We are currently in Mesa AZ, enjoying sunshine, 70+ degree temps and some catching up with life and friends. We lived in Phoenix from ‘96-‘99 and many of our people from that era are still here. But first, Amazon deliveries, repairs on the RV, an appointment for truck maintenance, and planning our next 3 months.
I thought I’d write about some of the things we’ve learned while living this life, and I’m very glad to say that learning doesn’t have to end!
Flexibility is critical to living on the road. As much as we might like to have our plans fixed, they can’t always be that way. Weather, illness, breakdowns, and bad parks can all contribute to a need for flexibility. We left NC early because it was too cold, stayed in New Orleans a day longer due to storms. Everything that is routine shifts when you live in transit. Groceries, restaurants (the south was a bust for me), allergies you didn’t know you had pop up. Sleep can be elusive at our age. However,
We’re grateful to not pay property taxes in Illinois!
Part of the adventure is learning what kind of road people we are. We’ve stayed in various kinds of parks over the months, and have learned that we are middle priced, full family, park fans. We met a lot of wonderful folks in the 55+ parks, but our favorites are the parks where children and families are living (vs camping). Permanent RV residents with kids are common. Traveling workers also live in them. Parks like this are less expensive, don’t require newer RV’s, and are often located in less desirable parts of town. But they represent a more realistic kind of life. They remind us that not everyone who lives in an RV has the means to escape winter, see the world, or live in luxury. We love them
Unless they’re cooking meth in Tucson
Slowing down has to be my next big learn. When we first started this adventure we stayed in places a week at a time, which was perfect for new RVers. Highly recommend week or month reservations, saves costs. If we had to do it again, we might choose differently. Savoring our locales is key. I’d have given anything to stay AT LEAST 2 weeks in Cape Hatteras NC, and we could have enjoyed a week in San Antonio TX vs 3 days. We ask ourselves often, “what’s the rush?”. Our time is free, we have no commitments and we can journey at our leisure. It’s also helped us to slow down mentally. Life’s pace is out of sync with humans. Learning to live slower is healing and liberating.
Surprises! We’ve come to look for the lovely serendipities that feed our souls. I’ve been in quilt shops with ladies from everywhere, who share their expertise. Bruce has been on RV websites and made life long friends. We stopped at a glass blowing site one afternoon, (and spent a bundle). We’ve seen sunsets, beautiful snow capped mountains, animals and gorgeous flora/fauna. Cathedrals and ruins have also captured our interest. And we’ve met people we’ll never forget or loose track of. Yes, the tourist attractions are important. But the small, out of the way finds are just as memorable, and do more for our hearts.
The nitty gritty of road life…
Don’t buy white towels, or sheets! Bleach is a no/no for an RV so you have to use it in the park laundry which isn’t always convenient.
Do bring a cast iron skillet. It can double as a pie plate and can be used on an outdoor grill. It also does fantastic in a propane oven.
Don’t over pack. You can always buy things along the way, but it’s harder to dispose of them. We stocked up on plastic tubs and we only use 3 of them.
Do buy a wool blanket. When faced with cold nights our quilt wasn’t doing the job. I looked for an affordable down comforter and settled on the wool blanket. Less expensive, washable and as warm as down.
Do join some RV groups, I’m currently using 3. Campspot, Campendium and RV Life. It runs me about $150 yearly. Bruce joined 2 Facebook groups, The RV Bunch and a Grand Design group. Both have been invaluable for advice on managing the RV.
Do take breaks. We did some side trips that required hotels and we’re currently planning a couple of nights in Sedona. It’s lovely to get away, just like it is when you own a house. And if you make friends with your neighbors they’ll feed your cat.
Do plan quarterly. Trying to plan a year in advance is frustrating. We’re doing about 3 months at a time and it’s going well. We might have to compromise on our park choices, but not having to commit so long in advance is worth it. And no matter where we park, our house is always the same.
Crocs are the best for RV life! Had to convince Bruce, but he’s now on board. He can manage most of the outside maintenance in them and they slip off before he comes in. No tracking mud, gravel, leaves and so on. They work for the pool and wash with the hose, can’t beat ‘em.
Lastly, expect the unexpected. Things break, warranty companies are a pain, accidents happen, illness and weariness still exist. Neighbors are odd (70 something’s love their pot). The flip side is that it’s never permanent. You’ll move to a new place at some point and it all changes. We’ve discovered we can live with almost anything for awhile.
But right now, the sun is shining, the temps are lovely and the breeze keeps me from overheating.
And it’s not a midwest winter!
Very true and very well written!