New RVer in Texas

[RVingWesties]

Hello all.
I bought my motor home in July - a 1998 33' Winnebago Chieftain. It was a big step, but it seemed the most practical choice because I really love to travel but I hate to leave my pups behind (or pay ridiculously high pet deposits at hotels).
I have 3 wonderful Westies who have taken quite well to camping so far, except they are really terrified of those steps!
I've started off slowly, with short stays nearby ~ mostly at State Parks. The Park Rangers have been great to help me back into spots, & I've discovered the joys of pull thru sites. Have had no major difficulties, except for my 1st outing in the torturous heat of N Central Texas in July with -0- shade. It was AWFUL ~ But could only get better after that!
"The Beast" is winterized, so haven't been out since Thanksgiving. Looking forward to Spring, with hopes of lots more trips & building my confidence about driving such a large vehicle. (The thought of navigating tight turns in traffic scares me to death.)
I've enjoyed prowling around this website, am inspired by the posts of so many strong, independent women, and look forward to visiting with you in the future.
Best regards. Vicki & The Westies: Buzby, Ozzie & Zelda

[Bethers]

Hi and Welcome, Vicki. You'll be an old hand at driving that in no time. If you already did a few trips, it will just continue to get easier with each next one.

I might have missed it - but did you say where you call home? Since you winterized, I'm guessing in the northern confines?

Jump on in anytime, and anywhere.

[longdog2]

Welcome Vicki
There are quite a few women who travel alone but how alone can you be when you have three dogs? I know because I have 3 dachsunds who usually travel with me too. They are great travelers in the truck, I have a 5th wheel, but it can be a challenge when they all want to get in or worse yet, get out at the same time. Got to love those pull-throughs, don't you? I do. Those of us in Texas (unless way down south) usually do have to winterize when we aren't using the RV just for those surprise drop-downs in temperature. We lived up in Wichita Falls until 5 years ago and winterizing was definitely called for. Here in San Antonio area, you can take your chances if you want but better safe than sorry.

[Forestgal]

Greetings from California, Vicki! Glad to have you join us. You'll find that there are several women in Texas -- how could there not be with it being such a big state!

We are definitely a bunch of independent women -- along with opinionated, passionate, supportive, and hilarious. It's all good, and I've experienced nothing but graciousness and comraderie here.

If you've got pictures of your pooches (and RV) and don't want to be pestered to death you'd better learn how to post them and do it quickly. While there aren't any requirements for what you post, pictures are definitely expected.

Again, welcome!

Laura -- and Jed

[Bethers]

I forgot to mention the TX boondock GTG the beginning of April, too. I'll be at the location earlier than that - gone before the gtg - but highly recommend it if you can make it.

[Acadianmom]

You should think about joining the the Ramblin Roses, the Texas chapter of RVing Women. I live in Louisiana and drive 400 miles to camp with them because we have so much fun. They have quite a few rallies planned this year. There are always about as many dogs as women so they always choose dog friendly campgrounds.

Martha

[cpatinjones]

Hi Vicki, Welcome to the forum!

[VickieP]

Welcome to the forum Vicki from another Vickie! I'm in SW Louisiana, but did live in Victoria TX for 17 yrs. It won't take you long to get comfortable driving your rv, just think it's a good excuse to hit the road to get more experience!

[retiredhappy]

Welcome Vicki from another Texan - I'm in Kerrville. Where are you in Texas?

There are a lot of us who travel with dogs. I, too, have three dogs but mine are two Labs and one little one. I NEVER get cold in bed at night.

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard... The only "problem" camping with multiple dogs is if you have to decide who gets to go an which hikes with you. I have limits to how many I can handle depending upon the trail conditions. I have a thought process that gets me through the learning of many new tasks.......if a reasonably intelligent and talented woman (man) can do this then I should be able to handle it with time and practice.... where is that instruction book (or mentor ) ? Texas being a little more central you can drive to gtg's to the east or the west. Didn't say it would be short mileage but anything is possible.

[Liz]

Welcome to the forum, Vicki! Hope to meet up with you at some future GTG. Just jump into the conversations anywhere.

[OutandAbout]

Welcome Vickie, glad you found the courage to join us. Linda

[RVingWesties]

Wow - y'all are awesome! Thanks for the big welcome!
In response to your replies:
Home is Wichita Falls TX ~ at least for a couple more years, 'cause when I'm able retire, I am outta here! Figured since it gets down into the 20's at night this time of year & I'm parked out in the open, that winterizing "The Beast" was appropriate, yes?
I tried to post a pic in my intro, but was kicked back b/c it was too big. :/ Maybe this one will work as the 1st - It's my Zelda, who was voicing her displeasure at being left behind while my mom & I ran in to town. {Mom is worried about me going out on my own, especially w/out a car, so she's gone with a couple of times - following in her car. There is a tow hitch (?) on the RV, but not sure I'm ready for the expense or the added anxiety of towing....}
Will definitely look into 'Ramblin Roses' ~ Sounds fun!
Vicki & The Westies: Buzby, Ozzie & Zelda

[Bethers]

The forum doesn't favor attachments -it's kept free by not a lot of space being taken up - so at some point, hope you find the use of Photobucket or some other similar program who hosts the pictures and you post them by link.

I spent over 5 years before I got a car to tow - so don't do that until you're ready

And seriously , check out the gtg later this winter (spring) in Port Lavaca - plan now to be there - meet lots of great peaple and have a great time.

[RVingWesties]

Help me out here ~~~ I use Kodak gallery, & Snapfish sometimes. Is that what you mean? VC