This afternoon, I logged on to my preferred site for coordinating RV travel to book campsites from New Jersey to Colorado. We are leaving NJ in less than a week, so I need to get it all organized.
I love using this site (RV Life) because it’s possible to map a route in great detail, research the campsites before booking them and make sure that the roads on our route are safe for our particular RV. One doesn’t have to use such a site, but the worst nightmares for RVers include low bridges and parkways where RVs are not allowed.
This year, we renewed our membership to Harvest Hosts. That allows us to spend a nights at local wineries, farms or golf courses in exchange for spending $20-30 at their facilities. These locales don’t have full hookups (water, electric and sewer) so we have to put water in our freshwater tank, use our generator for power and empty our septic tank at the next campground. It’s a good way to save a little green, however, and mix with the locals!
An RV has lots of onboard systems that allow us to live like we’re at home, but there is a learning curve for each. And the learning never ends. Just last week, for example, I had to deal with lots of rain that caused breakers to trip in the facility we are drawing power from. The cause was a juncture between our electric cord and an extension cord that was getting rained on. Luckily, someone saw it and said, “Cover that and your problem should be solved.” Yup!
I once asked a seasoned camper how he knew so much. “That’s easy,” he replied. “I’ve made every mistake you can think of.”
Last year, I drove away while our RV was still attached to the campground water line. Our RV wasn’t hurt, but the water supply for the entire campground had to be shut down for 30 minutes while the repair was made. That was a humbling experience that taught me to double check everything before driving away.
I’m excited about the trip, about seeing some new places, meeting new friends and having some new experiences. I wonder how I’ll learn my lessons.