KATHY’S VIEW ABOUT RVING

KATHY’S PERSONAL VIEW POINT ABOUT RVING

Rick writes our blog “It’s about time” about our everyday lives and where we have been and the things we do. The blog started out talking about when we were campers in tents, casual camping with a trailer, and then Snowbirds with 5^th wheels until becoming Fulltimers. We owned a house and then lived in an apartment before deciding to live in our RV Fulltime. I thought I wouldn’t like it but still gave it a try. Guess what? “I LOVE IT! I have been asked if we have any regrets and the answer is only one, “NOT DOING IT EARLIER” 

We swam with the Manatee twice.

We have been to many different parts of Florida from the Panhandle to the Keys and many places in between.  Florida is a beautiful state and we enjoyed every minute of the time we were there.  We attended many rallies, did a lot of sightseeing and swam with the Manatees twice. Disney World was visited about four times without any hesitation.  We visited Key West several times as well and it was truly a beautiful place. Sanibel Island was another place we enjoyed.  Kennedy Space Centre was fascinating. The beaches and markets are also on our list of places to attend. 

Para-Surfers on Key West.

Will we go back?  Probably, but not anytime soon.

Next question is probably, WHY? In our experience Florida and other places are fun, wonderful to explore, great to go if you have never been there but have your wallet ready because they are expensive places to visit $$$$.   

A different view around every bend.

We have decided to sight see in the other states before going to and on our way home from Arizona. I know many Fulltime and Part-Time RV people who don’t like to make plans because they say it is all made in “Jell-O” and can change them at any minute. That is very true but we like to have some sort of idea of what to see along the way we will be heading.  I do make an itinerary but it is subject to alteration if it is necessary. We also give our grandkids our itinerary so they can follow along. 

We never get tired of looking at the mountains.

We have visited other parts of the U.S.A. only staying a week here and week there and that too was wonderful. We decided to try the South West for our winter stay this year and we are very glad we did. We knew that it was a lot farther to drive but a whole lot cheaper to live. Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah have L.T.V.A. and B.L.M. lands that you can stay on free or for practically nothing. Let me explain! 

Out Home in the Desert.

In the L.T.V.A. (LONG TERM VISITOR AREA) you can pay $40.00 and stay 2 weeks they will put a sticker on your vehicle and your trailer. At the end of 2 weeks you have to leave or buy another permit or you can pay $180.00 and stay for up to 7 months. The nice part is you don’t have to stay in one place those stickers they put on can be used at any of the L.T.V.A. and B.L.M. in the area if you want to move on. Now that is some pretty good pricing. 

Every night the Sunset is different.

In most B.L.M. (Bureau of Land Management) areas you simply register in the with a Camp-Host and you can stay up to two weeks without paying a cent. You then have to travel at least 25 miles away to another B.L.M. There are some B.L.M. areas that do charge a moderate daily fee but not all.

Most areas in those five states have a multitude of sightseeing you can do and some have special events that are available to you as well.  It is so beautiful to sit outside or in your RV and look at the mountains.

The state of Arizona has the Big Tent Event in January with fireworks and vendors galore in the town of Quartzsite and hundreds of thousands of people attend. Even earlier Lake Havasu has a Hot Air Balloon Festival where you can actually pay to go for a ride.  We like to be in place in Quartzsite in December and love to visit the vendor areas.

Some areas have a place to empty your tanks and take on fresh water and dump your trash on site.  Other areas require that you go to a designated area for those things.  In Quartzsite, Arizona they have a dump-out station, potable water and propane in town for a price. Some other areas mentioned are gas stations where you can dump. Some are free and some require you pay a minimal fee.

There are only THREE things you have to have to be off the grid, a rig that has Solar Panels and/or a Generator and the want to try something new and different. Patience is another thing you need a lot of as well.  Learn all about how your solar works before you go because you will need it.  You might need a waste container with wheels and something to haul water to your RV with.

So, all you need is to pay your fuel, the fees mentioned above, and groceries and you’re on your way. Of course, pocket money is always needed.

We have met many Fulltime RVers some that we knew through their Blogs and others that we didn’t.  It is a very friendly bunch around a campfire or having happy hours. You’re never ever really alone. The southwest is someplace you will never forget and will always be dreaming about.  Give it a try you may find you like it too!