Mitchell, SD
As we travel we meet lots of other RVers. Quite a mix of weekenders, part-timers and full-timers.
Looking back on our decision to full-time I remember when I first learned people actually lived like this. I think it was in 2005 that we bought a 1988 Georgie Boy Motorhome just to see if we liked RVing. Our first trip was to Charlottesville, VA. We met a fine couple who were Workamping there. As we got acquainted with them we learned they lived in their fifthwheel while traveling the country working at various campgrounds.
WE WERE HORRIFIED! We never knew people did this. We could not imagine ADULTS not having a house, a home and all that goes with it. After we got back home, I started researching the lifestyle on the Internet. To my complete surprise I found lots of ADULTS choose to live a nomadic life. That first camping experience was in May. By September we decided that when we retired we would do the same.
As we told friends and family of our plans, most of them were surprised but supportive. At least none of them were openly negative. Only one person was downright dismissive about it. She warned we would hate it. Her reason? She had a friend who tried the fulltime RVing life and hated it so we would too! I promptly dismissed her dismissal.
There are varied reasons why people choose not to full-time: They prefer the secutiy of a home, can not leave their "stuff", prefer the familiar, would miss friends and family (especially Grandchildren which I can relate to), have heath issues, are afraid of the unknown or just really like to RV on the part-time basis. All of these are legitimate reasons not to sell most of ones belongings and follow the highway.
We are now well into our 3rd year on the road. How long will we do this and what will we do when (if) we decide to put down roots again? We have no idea. But we consider ourselves most fortunate to have the privilege of meeting lots of interesting people, seeing sights we've never thought we would and being healthy enough to do it.
How glad we are that we met Carl and Ursula back in Charlottesville, Va. BTW, they gave up the full-time RV life a few years ago and settled near where their daughter, son-in-law and grand-baby live. But they surely enjoyed the trip while they were traveling the highways.
Why did you choose to full-time or remain a part-timer?
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10 comments:
It was in my blood! :)
Actually one of our daughters made the suggestion to Paul, and he took it from there. He researched it for two years and then made his presentation to me. Yes, he had some valued reasons, probably the biggest was...why do we need a five bedroom home when there are only two of us? Point taken.
We are deep into our third year and have no idea when we will hang it up. We are blessed to see God's beautiful gift to us. We have met the nicest, most amazing people. We count our blessings every day.
We decided to embark on a full-time journey. Our plan initially was to sell both our houses, and move to a warmer climate and rent a townhouse. Instead, we talked about our love to travel, so why not get a townhouse on wheels?! We can't wait until we are out there seeing this great country of ours.
I'm one who prefers the 'anytime' version of RVing as opposed to fulltime.
I love the diversity of being able to RV when we want for as long as we wish but still be able to come back home.
As much as I like RVing, the idea of fulltiming has never really appealed to me.
as Rick said e prefer to be anytimers... but right now we are fulltimers anytime we want..
We waffled on full-timing but in the end decided we did not even want to downsize at this point. We love "any-timing" and still having a home to return to. Probably the biggest consideration is being close to family and grandkids and having a house for the grandkids to visit in the summer. I don't think I could live in an RV full-time.
I'm happy for you that you followed your dream and it's working for you.
I realized I hated driving that rig. I think if I would have shopped more and stuck with the idea for a Class B I might do more traveling. I will see when I return to Tucson in Oct. what direction I will take.
Keep those wheels rolling.
I think I am part gypsey. I have always wanted to know what is over that hill. Now I can find out.
Vicky
We can't full time being Canucks...but we sure enjoy the 1/2 time..and still have our home..so we have a home base to return to!! Glad to see your loving the life style
We are preparing to start out as full-timers and are having the same experience with friends and family as you did. As Canadians we can only travel in the US 6 months a year but we are looking forward to spending the other 6 months in Nova Scotia running our business, http://bayhammocks.com/, meeting fellow RVers who come our way, etc. It will be interesting to see how we manage.
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