My Plans Have Been Squashed! Time for Plan B

ilovemyvan · Aug 6, 2013

Hi Nancy, I want to apologize to you. I just looked back at my posts here and I sound like a pompous patronizing... Sorry, my intentions were to help but I think the tone didn't come across were well. You know what you're doing, you will have a great time. All the best, Nicole

Stargazer · Aug 6, 2013

As others have stated, weekend camping trips are a must to begin with, if you have never done it before. You may hate it.

I did the RTR. I am a seasoned camper and now a full timer. But even so, at Quartzsite, the constant battle with the dirt, the sandstorm with high winds, the cold windy days and nights below freezing when water inside vehicles froze. Lots of good people! A few whose problems spilled over onto others. Just like any neighborhood anywhere. Some love it there. I'm not one of them, though. Being forced and stuck inside because of the weather just doesn't work for me.

I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just realistic. Do I like this lifestyle? You betcha! But sometimes we are a bunch of romantics and tend to forget how some days, the romance just ain't there ;-). Just like any other way of living.

investigator77 · Aug 6, 2013

Hi Stargazer; My original plan was to buy a travel trailer and park it somewhere for the summer months.  The park is only open from the beginning of May until the second weekend in October.  The cost was going to be $2500 for the year (you leave your trailer there all year, just can't use it during the cold months) I thought I was going to be getting a big tax refund, which is what I was going to use to pay for the trailer and the first year of park fees.  Now that's not happening, so I've had to revise my plans.  The only way I can afford to travel now is to do it out of my Highlander.  I'm not ready to commit to full-timing, until I get a taste for the RV life, get out on the road and do it myself. I appreciate your input about QZ.  I've never even been to the desert before, so I'm not sure if it's going to be for me, but I've set a goal to get there.  It may not happen this year, but maybe next year.  Maybe Bob will have another RTR closer to the mid-west, or the east in the summer months, and then I'll be ready for sure!  I just know it's something I'd like to try. ================================== Nicole: I didn't for a minute think that your posts came across as pompous or patronizing.  I'm here to soak up all the knowledge that people have, and I appreciate everyone's comments.  It's easy to mis-understand what people mean on the internet, but I never felt that you were talking down to me at all. Keep on posting and giving me good advice!

Stargazer · Aug 8, 2013

Investigator,

Absolutely, go to QZ and you'll learn loads of stuff, even if it's along the lines of "not for me". You may love it. Fulfilling a dream is always A Good Thing! And you may learn some things about yourself. I know I did. Different strokes and all that ;-)

Best wishes!

ilovemyvan · Aug 8, 2013

Hello Nancy, I'm glad to know that the tone of my posts was ok. It's a constant struggle to make sure I'm not insulting someone when I navigate in English. I have done it unintentionally a few times over the years, I'm trying so hard not too. You can look up words in the dictionary but the tone is a whole different ballgame. It's really interesting to follow your progress. I'm absolutely convinced that your determination will get you where you want to be. Please keep posting your progress. Nicole

peacetara · Aug 8, 2013

Sorry you ran into that box van guy, doesn't sound like a great welcome into the life.  I met a man once that is well over 6' tall and lives in a Honda Fit, so I'm sure a Toyota Highlander would work fine! If I can do it, I know you can!!! I had a lot of fear around doing this, but I didn't have a choice, my living situation changed drastically in under a month, because of things outside of my control.  I was pushed into living in a van, begging free couch/room space from friends/family or being homeless... those were my choices.  Luckily I managed to scrape money together for a van, and have been super happy with the choice! When I moved into a van, I literally only had a sleeping bag and a suitcase of clothes.  After that first night I did everything I could to get a cushion to sleep on!  I don't sleep so well on bare floors anymore I figured out! Anyways, I think Suanne and everyone else gave awesome wonderful advice, so I'm just here showing support! I'd just add, don't think so much that you have to duplicate someone else's way of living, take ideas from them, but do your own thing! With Love, Tara

investigator77 · Aug 9, 2013

Thanks Tara, what a lovely note! The only thing I'm nervous about right now, is driving through the mountains when I get to NM & AZ.  I've been told that it still gets quite cold there at night in December and January. I've never driven through the mountains before. Yes, the box van guy was a trip!  He didn't put a damper on my plans.  I figure he's just the type of person that is gruff and abrasive, even though he's trying to help.  He seemed to enjoy showing me the stuff he had stored in the back of his van, and then took me to a discount store he frequents, to show me different things and how they can be used.  But I won't be meeting him again, that's for sure! Nancy

peacetara · Aug 9, 2013

Hi Nancy! Driving thru the mountains can be scary! But this is what I've learned: Only drive thru during the day, try not to drive thru them during a storm, and only drive on the big giant interstates. 1) Ice, particularly black ice is super scary to drive on, so driving during the day helps prevent that (especially if you can drive thru on a nice sunny day in the early afternoon).  Bonus on driving during a clear, sunny day, the views are usually amazingly beautiful! 2) try not to drive thru during a storm (cause storms are scary enough!) 3) Drive the large interstates/roads.  They will be better maintained, have lots of traffic, and the likelihood of having black ice or any ice at all will be nearly nonexistent.  Plus the larger roads will have nice guardrails, will usually have loads of space between you and a cliff face, etc. Agreed completely on Mr. Boxy! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> With Love, Tara

investigator77 · Aug 11, 2013

IÃ¢Â€Â™m totally bummed. IÃ¢Â€Â™ve been trying to adjust my budget every which way I can, but it looks like I wonÃ¢Â€Â™t be getting to Quartzite this coming January. It will be about a 5,000 mile round trip, without any extra adventures. IÃ¢Â€Â™ve priced some of the things IÃ¢Â€Â™ll need along the way, but basically it boils down to:GAS: $972.98 Tent: $250-$300 Food: $525 ($15/day x 5 weeks) CAA/AAA Membership: $135 Travelers Medical Insurance: $135 Vehicle Service: Brakes, tune-up, oil change ($300 plus)So IÃ¢Â€Â™m already well over $2,000 and I havenÃ¢Â€Â™t even bought any extra gear yet. IÃ¢Â€Â™d still need a camp stove, emergency kit, multi-tool, some kind of solar powered inverter for my CPAP machine, small solar heater, a cooler, cooking pot/pans, spatula, oven mitts, pot grips, serving plates, cups, water bottles, propane, tarp, sleeping pad & sleeping bag, lantern, bungee cords, flashlight, extra batteries, Fix-A-Flat, fire extinguisher, shop towels, paper towels, money for toll roads, plus extra money for any sightseeing I may want to do on my way down and back.I tried borrowing some camping supplies from my daughter, but she said they only have a tent, tarp, and camp chairs. I already have a nice camp chair, want a tent that fits over the back of my Highlander, and tarps arenÃ¢Â€Â™t that expensive, so no savings there.Four months just isnÃ¢Â€Â™t going to give me enough time to save, and buy the things I need. IÃ¢Â€Â™m still working on it, but I have to be realistic. If I spend every last dime I have on getting ready, I wonÃ¢Â€Â™t have any extra money for emergencies, like roadside repairs, the occasional night in a motel (it may be VERY cold travelling through the midwest in December/January), etc.I suppose IÃ¢Â€Â™ll have to plan on going next year, or attending something closer to home, if there is something! Every get-together seems to be in the west, and I live in the Great Lakes region. IÃ¢Â€Â™m SO not ready.

Member response:
Nancy...

it sounds like your crushing your 'plans', because they're not matching your 'dreams'.

In your post #19, you mention sleeping in your SUV...so your CPAP machine must be something that 'helps', but is not an absolute necessity. (medical things do have a priority)
Gas, Food, and a few other things are all that you 'really' need.

You sound like you wanna go pretty badly, so skrew all those add-ons. Bungee cords, oven mits, a fire extinguisher??? I camped all over the country for many years and never had any of that stuff. Gimmie a bedroll, a loaf of bread, some PBJ, and I'm outta here!

and what about doing this in like 2 or 3 weeks, and not 5?? A few days there, a few days back, and a whole week in Quartzite. This doesn't have to be the trip of a lifetime ya know.

Sorry if this sounds too strong (I obviously can't articluate my point across the web)...but you're shutting this down LONG BEFORE it's even close. I hear alot of excuses to NOT GO.

Would you really like to go???

GREAT.....then WRITE IT DOWN!!! (in very precise detail)

you hafta tell the cosmos exactally WHAT YOU WANT if you're asking for their help. This is no joke.

Are you a person of faith?? then TRUST in your faith. You may not see how this trip could be possible, but the universe has a way of giving us the very things we truely want...but we need to let them know what it is that we really, really want.

the rest is up to them! (that's where the faith thing comes in)

I'd spend some serious time in meditation and prayer on this. Relax and let go of control over it. There's plenty of time for things to come around for this trip to become a reality.

Have a great week!!! (and make that list!!!)

Stargazer · Aug 11, 2013

Hey, Nancy,

You don't need all that stuff! Sleep in your SUV, a tent is too much trouble to set up and tear down while you're on the road, anyway. And at QZ, it'll probably blow down since the wind is pretty fierce there in the winter. A small single burner propane stove (butane doesn't work so great in cold temps) for $25. Kitchen utensils from your home kitchen, one plate, one bowl, one set of utensils, one cup, one small skillet. A fire extinguisher is probably a good idea. Bedding you already have. Maybe a pad to soften your SUV surface? A small Mr Heater little buddy heater would be nice, less than $80. Water can be carried in milk jugs.

Gas is a given, yes. Medical travel insurance?? And oftentimes your auto insurance offers roadside assistance for less than $10/6 months when added to your existing policy.

As for the CPAP machine...only you can make that decision.

But you don't need all that other stuff. Use what you already have!

Again, take a weekend trip to try it out. Worst case, you spend one night out and decide to chuck the whole idea. Or not!

investigator77 · Aug 11, 2013

Hi Patrick: As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement, this is the GIRLS ROOM, and you are not supposed to be posting here.  The reason that I post here is precisely because I do not want to be YELLED AT, told I'm "making excuses", etc.  The CPAP machine is a necessity, not a choice.  I live in Canada, so I have to pay extra for medical insurance while I'm out of the country. My list of things to take comes from other people's experiences, as I have never boondocked in my life.  I'm 54 years old, am partially disabled, and taking a 5,000 mile road trip in 2 or 3 weeks is not realistic for me. This IS going to the the trip of a lifetime for me, and I don't expect you to understand my concerns.  A bedroll, a loaf of bread and some PBJ is hardly going to cut it for me, driving across the midwest in the middle of winter.

investigator77 · Aug 11, 2013

Hi Star: Thanks for the helpful advice.  I checked out the Little Buddy Heater and have it bookmarked. It looks ideal for me. You are always so encouraging, even though I know you are not a fan of RTR.  I love it here in the Girls Room.  No one is patronizing or yells at me, or tells me I'm making excuses.  You ladies are just great at thinking of alternatives, ways to achieve what I want, and giving great ideas for gizmos and gadgets that will make life more comfortable on the road. I agree that I can take household items with me rather than buying them new, but there are still the major expenses of gas, food, and vehicle service before I go. This is a very scary adventure for me.  I'm trying to push through the fear, and get what I want, but as you know the fear can be paralyzing if you let it.  That's why I need you ladies to lift me up, hold my hand, and get me on my way!

Stargazer · Aug 11, 2013

Nancy,

Oh! Canada! I missed that part, sorry.

I totally get the fear thing. It can truly be paralyzing. It helps me to make a plan, ya know, details like:

Monday: find and buy a heater
Tuesday: figure out bed
Wednesday: make a travel menu

Then, once the list is made, I do that day's chore and nothing else. Each day is a "success". Which breeds more success and more confidence. One day, one step at a time. Map out each day on a map, locate campgrounds, make reservations if you like. Many US and state parks close during the winter months so find private campgrounds that are open. Don't plan on boondocking until your feet are wet in a more controlled environment. Having a detailed plan will allay lots of that fear.

There are beautiful places to camp in Canada; the provincial parks are pretty nice. Again, do a weekend or weekdays (less crowded) camping trip close to home. You can always pack up and go home. Easy breezy!

investigator77 · Aug 11, 2013

Hi Star: I love your idea about breaking things down, one day at a time, which means each day is a success! I agree that perhaps expecting to boondock on my first day out, maybe isn't the best plan for me.  I planned on asking other people on this site for recommendations for places to stay as I travel across the interstates from Illinois to AZ.  I figure I can get through Michigan without stopping anywhere to camp. Long drives are hard on my body, so I don't plan on driving more than 8 hours/day.  I like the idea of the little space heater to warm up the inside of my car.  Maybe I'll plan to stay in inexpensive places like Red Roof Inns in the really cold weather.  At least that way I can plan my route and estimate my costs.  I can handle 40 degree temps (I'm Canadian after all <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif">), so boondocking in NM and AZ will be a piece of cake once I get there.  I'm not sure what the temps are like in the northern part of Texas. The government here offers "Learn to Camp" seminars for people like me.  It's a one night, two day thing for $75, and they supply all of the equipment.  The only thing I'd need to bring is bedding, food and personal items.  They also offer free seminars in the community, but there's none posted for the fall yet.  I expect sometime around October that there will be lots of new seminars, because that's when all the big travel and leisure shows are on.  Thank you for your constant encouragement and great ideas.  It means so much to me.  When I start doubting myself, and my abilities, it really helps to have a cheerleader on the sidelines!

investigator77 · Aug 11, 2013

Thanks for the apology Patrick.  Sometimes the men do "wander' into the girls room by accident.  Yelling at a woman is never encouraging.  Maybe when they get the new site up and running, they'll address the concern about what forum room you're actually in before you post. I do appreciate your thoughts and the fact that you were trying to encourage me to not give up, or lose hope.  Maybe I'll see you around the other boards some time!<img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif">

peacetara · Aug 12, 2013

Hi !

I get partially disabled, I have disabilities myself and I'm deaf. You aren't alone. I know others with disabilities that live this mobile lifestyle.

As for 8/Hrs a day driving, that sounds torturous! I manage something more like 1/hr a day driving, maybe 3-4 max if I can't help it. The best part of living this lifestyle, you only have to be in a hurry if you wanna be in a hurry. Get tired, pull over and sleep! Get tired of driving, pull over and do something else!

You might try just sleeping in your car for 1 night, while its in your driveway. Give you a sense of what it might be like.

Bob, the guy that made this forum (and a really nice guy), wrote a book about living this lifestyle, if you haven't read it yet, it's a great read, really helped get me started!

Wish you loads of successes!

With love,
Tara

jaxtonsgram · Aug 12, 2013

Hi everyone: first off I have to share that I just became a grandma for the first time. Yeah. I don't want to hijack bobs rtr but... would any of you women (maybe men if we want) want to do a gathering next summer somewhere in the midwest? As I haven't even started this lifestyle yet I could learn a ton from you all. Some of you I already consider as friends. Those I have talked with and even those whose posts I have read. If we wanted to do this I think all we would have to do is plan a date and place. I would love to meet everyone. I would love to go to the winter rtr but realistically probably not going to happen. There are so many strong independent women here that I admire and you all are an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing all of your experiences. Nora from Michigan.

investigator77 · Aug 12, 2013

Congratulations Nora! I can't wait to be a grandma. I would love to attend a gathering in the Midwest.  That would be awesome!

investigator77 · Aug 12, 2013

I got a PM from Ann, but when I tried replying to it, I got an error mssg from hotmail saying 'delivery failure'.  I'll post my reply here and hope that she reads it! Hi Ann: Thanks for your message and the great ideas! I can't take the back seats out of my vehicle, but they do fold forward with a 60/40 split, to a flat surface, and I should be able to sleep easily on the "60" side with no problem. The other back seat will be my place to store my Luggable Loo, laptop, and personal items, that I would use daily. My car is a Toyota Highlander, which is a full size SUV, so I'll have lots of storage room. The only problem is it's a very heavy vehicle, so the gas mileage isn't what a smaller car would get. It IS very comfortable to drive though, which is a definite must for me. As far as sleeping bags, some people have told me to just bring sheets and a comforter to save money. I'll take a look at the sleeping bags though, now that you've told me what to look for. I've got one day assigned in my calendar, for searching my condo for what I can take with me from home as far as utensils, plate, cup, bowl, etc. I don't have any unbreakable dishes, so may have to just buy one of each in melamine, plastic, or enamel. One of the other ladies suggested a <a href="http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=41&id=338" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Heater Portable Little Buddy </a>Heater, that looks really good. I also found a Broadstone Single-Burner Propane Stove that has good reviews from buyers, is $34.99 retail, and I signed up for a sales alert from the place that sells it, so I may be able to get it for less <img class="ecxEmoji$1F60A$AC0 ecxRenderedEmoji bbc_img" alt="" src="https://a.gfx.ms/Emoji_1F60A.png" rel="lightbox">. I also signed up for alerts for a Luggable Loo, sleeping pad by Roots, a headlamp, and a folding camp table. I just remembered that I have a folding cooler in the back of my car! One less thing I'll have to buy. I've traveled all over parts of the world alone, and I love it too! This will be my first camping type trip since I was a little kid, but of course back then I didn't have to worry about the logistics, I just had fun. All of this boondocking stuff is totally new to me. A few months ago I would never have dreamed of sleeping in my car for a month and a half, LOL. My daughter is concerned about me doing this, so I have to make sure I address all of her concerns so she'll be more comfortable with my decision to take off on my wild adventure. I read in one of the product reviews about sleeping mats, that someone took a yoga mat to put under it for added insulation and comfort. I have one that folds flat, so that would be perfect to take in addition to the new sleeping pad. I'm all about comfort. As far as running my CPAP machine, I've been warned against using the car battery to run it. The problem is that once I get to Quartzite I won't be driving enough to recharge the battery. I'm looking into a portable power inverter, to see if that would work, but I can't remember where I saw the one I was looking at! I found one online on the <a href="http://www.duracellpower.com/power-inverters/advanced-inverters/powerinverter-130.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Duracell </a>web site. It's $59.99, and has 3 or 4 USB ports in it, that let you charge multiple items at once.

ilovemyvan · Aug 12, 2013

Hi Nancy, It's so great to follow your thinking process. I was wondering if you are aware that there is an RTR in the summer as well.It sounds  like a lot of fun too. It would eliminate a lot of your concern like driving in the snow over the mountains, no need for a little heater, you wouldn't have to take a hotel room while still in the cold north.  Bob and his crew pick places that are at higher altitude so the temperatures are cooler. It would also give you more time to accumulate a bit more funds. As we speak, my brother and his wife are traveling and camping with their Scion XB. It's their first outing. They were hesitant before they left, they didn't know if it was such a good idea. Wouldn't you know they are enjoying themselves a whole bunch. They say that they take their showers at truck stops every other day so they can boondock and have their hot showers too. I don't know what the cost is but much cheaper than a room or campground I'm sure. They also use a book called "the next exit" It takes the guessing game out of traveling along the major highways. They ordered the book version instead of online because they would have to rely on wifi which is not always available when you need to access the info.  Here is a sample of what you can find in it. Interstate 94 Exit 274 Water St. Port Huron, N Welcome Ctr, full facilities (from wb only). Cracker Barrel, Best Western, $, Mobil/dsl (which means Diesel) Speedway/dsl. Bob Evans restaurant. Comfort Inn, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Lake Port SP, RV camping. This book IMHO makes the decision process along the way much easier. It also tells you if there are stores like Walmart, Best Buy, Verizon, Dollar Tree, Home Depot. The nice thing about US Highway exit numbers is that most of them are the mile marker # so you know how many miles between exits as well as how much further you have to go. A lot of hwy have mile makers between exits. I have no doubt that you will get there one way or an other, you're just that kind of determine person. All the best. Nicole

My Plans Have Been Squashed! Time for Plan B

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