We are tourists, but, not on vacation.
Several have suggested that I keep a journal of our life on the road. It was first suggested in March, 2008, and often since then. But it was not until that contradictory thought entered my head that I picked up pen and paper.
Living on the road in a 40 ft. 5th-wheel is full of such oppositional concepts. We live in assorted campgrounds, but not at all like the tent campers we used to be. Most campers pack it all up and go back to work-a-day lives after a few days. We pack up and move to the next campground. Our work-a-day happens at each stop along the way. All of the routine of daily life goes with us.
We are indeed roughing it, with a sofa, 2 recliners, a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, and king-sized bed. Oh yeah, we also have a kitchen island, fireplace (electric) and flat-screen TV (HD of course) and a nifty under-floor laundry hamper. We could have opted for the washer/dryer combo, but elected to have the extra storage instead. 3 slides make the 400 square feet of living space truly livable.
After 37 years of marriage, a son, jobs, life in the ‘burbs and then on a ranch, we have a new rhythm to our lives. After 35 years of acquiring, we have spent 2 furious years of divesting ourselves of those acquisitions, often having to repurchase some items because they really were necessities – who knew we would need several power strips!
Of course none of this happened in a vacuum. It took a lot of help from friends and family to settle all the accounts. My sister, Lynn, is storing many items too precious to give away or sell. Her attic is full and she is enjoying several pieces of our furniture, just as we enjoy visiting it when we go to her house. I have to say that it is looking more and more like her furniture than mine. Our friends in Eastland, TX helped us with the house/ranch sale, providing lodging and support as each was needed. We were able to see our home, furnishings, and cattle go to good homes. Of course our son was extremely supportive of his parents going off the deep end. He has helped with mail, moral support, and provided a home base in Dallas.
As novice non-vacationing tourists, we sing the praises of full-timing to any and all who will listen. Because despite the 24/7 togetherness, inconsistent road and camp conditions, distance from family and friends, we are among the most fortunate of folks who get to travel a marvelous country and meet welcoming people, all in the comfort of home!
The following posts are entered retroactively. Dates show the time of travel, not necessarily the date written since I didn't begin writing at the beginning of our trip and didn't begin blogging until even later. Hopefully, it will all get caught up to real-time eventually!
Several have suggested that I keep a journal of our life on the road. It was first suggested in March, 2008, and often since then. But it was not until that contradictory thought entered my head that I picked up pen and paper.
Living on the road in a 40 ft. 5th-wheel is full of such oppositional concepts. We live in assorted campgrounds, but not at all like the tent campers we used to be. Most campers pack it all up and go back to work-a-day lives after a few days. We pack up and move to the next campground. Our work-a-day happens at each stop along the way. All of the routine of daily life goes with us.
We are indeed roughing it, with a sofa, 2 recliners, a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, and king-sized bed. Oh yeah, we also have a kitchen island, fireplace (electric) and flat-screen TV (HD of course) and a nifty under-floor laundry hamper. We could have opted for the washer/dryer combo, but elected to have the extra storage instead. 3 slides make the 400 square feet of living space truly livable.
After 37 years of marriage, a son, jobs, life in the ‘burbs and then on a ranch, we have a new rhythm to our lives. After 35 years of acquiring, we have spent 2 furious years of divesting ourselves of those acquisitions, often having to repurchase some items because they really were necessities – who knew we would need several power strips!
Of course none of this happened in a vacuum. It took a lot of help from friends and family to settle all the accounts. My sister, Lynn, is storing many items too precious to give away or sell. Her attic is full and she is enjoying several pieces of our furniture, just as we enjoy visiting it when we go to her house. I have to say that it is looking more and more like her furniture than mine. Our friends in Eastland, TX helped us with the house/ranch sale, providing lodging and support as each was needed. We were able to see our home, furnishings, and cattle go to good homes. Of course our son was extremely supportive of his parents going off the deep end. He has helped with mail, moral support, and provided a home base in Dallas.
As novice non-vacationing tourists, we sing the praises of full-timing to any and all who will listen. Because despite the 24/7 togetherness, inconsistent road and camp conditions, distance from family and friends, we are among the most fortunate of folks who get to travel a marvelous country and meet welcoming people, all in the comfort of home!
The following posts are entered retroactively. Dates show the time of travel, not necessarily the date written since I didn't begin writing at the beginning of our trip and didn't begin blogging until even later. Hopefully, it will all get caught up to real-time eventually!
This is great; for a few minutes I was on-the-road. Keep enjoying your home and travel and keep writing too. Love, Lynn
ReplyDeleteWell done! I think a 24hr/day camera would really make us feel a part of your experience.
ReplyDeleteHow about it? (LOL)
Nick