Well it all started a few weeks ago when I met Bill and Cheryl. They are full-timers from Canada. Leaving their winter quarters in South Texas making their way back up North for the Summer, they stopped to visit Cheryl's, Aunt Liz. Now, this is where I come in to the picture. Liz is a friend of mine and she invited me over for a crayfish boil and for me to meet Bill and Cheryl.
We instantaneously, hit it off talking about all sorts of things. They told me they have been full-timers for the last 10 years. As we spoke, many questions and information flowed back and forth. How, where and when do you all do this camping or rving. They have a 5th wheeler, with sides, I believe is was a 32 footer. I was fascinated.
Not a stranger to roaming the country-side myself, I have manage to touch on all the states but six and that includes Alaska and Hawaii. The wanderlust grabbed hold of me and has not let go yet.
For the past few weeks, since that meeting, I have be trying to figure out a way to get me and my dog on the road. Newly retired, since August 2010, one of the things I want most was to do was to see more of this beautiful country. I am a great fan of John Muir and Thoreau's, "Walden", to name a few of well known environmentalists, naturalists, travelers, writers, etc,
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike."
John Muir
John Muir
Walden Pond
Sorry, I digress. This has been such a learning curve. Although, I have traveled quite my camping experience is limited. I did sleep in a tent when traveling with my children but is was so big and cumbersome we decide it was way too, much trouble to put up. Once, when I was on vacation alone seeing, Indian Country, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, I fixed up the rental station wagon's back half into a bed and did sleep at several camping sites. Not the most comfortable to say the least.
Now, with travel trailers of ever shape and size it is hard to make a choice. My Toyota, RAV 4, I believe, has made the decision for me. At just 1500lbs towing capacity, using it is out the question. I am leaning toward a small Class C, Van type camper. I don't mine small but I need a bit of walk around room, just in case it rains or snows and I am stuck inside for a couple of days, right? At least that is were I am today.
I had breify considered:
The Aliner Alite 300 was small enough for my RAV 4 to handle but give me a break, stuck inside for days while it rained outside. I don't think so!!
This is a new blog dedicated to me finding my way out to the open road. I am doing all the research and fact find I can on the subject of rving at campgrounds, National Parks, Bureau of Land Management and boon docking. solor power, the whole nine yards. It might get a big long because, there is much research and the internet is a big place.
I figured there might be someone else like me who would like to see America by driving it. So I am doing the leg work for y'all.
Since, as I have realized there is much information out there to be had, if you have any links or suggestions, please post a comment.
Now that is is approaching Summer, my plan is to shoot for the Fall. I hate the crowds in the Summertime. One other thing, I will not be a full-timing, I plan to travel in the Spring and Fall and to stay home in between. Sound like I have a plan, at least. Stay tuned:)
Happy Trails!