Things we’ve learned (Sometimes the hard way)

The last couple of days have been wild.  Saturday, I was able to get in a morning walk to the dock area, but the afternoon weather was heavy rains.  Sunday was cooler and so windy the RV was rocking at times.  That meant a few days curled up inside relaxing and watching TV (Syfy channel had a storm movie marathon!).  After doing so much sightseeing, it was nice to just zone out for a while.

At this point we’ve been full-timing for almost two months.  In honor of this, I’ve made a list of some of the things we’ve learned along the way.

-       A car dolly is a pain.  It takes too long to connect the car, you get dirty while doing it, and it’s an extra piece of equipment that wears out.  A tow bar is 2-3 times more expensive, has to be specially ordered for the tow vehicle, but seems worth the price.
-       Mixing RV parks and state/national parks is worthwhile.  RV parks are just plain boring when it comes to hikes.  They are more expensive, are relatively ugly, and are noisy and bright at night.  But, they have internet, cable, and are close to stores most of the time.  In towns, they’re a good base for sightseeing.
-       Two-three hours of driving is about right.  RV driving is definitely tougher and more tiring than car driving.  This allows you to leisurely leave around 11 or 12 am and get there around 2 or 3 pm to set up for the evening.  Sometimes that early arrival is needed to get a good spot.
-       Take time off from traveling or sightseeing once in awhile.  We're retired!
-       Continuous cleaning is important.  While there is less to clean than a house, it’s such a small space that keeping it clean is important to your mental health.
-       Updating your GPS should be done often but only when you have enough time. 
-       Sometimes reservations are good.  Or, have an alternative campground ready.
-       Syfy storm movies are more fun during a storm!