Newbie finally got her wheels!

[JoanE]

I have spent the last three months or so researching RVs, lurking on forums, reading sooooo many posts, learning (I hope), getting frustrated...BUT finally I made a decision, made an offer, it was accepted and this week I will take possession of my new-to-me 2008 Itasca Cambria 26 footer. I would say "what a relief" but I have been a sailboat owner in the past and know that the purchase may have been the easiest and cheapest part of this whole adventure. I also say this after a recent visit to a Camping World store where I saw so many products that I didn't even realize were "essential" for RV ownership. lol

Anyway, my Jack Russell Maggie Mae (aka Pumpkin, Sweetie, Maggie Moo) is looking forward to our adventures. For about 15 years or so, I have wanted to travel the US. Although I have traveled through at least half the states by car, I didn't necessarily spend any time looking around or "trying it on" which is something I love to do when I travel. My fear is that our states may have lost a lot of what makes each unique and that I was born too late to truly know the temper of each one. But I am giving it a go - hopefully very soon. Right now, I need to read my pile of RV books for newbies and learn about my rig, camping etiquette, boondocking, etc. I am shocked that I could have lived so many years and still not know what an inverter does or what runs on propane and which appliance needs shore power or a generator. Yeesh! Heads up, Ladies. If you see a big explosion; it might be me blowing up my rig.

My home is in Sarasota FL and since my grown children live here (and have offered me free camping on their property), I am sure this will be my winter base. It is a beautiful area with much to offer. Many of my friends are here as well. Although they have been supportive of my late life decision to become a solo explorer, I think they secretly hoped the RV would never materialize. They have regaled me with all the horrible things that might happen to me alone on the road but I have assured them that many went before me and lived to tell about it.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. I need to join some groups but don't know which ones are best, so feel free to share your opinions. I want to join some rallies - how do I find them?

Happy to be here and part of this great group of Women RVers.
JoanE

[Bethers]

Welcome, Joan and so glad to have you with us. Your rig is a perfect size (for me ). Many of us spend some winters in FL - some every winter - so you'll have lots of chances to meet up with many during the winter. And depending on where/when you travel otherwise, chances before then.

I look forward to seeing you on the forum more - and meeting in person down the road.

[retiredhappy]

Welcome and congrats on your "new"rig. Feel free to ask ANYTHING here - there's a lot of years and knowledge on this forum and no question is considered too dumb. We once did about five pages on dumping.

[Getupngo]

YIPPEE!! Another new RV owner ready to set out for a new adventure. I have just one question ...

WHERE ARE THE PICTURES? Pictures, pictures PLEASE of your new rig. (Some of us are downright nosey ...)

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard. As you have already found out even the getting ready is an adventure. And as many others will warn you. Stop and think about many of the "Camping World" products. Many many of the items can be purchased at Walmart or Target or...you get the idea. On line purchases can also save you some money. Everyone's "have to haves" are slightly different. Hope to meet you around a future campfire. And I am one of those that has made it to FL in winter the past two years after never having been there before. I find it's weather much kinder in Jan/Feb than Ohio.

[JoanE]

Ok Getupngo,

Here are a few pics.





Joan

[JoanE]

Sorry about the gigantic photos. I resized them smaller but they still came out large. I'm learning....

[Liz]

Welcome Joan! That's a great looking rig! I just sold my house in Ocala and am now full-timing in my RV. I will likely spend at least part of every winter in Florida. Hope to meet you at a gtg there, or on the road. Glad you're getting the hang of pictures....we love pictures.

[JoanE]

Liz,

Is that an inflatable kayak on your blog? I have a kayak that I would like to take with me but without a trailer, I don't know how I would do it.

[Bethers]

Joan, I'm not Liz but can answer, that yes, she and many of us have inflatable kayaks. I fell in love with them when in Baja (borrowed a few) and wouldn't be without mine. If you do a search in the general room (I think) you'll find many posts about what we have, etc. There are lots of good ones out there - and others not so good, etc etc. I picked mine for size and weight (got one of the lightest and smallest ones by a manufacturer I liked - Advance Elements).

[Travelinana]

Congrats on the new MH. I have a 24' mh and believe 26 would be perfect. I too had my years of sailing. We were in the business and sailed everything from sunfish to 36'. The boat we called our very own (paid for) had no motor. My husband was a purist and believe me we spent many a night trying to catch just a bit of wind still getting back to the dock in the wee hours of morning. I hope we meet out there someday. Keep us posted on where you are and always send pictures

[Irmi]

Welcome to the forum!

That's a great looking unit you bought and hopefully we'll meet down the road somewhere.

[bluepinecones]

Adding another welcome to the forum.
Like your new home on wheels, especially that curved dining area.
If you are looking to meet some members on your travels, take advantage of the members map (see the first topic under General thread) to see where others are located. Also add your general location by PMing Mitch or VickieP. Contact anyone along your way for a quick meeting over coffee or longer visit.
I've made it to FL for short time past 2 years and hope to do so again this year. Look forward to sharing your travel posts and meeting you soon.

[sharon]

And another one gets her wheels! Yayyyy! Really a nice looking rig, you're gonna love it. A lot harder to blow up than you think, takes some serious work to do that, but there are safety concerns. Ask any questions, if we don't know the answer, we at least have an opinion! And of course, we have our "go to" wizards, Mitch and VickieP.

[BirdbyBird]

I have a hard shell kayak but found it too awkward to lift on and off the back of the RV by myself. I love my inflatable kayak. I purchased one large enough to include the Golden Ret. if he wants to join me or I can invite another paddler to join me. This winter it was the wife of the couple set up beside me that just seemed interested in the kayaks as several of us were getting ready to head out on the lake. The inflatables are lighter to handle and feel much more stable out on the water. At my age ...I don't do agile (as if I ever was that coordinated ) I liked my first inflatable I went back and ordered a second (Advanced Element this time) This one is built more in the shape of a traditional kayak and my "skirt" will fit it which will be nice in cooler temps. I'm ready for any kind of water!