Years ago, when I first retired, my brother gave me some sage advice. He said "if you're not having fun, find something else to do."
I don't seem to be having a whole lot of fun with the RV travel these days. I'm not really into being stuck in remote locations. I've lived there! What I really want is to see the stuff you hear about. Cities and tourist attractions, etc.
I originally thought I could do this with the RV, but it turns out the RV parks, and particularly the membership things, are not close enough to the attractions, unless you are towing a car to get around in, which I refuse to do.
I wanted to take Lady along so we could enjoy life together just like at home. Now she has gotten so stiff it is impossible for her to climb the open steps up to the back door of the Bee. I built her a ramp, which helped for a while, but last time we were out, she missed the step at the top of the ramp and fell back to the ground. She is just 2 months short of her 15th birthday. If she can't do this anymore, what's the point?
The trip to New Mexico last year was difficult going and coming. (It was great while we were at the Balloon Festival).
I just checked with NADA, and LOW retail value would be enough to more than pay for the new car I dream about.
We are going to take the Roving Sam trip to Rice Hill in 10 days. Depending on how this outing goes, I will know if I am having fun or not! Then, I should be able to make a decision whether to sell the Bee or keep it.
Ivy (retired single girl)
Lady (Border Collie Mix guarding, guarding, guarding)
The Cookie Hauler (1990 Lumina APV, in which I camped before I got an RV and quit camping)
The Bee (2003 Trail Lite B-Plus on Ford E350)
It's a decision we'll all have to make some day, even tho we don't want to admit it! I'll admit, after 30 years RVing it gets a little "remind me why am I doing this" after a while! Our two teens will be gone soon, and then it will be me and the DW all alone again (picture me grinning!). There is a life after the RV lifestyle, I'm just not sure I want to give it up yet tho! Best of luck!
I gave up golf a few years ago because it was more misery than pleasure. RV-ing and golf are both pretty expensive hobbies to pursue if you're not enjoying yourself. I can't imagine giving up RV-ing, I think I was born to RV! But only you know how it is for you. I wish you the best in whatever you pursue. And Lady, too! --Mock
2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
For three years after we retired, we were convinced our decision to become RVers was truly inspired. On two 3-month-plus trips out West and nearly 4 months spent visiting the Canadian Maritimes and New England, we had a ball traveling with our menagerie and seeing the sights. Of course, with a 5er, we have a vehicle to travel around in when unhooked.
But last summer, the wheels came off -- literally. Three catastrophic blowouts in 100-degree-plus heat and a broken air conditioner to boot. It became more of a 9,000-mile endurance contest, sort of holding our breaths to see what was going to happen next.
But call us stubborn. We're heading out in June for three to four months, to be spent mostly in Maine and New England.
But, if we have another disastrous summer, I can see saying it isn't fun anymore and the heck with it. We'll just load up our minivan and head for a rented cabin in the mountains somewhere.
Hope you find something you really enjoy doing.
Cheers,
Magster
2 retirees
2 dogs, 1 cat and a foul-mouthed parrot
2003 29RL Dutchmen Classic, "The Ark"
2001 Dodge 2500 diesel
Why don't you try a new adventure while RVing. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the National Park Service. Right now I am parked on an island on Lake Erie. I sit under my awning and can see the lake in several directions. There is no place else like this, and I park for free!!!! I also get the privilege to work for the Park Service and learn new things to boot!!!!
Jane,
Had to let you know that growing up and into my late teens I had a Border Collie named Lady Bee.
Why not think about getting another traveling companion and give another "Lady" the fun of RVing?
Sandi & Gary
Rodney the Boston Terrier Kid
Travis the English Bulldog Baby
98/99 Winnebago 36' Chieftain
1995 Jeep Wrangler Toad
hauling 2005 Yamaha 125 Vino Scooter
We are on our 24th year of RVing, along with owning 13 of these things, and it's the lifestyle for us. You need plenty of funds for these toys, and if you are budgeting too closely, you can't enjoy it.
2006 Winnebago Voyage 35A, W-22
Brake Buddy, Aventa II tow bar, Protect-A-Tow
2005 Hyundai Elantra toad
Sometimes even wonderful things have a season. You will know when your season for RVing is over. When it is, it is perfectly all right to move on........hopefully to something wonderful that gives you joy.
Offline
--Mock
