Travels-
We decided to go full time in November 2011- so we found a mobile home park close to our house and set up the motorhome and began the process of getting rid of stuff in the Sticks/Brick house. What a chore- we didn't want to rent a storage space, so it was a process of saying goodbye to our stuff, convincing the kids that we weren't moving into dementia, and that we weren't going to be homeless
We also didn't want to commit to this lifestyle until we were sure that this is what we wanted, so after 3 months of living in motorhome in the winter with the rain, snow, cold and wind ( which means the slides are tucked in, and the space gets really small) we still liked each other we decided to go for it. I think I will blog a whole chapter about sizing down- without having to go to Pack Rats Anonymous Meetings, or taking medications for Packing stress Syndrome.
With the economy like it is, we decided to hire a property management firm and rent the house out for a couple of years. Our tenant moved in February 1, with a 2 year lease- so we were blessed. Then we had the extra funds to get our new home cozy.
Since we bought a new to us rig- 2000 Bounder we wanted to make sure everything is in order before we take off. We started a wish list and in March started addressing those issues.
I retire the 31st of March- so we are really just beginning- We moved to a "real" RV park in Albany Oregon the 1st of March, chosen because of A) it has an indoor pool and hot tub and b)its close proximity to the company we chose to take care of some of the maintenance things- lubricating the slide, the jacks and training us to do it. We we got here March 1 and the park manager announced the pool and hot tub were being closed the 1st because she couldn't afford to meet the new ADA requirements. I personally disagree after researching the regulations and will certainly be doing online reviews of THE BLUE OX RV Park that will mention the fact that a park with 160 spaces, 70% occupancy and fees of $400/month should be able to afford a $5,000 upgrade, especially since the regulations have been pending for the past three years- ( OK that was the accountant/controller hat coming out) l This is also the reason that we decided to join a members only camping club. All the facilities are required to have working pools. I have Fibromyalgia and water exercise is my main way of getting exercise and staying flexible.
Just the process of working, getting rid of many years accumulation of stuff, learning the RV systems, sizing into an RV, learning to drive the RV, has taken a lot of time. We did take driving lessons and have decided to retrofit the coach to meet our needs.
Repair/Retrofit Mode- March 2012- We installed a new faucet with a sprayer in the kitchen- love it!
- Took out shower doors in bathroom and installed Oxygenics shower head- I love it- the pressure is actually better than the pressure in the RV park shower house.
-Install towing and brake system for Toad ( 2010 Ford Escape)
- Remove dinette and hideabed, replace with custom L shape desk and reclining love seats- add more cabinet storage ( this will be completed the 1st week of April)
So we have made it from Salem, Oregon to Albany Oregon- about 18 miles, at this rate it will take a very long time to see the world- LOL
Next stop Junction City Oregon to install new furniture, then off to Silverton Oregon. My hubby is also a musician and is playing in a brass quartet for Easter- while we are in Silverton, it would be an excellent time to see the Oregon gardens and do some sight seeing. I will eventually get a handle on this retirement thing
My hubby is also web site designer and set up a blog site for me- but I haven't really had time to work with it- still transitioning from work. I have that " thanks but I would rather do it myself" attitude, so it will just have to wait for a bit until I have time.
TRAVELINGWe have joined the Elks ( they have a lot of campgrounds throughout the US), Passport American, Good Sam, Escapees,Happy Campers and a Membership Camping Club. Although I would like to do some boondocking on the desert, I especially want the safety and social amenities that go with RV parks. We are hoping to keep our operating budget, including fuel and parking to a little less than we were paying for housing, utilities and maintenance on SB ( sticks and bricks).
I am thrilled to be part of the sisterhood of RV'ers-
So thats me- I have lot of future plans, but still fluttering to get airborn
Hugs and tell me about you too!!
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:50 pm
Jump in any time, any where....