Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Our First Three Months In The Palms

Encinitas, CA

It’s been three months now, and I wanted to put down a few thoughts I have about living in a 24 foot long RV – the interior living space including the bathroom, kitchen, couch and dinette area  is 16’ long by 8’ wide, or 127 square feet, not including the over-cab sleeping area.



Amazingly, although that’s a very small space, it has everything I need to live comfortably.  I haven’t found anything I need that’s not here, and there’s nothing here that I don’t need.  There are lots of large windows and 7’ ceilings; it’s very light and bright.  I don’t turn on lights until it’s actually dark outside.  It really is pretty amazing. 


So far, in the last three months I’ve driven to and lived in three states, California, Oregon and Washington.  The campgrounds I’ve visited in each state have been different, and I’ve enjoyed each one. 
 
  Santee Lakes, Santee, CA

 Vineyard Park, Vacaville, CA

Fern Ridge Lake, Veneta, OR
  
Armitage Park, Eugene, OR

Stan Hedwall Park, Chehalis, WA

The weather has been good so far, meaning fair and warm, only a short time of really hot days, and only a few overcast, cool days.  I’ve only worn jeans once, the rest of the time I’ve been in shorts.   I’m hoping for a little storm, some rain, a bit more wind.  I love the good weather, not needing the A/C or the heater.  But I’m looking forward to some “bad” weather.  (I hope I don’t eat those words.) 

So far I’ve spent days along the beaches, weeks in parks with lakes, rivers and lots of trees.  I’m not much of a sightseer, and that wasn’t my plan when I decided to full-time.  I’m doing exactly what I wanted to do:  live at the beach, live by a lake, live in the forest.  I’ve overnighted at highway rest areas and Wal-Mart parking lots, one restaurant parking lot and one casino parking lot.  Even parking lots have trees, and maybe a field or something scenic next door. 

 Tamarack Beach - Carlsbad, CA

Wal-Mart Parking Lot, Eugene, OR

Cher-Ae Heights Casino in Trinidad, CA

I’ve enjoyed the drive from place to place, going through small towns, cities, forests, and along beaches.  Windy coast roads and wide freeways.  Lots of bridges and tunnels, short and long.

 The Grapevine (I-5), CA







Bridge over Siuslaw River

Astoria Bridge - Astoria, OR

I’ve learned a lot, had my owner’s manuals out a lot, had a back-up camera, coach and truck batteries, and vent covers installed, and some minor repair work done.  Katie and I have established a daily routine, and it works well for us.

I’ve been lucky that we’ve found a place to stay every night, had good neighbors, and when there was a problem, it was easily fixed and I learned from it.

Living in an RV is very romantic, and I mean that in this interpretation of the word:  “imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc.”  For people wanting to see all the different cities, towns and areas and what they have to offer, there really isn’t a better way to travel. For those of us wanting a simpler life, same thing.  How else could I have spent my days, with my dog, by the beach, lakes, rivers, parks and forests I’ve visited?  And so comfortably, with all my “stuff” right here with me. 

In the next three months I’ll be in at least three new states, ending in Arizona for the winter.  When I leave Arizona, I don’t know if I’ll visit new states or retrace my steps.  I’ve stayed in more parks with hookups than I thought I would, but I love having water and electricity.  I hope to boondock in the future on forest lands and in the desert.

From Me and My Dog, Katie, here’s to the next three months on the road with The Palms.   : )

10 comments:

  1. Hi...what a great 3 months you and Katie have enjoyed.
    We have been enjoying your blog for a few months already.
    Teresa and I bought FroggiDonna's 26' Class C motorhome. We are going to be Snowbirds this winter, and we are so excited, we can't even concentrate on our jobs...LOL
    We will be spending most of our time in Texas and Arizona, so maybe we will meet on the road.
    Take care, and have fun....Trent and Teresa

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  3. Great post, Barbara! It sounds like you have the perfect life for you and Katie. Even though we still have our sticks and bricks, I am always amazed at how comfortable we can be inside a tin box with so much less. Being on the road is a constant adventure and learning experience. You're an inspiration and I hope we cross paths again in our future travels. Great pictures of your journey...thanks for sharing.

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  4. What a great summation of your first three months. It's hard to believe that you hit the road three months ago and have already experienced so much. It makes me want to take off...soon.

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  5. Isn't it interesting that people from many walks of life are fascinated with your life and the choices you make?

    I can't believe it's been 3 months already that you have been living in your rv. Funny how time flies by. It seems like yesterday that you were thinking about full-timing and now you've been doing it for 90 days!

    My grands just LOVE Katie singing on your blog, thank you for that.

    Looking forward to more adventures for you and Katie!

    LG

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  6. Hi Barbara' I too have been "my spot" for 3 months, only have driven it once. I'm still working for at least til early next year. Then I will be out of here, probably heading to Phoenix. From there ???????. Keep on posting, we love keeping up with your adventures. Oh yea, every now and again I let Katie sing to Angel. She actually watches her.

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  7. What an inspiring post! I have been reading your blog for a while now, just never posted, but this one was just too good to stay silent. ;-) It instills great hope as I sit in the "sticks and bricks" with the FOR SALE sign in the front yard...

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  8. It was fun seeing your road pics again.

    I do hope that you get to see some of Washington... off the main highways. You really should see Mt. Rainier (if you can) and I REALLY like the state park at the base of Hurricane Ridge... just outside of Port Angeles.

    ALSO if you get up there I highly recommend taking the ferry over to Victoria, B.C. So English and quaint for a med/lg city. You will enjoy the Parliment building and having "tea" at the Empress Hotel!


    xoxo Bunny Jean
    @ Bunny Jean's Decor and More!
    (my MAIN blog)

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  9. I want you to know that I am proud and happy for you. Good job!

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  10. congrats on your three month anniversary!!..cheers to many more adventures!!!

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