Do you tend to make close friends on the road?

[IGBT]

My wife and I pretty much spend all of our time together and haven't really developed a lot of close friendships outside of our own.&nbsp; Recently&nbsp;we have been working the entire weekends on our custom camper build.&nbsp; I do tend to wonder what it will be like boondocking.&nbsp; I visualize these great evenings in the fall with several different campers sharing stories around a communal bonfire, but perhaps the lifestyle is more one of seclusion?&nbsp; If so, is it seclusion borne out of the need for security and privacy or do you just find it hard to hook up with other people when everyone is going a different direction each week?<br><br>We eventually plan to sail around the world so perhaps getting used to months of seclusion wouldn't be a bad thing.&nbsp; I still hope to meet some of you on the road.

 

[mockturtle]

People who like to be around other people always manage to find each other.&nbsp;

 

[Van-Tramp]

IGBT,<br><br>I too had that romantic vision of boondocking when I first started, and I would say that it *can be* a reality in some places where boondockers expect to see other boondockers nearby. I have yet to meet an unfriendly boondocker and most have been more than happy to have a conversation with me. I'm sure that the majority would be pleased if I invited them over for a BBQ that evening.<br><br>My problem is me. I am not usually the most sociable person (Im trying to fix that) although I am many times more outgoing on the road then in town. Anyway, I've met some great folks hitchhiking, boondocking, or just viewing the local attraction. How close you get, it up to you more than anything. <br><br>Im not recommending knocking on your neighbor's RV door (to some that is frightening) but if you happen to see them outside, give a wave and a smile. Later go introduce yourself. And later again, bring a bottle of wine with you or a six-pack depending on the crowd.

 

[Suanne]

I'm a part-timer.&nbsp; We have a home in Washington State, and I'm also&nbsp;a vandweller ... well, really a car-dweller when traveling solo.<br><br>Connecting with others on the road is in many ways similar to connecting with people when in a stick-and-bricks home.&nbsp; If you want interaction, you need to put yourself in situations to find it.&nbsp; When&nbsp;in a stick-and-bricks, it's typically easier with closer-in and consistent&nbsp;neighbors, as well as local gathering places like parks, churches, taverns, restaurants, etc.&nbsp; When on the road,&nbsp;putting yourself in a situation for interaction is extremely intentional.<br><br>As introverted as I am, I still have a need to connect with others.&nbsp; So when I'm on the road, I'm grateful to meet up with other like-minded travelers.&nbsp; I actually feel more of a connection with these friends than any acquaintances near my sticks-and-bricks.<br><br>Some of my traveling friends I met in online forums similar to this one.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's been fun to figure out how to meet up with them when I'm traveling within their state.&nbsp; &nbsp;Others I've met at get togethers like the RTR (Rubber Tramp Rendezvous).&nbsp; The next RTR is near Flagstaff AZ during the last&nbsp;half of June.&nbsp;&nbsp; Maybe you can make it?<br><br>Check out the Gatherings Section of this forum ... who knows what's going on in your neck of the woods.&nbsp; <br><br>I really do love being among like-minded individuals who also love the life that living in a vehicle can offer.<br><br>Suanne ... whose making plans for the June RTR

 

[Noah]

Id much rather save social hour for the hot springs, or other public gathering places. My camp is where I go to get away. Hell, half the reason I live this way is to avoid people as much as possible.<br><br>That being said, I can be very friendly and have great conversations with others at the top of the hike, or swimming pool, or whatever. I think it would take a lot to invite someone to my pad though.&nbsp; Just depends on the person, I suppose.

 

[Stargazer]

The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If you tend to easily make friends in a permanently fixed abode, you will do the same in the mobile lifestyle.

 

[IGBT]

yes, I like a private camp too.&nbsp; I meant more daytime activities, finding people to hike with.<br><br>I had some concern that by the time you have found some people you could trust, one or both of you would be moving on in different directions due to the rvliving lifestyle.<br><br>I am lucky my best friend has a ring&nbsp;I gave to her on her finger&nbsp;<img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">