The purpose was to check out the operation of Doodle and of me. I loved driving it but operator error like forgetting to switch the fridge from DC to AC when parked was still an issue until the last few days when things seemed to become routine without having to refer to notes. And only once did I almost drive away without unplugging the electric cord.
I also learned and shouldn't soon forget that if all cabinets aren't securely shut tight, this is what happens:
Luckily it wasn't the refrigerator!
- hippies know a good place to eat in town even if they look like they are stoned
- I can be totally happy and at peace alone driving thru the countryside.
- the Pacific Northwest has an awful lot of Christian radio stations.
- a shower every other day is acceptable even if you aren't French
- I can turn the heater on with my toe before getting out of bed
- a blog every day is too much. Even I was becoming uninterested
Learn to look ahead for a pull out to stop when a photo op appears instead of flying by and wishing I had taken a picture.
12 days isn't enough time to make 7 stops for visits and do much sightseeing. On my one year long trip around the US beginning in June 2015 I will have plenty of time for serendipity and adventure.
Skip reservations. It takes the spontaneity out of travel and with the RV I always have a place to lay my head at night.
Insider road information is very valuable. Only take the interstates when you are in a hurry. Secondary roads are much more interesting. That's where you'll find the real America. For more read Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon and Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.
Become a packrat. Save the odd rubber band or plastic bag. You never know when you'll need it.
Look at the feedback on RV park websites about wifi signals. It can mess up reception on your cell phone. Post some feedback warning others about this. What does the fi in wifi mean anyway?!
It's illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon. You can stay nice and warm in your car while the attendant does all the work. Why can't we do this in California and employ more people?
It's been fun letting you know where I am and what I'm up to on this 1400 mile journey. Next year's trip will have only a weekly blog.
Liz
P.S. Couldn't resist stopping at the historic Benbow Inn in Garberville. My first time there...went in and had a cup of coffee and sat by the fire after exploring the beautiful grounds.
So great, such a good starter... Kind of a combo menu of adventures! Looking forward to hearing all the tales. XO
ReplyDeleteI've read both of the books you mentioned - both excellent .....
ReplyDeleteWelcome home!!
Duane and I stopped at the Benbow Inn on a road trip we took from California to Oregon many years ago. It is a beautiful place!
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ReplyDeleteHi Liz,
ReplyDeleteJust read all twelve days of your blog. You are not the first rver who had to learn as you go--I think it is the norm. However, in our four years of rving we never had the park loose its power. However, we did experience hurricane Ivan as it blew through Alabama, and lived to tell about it. Also, when a over night cold freeze happened, a neighboring rv's pipes broke and flooded their rig. To prevent your pipes from freezing allow your pipes to continually drip and keep the indoor cabinets open to the warmth of the rv interior. But, most importantly, if you can, follow the warm weather--stay south in the winter. Can't wait in June to read your weekly reports--love the lessons learned and your humor!