. Therefore, we will get to be there all season. He is very near retirement from his job in the Washington, DC area. I am happy he is moving into another chapter of life.
Camping primarily in the same campground has been fun. We have met a lot of people over the years. The girls have made a lot of friends there and see most of them every year.
What is so ironic about going to Gettysburg is that we live in the historical part of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Our area is rich with Civil War history. We have Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown and Antietam Battlefield in Sharpsburg MD. So we pass by all that Civil War history to go to Gettysburg for their Civil War history. Amazing.
I don’t think we will ever be full-timers, but hopefully we can take some trips after dear husband retires. I am retired from State Government, but volunteer at a local fire department as an administrative assistant. I love my volunteer work and am not ready to give it up.
My 30-year old daughter who had cerebral palsy passed away a year ago. Until that time I cared for her at home. She always enjoyed camping, but we had to take care in not taking her in bad weather. This past Winter, we Winter camped in Gettysburg. Shew! It was so cold. The snow and ice was horrible. However, the trailer was plenty warm. We loved living with minimal possessions.
Libby,
So sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing. It is always hard to convey and words are never enough. Hope you are at some point of peace with it.
About Beautiful, Wild Wonderful WV. My home sweet home always! Reading your post makes me pine of it, the hills, the culture, the history, the mountain artisans and craftsmen. We have traveled many places but WV has a flavor all it’s own…love it always!
BTW, I was a Charleston Gal, good ole Kanawha Valley.
Thank you Pamela. My daughter enjoyed life as well as possible.
I lived in the Charleston area for many years. However, I like the Eastern Panhandle better. I love Georgia. I lived in Augusta twice when I was growing up.
Libby,
Lived in Charleston?!
I thought maybe you might have.
I knew two different Libby’s during my time there.
Were you a ~SJ~ gal by chance?
Anyway, one was a SJ gal, like I was.
The other one was a fellow member of A.B.W.A and League Of Women Voters member, like I was.
If either of these two are You, have RV Sue give my email to you. Would be great to touch base with you again!
Sorry to hear that you lost your dear daughter. You sound like you were so faithful and loving.
Enjoying history sometimes is more fun when it’s not in your back yard.
Thank you.
So sorry for the loss of your daughter, Libby.
We all should look at our surroundinga with the eyes of a tourist. So many things to see and do right in our own backyard!
Thank you.
Oh, I am sorry you lost your daughter. I hope it is a comfort to you that you can carry her around in your heart and share all the place you go with her. We went to Gettysburg NP twice because there is an indescribable sacred magic there. Do you know what I mean? Have you done any reading about the Battle?
OK I just love ducks and geese! Bread is a big No No as it expands in their crops. Next, we live in our 38ft Next Level toy hauler with our 4 dogs. Husband is still employed with the Az. Dept. Of Corrections. He took a hiatus for several years and we roamed around Cal and Nevada. Soon we will be f/t again. We have been discussing downsizing in the event of anything happening to him because our rig is way to big for me to handle. I could easily pull a Casita. I enjoy hiking reading and my dogs camp fires and starry nights! I like to live simple. No junk or collections for me. I’m 62 and content
I was thinking that same thing about the bread.
Is that why some of their heads look deformed?
Are you thinking of the Muscovy Ducks?
They’re supposed to look like that.
The lumpy headed geese are a variety. The white ones are Chinese White, not sure about the gray..perhaps a cross between a Chinese white and a gray goose?
They are very territorial, I used to keep them to discourage certain naughty boys from trespassing..and it worked!
Well Howdy, we might haf ta move from this camp near Bumble Bee, AZ, Me thinks we’re camped on a claim, there’s a White Post with a Federal claim sign on it not to far from our camp with blue and orange ribbons all around on both sides of the road , just south of us and a jeep with 2 men have been driving back and forth looking at us. hopefully if the wind dies down, we’ll move tomorrow to he A F National Monument, just 20 miles away or just move down the road south of BB and north of Black Canyon City. and we’re praying it starts getting warmer up north so we can enjoy the woods.,,,,,,,, nice photos of the Fowl, Honk, quack,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, us,
Stay safe, Rusty! 🙂
I’ve seen more than a few of you mention “no slides.” I thought everyone but me wanted slides nowadays. Has anyone else noticed that even the pre-owned units almost all seem to have slides? Anyway, reassuring to know others reject them too.
No, I purposely looked for no slides. I did notice however, that no slides are easier to come by on the smaller and “down-graded” rigs.
I believe mine was an entry-level rig that had been improved upon with options by the previous owner.
Yes…slides are more plentiful on 5ers, though. Not so much on small TTs.
You are not alone, Pam! I do not want slides, either. Just one more mechanical thing to maintain, and possibly fail at the worst time.
Slides don’t appeal to me either. It seems like one more thing that could go wrong and I want to have a smaller unit with less complications.
I’m also a fan of no slides. They add weight and complexity and take away some storage — and to me, they only give more “middle” – which, if I were going to add something, that’s not what it would be.
That said, I can see where that extra middle could be nice for multiple people/pets getting past each other or etc. Also, some people just like to see big space indoors (I prefer compact/cozy).
Nice that there are options. But you certainly have company in preferring no slide(s).
We had a slide before. The area above where the slide goes in rotted. Plus, my husband thought the slide came out a foot. It didn’t. It came out much more than that. So we’re always having the discussion of how far from the trees or hook ups he needed to be. It feels good not to have that anymore. It would be nice to have extra room.
All these reasons are what make me decide “no slides”, plus I want to be able to get in and move around, take a nap, whatever at truck stops etc. without having to rearrange the dang walls. Cool to read how you’re customizing and refurbishing your rigs!
“Rearrange the dang walls.” That’s funny 😀
My partner, the (German) engineer, said no slides for us. One more thing to break down, one more entry was for mice, wind, water, dirt, etc. As he always says: Never, but never argue with the engineer! LOL!
I’ve enjoyed reading these comments about what people have or dream of having. We bought a new (almost) 33 foot Class A two years ago. We still work part-time (probably thru the end of this year) so we’ve only made about 8 or 10 trips – just in California so far. Love our floorplan and (almost) all the comforts of home, but I had to laugh when Shirlene said she wants a “not long” 33 or 34 footer. Ours seems huge to me, so much so that I haven’t driven it yet. I know I need to learn how, but so far I’ve been ok with letting DH do that. And he’s just now getting confident enough to start towing the jeep we got to go behind it. All of our trips so far have been without a tow vehicle, which means we park at a campsite and don’t move our butts. We really want to try boondocking – I’m not worried about electrical use because we BBQ a lot and use candles but I’m worried about water and poop. Not enough of one and too much of the other – lol!! I think we need to go to a park with hook-ups and try dry camping just as a test, but that seems like a big waste of money.
Cynthia, I just wanted to share a thing that happened to some snow bird aquaintances of mine who were just here.
They have friends who bought a large spread here in Mesa, AZ, and put in 2 RV pads for their friends to come and stay for visits.
One of the couples pulls a large 5er with a 3/4 ton Ford truck.
Well, the husband had a major heart attack while they were here, and had to have emergency bypass surgery.
The wife never drove the rig. She never even drove the truck by itself!
So, then they were stuck. The husband had a rather long recovery ahead of him, but would be clear for travel in a rather short time…if someone else drove.
Well, the family has to send someone from home to come get the rig. The wife has to fly home alone. The husband is staying at the friends until the other family member can get there, which is not right away.
On top of that the wife had already wore out her welcome.
I guess you saw where this was going 😉
Ditto, learn. You’ll be fine. Just take it easy and relax. Find a big open parking lot to practice. Safer and wiser if everyone knows how to handle the rig.
I know, I know. You are both right, I need to learn. Last time we were at Morro Bay (Central Coast of Calif.) we were next to a couple in a huge Class A – one of those rock star size rigs and the wife was doing most of the driving. She had to be at least 70 (I’m 62), so I felt like a real wimp. After riding on the back of DH’s Harley for 6 years I finally took the class and learned to ride my own and now I’m on my 3rd big Harley, so I should be able to learn to drive a motor home. Or so I keep telling myself.
For a Harley gal, I’m thinking driving an RV would be tame! You go!
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Now that you have a ‘toad’ you can easily bring home more water . . . some areas allow graywater discharge right on the desert floor — other options remain :o) Only two people using the toilet (and us guys can do most of our #1 business outside) takes a long time to fill up a typical holding tank — minimizing flush water extends this window as well *and* reduces your need for fresh water.
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Yes, that’s right. I like to carry bottled water anyway if I got the room. Coffee and tea taste better 🙂
But on the black tank: I have a rule in my rig; nothing down the toilet except what comes out of you. So, I have a can next to it to collect paper. And wow…It takes a really long time for that tank to fill up.
Us girls can do our #1 business outside also….someone however might get “mooned” ! 😉
LOL, When I have to “take care of business” while hiking, I’m always worried that I’ll end up wet. – Over-share. Guys have it much easier!
Just remember…..rocks are NOT your friend! Splash factor! 😉
Well, as long as we’re into it: Bring a water bottle with a wide mouth and a secure cap (and make sure it looks different than the one you drink out of). That’s what I do, anyway. Much less exposure and no flat rocks or “splashy leaf” factor.
Cynthia,
Composting toilet. Then replace the black tank with extra fresh water tank.
Just a thought.
If you’re in CA you have a great spot to “practice” how long your tanks will last while boondocking. Borrego Springs is a well known BD spot with lots of space to spend a couple weeks. There is also a wonderful campground with full hookups. It is windy this time of year and hot in summer so maybe wait until November. You could set up for BD, then move to the campground for a couple days, and go back “out” for longer if you wanted. Cheaper than dry camping with the same results 🙂 I do all the driving of our 35′ MH with Jeep Cherokee toad, because I’m a horrible passenger, but hubby can drive it if needed. It’s not for everybody, just make sure you can if you have to.
Actually we’re fulltime in 56 days, I keep forgetting to change that!
So, I need to jump in here, I was so busy trying to find a place to jump in, but then I saw my name and thought, this is the place….As far as the water and black tanks, I myself will have a composting toilet, I have researched it and that is what I want, no black tank dumping for me! Then convert your empty black tank to additional gray water storage…then only dump gray water…Better for me and the environment, just my opinion. Also, I have driven a 34 foot RV and it felt fine. In addition, I will have a toad, so look out highway, I am coming and I will be the one with the big smile on my face….One More Thing….my property is going into Escrow today…whooo hoooo and amen…So now I am shopping for my Dream Rig….wish me luck, one year away from retirement so I have time to take small trips to learn the ropes…Although we do camp regularly in our Pop-Up…
Congrats re the escrow-now it’s starting to feel real,huh?Have you(or anyone else here) seen or used a composting toilet and, if so,have thoughts or recommendations?From what very little I know about them,a fan(electricity usage ) is usually involved.
Hi Weather, I have researched them extensively, but there is a web site that explains EVERYTHING….”Gone With The Wynns”…they have a video on the complete process…take a look. Environmentally, I am so there…much more on the internet when you search compositing toilets…good luck…luv and hugs.
A number of people use them on boats. Things to consider:
1) They are often taller than a typical toilet. Not necessarily a problem but can be a factor in a cramped space.
2) You have to dump the pee separately. Again, not necessarily a problem, but something to consider.
Personally, although I’ve lived many a year with an outhouse, so no problem with that sort of thing, in my RV I like having a regular RV toilet with a black tank. I’m content if I can stay out two weeks or so, and my tanks are “balanced” such that after a couple of weeks I’m starting to get low on freshwater and grey water tankage, plus, oftentimes boondocking spots have a 14-day limit. I can stay out longer if I ration a bit, but what I mean is that I don’t have any problem going for two weeks, after which time I’m typically going to be finding a dump station anyway (grey water, potable water fill, trash, etc.) so it’s no extra trouble to pull the lever on a black tank.
Sometimes “disposing of” pee (from the composting toilet pee tank) might be an issue also.
I don’t mean to sound discouraging – every system has plusses and minuses and so you just have to figure out what works best for you.
I could (and have) get along with a Porta Potti, and outhouse, a built in black tank, or what have you, just depending on various factors.
Sorry, that last should be “an outhouse,” not “and.” In other words, sort of a huge, multi-year composting toilet 😀
Yes a composting toilet needs air to vent with. It is just a small electrical fan of 12 volts. I know a guy who put one in his sailboat and he was very happy with it. Said it was the best idea he ever had regarding his boat options. He paid about $1000 for it but it works so good he sings praises about it to all who will listen.
Yay!!
A year out….great planning!
As soon as you get your rig…do a shake-down trip. Do it closer to your house. My shake-down trip was within 2 miles from my house. In fact I rode my bike there one of the days.
Take any critters, vulnerable stuff…what have you. You are just testing out the rig, and how everyone does in it.
I had a 30 day warranty on MINE! when I bought her.
So, I did the SD trip in July. That’s how I found my AC doesn’t work right. They couldn’t fix it, but nevertheless you’ll learn a lot about your rig.
I plan on doing several shake down trips, probably to Indio Desert and Salton Sea area, and with the animals, as they always go…should be fun. I will keep ya’ll posted on my shopping..
Oh yeah, I forgot, we have a beach campgound about a mile away, but it is crowded and you have to line up like sardines…but might work for one night shake-down…or just run it over a friends house and park out front for the weekend…lol.
Ha!
The place I went to was a 5 star resort, for 3 days.
But because it was July in AZ, I got in half price!
It didn’t even matter that it was July 4th week.
Then later that same month, we went up to a KOA in Flag. This time, daughter the rest of the Tiny Dog Parade (5 dogs total), and all were along.
That was the final SD trip before our big planned cross country trip in Sept of that year.
We ended up taking the trip with a manifold leaking exhaust into the cabin.
Fun, fun, fun!
Do!
This part is so exciting!
🙂
Cynthia,
We did the dry camping “test” at a campground before we boondocked. It was actually a great learning experience. I was curious how much water it would take to shower, not a regular shower but a navy shower. I thought, oh, it won’t take much water at all. We emptied the grey tank, I showered, and checked the level….almost half full! What!?! Granted, I have long hair, I washed & conditioned it, which took way too much water. But, now I know that I’m not washing my hair in the RV when boondocking! (dry shampoo worked great!) Also, baby wipes are a must (can skip the shower), and we bring the gallon jugs of water along for drinking, coffee, etc. Washed dishes only 1 time a day or less, and in a bin, so all the running water isn’t going down the drain. Black tank – we kept the water flushing to a minimum, only used the water when absolutely necessary, just open the hatch, don’t use the water pump, and you have a pit toilet! (too much info?)
I actually got home and realized what water wasters we are…such a precious thing and it just runs down the drain all the time….
We are going to travel with our trailer, a18′ Jayco, with my 2003 Ranger. We won’t be traveling full time, but plan on six months a year. Last year we did Yellowstone, Tetons, and Mt. Rushmore. This year we are going to New Hampshire, Vermont, Utah and Colorado. Next year plans are the Northwest and Alaska. Hope everyone lives their life and follow their dreams.
Wow,you two are ambitious travelers! I hope you enjoy your upcoming trips and tell us about them.
Ok, I guess I’m different! We still have 2 older dogs and 3 cats, live in the country and it’s hard to find someone to sit with them. They are too old to kennel and I couldn’t do that to them. I see the advantage of having an RV and being able to take our dogs with us. But I don’t like to camp! I like to visit friends while camping but I don’t like the smell of campfire smoke so I am constantly moving my lawn chair around and usually take a shower when I get home (not allergic, just don’t like smoke). I understand the RV’s of today are amazing but the idea of driving somewhere, getting everything set up, dumping tanks….and whatever else you incredible travelers do doesn’t appeal to me. My traveling dream is to take off driving with my dear, patient husband, and go all over the USA! I haven’t been to Maine, Wyoming or Montana, so really want to drive the back roads there, but I like a hotel, good restaurant and a bar with Chardonnay. We lived in Az for 10 years, but would love to wander around that state again and also New Mexico. I would like to do the touristy thing in New York and Washington, D.C. I really don’t want to drive on the freeways or major highways but take the smaller roads so I can see the ‘untouristy’ things. The ocean is mesmerizing to me so would like to sit outside and fall into a gluttony trance watching the waves. I love reading Sue’s blog and am so impressed with her pictures, her independence, her writings, her readers loyalty, and of course, Bridget and Reggie! I also love to read what everyone else is doing in their lives and their writings. Blessings! Kay from KC!
“…drive the back roads…take the smaller roads…”- and take in the cities-nice,Kay.You know how to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Kay, we did 2 road trips, 2008 & 2011, and made it through all 48 contiguous states. It is so worth it to see the entirety of our amazingly diverse USA! It is a must-do for Americans. We took my minivan for a combo of national parks, Walmart lots & Econolodges. This kept costs down for us. Motels are a challenge because they are either smoky, old rooms or the next up is over $100 a night. A loyalty program with a chain is a good idea, for discounts and making advance reservations. You feel like you are “home” when you see the familiar motel sign. Lots McDs for breakfast and free wi-fi. Do it!!! You’ll never regret.
First, this is for Cindy who sits on pets (<; The reason your ac is freezing up here in AZ. in the summer is because rv ac needs to cycle to work properly. The hotter it gets the lower everyone turns the temp. You need to do the opposite, when it freezes, turn it up a degree at a time until you catch the sweet spot. It will come on , cool down, and go off. When you get it dialed in it will never freeze again. Put a fan in your bedroom, not blowing directly on you, to help move the cool air around when the ac isn't blowing. This works, trust me.
For those of you thinking rv, I have rv'd all my life. Everything from living in a van while climbing all over the west to a 40 diesel pusher and everything in between. I currently live, full time in a 32 ft. 5th wheel. I have a cabover camper on my diesel pu and tow a 4wd Jeep Cherokee in my travels around the west. I would urge you to understand that rarely does your first choice of rig end up being your last choice. Think buying used, always checked out by a reliable mechanic. Get what you think you want and give it some time. You can always adjust later if what you have isn't what you want. It is much easier to sell something you're in $5000 or $6000 than $40,000. Ask questions, see someone running what you'd like, talk to them, ask questions. I have found rv folks love to talk about their rigs, you may have to run away screaming to get them to shut up! Rule number one, take your time, don't be afraid to miss a buy. There's always another around the corner. Rule number two, because something works for some doesn't mean it will work for you. Yellow legal pad, split in two,what you must have on one side, like to have on the other. Don't be surprised if things change sides as you learn. Good luck and don't ever–ever give up.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the suggestions.
I’ve had 2 Maxx Fans installed in the vents last year to do major air circulating.
I took the rig in when it first happened, and the service tech told me to turn it on High Cool. I’ve tried that, Low Cool, and everything in between….made no difference. You see, there is no “degrees.” I have Hi and Lo Cool, and Hi and Lo Fan. That’s it.
Husband thinks the AC is too level, and the condensation can’t escape fast enough. He could be wrong…he often is. Egotistical engineers are like that.
In any case when it heats up around here we’re bringing her up on the driveway facing out, so the condensation runs off the front, then we’ll see if she freezes up.
I think it’ll still happen. I also think I need a 15k BTU, rather than a 13.5k BTU. But what do I know. Only that I’ve had 4 RVs in my life; none had “degrees” on the ACs, and only this one freezes up.
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You’re just talking fan speed . . . isn’t there also a dial which allows you to adjust for warmer or cooler? Our 5er is an ’89 and it has this feature.
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Lol!
Yeah Jim…that’s what I’m sayin’ it’s “Hi Cool,” or “Lo Cool.” There’s no thermostat.
Michael, is there money to be made “sitting on pets”? LOL!!!
Hi Everybody and Sue of course,
It is very interesting reading everyone’s plans and dreams. Most of you know I’ve been a widow and going through the roller coaster of grieving my loss and still going through it. But, my house is up for sale now and I’m downsizing my entire life.
This is taking longer than I want it to. So If all goes like I pray I will find a buyer who wants a furnished place and I find a travel trailer that is perfect. A 22-28 footer with enough room to have a workplace and storage. I want to be on my way full timing by June and heading to Co. My mind keeps thinking of how nice it would be to get a Class A or C so I wouldn’t have to leave the cockpit to be in my home. But I know I don’t have a small toad and I think pulling a car would make things difficult and more expensive. So many alternatives and wishing I had a companion like I had who knew all about engines, solar, ac etc… I don’t know much about this kind of stuff but I still will go for it. I want to buy a GoPro camera and video a bunch of my experiences while on the road being a woman new to retirement. Selling some art here and there and living free and hopefully happy. So much to plan.
btw Sue loved the photo’s of the ducks that you capture with your blog magic!
I just want to say I am so impressed and proud of all the women who write comments here (like Deb), who obviously are moving outside their comfort zone without a male to lean on, and trying new life experiences. I am grateful I have my husband of 37 years, but I hope if and when the day comes when I’m on my own that I can have the courage and self-confidence to do what women like Sue and you all are doing.
If you want it bad enough, you’ll do it.
🙂
You Go Deb, I will be out there, we will all take care of each other.
i.e. Silver Sisters, RVing Women, etc.
I’d love to meet up with others like myself. 🙂 I am determined to make the rest of my life interesting and adventurous and enlightening. My dream is to find the perfect spot to park my home and with a few others build a natural community with a food garden and all.
I’ve been following rvsue and her crew for quite a while now (my must read-every-day rving blog), but this is the first time I’ve posted. I had the opportunity to post, in first place (!), the other day, but didn’t want to be first, with my first post! I just turned 55 and am looking forward to retirement some day. I don’t currently have a vehicle at all, so would be starting from scratch.
I used to go camping alot while growing up, but haven’t gone in years. I was talking with a friend of mine a year or so (who is about 20 years older than me), about the possibility of buying a house and the fact I never have. She is a former world traveler and gave me some advice that really got me thinking. She said “I wouldn’t buy a house if I were you, I’d by an RV and travel around.” The more I thought about it, the better that sounded! Now I want to go camping and RVing so bad! I currently live in a 360 sq foot cottage with my pup, so I feel like I’ve been preparing for living in an RV. If only I could figure out how to do it with my sewing machine….
I will be a mostly solo traveler. I go back and forth whether I want a conversion van, a truck with camper or a travel trailer. I’ve read about the pros and cons to each. It’s a hard decision. Decades ago I drove a truck/camper combo that was someone else’s. I didn’t care for the top heavy feeling as rounding corners. I have no idea though, if the truck was well-equipped and properly suited to be carrying a camper. I’ve never towed anything. My finances may decide for me, rather than by actual preferences. We’ll see. In the meantime, its fun to think about, do research and “get ready.” Looking forward to more freedom!
So glad you posted! Sounds like you have lots of ideas and some food for thought. You may be able to bring your sewing machine, if you get the right rig. All kinds of people doing all kinds of great things with their RV’s.
Hi Cindy,
I have a whole sewing room! I have no idea what I’m going to do about that. It’s got everything a sewer would want, including 2 sergers and 3 machines.
With my remodeling plan…I’d be able to sew on the table, I’m putting in.
But if you don’t have a way to do that, realize that most rigs have an outside outlet, and you’d be able to sew under your awning on the picnic table, or set up your own folding one. You could also create a “room” with screening around your awning to sew in.
sewing under the trees, now doesn’t that sound like a dream come true!
🙂
If & when I ever get to RV my sewing machine, serger and crafts are going with me. I crochet, cross stitch, embroider and quilt.
Barbara,
I need some advice about that:
Like I said I have a whole room; obviously I won’t be taking the room with me, but I feel that I should keep 1 machine, 1 serger, and some necessary supplies. There’s value in having a sewing machine for repairs/alterations….and not just on clothing.
I have 2 Pfaff 7570s, and a mechanical Pfaff made about the same era as the oldest 7570 I have.
I have 2 mechanical 4 thread sergers, of the same make.
One of the things I’m trying to decide is should I keep one of the 7570s, which are of course computerized, but are a fantastic work horse of a machine. There’s nothing I put under that presser foot that it couldn’t sew.
Or keep it simple and keep the mechanical one, instead. Lots of limitations on it, though.
But, once that motherboard is gone…the 7570 is done. It likely won’t be reparable, since Pfaff no longer exists…in a sense. They were bought out by Viking, and are not making replacement parts of the old stuff anymore.
That’s why I have 2 of them; 1 is 15 years newer than the other. I panicked when Viking bought Pfaff…and bought the newer one on Ebay. The woman only sewed on it one time.
What do you think?
Cindy, I have a Pfaff 7570 computerized model, an ancient Kenmore, a Ricoh Serger.
My thought are that I would keep the 7570 until it wears and get a smaller lighter something, like a Brother or Singer, since they are all plastic now. My sewing room is load with a lot of fabric, books, magazines, thread etc.
I would take only my quilt fabric kits about 5 or 6. I also have narrowed down to a few cross stitch books, cloth, floss, which I have in a tackle box. I currently have no yarn left, so it would just be hooks and my book on various, not frequently used stitches. Except for the machines, all should fit into 2 plastic containers.
I am considering a van similar to Sue’s and a 22′ Oliver Trailer. I also like the Casita Independence & the 17.5 Big Foot, but it is quite heavy. If not that, I am thinking about a Winnebago View/Navion TB with a toad. I am still trying to decide as my husbands health is slowing my process.
Aww…I hope things get better health-wise, Barbara. That’s always a concern at this stage of our lives.
I sure appreciate you responding to my little problem, though.
Since, I got the machine embroidery bug out of my system years ago I think you’re right that I should keep the newer 7570, but sell the embroidery unit.
The older one I think I’ll sell with its embroidery unit in addition to a laptop that I’ve kept to use for digitizing. The laptop is so old that that’s its only use. But the machine is 17 years old, and I sewed the hell out of it. So, I think the LT will raise the value of the entire kit.
I got a FBA (fullfilled by amazon) merchant biz, and I’ve already selected a lot of my books to send in with my regular inventory. Boy, that is a harder job than I thought could be possible. I love books, and I’ve a harder challenge getting rid of them than other stuff! I know I’ll have to keep a couple of the sewing books.
I have tons of fabric, too. Lots of denim yardage. I used to live sewing denim. Need a tough machine for that, though.
I got a King-sized Warm and Natural batting, too. I’ll bet I could sell that and the denim together as a package. People love denim decor…as I do.
I have nice silk pieces, too that husband brought back to me years ago from China. Silk is easy to sew, but hard to find places to wear it, anymore. Ah, maybe I’ll just make some drawstring crops out of them. Silk and linen are my favs for around here in the heat.
Ah, you got me on a different trail now, Barbara! Our stupid taxes are finally done (as of late last night)…..and my brain is fried. I need a sewing project to get me off this turntable!
I’ll pull that silk out and make some summer crops….once they’re done I can assess the rest of what’s in that room.
Thank you, Barbara!
Regarding sewing and RV-ing, I’ve known several avid quilters that are also full time RV-ers. The ever popular Featherweight machine seems to be used a LOT. Many have their stashes stored either in a storage unit or at a family member’s house. Many just have a few projects going at one time. Many DO sew outside, under the awning or under a popup gazebo like thing. Some even get one of those popups with the screened sides to keep the bugs away. I know there are blogs out there of sewists that are also RV living. It sounds like the best of both worlds to me (an avid quilter too)!
Quilts are gorgeous when made right. How to do that without a stretcher, though, Sherri?
I’ve tried quilting, but never could get the pleasure out of the work that I got from sewing clothing.
RE: Featherweights; are you talking about the original antique Featherweights, or replicas?
There are many ways to quilt a quilt without the big frames…what you are calling a stretcher I think? There are smaller frames that work like an over-sized embroidery hoop. I am actually using what is called a Q-snap frame that is about 3’x4′, made from PVC pipe, and breaks down into a very small space. IF I were to want to hand quilt on the road, I’d use that setup. Machine quilting CAN be done with a little machine, but that would be challenging even for an experienced quilter. I would probably be more inclined to make the quilt top and send it out to be quilted by a long-arm professional quilter.
I love doing applique’ work and that is a lot of hand sewing that does not require a machine. Quilting isn’t for everyone, I agree. I also do other sewing such as clothing, costumes for our renfaires, bags, dolls, etc. I crochet too. These are just hobbies that keep me out of trouble…..er….well mostly out of trouble, according to the hubby. It depends on what stores are in the area and what sales they have. 😉
Featherweight sewing machines, yes the original antique FW is what I am referring to. I have one that is a wonderful little workhorse. She sews through most anything and has a very straight and true stitch. Their little travel cases hold the machine and accessories and they are lightweight. Modern ones are just not the same….tho Janome Gems have a fan base too. The FW have avid fans. They are not just a collectable antique to be put on a shelf. Many of them have a nick or a ding here and there, but still sew and sew and sew. I’d love to have the folding card table that goes with them!
I would most likely have my FW along in an RV. Again, this is just MY opinion and not the opinion of all quilters. 😀
No, I asked because when/if the 7570 dies…that would be a great replacement for me. I heard how they were great workhorses. I’ve seen them, too….nice and compact in their little cases.
Yes…the stretcher; that’s what I was referring to.
Sewing by hand…geez, I gotta have the magnifying light, my cheaters on…the right kinda chair….ack…NOT gonna happen in a RV.
UNLESS, I get one of those headlamps…see Sherri, you got me thinking…
I actually enjoyed tailoring…what few items of tailoring I did. Lots of hand sewing there.
One of my friends bought a hand cranked Singer, she sits it on the picnic table..and sews..don’t need no lecteics!
I sew with treadles. They’re too heavy to take rving. Instead I would either take a handcrank or a featherweight. HC can be very heavy and take up more space than FW. So I would most likely use a FW since they are small and much lighter in weight.
The featherweight are nice, but expensive and not easy to find. I also have a Q-snap frame and love it.. That new table Sue recently purchased would be perfect in size, it folds up and the legs adjust up to counter height for cutting. Perfect for outdoors.
If I were making a full size quilt, I would just do the top and send to a long armer as well unless I decided to handstitch. Was thinking of just making household items that are smaller.
There’s bunch of them on Ebay. Anywhere from $80 – $400, depending on condition and what you get with them.
After looking at a YouTube video just now and refreshing my memory about them…I don’t think I’d want one after all…they only do a straight stitch, and have no arm of course…I gotta have an arm on my machines.
On a good note though, the 7570s have gone up in value…probably because of the Viking fiasco.
Welcome, Cindy! By posting, you are now an official blogorino! 🙂
woohoo!
Hi Cindy, and welcome! Sounds like you have some fun and interesting times ahead of you.
Unless you are a person who just “knows” which rig is going to be right for you (those lucky dogs), it can be tough choosing! And of course there is no one best rig, in general (there may be for some people, but I mean empirically best).
I had a camper van and loved it. Now I have a really small Class C and love it. On the other hand, I used to have a teeny trailer and station wagon, and I loved those. LOL. They all had their plusses and minuses.
Now I see folks in a Class A with those HUGE underneath storage bins, and real recliners, etc. and I’m green with envy. Plus, I love to drive big rigs! But then…. looking back on my favorite camps of the last, say, year – I could not have got into 90% of them with a big A. Of course then I might have found other camp spots, so you never know. Big help, aren’t I? 😀
Sometimes I wish I had a toad. My rig is small and easy to drive – just like a van, really. BUT, then I have to break camp somewhat, and that’s what makes me think about a toad. Of course it’s a double-edged sword, as then I couldn’t poke down roads quite as much without thinking (with the combo that is), and plus I’d lose that feeling of “I always have everything with me!” that always gives me a little thrill. I borrowed a friend’s extra car for a while last year, and I loved the freedom (it was a tiny Honda Civic like car) but then had to keep remembering “now where is my…” (sunglasses, billfold, hat, binoculars, etc. etc.). So the jury’s out on that one for me.
With a trailer, you have a separating vehicle to take into town, don’t have to maintain two engines, and your trailer has a longer life span…. but then your zip-around vehicle is usually a larger one (like, same chassis as my whole RV). And ’round and ’round we go… 😀 😀
Anyway, fun times ahead!
your a hoot!! I go round and round too.. lol
I purchased a small sewing machine (electric) to take along in our TT when we go for extended periods of time. My husband likes to fly fish and so I just stay in the campground and sew. I run it off the batteries with an inverter.
I used to tent camp, then owned a pop-up camper. Enjoyed both for many years. Sold it when my only child left home. I love reading about Sue’s and other Blogerino’s adventures. I’m retired from teaching for 30 years and am totally enjoying the freedom to do what I want, when I want. I worked 2 jobs for 15 years and enjoyed both but am glad to have the time to garden in my yard and volunteer. Waking up every morning without “have to do” on my agenda is such a gift!
Glad you so enjoy your free time,Susan,now that you have it.You certainly earned it!Hope your garden does well.
Susan, retirement is all about personal freedom, I think … and I LOVE it! I volunteered a lot when working. I just folded it into my work day. But now I think volunteering would feel too much like going to a job, which makes me feel a little selfish and guilty. Otherwise, I love being able to do things “tomorrow” and making breakfast and reading last 2 hours!!!! 🙂
Cindy, talk to someone about installing a thermostat. The low or high means that it is running continuously and that is what is causing this one to freeze up. The one I have in my cabover is like yours and I don’t let it run continuously. Better yet get in it and head for higher elevations, that’s what I am planning Saturday.
Hi Michael,
You know I asked husband if he could install one. He said no. Boy, was I surprised. I had been lead to believe that he could do anything these last 33 years 😉
So, since I’d have to have a professional do it, how expensive do you think that would be.
And if I had a 15k BTU also installed….would that make the job of installing the thermo any easier…as in cheaper, do you think?
I’m going to get some professional opinions tomorrow for you, stay tuned!
Wow….I’d really appreciate that!
So, far I’ve been getting the cold shoulder from the techs I reached out to by me.
your trip into Ely reminded me of our trips we used to take to Cripple Creek, Colorado before the casinos went in….we would stay overnite in the old Imperial Hotel. Back in the 70’s we would stay in a room with 1 bathroom down the hall….every year they had a Melodrama that all the actors would spend the summer there and do their thing. between acts they would come into the crowd and wait on us for drinks, popcorn, etc….popcorn was important to have so you could throw it at the bad guys….
my 50 year old kids still talk about those trips….
Wow! Blast from the past. Cripple Creek sure has some interesting history. Those hotels were all brothels. Loved the Melodrama!
I always wanted to go there to see where the astrologer, Linda Goodman lived. She always said the house was haunted.
Thanks for the fun photos of geese, ducks and pigeons and the reminder that entertainment doesn’t need to cost money.
I haven’t hit the road yet or even bought a rig but I’m diligently doing research which can be daunting for a right brained, mechanically dyslexic artist. I did live in a VW camp mobile with my boyfriend in Mexico and Central America in the 70’s and I’ve hauled a crew cab Dodge dually towing a 28′ stock trailer down the road for many years but I’m intimidated by the inner workings of a camp trailer, solar panels etc. My ideal outfit would be a Toyota Tundra with a camper shell and a very reliable 19-22 ft trailer that would house me, my Schipperke (small black dog with attitude), kitty and my paint box.
Life is going well for me in Southern Utah right now but there is a gypsy gene in my blood and a wind in my soul that will stir me in the not so distant future.
Utah Bonnie,
I just wanted to say, wow, your artwork is amazing! Really beautiful. I especially like the western landscapes.
Thank you for your nice comments on my artwork. I think getting out of my comfortable studio and painting in the great outdoors will make my paintings better. I used to do it all the time but have got complacent over the last few years.
Hard to imagine them getting any better (but I know what you mean :))
HI Utah Bonnie, Glad to meet someone with a Schipperke with attitude > I have one of those also with attitude. She loves to weekend camp with me in my 18ft. trailer. She is and avid squirrel watcher. I rarely ever see Schipperkes anywhere. Have had 4 of them through the years.
Hi Karla, nice to find another Schip owner and lover. Schipperkes are rare in my neck of the woods too and my little guy is my 3rd. He’s such a loyal little companion and loves adventures so I think he will adapt well to life on the road.
One thing I have found out about Schipperkes is that you cannot turn them loose outside a fence. They are so curious that they put their noses to the ground and take off. When called , they will pretend not to hear you. At least that has been my experience . I always keep mine on leash when away from home. They are independent little squirts!
These posts have been a blast to read. Thank you one and all. You are an inspiration.
First, Sue, I love the picture of the 3 white geese (I think they’re geese). It’s about the 9th picture down. The way their bodies are in the frame has such movement and great composition. Great color contrast too.
My husband and I bought a 17′ Casita Freedom last year. We bought used. We took our first maiden voyage for about a month this winter down to Florida with a stop in North Carolina on the way home. Stayed in State and County Parks. We absolutely loved it. It has everything we need, and it is light weight and easy to tow. I’m not great at backing it up yet, but I figure I’ll get it in time. My husband is better, but we’re both new to towing things.
Our home is near Albany NY and we have a little camp up in the Adirondacks too. Our goal is to someday be able to spend May-December in the Mountains and travel the country beginning in January and returning when we feel like the weather is good enough in the ADK’s. We will more than likely be selling our house at that time, but who knows. I’d love to just have our little place in the mountains and the travel trailer as our winter escape. We absolutely love the mountains, and walking with our dogs outside and doing some hiking. We try to see new things all the time. We have a several years before we get there entirely, but we’re working on it. Life is good.
We also have 2 sons in their early 20’s, so by then they should be well settled (If not, too bad – we’re outta here! LOL)
Oh the stories! YAY!
When I was a little girl (yawn)… ah. My parents brought us across country in a 63 VW Bus, learned almost ALL my swear words listening to my dad put up the army surplus tent that we used along with the bus (for my grandfather who lived with us–not sure who the words were about-Papa or the tent-that sucker was HEAVY!
LOL
Naw, did the Moho, then the ‘nearly new trailer’ and we are stuck on VINTAGE. This is our third. Moosee, is a 68 Silver Streak Sabre. LOVE it. My husband is currently putting in a built in shoe rack/book case-where the old propane heater once was. I wish I knew how to send photos, but sadly I do not. It is cute. We belong to a couple of groups, and do a couple of rally’s every summer… but mostly I like to just relax in my Moosee. The name is from a large ‘hunters’ sticker that has been on this thing for 40+ years, and I couldn’t get off if I wanted to… so she named herself.
Most of my camping has been with the grandkids. We love it. They love it. Fun memories!!!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Funny story…love it!
Kinda reminds me of Nat. Lampoon!
My family also went cross country several times in a ’63 VW bus! Which became “my” bus when I was a teen in the early ’70s. Now I travel with an ’89 VW Vanagon Adventurewagon (love the high top) with my two corgis. Your story triggered good memories.
GEICO QUESTION: Hi Sue. You might remember me because I (just like you) bought a Van and small Travel Trailer. I was planning on heading west (from Michigan) last October, but got diagnosed with diabetes, which took a few months to stabilize. My new plans have me leaving mid-May. Anyway, I noticed that you were using America’s Mailbox (which I independently narrowed down to being the best) and so when it came time to choose my full-timer’s RV insurance, I peeked at your site and noticed you use Geico. I talked to their agent, and instead of paying a premium of $1400-1600 with other companies (Good Sam, Progressive, Miller, etc.) Geico’s premium is $1084 per year. Too good to be true? How have they treated you? By the way, if we’re ever in the same area, I’d like to repay you (in some small way) with a lunch for you and your doggy-pals for all of the information/fun I’ve gotten/had reading your blog. Jim
James, sorry to jump in here, hope you don’t mind. I switched from Farmers this past month to Geico. Three rigs, saved $800 a year. I have friends who have had to make claims with Geico and were happy. Hope this helps.
what bothers me about Geico is their wording. Instead of using the words “full-timers package” they call it a “vacation package” which I don’t think is the same thing.
Hi, Sue,
Geese, pigeons, ducks, and bears! Oh My! Glad that the Bears and fowl gave you a good case of the giggles! 🙂 Sending you and the crew love and hugs…. 🙂
My dream rig..a 17B Escape….a cozy little fiberglass egg. If that does not become a reality, My Plan B is like Kay from KC’s……traveling around the country by car, finding pet friendly condo, cottage, or cabin rentals. Hope, dream, save…rinse and repeat! 🙂
Stay warm, Sue!
Denise, I think the Escape trailers look nice, they may be my plan A if I decide on a trailer, although I think my favorite layout was the 19B.
I like the 19′, too, Cindy! 🙂
I have not seen them in person yet, so that may be a deciding factor. Just from a pure budget standpoint, the 19 has five (4 + the spare) tires to maintain and replace vs three (2 + spare) on the 17. Also, toll and ferry charges would be more costly (dual axle) for the 19. However, that full-time, true queen size bed is a huge selling point for the 19!
Commonly referred to as 2 foot itis! Bigger TV!
Not biting…I’m sticking with a 17 footer!
Hi All! We are the happy owners of a 13′ 1972 Trillium (older than both my husband and I) and we pull with a 2005 Toyota Matrix, but we’re thinking we are going to upgrade our tow vehicle as our girls are getting bigger and there is going to be more things like bikes etc. to take along. Just getting into the whole trailer camping thing as we’ve been strict hiking/tenting people until oh about when our girls were born 🙂 I LOVE reading about everyone and all about Sue’s adventures! It makes me really want to give up everything and go on the road!!! Cheers!
What great experiences you’ll be giving your girls ,Jill,and memories for you all!
Thanks, we hope so. We’re planning a trip to Cali/Arizona next winter for a month, should be fun. Looking forward to exploring the desert with them 🙂
Swe-e-et!
Hi Jill,
I like the Trilliums a lot – cool! Also, I sailed up to Quadra once, years ago – landed and spent an afternoon in…. Herriot Bay? If I’m remembering it right. I remember a long green lawn leading up to something like an old hotel (white porch, etc.), and a nice little store. Pretty Bay. I’d like to get back up there – fabulous country!
You’ve got a good memory!
Elaine in Saltair BC
No WAY!!!! That is so cool. Yes, it’s Heriot Bay. This is a pretty big destination for sailors because we’re sort of on the edge of Desolation Sound, warmest waters north of Cali!
Well nifty – thanks to you two (Hi Elaine!) for commenting back. It’s always fun when a vague impression type memory turns out to actually be real/correct (mostly). I have fond memories of that Heriot Bay stop as it just had such a good vibe about it.
Somewhat “foolishly” we went on up north. I think that May day in Heriot Bay might have been the last sunny, nice day all summer. I have a photo of myself later the same summer, all bundled up in long johns, etc., with my hood up, eating an ice cream cone — in July! LOL. I just love coastal BC though – amazing territory!
Sue,
As you know, I full-timed for 5 years (2005-2010) w/my GSD, Lady, in my 40′ motor home (talk about MONEY!!!).
I was not as secure /confident in myself as I am now, so I did spend a lot of money staying in campgrounds – not fancy ones, but as everyone knows, cgs are expensive!
Next time (and there WILL BE A NEXT TIME!), I’ll do it smaller, simpler & CHEAPER!!
I love finding new places to see & experience in nature! The road less traveled! An adventure!!
I’m also an avid reader & during my travels collected over 25 library cards from different counties & states (I really should get them framed!).
I loved all of your pictures- especially the brown duck!
Gee,Lynn,it’s great to hear that your confidence has grown-enjoy the adventures!
I am a “small spaces” person. My house is 400 sqft inside a larger steel building. Only solar electricity and a cistern for water. But a “real” bathroom and drainfield. So——I bought a 6×10 cargo trailer, added windows, insulation, bunk, desk in the V front, and storage. I will spend all this summer around here and into UTAH. Then will try 3 months in SW next winter, if all goes well. It is because of reading everyone’s travels, that I believe I can do this–and even have fun.
wow, impressive! I hope you blog about it so I can follow your adventures.
Wow…I’m impressed!
What a blast this is!I started giggling,laughing and clapping as soon as this post came out and have enjoyed everyone’s comment as much.Thank you,blogorinos-old and new -for your input-it’s fascinating to learn more about you and what your choices involve.A huge thank you,to you,Sue!-for this ongoing treat and fun.
Living in what I consider paradise(lakeside,clifftop home in central NY state) and blessed with reasons and resources to make rushing unnecessary,I in no rush,yet am happily preparing for RV living. My quest is for a 19’Class C to home the troupe and I in.I’ll tow the Jeep Wrangler I drive behind it.My choice involves comfort for two dogs,a cat,two canary finches and myself as we travel and camp.What I enjoy and consider fun is part of it,too.I love ballet and symphonies-performed by nature or by humans on stage.A rig that small will give me access to both,fit in a standard parking space or in wee secluded sites like Sue prefers.Also,when I choose to stay near friends ,family or by an ocean for part of a season or longer,it will make a great year round inexpensive home.
Things I enjoy: being in creation untouched by anything other than weather,wild and tame animals and having their companionship,learning,God in large doses,people in smaller ones,story in films,books,life or spoken-if they are well done,all physical beauty that five senses make possible to enjoy,the experiences having more than five gives me, coffee with sunrise,chocolate whenever,and toys.
Weather, we’ve never “spoken,” but I see why Sue takes such pleasure in your msgs!
A 19′ C is an unusual size…have you one in mind already?
I was thinking that too – a 19′ C would be a wee cutie, so I’m curious about a model/name so I could look one up and admire.
Oh, maybe you are thinking of the Pleasure Way type that have the “slightly overgrown” fiberglass (I presume) body that still looks a lot like the van body? IIRC they use one of the side doors from the factory van, plus the back doors, but a “builder” body.
The Coachman Freelander 19cb would be nice, for the right price,other options will be fine,too.
Nice!
I found one for sale at Road Bear RV.
Apparently they are a rental place.
Anyway, I guess they don’t make them anymore, but there’s 2014s available!
That’s good; most of the depreciation’s already done. 🙂
I looked one up on RV Trader. Neat/unusual layout with that kitchen peninsula and the dinette (presumably?) using the swiveled driver’s seat as the second seat. Always fun to have a peek at a new-to-me rig.
HONK! QUACK! COO!
Absolutely correct.. happiness comes from within…that no amount of money can buy!
We opt for the simple life…no desire to keep up with the Jones’…doing whatever we want!
Bought a “C” to get the fur kids across the USofA safely. A fiberglass egg is in the near future. Casita Freedom Deluxe or Escape 17b …..leaning more toward the Escape where the small dinette can be another bed. All this “towing” stuff is new… Trying to determine what the best TV would be.
A lot of uncertainties ahead……the ADK’s might not be our final destination.
Hope AO leaves you room in at least one of the beds 🙂
Oh no NOT you too!
Probably better not to say anything, but I’m married to a clutter bug and couch potato.
I travel for work, but airports and hotel rooms don’t really count except for getting me out of the house once in awhile.
Full timing? In my silly blonde dreams, but I would if I could!
Tell ’em your blonde silly dreams…then invite…wait for a reply….it will either be THAT’S GREAT come on let’s go ……or. I’ll be back…………in a couple of months!
🙂
Funny story…love it!
Kinda reminds me of Nat. Lampoon!
Oops…this is in the wrong place ..response to Barbs tent camping story…
Yep….sounds like my life…except for the airports….in addition to neighbor problems…I’m allergic to the TSA.
Seriously though…..get out there, girl!!
In 2013, I went by myself and bought my rig. Husband thought if he wasn’t with me. ….I’d not be able to get it.
Ha!
Well…he lost a gasket when I came home with it, but afterwards he realized it was the only thing that would keep me sane.
He even installed my tow bar and base for me after I sold my Vespa to get the money. Him doing that saved me about $1300, and he knew it. Cause I was gonna get that thing on there one way or another.
Would it change the dynamic of the conversation if I declared my male-ness, as it were? 🙂
In any case, good on you for getting the ball rolling! I’ve been working toward paying off a small mountain of debt, so no RV yet.
The original plan was to sell of the motorcycles (my wife and I both ride our own) and go for the RV, but I don’t think we’ve scratched the riding itch quite enough yet. Time will tell.
I tell you what though, looking at the mortgage interest, taxes and all the crap I pay out for little to no return has me dreaming, scheming and plotting an escape from the “normal.”
Until then, I’ll just ride along with Ms. Sue and play poker with the pooches. 🙂
I could never be an RVer…too much work so I’m down sized to a tent, cot, and sleeping bag. No need to dump, get water or maintain a mini home. I just fold mine up into a small bag and chuck into the back of my truck. I’ve thought about putting a camper shell on my truck but haven’t done that yet. I should also clarify I am not a full time camper, I have a small bungalow but still love to travel…only not full time. I think I would hate it to travel full time….I like the comfort of ‘home’ in one place too much. If I get cabin fever I go to the movies which takes me far away into another place I’ve never been or read a book while basking in the sun on a blanket. I do love to hear about folks who travel either full time or on a special trip….I love diversity…trying new foods, donning new local attire…especially if they are comfortable. I also love hands on learning or a working vacation …. ‘these are a favorite things…la la la’
I enjoyed reading your post, Rita. I like that you have your bungalow and enjoy being at home (there is a part of me that wishes for same). And simple tent camping is pretty cool. It’s like kayaking compared to “bigger” boating – major bang for the buck and time/complication investment (because there is hardly any). Plus, sleeping in a tent you can really hear nature!
Anyway, I guess in the way that some people get pangs when they read about folks out wandering – I get them (or some kind of good feeling anyway) when I read about you and your bungalow, plus your truck and tent 🙂
🙂
Rita…i agree…I do that in a Tacoma with a shell….safer than a tent if critters come around looking for food…but it gets old changing clothes lying down…cant stand up in a camper shell…..I have been to Florida Keys and Alaska in my toyota Tacoma w/ camper shell….
I love tent camping, preferably with as little technology in between me and nature as possible. Great post!
Taranis, I hear you. You are in a good place here, Sue has made this a place a welcoming one. It attracts a lot of good people, be one of them. I love Mark Twain, maybe you will like this quote—” A few fly bites cannot stop a spirited horse.”
🙂
Hi, Sue and Crew, and all the other readers out there! This is my first comment, but I’ve been reading regularly now for several months. Reading this blog is my therapy. My husband and I retired and bought a trailer, and were all ready to head out when my son and his wife had twins. Now our trailer sits in our driveway, and I read RVSue because (for a number of reasons I’m not going to get into here) we do all their childcare. We love those babies – 18 months old now – but I worry we are giving them the good years we had hoped to share with each other seeing the sights of the open road. It’s a dilemma. We’ve solved it the best way we could.
Meanwhile, we try to live our lives around the edges of our responsibilities. Tonight, we enjoyed the longer daylight and fresh spring weather and walked to the library to return some books and bring home some new ones. The flowers are all a’blooming, lots of folks were out walking or working in their yards, kids were playing basketball or riding bikes…. and, you know, it’s OK. It really is OK.
Welcome to Sue’s blog,lynn,it’s really nice to see you here!By commenting you’ve become a blogorino 🙂 A trailer in the driveway keeps the dream alive,hopefully your reading these pages,and now joining in helps,too.
“We try to live our lives around the edges of our responsibilities”-gee,what caring couple you are,I hope your family is grateful.I’m glad the babies,books and flowers make you happy for now.OK’s good-, hoping for more is better,glad to have you doing that with us.
Welcome, Lynn! 🙂
I always dreamed of an Airstream egg. I still own the all copper outdoor grill that used to come with them.Never owned the trailer though. During my brother’s years in med school in the 80’s he shared a trailer with 3 other friends. A neighbor of his was a cute little senior citizen in a tiny little 13 foot trailer…I wanted that life and that trailer!! The dream of living in a tiny space was born! So a month ago my husband and I traded apartment living for living full-time in one of his projects, a 1976 29 foot class A trailer. We work weekends on that and our 1972 17 foot trailer. He sold his 3rd RV this summer. Mark loves giving new life to vintage travel homes. I am having a great time and learning so much…all while living the dream!! 🙂
Nice!
OK Cindy, I gotta ask, why and what do you get out of sitting on pets? Which are your favorite to sit on dogs or cats or————-?
Ah Michael, that’s the 64 million dollar question, of which I have been asked often.
🙂
Truly I have no favorite. But, for actual sitting on….it would have to be a horse.
🙂
For ease of care….um…really, IDK. They’ve all got their challenges.
I’ve sat on everything from Bearded Dragons, to Macaws, to Chameleons, to Great Danes, Pitbulls and Dobermans.
Weirdly, most of my current clients all have cats, which I love. But their parents are the hardest to convince to feed their babies properly. Go figure….people don’t like to be told they are doing it wrong!
Hi Cindy,
What’s your take on canned tuna and salmon for cats?
IMHO- Human canned tuna…too much Mercury.
Fresh salmon? Ummm…I’ll be your cat! Yum
Thanks for asking, Gal.
If it’s human canned…they add a bunch of salt…not good for the kitties.
But you are on the right track: kitties should only eat wet food….not dry, and certainly not carb-laden dry, which is what most commercial dry cat food is. I call it Kitty-Krack. Once you start feeding that to them…they are addicted. Hard to break them, then. But you have to because it’s a slow death to keep them on it.
Raw is best for cats, but if that’s not possible, canned with the least amount of carbs is the next best thing.
You could change it up with eggs from your own plate. Chicken from your own plate. Any meat from your own plate that they’ll eat.
Since I’m a vegetarian, I would shop for the canned with the least carbs, least junk-food additives.
My kitties when I had kitties did like the salmon more so than tuna. Just make sure it’s no sodium added.
Thanks for the input. We try our best for our buddies.
We all do!
Another common denominator (math teacher) that makes this blog wonderful is….the love for our fur kids! The compassion for each other when someone loses their friend.
You are very welcome!
“I don’t want to be numb with security, I want to be alive with challenges!” So said Sue, recently. She and the crew came to me a few months ago as I was blog hopping late one night. It quickly became evident that, at age 62 (but feeling 32 most of the time), I had fallen numb with security. I own a lovely home with all the creature comforts one might long for in this life. But…but…here I sat, lonely in this big ol’ bed, night after night reading about drifters and roamers, adventurers who actually “chose” to wander rather than lie in a bed dreaming of it. What? Who are these people? How can they do that? As the nights became weeks and the weeks became months I realized an awakening in my soul. I can do that! If I can dream it, I can do it! And so I shall. Two weeks ago I brought home a 15′ fiberglass travel trailer I named “Sweet Pea”, my magic carpet with wheels. I am off on the Maiden Voyage in two days! Local travel at first…state parks and such here in middle Tennessee, until I get my “sea legs”. And then, who knows what lies yonder in them there hills?! I will no longer be numb, I will be alive with challenges! My sincerest of thanks to you, Sue…you and your readers who have taught me that there is life beyond this big ol’ lonely bed. And I intend to find it! 🙂
Yay! So happy for you, Rhonda!!
Blog your journey and adventures. I would love to read about them. Good for you! Have fun!
Way to go girl! If you put your mind to your dream…it will come true.
Awesome, glad you got out of that bed…now on with life!
Good for you Rhonda!! Get out there and grab that tiger by the tail. I use to not like hiking along in the woods but one year I actually hiked a portion of the pacific coast trail in southern CA….very quiet and pretty. I got off the trail after seeing warnings signs about a mountain lion attacking hikers in the area…yikes.
Congratulations, Rhonda! Enjoy your egg! 🙂
Good for you! We expect many stories of your upcoming adventures.
My husband and I purchased a Lance 1575 last fall. It’s our first RV. We one day plan to tootle across the US, but for now we are just tootling around CA. I would love to just head off with no plans or direction across the US now, but sadly we still have a number of years of work before retirement and a son to put through college. So instead, I read blogs of RVers to learn about boondocking sites and places to travel off the beaten path. Sue, your blog is one of my favorites for taking me places that I never read about or even knew. I’m filing away campsites and researching places. Thanks for taking me along!
tootling,cute,Monica 🙂 Sounds like you’ll have a books -worth of great sites when you do go,nice!
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Different strokes for different folks, but I’ve always maintained a motorhome serves no purpose unless you have a long way to go and a short time to get there — near the exact opposite of what fulltimers need . . . when they have no particular “need” to go anywhere and couldn’t care less how long it takes to get there. I’ve had slide-in truck campers forever (and still have a large 11-1/2′ Lance) but we’ll be living full-time in our 28.5′ fifth wheel (no slides, but very nice inside for an ’89 and — most important part — paid for!). We’ll be towing it with our 2000 F350 with the highly coveted 7.3 diesel engine . . . $1,200 to go and that beast will be paid for too!
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To get started this fall, we’ll be towing our ’08 Mazda CX-7 with a tow dolly behind the fifth wheel. We’d rather have a 4WD of some sort (like the F350 is) because we like getting (and being) seriously off the beaten path but we can’t part with our $28,000 like-new car for the $8,000 it is supposedly worth now. Our 5er has the axles under the springs *and* another 4″ lift (and a gooseneck adapter hitch) so there will be very few places we can’t slowly get to. The main reason for a ‘toad’ is to scope out new camping areas without getting five miles down a road and having to back out — been there; done that — not so much fun. It will also let us run to town for water/supplies without having to fire up the big truck *and* let us fly home for Christmas and spoil the grandkids for a few days (I’m not sure where we’re gonna’ store those studded snow tires just yet but we’ll figure something out :o)
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The big plan is to spend our winter months (Oct thru Mar) in the LTVAs of southern AZ and CA and spend our summer months closer to our home base here in Boise, ID. We have lots of friends and family here and in OR, WA, and MT so that will be when we reconnect with them as well. The nearly universal lament among fulltimers is “Why didn’t we do this sooner; why did we wait so long?” I encourage anyone and everyone to get out there and just DO IT as soon as you possibly can. If you wait until every possible thing is just right, you may never go at all. Trust you’ll land on your feet no matter what and JUMP I say. Don’t wait too long like my barber of 25 years did (just a few days ago) and DIE (heart attack in his case) — at work and alone. Life is meant to be LIVED in the right here and right NOW — not waiting to LIVE until some magical/imaginary future day.
JIM & ANNIE — BOISE, ID
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Hey Jim, It’s been awhile since I looked it up and maybe things have changed, but isn’t a 5th wheel trailer a ‘trailer’? If so, there may be a few states where it is illegal to tow two.
Not too many…..it’s easy to avoid the ones that do. I see 3 together all the time.
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It all depends on the jurisdiction — and I’m completely UNfamiliar with anything other than the West — but all states we’ll be towing “doubles” through (including California) are okay with it *as long as* the state in which you’re licensed (Idaho in my case . . . eventually maybe South Dakota). Some states (like CA) do limit overall length to no more than 65 or 70′ which we should be well within. I also learned that the 2nd “trailer” (could be a four-wheels-down vehicle or whatever) isn’t required to have brakes or even a break-away switch unless that was original equipment on said thing being towed.
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I don’t know if you’ll even get any notice of this reply but *if* you do, can you let me know at sail4free@zoho.com
I don’t get any notices when others reply to my replies and I’m wondering if anyone else does? Thanks!
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Used to have an Aliner and now we have a 15′ Taylor Coach TT . It weighs 185o lbs and I love it. I really enjoy Sue’s blog and often jot down some of those great camps in her post & hope to visit them. At the moment I am doing elder care for my 93 yr old mother who has dementia. Very soon though, she will be going into long term care as I can no longer meet her needs. As I’m 69 soon, I’m going to try to pack a lot of travel into the next five years or more. I am blessed with living at the lake for the past 25 yrs. in what was once our cottage. No plans to full time. Will be content with summers here and this winter, if all goes well, a couple of months in Arizona, more, at some point down the road.
I am never bored. I love nature, I like to read, bike ride, swim….and just dream about when we are able to just go. I like the simple life, & my favourite things are free.
And that is all there is ☺️
My magic carpet is a Scamp 13er that I bought new 27 years ago. Hiking had taught me that the best places to camp are places that a big rig can’t get to, so I went small and basic. I have no A/C, water heater, bath, or fridge. I have all I need with an ice box, porta potti, propane heater and stove, and a small portable solar setup to run the lights and keep the gadgets charged. The Scamp keeps me warm and dry when the weather isn’t cooperating with my camping plans. It is the first trailer I have owned and is likely the last. I have no regrets for the decision I made those many years ago and I don’t think I would do things any differently even after all the years of experience. The only thing that has changed has been the tow vehicle, but always a truck.
My camping style is much like RV Sue’s in that I seek out isolated camps and boondock about 95% of the time. I travel solo with my dog, although I’m alone just now but seeking another four footed friend that would make a good travel companion. My huskies loved traveling and camping as much as I, maybe even more, and were good travelers.
The Scamp has seen both coasts and plenty in between. The longest I’ve been in the trailer was over a summer, traveling and staying in national forests in AZ and NM. After 3 1/2 months of living in 65 square feet I still was not ready to come home to a S&B house. I have a very small home on the desert in southern AZ that I love for its beautiful surroundings and the winter climate, but boy do I hate the summers of living in a blast furnace. I vowed that when I retirement came, I was going to take off in the Scamp for cooler, high country six months a year and live in my house the other six. Well, that time has come–I retired in January of this year.
Sue’s travels have shown me what a gorgeous state Utah is and that’s where I’ll be exploring this year. I’m looking forward to not having an agenda to dictate when or where I travel so my plans are very loose. Next year I’m hoping to cross off a few national parks off my bucket list, namely Glacier, Olympia, and Crater. The launch will be when I decide it’s gettin’ too hot in these parts or whenever I get my ducks all lined up in a row. It will be me with the Scamp, a furry friend, my Benchmark maps, and a sense of adventure to explore the back roads and majesty of this great nation. The simplicity of my travel will, no doubt, only enhance the beauty that I find.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Audrey
I like your style, Audrey. Sounds like you are going to have a great summer (and onward).
I used to have a 13′ Scamp clone. Loved it!
OK, Sue opened this up to us and I have never been one to shy away from an opportunity. This is just in the thinking stage, and understanding Sue’s desire for privacy, puts no requirement on her in any way. Seems to be a lot of good, well meaning folks already on the trail. What would you think about a meet somewhere, say hello, share stories, put faces to the names? The world is not such a big place, might be fun. Thoughts?
RVers do that all the time, Michael.
That’s the point of rallies, RV clubs, RV owner clubs, and new sites like RVillage (Check that one out! It’s the best!)
A group I belong to on iRV2 called the RV Mutants (I’m Mutant # 63) gets together all the time. I’ll be joining them for the first time in August.
I say anyone who wants to get together, should.
We could join RVillage; friend each other there, and create the Get Together on there. We could also create a group called Sue’s Bloggerinos (just the name that jumped into my head) on RVillage. When you all join the group, and then create the event in the group…everyone in the group automatically gets invited. Then there’s a RSVP so you know who’s actually coming.
Fantastic idea. Could you give us more details?
About RVillage?
Jusr google RVillage; join up…..you don’t have to be a RVer, yet.
The gist of RVillage is solely FOR RVers to find an easy way to get together.
You can map yourself wherever you land, and look up the other RVillage members who are around you. Once you do that you can send out a get-together invitation immediately.
Super cool for campers who like to do that kind of thing.
I’m on RVillage so RVers around here can hire me…..I have an ad in their merchant section.
What a great day of posts. Nicely done everyone.
Good morning, blogorinos!
What a wonderful collection of comments! It’s fun getting to know you better and to meet readers who haven’t commented before now. If you haven’t appeared yet, please feel welcome to join us!
I appreciate those of you who answer questions, give helpful suggestions, reach out in kindness, encourage a dreamer, make a new blogorino feel comfortable here, and all the other good things I see happening among you. . . . It’s wonderful!
What a treat this is for me . . . I hope to read more! 🙂
I love y’all,
Sue
Love ya, too, Sue! Hope you and the Crew have a great day! I am looking forward to your new post. 🙂 BTW…how did you like the Piñata apples that you picked up a while ago? I tried them and think they are really good – crisp and juicy…not too tart, not too sweet.
Hi, Denise,
The apples were good. I’d buy them again…
Okay… I’m returning to lurkdom… Bye for now! 🙂
Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, Sue!
You are the best!
Without wind the cool morning air in the back porch made a walk and a bit of outdoor work seem like a good idea.Rounding the corner of the house,we encountered the real feel as we felt the slight breeze.Above the clouds moved with it,only doves called in treetops as the light began to grow fainter.Rain’s on the way.This pleases me as I look at the lake noting the overnight changes.More geese,what’s left of the ice is less and visibly thinner,even from this distance.One more reason that rain coming makes me glad is that work outside,though not a walk, just became unreasonable,deep sigh of relief here.I’ve little ambition for such things,meandering sounds much nicer for today.
Undeterred by the freshly forming mud,in fact obviously enjoying it,the pups run across,dig in and scamper happily through it and drag lots of it inside,and promptly fall asleep on the bedspread.Sue recently told me that $22/mo may be enough for laundry on the road.Reality check time.We’ve got up two hours ago ,the bedding,my clothes and several towels need washing,Ha! I get that the pups,cat,birds and I could all behave better to make life easier and keep costs down,but where’s the fun in that?!Geesh,even real ducks can’t keep themselves in a row,look at the picture’s !Hope everyone’s doing well today,and have a chance to just be you 🙂
I love you Weather! Have a good day.
Hi Sue, I love you too….what a great day to spend here reading everyone’s comments….You are all a blast!
hugs 🙂
Morning everyone!
I’m kinda late to this party, but my story isn’t too long 🙂
My husband definitely has some gypsy blood in him, he’s been a road traveler all his life. Me…not so much, just didn’t grow up with those opportunities. We took a road trip back in 2011, drove from CA to Fort Wayne, IN to visit my uncle who was battling cancer. We made the trip in our Yukon, and brought a futon mattress in the back to sleep, and some nights we stayed in hotels. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! I was hooked! I didn’t want to come home! (except we had to leave our pups home, so that definitely brought us back). We bought our used 2005 29ft Jamboree in Dec 2013 (no slides), and have only done “weekend” type trips to campgrounds for the majority of the time, spent Thanksgiving 2014 in Alabama Hills (first boondocking adventure!), then took our huge trip to WA state and back over the Christmas holiday. We love the size of our rig, not too big, not too small, but if we were to travel more, we would definitely get a toad. We are confined to where we park it, except for where our bikes or our feet will take us!
I’ve spent the last year or so reading a few RV travel blogs, and have completely fell in love with this lifestyle (Sue’s was the only one I read daily till I caught up!). I have made it known to my hubby that this is what my retirement dream is now….no big house to take care of, just a simple life, traveling this beautiful land God created, and being able to bring our pup along, that was one of the biggest advantages! He is definitely on board! We still have 20+ years or so till this can happen, so anything can change, but for now, I dream, and live vicariously through Sue’s travels!
This post turned out longer than I thought, sorry 🙂 I have enjoyed reading all of your stories!!
Thanks for adding your story….it gets richer with each one
hello to everyone, I have wonderful patient Husband, 3 ECs, and a 27′ Jayco Motorhome. He was Eddie the Eagle (after the english ski jumper in the olympics) but since our adventures in repairs Husband has renamed him Eddie the Evil. Eddie has a new inverter, a new fridge, and a repaired skylight, (husband fell through it trying to take a picture of an Eagle chick). He also had a leak that has been fixed by patient Husband. Good thing he is perfect for us because we can’t afford to sell him, we’d never get close to what we have into him. teehee. He is a 2000 model, and we tow a VW tdi Golf ( Divit ) on a dolly because we can’t get anyone to say it is ok to use a tow bar. yes we name our vehicles. anyone else?
i love my MH and car, have logged lots of fun miles on them both. We are planning on being in the “warm” starting end of Sept. First Christmas without family. I’m okay with it, we will be fine. This is a very long post and it is all Sue’s fault, she said to Share 🙂 Sue, you are living my dream, someday i will too.
cheers
irene Van Isl.
Hi, Irene,you tell a very cute story,I really enjoyed it!One question-did he at least get the picture of the eagle chick? 🙂
Hello Weather,
Yes my Husband did get some shots and an amazing video of the young eagle exercising his wings. He hadn’t actually flown yet but was able to hover over the nest.
He made us all laugh.
irene from Van Isl
🙂 🙂
Most DO name:
motorhome = MINE!
car = Elly
(she is a Honda Element, after all)
Yep, ours is named Jamin Jamboree…or Jambo for short. We constantly say “we miss the Jambo”, as we work all week and think of it sitting in RV storage, counting down the days till we can hit the road again!
Okay, where are the men? Sue
Lol!
Well, Michael is busy checking on some AC quotes for me.
🙂
Alan is Out and About!
I have been a little hesitant in answering this as I don’t use my RV like others here use them. It is my house/home and oh yes I can take it where I want. I haven’t got my solar installed yet but am ready too. Don’t need it right now anyway. I don’t move much, and I stay mainly in RV parks. When I go someplace I want to get to know the place, so I stay for months. It is really fairly in-expensive when you stay for long periods, many parks will negotiate for long term lease. The one I am currently in is 375 + elec a month and the sixth month rent is free. I am only semi retired and need real good wifi/internet. I use verizon so I can go just about anywhere out here.
I have a used 2001 40′ Monaco Diplomat(Monster) and I pull a 2010 Honda Element AWD as a toad. Since I don’t drive the monster that much I keep the maint expenses to a minimum. She is in great shape and only had 40k miles on it. It is a diesel pusher with a Onan 7500 generator with only 475 hours on it. I don’t plan on putting more that 2000 miles a year on it. The rest of the time I use the Element. I am currently in Grand Junction getting all setup with the VA for medical and such. Around July I will start migrating south to NM maybe the Deming area. May take me 3 months to get there, I want to visit the Great Sand Dunes on the way.
A fellow Elly puller!
Aren’t they the coolest cars?
They are the best think I ever bought. I have it on good authority that Honda is redesigning it and will start making it again. No idea of year.
I heard that, too.
Have you thought of Hidden Valley Ranch near Deming ? Wonderful place for long stay. Great folks, facilities & vistas.
It is at the top of my list.
Surely there are more than a few men who RV or dream of RVing . . . 😉
You would think…but I couldn’t get my husband on board….he’d rather sit on his butt in front of the “tube.”
Or be out in “nature” …..on the golf course.
Bleagh…..
When I’m in the road in a few years, and he has no body to talk to about, politics, the stock market, or fixing up cars, or……
Hitchitch.com has a lot of solo male travelers. I haven’t been there too much lately, though.
Talked to three rv repair folks today. Here’s what they say, if you don’t have the temp knob that can be dialed from cold to colder your unit will not shut down automatically and the contstant running is what causes it to freeze up. Two said that some models can have a thermostat added which would solve your issue. I would check yelp, etc. for a good rv repair shop in your area and see what they come up with. Hope that helps in some way.
Thank you, so much Michael!
How did you ever get 3 of them to talk to you so fast?!
Reported to husband your findings….engineering brain took over…now he realizes your right.
🙂
I told them who it was for and what she did for our critters, then I threatened them (<;
🙂
Thank you from the bottom of my heart…after all these years I still get overwhelmed when a human truly “gets” what I do.
I don’t meet that many, but when I do…I never forget it.
My cousin has a pet sitting business in the Cincinnati area. Since she is a teacher, the school year months she limits customer activity, but does quite a lot in the summer.
Interesting….
My daughter was my partner for 10 years.
Last year she became an AZ teacher…..the caring DNA in us, I guess.
Ed is Chasing Sunsets
You left him in South Dakota!
Well I think it’s time to think things through. Time is running out period. Now is the time to start living your life like you mean it. There is no tomorrow for certain is there? We need to stop thinking of what we will do tomorrow and start a new life today. Everyone has a dream but too many put it off for one reason or another. Always assuming tomorrow will be there for us. Well death is a part of what living this life is all about. Do you want to die without really having lived your life to the fullest? Go visit a grave yard and read the dates on the tombstones. Sad that so many died so young but here you are wasting your life by putting off your dreams. Don’t pay any attention to Madison Ave or people who say you need to do this or that. Pay attention to your heart interest. Is it telling you to sell the house and start living? You know it won’t be long and the US dollar will be no more. Warehouses are and have been stocked with the new money called Ameros just waiting to be put into circulation when the dollar collapses. When this happens your dollars will be worthless as Confederate paper money was after the Un-Civil War. Now is the time to spend your money, while it still holds some value. So sell that stuff that has been a ball and chain around your neck for so long and join the Freedom Lovers of RVing. This life style won’t last forever either. I see signs of it winding down everywhere I look. LOOK…take a good look at the state our country is in. We are sinking faster than the Titanic. Time to man the life boats if you want to survive what is coming. Sell everything you don’t need to live this life. Do Not Store your Stuff, it is money waisted on storage fees. I know it is very hard to part with all this stuff…but it is all just stuff that your heart strings have wrapped around because of our warped brains by Madison Ave. Break your chains of being a Tax Slave and live a little. Do it now, you won’t regret it. Money in the bank is a pipe dream an illusion to fool us into thinking we have a future…we don’t .
My partner and I are in the final pre-fulltiming stage. We will be living and traveling in our 30 foot Class A Thor ACE. We have the auctioneers coming out the day after Memorial Day to start sorting everything in the house. Auction is set for the 16th of June, then the house goes on the market and we truly start living the nomadic life. We are currently traveling to south Texas for a birding trip. We hope to mainly full time on BLM and forrest land throughout the western U.S. We will be traveling with our 12 year old rescue – Pepper.
You go Lisa, my partner and I are also avid birders and will be following the birding trails all over the U.S…..hope we run into you.
Um…Joe?
“On 31 August 2007, radio host Hal Turner used images of the Amero tokens offered by Designs Computed as the basis for propagating a patently false tale…..”
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/amerocoin.asp
Sounds to me like a cover story to keep people from knowing the truth.
I had a feeling you’d say that.
Buuuut Snopes has no stake in it either way. All they do is prove or disprove online rumors.
You are entitled to your opinion of course…but I don’t believe it.
Actually Cindy, with no idea about the validity of what Joe is sharing, there have been a couple times when Snopes was wrong (long ago so cannot remember the situations) while usually correct. Last I heard Snopes is a couple of people who research out answers the best they can. I do know things are changing a lot since I was young…and it is difficult to find positive parts at times. Seems it gets harder all the time to learn what the truth really is about any situation…with all the “magic” people can do these days using the computer, etc…how would anyone really know, in some situations?
Oh I agree with what you are saying in theory, Elizabeth. However, it doesn’t make economic, political, or personal sense to buy into any non-evidence based rumor.
Also, I stand by what I said; Snopes has no stake in this rumor, or any other, for that matter. So, that they are wrong on any issue because of a mistake makes the point moot.
As to this rumor…I believe it’s holding for so long because of the economic climate at the time the rumor started, which was at the crash of 2007.
Here is another resource…basically saying the same thing as Snopes: http://forextrading.about.com/od/forexhistory/a/amero_conspiracy.htm. Also, a source with no stake, unless you consider that a trader would want such a thing to be true for possible monetary gain.
Unfortunately, Conspiracy Theorists have the same problem as paranoids; they see only what they want to see in any given picture, and don’t consider all that’s involved. Also, it’s worth noting the extreme amount of energy such a person; either the CT, or the paranoid, is willing to spend on a given issue. It seems that it’s done not to prove the rumor, but rather to distract themselves from something completely unrelated, but even more unbearable to accept (my mother is a paranoid schizophrenic; I got experience in this).
So, how do you know what’s true or not? You keep digging until you learn all there is to know about the issue. And you do it from an objective point of view, not as an emotional advocate, which admittedly is hard.
Alright, here’s a comment from a guy who is considering going fulltime.
I have lived in Brooklyn, NY for the past 28 years. Moved here from the Rochester area. I’m in my early 50s now and, as I get older, the things that I love about the city aren’t as important as they used to be. I find peace reading about RVSue’s adventures, and have started thinking wouldn’t it be nice to sell my condo and buy an RV, and start traveling the country. I would still need to work for a few years, but I can do my work from anywhere as long as I have an internet connection.
My d-day is still a couple years away, as I have loose ends here to wrap up. My partner has no interest in full-time RVing, so we may be parting company, plus my parents are in their 90s and there’s no one else to watch them, but the time will come soon enough when I can do this.
I’m already planning out my rig — preferably an Airstream, at least 26 feet, with an area that I can convert into an office.
What a great way to spend one’s retirement!
In April of 2014 I moved to Marana, AZ, about 12 miles north of Tucson. I was living in upstate NY and just couldn’t hack the winters any longer. I bought a park model RV…like a baby mobile home, just 400 square feet. I live in an RV/mobile home community, where we have a clubhouse, pool, spa. I like it here,but would like to travel in summers and am hoping to get enough money together to buy a van for traveling. But not for a year probably. This summer I am car traveling, back to NY. Will be taking a class that will lead to a part-time editing job. I will probably be back in August so I can take HRBlock classes. I will work for Block again next tax season.
In my first year in Tucson I was beset by health problems,which seem to be getting better. Knock on wood. Right now my goals are getting more active, losing more weight and getting in better shape, and getting this class under my belt. I’m hoping that with the editing job, the Block job, that by next spring I can be searching for a van.
So, that’s my story. And I do have a little adorable fluffy female dog named Chloe who is my sidekick.
I must say I have never seen a blog roll the way this one is going. It cracks me up, makes me think, makes me sad, reminds me that kindness is the best medicine ever. I hope to put a face on some of you here as I travel around the west this summer. Big red Dodge,w/cab over camper towing green Jeep Cherokee. Say hello if you see my best furry friend Kate and I .
East of the Sun West of the Moon
Absolutely!
I’ll be in Utah in mid-August with the RV Mutants.
25′ C and a Cindy-Red Element. 3 Tiny dogs.
Well, loved the photos of the ducks. Reminds of a place we used to go years ago.
I love the style of your blog. I enjoy it so much and use it as a part of “you could do this” so please keep it coming. I am 60 years old and have 2 senior larger dogs, a senior guinea pig and an adult son with Down syndrome and they would all be my crew. I have finances worked out and am ready to go in that respect but just need to keep moving forward with the details. On some days, I feel like giving up and there is your blog. “Nothing worth doing is easy” – you know they used to always say that in the olden’ days all the time. Oh, and the other “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” I miss the olden’ days. So, keep up your good work with the blog. You are an inspiration to many. Thank you so much.
Read RV Sue everyday and dream of that life style. My dream is a 5er 27-30 ft with the appropriate size truck to pull it with. My other half isn’t as excited about full timing as I am so we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. We have 3 dogs one is a Saint Bernard she is already 7 and they only live to about 10. That is when I’ll make my get away. The other 2 are chihuahua’s and I can take them with me if need be. I’ve already told my kids that they will probably inherit them because they will out live me! Not old enough to retire so I will have to work camp which is fine with me. I tired of sitting in an office making money for so other people can enjoy their lives. I’ve been camping since I was in girls scouts and have owed everything from a pop up to a Class C. I have been researching the life style for almost a year now and plan on attending a rally this fall for more information and to meet people who actually do this. Can’t wait to join the full time adventurers!
Good for you….we will be waiting.
Sometimes I think Sue is more brilliant than she realizes! Leaving us on our own spawned a whole bunch of interesting conversations.
I’m 62, a small business owner, fried from all the hours required to make the business work. Hubby wants a 40′ honking diesel pusher, I want something simple just to “get outta dodge”. Not ready to sell the house just yet. A good friend of ours suggested we travel for a year before we decide to sell the house. I’m just getting impatient & not getting any younger! Thanks to Sue (and others) for your continued inspiration 🙂
I feel ya….I want a diesel also, but just not 40 feet, that would be like a steamboat…but feels really good on the road and all the comforts of home..I hope both of you get your wish.
Tiffin makes a nice 28 & 32 foot motor home. Have a friend with a 36′ Tiffin Phaeton. The construction and quality are excellent.
Yep I would really like the 32 foot Tiffin Breeze diesel…I will be on the look out….Still small enough for some State Campgounds and large enough to live in full time with my two dogs and partner of 20 years. I think we can do it..
Shirlene, I think your answer is a good compromise. Thanks for the suggestion! Truly 🙂 Now I just gotta talk someone into that thought.
In 2011 we purchased a 17 ft Casita Spirit with our daughter and son-in-law. We were both moving towards purchasing a Casita and decided to get one together. Why have two trailers when one would do? They both work and my husband and I are retired, our days are flexible and can work around their vacation times. It has worked out wonderfully! Obviously, it wouldn’t work for full timing but their vacation days are limited and we have way more days to use it than they do. Oh, the places it has been over the years! All our dogs are travelers too – Riley, and their Bob and Jasper(in spirit).
Last fall we found ourselves practicing the 200 miles or 3/4 hours style of traveling thanks to this blog. We loved the ease that it gave our travels and the time it gave us to explore the backroads and towns we visited. We have learned so much from this blog, it is amazing. We can’t wait to get on the road again!
Sue, it will be wonderful to have your presence in the state of Washington this summer! Perhaps we will see you on the road somewhere – remember the Toyota Tacoma with a red canoe and bicycles in The Dalles, Oregon, area running from the coastal storm? That was us!
Enjoy!
Kitt
I know Sue is enjoying reading all the posts that are up without having to reply to every one of them……
enjoy your “vacation” Sue….we miss you!
Yep!
I had to hurry to get my comment in today! I came late to the comments and WOW!
What a great post and what great comments. I enjoyed reading all of them very much, and in case I forget, I LOVED the last photo!! (Two exclamation points!!) So I am compelled to tell our situation. We purchased a 2009 Airstream Sport in 2012. It was a great bargain, for an Airstream. Barely used but we still had to do some work on it. My husband had to re-caulk the entire trailer which usually costs upwards of 1,000. If you have an Airstream, this needs to be done every 3-4 years if you don’t want to risk leaks. We have traveled to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Big Bend Natl. Park, Davis Mts., the Natchez Trace highway camping along the way to Tennessee and various other spots. We are looking forward to retirement in a few years and hope to travel extensively! Personally, I would ditch the house now but sometimes you gotta compromise!! (The “C” word! Ha!) Anyway, happy camping everyone and again, great post, RvSue.
I never knew that about the caulk on Aistreams!
I never knew the “C” word meant compromise. Thanks for the new meaning! LOL
Me either! Then again I’m a west coast girl!
I’m enjoying this post so much. I was getting ready to “hit the road” last year when I got sick. Having battled cancer a couple times before, it was extremely annoying to be sick again. I decided to plan ahead anyway and bought a 17′ trailer. Looking at it, planning, coming to this blog got me thru the long winter. I’m gaining ground every day getting my enthusiasm back. I may not exactly “hit the road’ this summer it may be more of a stagger but I can hardly wait to see what is around the bend.
Hang on to that enthusiasm, CheryLyn. Here’s hoping you finally realize your plans with a full gallop and permanent remission!
Thank You!
I am a breast cancer survivor, myself, so I can relate. Keeping your spirits up and dreams intact certainly help with the process. Chin up keep hope alive.
Amen!
I have so enjoyed reading everyone’s story. What a great group of interesting folks!
Hubby and I are on our second camper.
We first had a 22′ Four Winds travel trailer and we pulled with a Suburban. Had it for 13+ years, even though it started leaking at 3 years old, just after aging out of its warranty. Couldn’t find a shop to fix it (as it would tie up their shop too long), so my hubby and son removed everything in the aft section, went inside it during a downpour and found 21 leaks! He fixed all of these, and reassembled it, and now has no fear of fixing things himself. We did learn a lot from this experience…..Also had lots of problems with the Suburban. Mind you, we were not retired yet, but only weekend and vacations campers. We learned that we loved to camp, and that 22′ was way to big. After 13 years of trying I could drive the beast forward, but could not back it well. Also learned that we preferred the smaller campgrounds that Sue uses, to get closer to nature. The national parks are fabulous, yet have only a handful of sites to accomadate larger rigs.
That said, our present rig is a 21′ Winnebago Rialta, a class B+ motorhome built on a Volkswagen chassis. They are affectionately called No-Tow-Bagos, as you really shouldn’t pull a toad with them. But the footprint is small. They have a dinette in the rear that we leave made up as a 3/4 size bed, and a huge rear window. I can back it into any site now!! Plus we can fit into smaller campgrounds. Anyhow, the trade off is not being able to leave it on site, and go into town. We love it anyway!
We’ve just left on a 6 week trip to the PNW to visit family in Oregon. Our mileage now
is 18-20, compared to the 8 mpg we used to get with the Suburban (with the 454!)
Just survived a thunder and hail storm an hour ago. Tomorrow we head through tornado alley in SW Missouri and Oklahoma, and the atmosphere is unsettled…wish us luck!
Great story!
It’s actually better that hubs did the work himself…it’s getting harder and harder to find good RV service techs anymore.
But you got me wondering if I’d be able to get my rig into those parks that Sue goes to.
The great thing is the high clearance she has…some of these new B vans coming out are really, really low.
I like some others here am not an RV ‘r . Our adventure is hubby retiring early and the three of us me, hubby and our fur baby Vanna ( 6 year old small dog) flying to Thailand (from Australia) to live. So I now get around by car ( when hubby drives) the driving over here is a bit too much for me, so when out and about alone or with my gal friends it’s Songthaews or tuks tuks 🙂 A lady that lunches as my Aussie friends say because of the many outings with the gals that involves food 🙂 Vanna also loves her tuk tuk rides, and gets many waves from people seeing her go by. Just our little twist in our life journey. Hi to all!!!!
LOL! I could just visualize it!
I love Thai food!
Hmmm…. Wonder where AZJIm and Detta are………..
Sue, a post ago I said some things to you from my heart. You responded with “I had hugged all the hurt out of you.” Thank you, one of the best things anyone has ever said to me. What you have done on this post has allowed folks a voice. You stepped aside and gave real people a chance to reach others like themselves. To have a chance to express what they feel, how they feel, why they feel. What a selfless act, Bravo! You take something very difficult ( communication ) and cut through the bovine excrement and touch folks hearts. Should you doubt what I say, listen to what comes next from the people who love, respect and care for you. Know, you will never be alone.
Michael is right.
I’ve never seen a blogger do what you have done, Sue.
There’s so many people here who I now know a lot better…like we just had a real-in-person party. That never could happen unless you had given us all an opportunity to speak from within.
Quite amazing, really.
Maybe we’ll run into each other on the road someday…and someone will call out to me, “I know you from Sue’s blog!” I’m actually looking forward to that!
And what an amazing person you are, Sue.
Hey Cindy, I want that too….I want to have fellow blogorinos out there with me, leading me, encouraging me and of course visiting me! We are indeed family…
I’m glad you’re in agreement, Shirlene.
I’ll be going to Utah in August for a GT with the RV Mutants; but usually I go to the Ozarks every summer to visit my Dad.
If you get your RV this summer will you be heading to FL right off, or wait till fall when it cools over there?
Hi Cindy, we will be making local trips, desert, ocean, maybe Idaho to see my daughter. We will leave for Florida in January of 2016…or maybe later depending on retirement options and the holy Medical Insurance options.
I WAS going up through ID to visit a fellow pet sitter in N Ca; I even bought Bench Marks thru Sues blog. But husband suddenly has to take numerous biz trips. One of the many reasons I can’t wait to be on my own.
But, I was going to say that you’d likely want to hold off going to the desert in the summer…the heat is murder. Maybe stop on the way to FL next Jan?
Thank You! note to Sue and blogorinos
Sending a howdy,hug,atta boy or glad to see you and hear your story to any one commenting we may have missed doing that to in Sue’s absence.Each entry’s been pleasurable to find and read.I hope all slept well and are off to a great start today!
Good Morning Weather, hope you day is at least as enjoyable as your note! 🙂
Good morning to you,Shirlene,hugs 🙂 Yay,coffee together though three thousand miles away!My day became even more enjoyable since I found your cheerful notes- to me and others here,Thanks !
As always 🙂
Good Morning Sue, having coffee with or without you….Enjoy your day and enjoy YOUR blog!
I will not be a full timer for awhile . Guess I could be called a 90% er. My rig is a 17ft Casita sd pulled by a 1500 dodge 4 door with a leer camper top. I have my 17ft strip kayak on top and my recumbent trike inside. I like to hunt fish and explore new trails these toys help me do that. I have a 100 watt solar panel and a generator that supplies my elec. This rig lets me go just about anywhere.
I am a builder and that is where I need some customizing on my rig before I go full time ,I build custom knives ,that takes a little equipment,when I go full time it will probably be a cabover camper pulling a cargo trailer for my tools and toys and as a workshop
Ron
Grest ideas, Ron.
What kind of trike is your recumbent?
I have a Bike E. Remember those? Mine is an original from 1995, when they were still building them in the PNW…before they sold out to the Taiwanese company.
I got a Doggy-Ride trailer/stroller to pull with all the dogs, but that set up is heavier than I thought it would be. Especially on hills. Lol! Recumbents are murder on hills!
I like to get a trike, or even a Trikke..those are really cool. You can fold them down! But you’d have to get the electric one to efficiently pull a bike trailer.
I’ve so enjoyed following Sue’s travels and look forward to traveling after retirement in a few years. For now I am looking forward to a 2-week trip out West, and want to experience camping but don’t have a camper yet. So we are taking my SUV and will bring a tent or sleep in it. Just ordered a portable toilet, pop-up shower/toilet tent and hitch for my vehicle from Sue’s blog. Will attach a cargo carrier. I hope to buy a used “Little Guy” teardrop camper that my 4-cylinder SUV can pull by the end of the year. We will slowly ease into more travel. I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone else’s plans. I hope for the best for everyone!
I, too, am a huge fan of the whole teardrop trailer movement. I looked seriously at the Little Guy T@G, it’s the smaller of the T line up. Really, really nice! There is one that is for sale here in the Georgia area on Craigslist. It has every option known to man on it and she is selling because she has moved to the largest one of the T series. Anyway, she has it decked out super nice and it is like new, less than a year old. She is asking $10, 000. for it. I would have bought it but I fell into a great buy on a Chevy 1500, V8 5.7, Conversion Van with the Explorer conversion package. Seriously, I would have been in that T@G in a heartbeat. If you are still looking for one, go to Craigslist and search T@G Little Guy. I priced it out and the asking price is very good for all the options she has on it. It’s something to consider 🙂
Good luck in your hunt for your teardrop and great times traveling ahead!
BTW, are you currently a member of the Tear-Jurkers, your local area chapter of the teardrop owners? You can join them even if you do not own a teardrop yet. I understand it is one of the best ways to find a really good deal on one that is clean and does not leak if you are thinking a used unit maybe. Call your local chapter, they are really good to help locate ones too. Attend some of the meet-ups before buying one, great tips on what to look for. The Tear-Jerkers chapter here is out of Jacksonville Fla. Covers GA-FL. Very nice folks so if you come here to look at the T@G I believe they will gladly help you out while here. Hope this h
…Hope this helps you in your search.
OK, I’ve finally read them all.
One question that I can’t seem to find the answer for…if you camp in a trailer, do you have AC? If so, how do you power that if you cannot hookup to electricity?
The A/C that I have is natural air conditioning. I go up in elevation, open the windows, and let the breezes keep us cool. It works and no noise!
Some people buy portable generators that they carry around in their tow vehicles.
I like Sue’s method a lot better, though 🙂
I would rather use Sue’s method too. Trouble is, we travel to outdoor events in the mid-south and down into Texas … in summertime. It is HOT! lol
I almost talked hubby into buying a trailer since we have a vehicle to also replace and could have gotten a towing rig and trailer/camper. He is not keen on having a generator that is separate from the rig.
Guess we’re back to finding the elusive Class C for now! hahahaha