Boy am I BAD!

[mizdeb]

Hi everyone.

I just went to my own intro post and found that I have not posted at all other than the one intro and that was 2 1/2 years ago. But believe me I am here reading all the time. I have watched my husband go from just having lousy health issues to full time hospice care. We are on the down hill run to the end of his life. His nurse is telling me at most a few months left. It is hard to watch someone who has been in your life for 30 years go through this. I am sure there are many of you who have also been in my shoes so I won't go into details. I have gone the gambit of emotions and have managed to get through the initial shock to being resigned to losing him. I will never be ready to say goodbye, but think now that I can do it when the time comes. I thank God that we have had this time together rather than losing him suddenly.

He sleeps 20 to 22 hours of each day now and although I am still working reduced hours I do spend a lot of time alone when at home. I have lots of time to think about what life will be like when he is gone. Our dream has always been to travel when we retire and he has made me promise to go ahead when the time comes for me to retire. The more I think about it the more I am coming to realize that I want to do it sooner rather than later while I am still in good health. We are down to just one 2 year old long haired doxie now who loves to travel as well. I don't want to spend another winter in NH. This year God has been good to me as I worry all the time about snow storms and having to keep walkways and roofs as well as driveway clear for nurses and aides. I don't want to seem uncaring about DH condition, but I need to think of other things or I just sit and cry so this is my alternative.

With early retirement in mind I have some questions for those solo ladies out there.

Of all of you ladies who travel solo would you say that you could live in a 24ft TT pulled by a double cab Tundra? I am ready to get rid of all my stuff, except for a few things, and just get out there and go. My son is not terribly happy about it but have told him I am going to do what I want too.

I know there are a few members who belong to Thousand Trails and wonder how much time you actually spend in the preserves. We have had a membership in Outdoor World since 1986 and TT since about 2000. I am in the 2 week park to park or 2 week in one out with ODW and in 2 in one out with TT. Have been thinking about upgrading TT to 3 weeks park to park or in three out one. Dues were set for life when DH became disabled so we have low annual rates.

With the membership in mind do you think it reasonable to be able to live on around $1250. per month with some WC thrown in when in an area that is not close to either camping system. There is a lot of this country I want to see and don't want to wait forever to do it.

Selling my house is mandatory to be able to do this as I want the last two debts (truck and camper) paid for when I leave and to have a cushion in the bank for repairs if necessary down the road.

I have been trying to come up with a budget for expenses using others that are posted online as guides, but much of it seems pretty over the top compared to what I want to do. I don't plan to stay in expensive camp ground/resorts when not at one of my own resorts. I can almost start out with enough staples to last a year if I can find enough storage and keep the weight down. I love to eat out, but have simple tastes so local diners are more my style than big chains or fancy resturants. I want to get the book Diners, Drive-ins and Dives to have and look for these places while on the road. I love that show.

Traveling solo what is a good distance to plan to travel each leg of a journey? I have heard some say no more than 200 miles per day. Others have said more. I have done as much at 450, but only because time was precious on a restricted vacation and we wanted to get there in two days. I will travel longer days if I need to but once I can relax and say I'll get there when I get there I imagine it will be shorter days rather than longer ones and no more of this leaving in the middle of the night to head out. I will look at more 8AM instead of 4AM.

If you can think of anything else I should know please let me know. The company I work for has a solar division and I am thinking that I should have them install it on camper while I would still get a discount. Can someone give me an idea of what it has cost to have this done on your own. How many panels and batteries would it take to run the AC or maybe fans to circulate air? My company is more into residential and commercial applications.

Sorry for the duplicate post for some of you who are on my other list, but want to cover as much ground as I can to help with making my plans.

Have a Great Day!!

Deb

[Suchomlin]

Hello Deb:
I cannot give you any answers as I am in the planning stage myself. I just know that you will get many answers from the people on this site. I also want you to know that you and your husband will be in my prayers. This is a tough time so it is important that you are not only good to your husband, but to yourself. I think your plans are on the right track. Peace Tatjana

[mitch5252]

..

I, also, can't give you any travel advice. But I will send prayers for your continued love and strength, and the hope that your husband passes peacefully, surrounded in that love. into the arms of God.

God bless you.

..

[Bethers]

Hi Deb - as you can see from other posts - you need to do lots of reading! - you'll get all kinds of answers.

First, size of TT. I live in a 22' Class C for 7+ years now and love it. I don't need bigger. There are others in 40+ footers that say they barely have enough room. You'll not know what works for you fulltime until you give it a try.

Costs - I love on a budget in the range of what you are talking about. So, yes it is doable. But what your budget will be depends on how you like to travel, if you eat out a lot, etc.

Distance per day. As a full timer I don't like driving a long distance each day - why pass all the wonderful places I want to stop and see? The difference - when I NEED to get someplace and have only a short time to do it - then I'll push the miles. I've gone as little as 10 or so miles - and don't want to think about some of my long days

Thousand Trails. A membership in them wouldn't work for me. Works well for others. I like the state parks, federal parks, BLM lands, etc. If you are ok with the TT parks, then go with it. I probably wouldn't change the membership until you get out there and see how long you'll want to be in each place. Others with memberships might be able to help you better there. That will depend on how you want to travel.

Loneliness - lots posted on that - you can get to get-togethers - we have them, other groups have them. You can meet lots of people. When I feel the need to be near people I'll sometimes go to one of the "winter snowbird" type parks that have lots of activities, etc - get my fill, then go back to isolation with nature. And I get most of my people fill with the gtg's I go to. Again it's so individual.

So sorry you are losing your husband - how difficult a time it is. Be grateful for each minute you have while you still have him. And kudos to you for knowing you still want to get out here and do what you were dreaming about.

[mitch5252]

Costs - I love on a budget in the range of what you are talking about. So, yes it is doable. But what your budget will be depends on how you like to travel, if you eat out a lot, etc.

Wow, Beth - the men must be pretty darned expensive where you travel...just sayin'...

[AlmostThere]

Hi, Deb. so glad you've returned to us.
First let me add my prayers for you and your family, as you go through this difficult time.
Sorry I cannot answer any of you questions concerning fulltiming, campground memberships or solar, but know others here can do so.
Please keep in touch this time, hear!?

[Gentleladybear]

I am in the process of selling my house and going on the road. I am finding things I forgot I had.

I have a 32 foot class C, I love to travel in it. still making a lot of decisions about stuff, but it all takes time.

Thousands trails can be good if you already have the membership. USE IT. Sometimes you can get in there when the other parks are full if you are planning. A good place to stop and catch your breath.

Make decisions slowly and begin working in the direction you want to go.

Good luck to you and my prayers are with you during this time with your husband.

Nan

[dayspring39]

Hi Deb,
My thoughts and prayers are with you now in this most difficult time of your life...
I travel alone but am not a full timer... I have a 27ft motorhome... it is great for me and my dog Shadow... I travel about 200 miles when I am on the road... physically it is hard for me to go farther and also there are more sites to see when you go slower...
Just keep researching and listening to others pick up what you can use and discard the rest...
The best to you...
Kathleen

[Sandersmr]

My prayers are with you at this point. I went through this with my mom when my dad passed away 8.5 years ago. He was in hospice for 3 months before he died and we still weren't prepared for that last day, even knowing that day the end was near.

As to the rest, sorry I can't answer any of your questions. I'm still working fulltime and own my sticks and bricks. But I can weigh in on the distances traveled. I have done over 400 miles in one day and it was a very, very long day anytime I have done it. Pulling a TT, you will probably need to stop more often for gas than when not pulling. And you usually won't be driving as fast pulling. I usually don't even go 70 when towing although DBF will push 70.

[linann]

Hello Deb,

Says prayers for your husband's comfort and peace for you at this most difficult time.

I can fully understand needing a distraction. Think about taking a few short trips when you are ready. It will help you decide how comfortable you are in your travel trailer and what you really need. You can always make changes in the future. I share a 19' TT with my sister. It is amazing how much larger it seems when I take it solo. At this point, I think 24' would seem palatial. Plus, you have your tow vehicle. It's easy to restock on the road. I usually drive longer distances due to limited time off because I am working, but a friend of mine is on the road at least six months at a time and they have a two hour rule. That is the most they drive in a day. Two to four hours a day sounds like a good plan to me. Why rush when there are so many interesting things to check out everywhere you go?