We were full-time RVrs for 21 years - sadly, getting off the road 3 years ago due to health issues. We had 3 different 5th-wheels; our last was 43' long and we pulled it with a big rig. One of the most interesting (and a bit nerve wracking) experiences we had was in Buffalo, NY. We were on an onramp and found, much to our dismay, that at the end of the onramp was a bridge which we would not fit under. So my husband had to back up on the onramp to find a road which would take us to parking for Niagara Falls. I stood outside our rig, waving people over while he backed up. Fortunately, for us, people were very polite & they all pulled over upon seeing the predicament we were in. We've been in all 50 states (all but one in our RV) and definitely miss the lifestyle. Sigh....
I thought, for a while, that I'd love the nomad life, but alas, I've waited too long. About 10-15 years too long! Since I quit working, I've aged at super speed! Maybe just realized I've aged, but whatever. I'll just have to be content with where I am, with what I have and be thankful it's really pretty enjoyable.
You look great to me and you're still getting around great especially with your sweet daughter! The RV life isn't all it's cracked up to be was my point.
We enjoyed out time full timing but you are right that there are downsides. One time on I-5 between Los Angeles and San Diego we had a tire go very low. The side of the road didn't afford a lot of room but Jim and I managed to get the tire changed in just a little time. A friend riding with us had a bright green shirt on and stood and tried to get people to move over but very few did. It wasn't the most pleasant experience.
Yes, it is so scary as the trucks and cars zoom by - we had a tow truck driver once that instead of a cone he set out an empty red gas can saying people would avoid that better than caring about a cone. No fun being beside the busy road but so many good time over all that it made up for the few scary times.
I spent nearly 13 years travelling almost non stop in Europe. Hitching, cycling, a train now and then, sleeping mostly outside. Then I got a driving license, and travelled in a camper, trading all over Britain.
Then, not wanting to stay in the UK with Brexit looming, I decided to convert a truck into a mobihome to spend the rest of my life in Europe. To have the legal rights to do that meant gaining EU citizenship, so I moved to Holland just as lockdowns started. a burocratic disagreement between UK and NL cost me my license. So here I sit between brick walls figuring out how to build an solar trike and fold-out camping trailer. I'll post about that next spring. In the meantime, Peace, Maurice.
We were full-time RVrs for 21 years - sadly, getting off the road 3 years ago due to health issues. We had 3 different 5th-wheels; our last was 43' long and we pulled it with a big rig. One of the most interesting (and a bit nerve wracking) experiences we had was in Buffalo, NY. We were on an onramp and found, much to our dismay, that at the end of the onramp was a bridge which we would not fit under. So my husband had to back up on the onramp to find a road which would take us to parking for Niagara Falls. I stood outside our rig, waving people over while he backed up. Fortunately, for us, people were very polite & they all pulled over upon seeing the predicament we were in. We've been in all 50 states (all but one in our RV) and definitely miss the lifestyle. Sigh....
Wow! How amazing. Thanks for sharing. We thought it might be for us but ended up wanting a place to settle. That said we love shorter trips!
I thought, for a while, that I'd love the nomad life, but alas, I've waited too long. About 10-15 years too long! Since I quit working, I've aged at super speed! Maybe just realized I've aged, but whatever. I'll just have to be content with where I am, with what I have and be thankful it's really pretty enjoyable.
You look great to me and you're still getting around great especially with your sweet daughter! The RV life isn't all it's cracked up to be was my point.
We enjoyed out time full timing but you are right that there are downsides. One time on I-5 between Los Angeles and San Diego we had a tire go very low. The side of the road didn't afford a lot of room but Jim and I managed to get the tire changed in just a little time. A friend riding with us had a bright green shirt on and stood and tried to get people to move over but very few did. It wasn't the most pleasant experience.
I was terrified the whole time Mike was changing that tire!
Yes, it is so scary as the trucks and cars zoom by - we had a tow truck driver once that instead of a cone he set out an empty red gas can saying people would avoid that better than caring about a cone. No fun being beside the busy road but so many good time over all that it made up for the few scary times.
Great write up about the pluses and minuses of nomadland life. Connections to people and places and adventure as well.
Hope it's helpful!
I spent nearly 13 years travelling almost non stop in Europe. Hitching, cycling, a train now and then, sleeping mostly outside. Then I got a driving license, and travelled in a camper, trading all over Britain.
Then, not wanting to stay in the UK with Brexit looming, I decided to convert a truck into a mobihome to spend the rest of my life in Europe. To have the legal rights to do that meant gaining EU citizenship, so I moved to Holland just as lockdowns started. a burocratic disagreement between UK and NL cost me my license. So here I sit between brick walls figuring out how to build an solar trike and fold-out camping trailer. I'll post about that next spring. In the meantime, Peace, Maurice.