Newbie Here.....

[BootsOnMyFeet]

Greetings –

I’m not new to RV-ing, but new to the solo world. My ex and I traveled in our 25’ trailer when we could (still working), and now, many years post-split, I’m finally dipping my toe back in the water. I just bought a little brand new A-frame travel trailer and vacillate between being excited for the new adventures and scared witless over towing (obviously I should’ve heeded hubby's insistence that I learn with our 25’).

I’m still several years away from retiring, so I’ll be doing mostly weekend trips for now. I have a big cuddly doofus Rottweiler who’ll be my partner on these journeys (although I realize that will limit some campground choices). We plan on doing a lot of hiking, writing, and photography – and, hopefully, taking some baby steps on the path to healing after the loss of my boyfriend who passed away 11 weeks ago today.

I have the utmost respect for solo women RVers who manage their rigs with ease – and I’m hoping that some of that confidence will rub off on me through this forum. Thanks for your willingness to share your knowledge and your adventures!

[Bethers]

Welcome, Terry - glad to have you with us. And I have the utmost respect for you - it's not easy to venture out solo with all those nagging doubts we have. But the more you do it, the easier it does become. I love your name, btw. Hope to see you here often, and hopefully meet you on the road.

[retiredhappy]

Welcome Terri. So sorry about your boyfriend's passing. Don't worry about the fears of going solo - most of us have had the same fears. Just bite the bullet and go for it. You will be a pro too after a few short trips. You will have some problems in mostly private campgrounds with your Rottie. I've known many Rotties and they're really sweet, lovable dogs unless they're raised by some macho man who wants a "mean, manly" dog. I have a friend with one that is a therapy dog. She dresses it up in a pink tutu and takes it to retirement homes to visit. Who could be afraid of a Rottie in a tutu? We're all looking forward to pictures of you, your rig, and your Rottie. We use Photobucket and if you need help go to our technical section and there's an old posting on how to do it.

[VickieP]

Welcome to the forum, Terry! So sorry for your loss. Now you've taken the steps to go out on your own, so we know you can do it!

[AlmostThere]

Welcome, Terry.
My sympathy on your recent loss. So glad you found us and please jump right in and chat with us.
What part of the country do you hail from? Fingers crossed you are in the NW....

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard, Terry. As one of your member recently reminded another one of our "sisters" .... after making it through the loss of a close loved one.....the challenges of navigating the world of traveling solo should be very doable. Mistakes will be made here and there but those just make sitting around the campfire and swapping stories much more entertaining. Make plans and get up and go, you will find your wings.

[mitch5252]

I have a big cuddly doofus Rottweiler...

The Forum has one of those, too - it's fellow Forum Member VickieP.

But anyway, a big, ol' Forum Welcome to you! I'm sorry for your loss, but I know you'll be just fine on your own. Conquer those fears and tell the butterflies in your stomach to go away.

Chime in wherever and whenever you want. We'll look forward to getting to know you better.

..

[WickedLady]

Welcome to the forum, Terry. I am still nervous when I start out on a road trip, but the white knuckles soon loosen up. Just go for it.

[linann]

Terry,

Sincere sympathy on your recent loss. I am sure your dog is much company at this time.

You are to be applauded for getting back into RVing. I am sure you and your dog will enjoy your new rig. Weekends and vacation trips are a great way to get started. Monitor the Get Together link on this forum. Maybe you will be able to attend one in the future. In the meantime, join in the conversation. Everyone is very nice and willing to answer lot lots of questions.

[cpatinjones]

Welcome Terry. You can do it!

[bluepinecones]

Welcome. Know you will succeed in solo quest.
I greatly admire all the ladies here who make RVing appear so easy. A little of it must rub off as I'm seriously shopping for first RV without any background in camping/RVing of any sort; I will also be a solo. Oh wait, maybe it is just the insanity that rubs off!
Don't forget to check out the member map (first topic under general). Let Mitch or Vickie know if you'd like to be included as it is optional. There are several members on west coast now.

[BootsOnMyFeet]

A big thank you to everyone for the warm welcome! It's touching how much support, kinship, strength, and positiveness comes across this forum. It means a lot to hear "You can do it!" because you were beginners at one point, too, and look how far you've come! You have an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience, and your willingness to share that with newbies is awesome. You all are my heroes!

As soon as I figure out how, I'll post photos of Stella, my little trailer - and, of course, of Jake, my dog and travel partner!

Thank you again for welcoming me to this community!

"The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be. Because of all I may become, I will close my eyes and leap." - Mary Anne Radmacher

[Liz]

Welcome to the forum, Boots. You will find a variety of experience here and lots of advice, both solicited and not. Meeting some folks at a gtg does tons to boost your confidence. This is a great group of ladies who will be a support and resource for you as you embark on your solo RVing adventures.

[sharon]

Welcome to the forum, Terry! Where at in SoCal? There's a couple of us down here. I'm down in the Hemet area as is Evie (Pooker) and Laura is a little further north of here. Sorry this is a little late, been out of town for a week. Trust me, you can do it! It's not nearly as hard as it sounds and gets easier with time. Quite a few of us decided to hit the road after losing a loved one, so you won't be alone in that respect. Just saw the pictures of Stella, she's a beaut! And Jake...my, what a handsome boy! Can't wait to meet both of you! Gotta love those rotties!

[Irmi]

Welcome to the forum! That's so neat that you already figured out how to post pictures! I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you'll continue your dream of camping and hopefully meeting some of the forum sistahs!