BUMPING AROUND.....

[grammynmaggie]

Hi. ...I think it was Tina coined that name in a recent post...
I want to learn how to "bump around" the country...I am so uptight sometimes when traveling I'll make myself nervous....I want to know how you all find such nice/neat things to see along the way for some reason my eyesight must be bad...because I can never find anything....so teach me how to BUMP. ...& be fancy free!!!!

[Liz]

Sometimes it's random but often it involves research and preplanning.

[JudyJB]

I agree! See my post on Liz's post about Okracoke. There are a handful of ladies on this forum, and Liz is one. Asimarco is another. They seem to see things and take fantastic photos of things I never even notice.

I think I, and maybe you, get so focused on other stuff, we really don't "stop and smell" or even see the roses. I wish I could fix myself and do more looking.

[grammynmaggie]

Ditto Judy!!!!....I want to learn how!!

[bluepinecones]

If interested in history, there are several apps that might help. Here are links to just four of them:

http://nextexithistory.com

http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/app-pinpoints-historical-sites-wherever-you-are-1.1376970

http://www.history.com/interactives/history-here

http://www.earlyamerica.com/tour-early-americas-historic-sites-free-app/

[havingfunnow]

Oooh! Neat links, Sarah!

[JudyJB]

But I think I could go to exactly the same places and hike on the same trails, and Liz and the other talented among us would see things that I would completely miss. I think part of my problem is that I am focused on getting somewhere or not falling or something other than what is around me.

[Bethers]

If I make reservations and plan too much, I miss lots and lots. If I have time to wing it - I can spend more time and find the things the area has to offer. That said, I also use a few apps to find places I definitely want to see. I've been known to go 100 miles a different direction because I've seen a sign for something that interested me. That then changes my whole route. That is winging it, or bumping around. And is my favorite way to travel.

The occasions when I travel more carefully are when I know I could hit snow/ice, etc - like my trip north to my job this year. But I still manage to look to see if there will be sites to see (like I went to Scottsbluff) along the way if the weather cooperates.

[BarbaraRose]

But I think I could go to exactly the same places and hike on the same trails, and Liz and the other talented among us would see things that I would completely miss. I think part of my problem is that I am focused on getting somewhere or not falling or something other than what is around me.

The one thing that helps me is having my camera with me. I slow down and pay more attention to my surroundings and the interesting little details to take photos of. Without my camera, I tend to miss those things.

[Colliemom]

There are a lot of things in this country many of us will never see as it's scope to too big, but there are those like Liz who will find the small details. My upcoming trip has been in the planning stages for past few month. Yellowstone/Grand Tetons have been on my bucket list for many years. But I write to State Tourism bureaus and request guides and whatever else I want to help plan. Then kind of map my route. Once I decided on the route, I start looking for places to see along the way and I like Barb, take my camera and am always watching for opportunities. I don't really have the flexibility to "bounce around" as much as I would like as I have a S&B so kind of restricted there. This trip will give me some idea if selling is in future. But do some online research, send for info, make inquiries here etc. It will all help you get started.

[asirimarco]

When we stop places I always hit the Internet and ask "what to do and see in ------" find some interesting things that way.

[judi]

I've been "bumping" around for 10 months, but I want to start finding free or low cost places to overnight. I have a small slide on my RV so Walmart type places don't work for me. I prefer more rustic campgrounds but I don't really know how to find boondocking places.

[monik7]

I've been "bumping" around for 10 months, but I want to start finding free or low cost places to overnight. I have a small slide on my RV so Walmart type places don't work for me. I prefer more rustic campgrounds but I don't really know how to find boondocking places.

I have the same desire Judi. I still haven't mastered finding cheap or free places to stay. Sure would like some good suggestions.
Sandi

[Azusateach]

You might find "RV Sue and Her Canine Crew" a good blog. She camps almost entirely off the grid, and offers helpful suggestions about how to find beautiful, safe, and free campsites.

Laura

[bluepinecones]

There are dozens of web pages noting free/cheap camp sites (do a Google search) but one I like because it has an interactive map allowing searches by state is:

http://freecampsites.net