Rainbow Dragonfly

Rainbow Dragonfly
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Monday, May 21, 2012

Every night I cruise...

... around the internet, looking at pictures and videos of used and new RVs.  Keeping the dream alive, LOL.  Anyway, in many talks with my DH it turns out he wants to travel at least part of the year, so we are talking about a nicely appointed and good sized fiver and a good truck.  For a few days I contemplated restoring my vintage Terry travel trailer.  For 34 years old, it is still in pretty good shape; although there is a little rust on the bumpers, it needs re-plumbing and rewiring, and the shower surround is shot.  I realized, finally, that I don't have the skills or the strength to do it.  And it really is too small for two full-timers and dogs.  I might be able to sell it on eBay as vintage (it is certainly old enough).  I won't get squat for it here!

We both like the idea of parking for at least a month at a time, maybe up to six months, so I don't think a Class A will work for us.  I've been reading all of the women-on-the-road blogs I can find, but I'll have to branch out to couples with dogs on the road.  I may have to rename this blog Two Wolves and a Pair of Sausages on the Road, if we both go and take the dachshunds.  I am concerned about taking more than two dogs as many RV parks don't permit more than two.  Those are still details I have plenty of time to work out.

I don't think I want to stay on the road forever (my forever may be somewhat limited) but I would like to spend a couple or three years going around the country before I park the fiver permanently.  I have a fantasy of finding a paradise on earth to live (right!) but I'll probably end up close to one or both of my kids.  I hope they pick someplace nice!

Humming Ramblin' Rose this evening.
Theresa

Monday, May 7, 2012

Where did it go???

I was playing with my blog design last night, changing my template and adding gadgets, and moving things around.  Cool.  Unfortunately, in the process I lost my first post!!  Argh!  I can't recreate it from memory because my memory has been reduced in direct proportion to the years I have added.  Hunh?  Why does that happen?

I think I introduced myself (the Wolf) and my standard poodle puppy (the Lion).  I am expecting a lot from Lion as he is just a big baby and hasn't really traveled much.  I hope he likes it.  If not, I may have to choose another of my five dogs to travel with.  Then I'll have to change the name of the blog to "A Wolf and a ????? on the Road."  That just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Today my road song is "Me and you and a dog named Blue," a tune I've always loved.
Theresa

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Hitting the Road...

Is both simple and complex.  The complex part is wading through all the decisions that need to be made, the choices to be chosen, and the knowledge that has to be gained. The simple part is moving forward once the complex part is finished.  Today I have come to the decision to start fresh with a Class C instead of my old tow vehicle and a trailer.  I can visualize myself rolling down the road until I want to stop, parking, and then just getting out of the driver's seat and stepping into my home.  I can feel the ease and the satisfaction of doing that.

I have had three previous RVs: a truck camper, and two travel trailers.  With all of those I had to get out of one vehicle in order to make myself comfortable in the other.  On a long trip, that got to be a pain.  I always envied the folks in the big Class As their ability to actually BE at home even while driving.  I think I would prefer that mode over the long haul.

Remember the movie The Long Trailer with Lucy and Desi?  The scene where she is in the trailer trying to make dinner while he is driving down the road is hilarious!!  We all know that no experienced RVer would actually do that.  I think of how simple it would be to pull off the road to use the restroom or get a drink, or make sure the Lion is riding well, without having to open a door and expose myself to traffic.  That feels safe and secure.  Or pulling into a rest area after dark (for whatever reason), and just hitting the sack for a few hours of rest, again without having to exit the vehicle.  Yep, my mind is made up.  A Class C it will be.

Theresa

Friday, May 4, 2012

So Many Decisions!

I have really enjoyed reading the old posts on the blogs I am following, and I am learning so much!  I've been wanting a Class C, but I'm not 100% sure if that is the best way for me to go.  I don't think I want a toad.  I know I want to do some boondocking, and having to pack up everything just to go get groceries and supplies doesn't entice me.  On the other hand, towing my rig from place to place is kind of intimidating, but I can leave it in one place for longer periods of time.  Hmmm.

Of course, money is an issue.  I'm going to be one of those RVing seniors on a shoestring.  I already have a vehicle that can tow a small to medium trailer, but it needs major repairs.  I have a 1978 Terry 21-footer, but it needs major restoration.  I'm thinking that could cost almost as much as just getting a newer rig.  You see why next year is likely the soonest I can hit the road?

Today I'm thinking that if I had a good pickup truck, I could put a truck camper on it for the shorter trips I want to take, and if I fall in love with the lifestyle, trade it in on a 5ver.  Choices can be confusing!

I know I'm not ready to full-time yet.  Also, I will sometimes travel alone (with the Lion, of course!) and sometimes with my husband.  Now that we are both retired, I think I need a solitary trip or three each year, LOL.  I want to head south in the winter, because it is too cold for me up here at 6800+ feet.  I could find a nice RV park in the Phoenix area and visit friends and family, and head to Q for part of the season.  In the summer would be a good time to boondock in the beautiful forest and lake areas here in NE Arizona, and NW New Mexico.  I am really looking forward to that.

Today I am humming "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson.  Love those road songs!
Theresa