Ok, I'm in serious "rv dreams" mode now. I read about everyone who picks up and goes where the wind takes them. Or chases the sun across the Sun Belt. Or just stays put for long-ish periods of time.
Here's what I'm thinking. I live in western Washington, it does have its faults, but it is an outdoor paradise. The rains keep things lush and green. The rainforests are so green they shimmer. In the eastern part of the state, there's scrubland that reminds me of California. Brown hills! Yeah! One state down from me is Oregon, famous coastline, mountains, dense forests, high desert, take yer pick! You could almost cut Portland off, put a fence around the state and call it Oregon National Park.
I'm almost thinking of "localized" full-timing. Staying right around my corner of the country. I think travelling north-south, back and forth would be too hard on me and the pocketbook. I want space too, for me, sitting in a place like Quartzite surrounded by 1,000 other rvs would kill my soul. In eastern Oregon, there's plenty of space for a person to breath. Yes, it will be cold in winter, but saying the rig is outfitted for four season, should be able to survive the winter?
I realize this is probably a jumbled topic. Lots of questions in one topic. But to be specific...
1. Have you ever considered localized fulltiming?
2. Have you considered full-timing in a cold climate? These two states (WA and OR) aren't Wyoming cold, but are below freezing. I guess for warmth, go west and sit in the rain for three months!
3. Have you ever wanted to be a full-time boondocker and live an "Into The Wild" experience? (Without the stupid mistakes of course.)
The Bear II said
11:33 AM Apr 25, 2014
There are lots of localized fulltimers. Some have spent time on the road as fulltimers and found a place to settle down and some just like the life style for the savings but not interested in travel.
There are lots of fulltime boondockers as well. Low cost travel, get away from the crowds, back to nature...many reasons.
And there are many who fulltime in cold climates, but I bet a majority are snowbirds...head south for the winter and stay for months and then head back north for the summer.
Lucky Mike said
12:38 PM Apr 25, 2014
I do it in New England....Maine , New Hampshire , Vermont ,Upstate NY......
That being said...Winters are harsh here!!!. I do travel south sometimes into northern Florida or Va. for the winters.
for reasons beyond my control the last 3 years I've spent in NH Fulltime.....its all about how your heart calls you and your skill level allows. budget wise my budget never changes ....basic costs do not exceed 800.00 per month , durring the summer I work at the fleamarkets to add to my budget for the slower more demanding winter months.....I dont spend to much time in pay campgrounds , normally only 2 days a month to take on water and dump.
your weather is alot milder there so yes you can do it......but trust me....sooner or later the Wander bug will bite!!! its venom causes one to drift farther and farther looking for new feeding grounds and nesting materials!!!
Barbaraok said
02:37 PM Apr 25, 2014
Not sure why you think the deserts are too far, just travel a little every week or so starting when the rains come in October. And there are hundreds of miles of desert so you don't have to be around anyone if you don't want to be.
Don't care what they call it, NO RV is really 4 climate - - you can keep them warm but it will cost a lot in propane, etc. Much easier to use the wheels underneath to take you to a warmer place for the winter and back north when summer comes.
Barb
NWescapee said
04:15 PM Apr 25, 2014
I agree with Barb, the deserts are really not that far away and we found them absolutely fascinating last winter. Having spent 11 very long winters in Western WA, we were tired of the gray skies and really had not realized how much fun the desert would be. Quartzsite can be whatever you want it to be, yes, you can park close to a neighbor or friend or you can keep going to the far end of the LTVA and find a spot where few RV's are near you, which is what we did.
We will be alternating, summer in WA/ID, winters in AZ, with spring and fall in northern CA with a trip to TX to visit family thrown into stretch our travel budget.
Time on the WA beaches in the summer, desert in the winter, mountains in between, lots to see and explore and we can pick when and where we want to go based on work and weather.
Selah said
04:22 PM Apr 25, 2014
Ther is no "one way" to full time. That is the most alluring thing about being a full timer, you simply do and go where you want. For probably the first time in your life "it's all about you"!
If there is enough in your state or area to keep your intrest then there's probably no reason to go elswhere. If not then go some where else. It really is that simple.
We only travel 200-300 miles between stops and spend a week or two depending on what's in the area. Sometimes, like this last trip, we only go 60 miles because that've where we wanted to go (Jekyll Islant to Savanah).
This is your life, write your own memories and remember; when the time comes to look back, make sure you will like what you see.
WestWardHo said
05:46 PM Apr 25, 2014
Woods woman, I liked your post and your wonderings. Sure you can do that! I agree Western Washington is lush and green, however, having spent the last summer there I think I'd grow moss if I lived there longer. Have visited almost all of your state but winters are ugly, IMO.
We're currently in Eastern Texas and it's breathtaking this time of year! Green and lush. Being originally a Michigan girl I thought I'd hate the desert but there is a subtle beauty there to say nothing of the quiet or the stars. Yup, you can see stars in the desert and lots of them, unlike in Western Washington. 😜
Your signature indicates you're a woods woman, I'm just attempting, weakly I'll admit, to tease you into considering exploring more of this glorious country.
Whatever works for you!
Sherry
PIEERE said
06:44 PM Apr 25, 2014
Woodwoman: You havn't seen anything until you see and Arizona Sunset!!! I left The Adirondack/Champlain valley area of New York in 1980 and went on a whim to Arizona. The thought came as my mother always read Zane Grey Novels and I would read them after she was finished. She always wanted to travle there when my dad retired; She had to quit driving in 1963 due to Alzheimers and never got her wish; I did her dream for her.
I traveled up until July 2012 when I up my traveling clothes; was a very sad time; and have become kind of partial to where I'm living now. Found some really nice people and am turning 63 in July; also the health care in this area is very good.
Like others have said; we have to do what pleases us. Heating an RV in the Winter or cooling it in Summer is still I believe to be a lot less expensive than a sticks and bricks!!!
Welcome and Enjoy!!!
Hdrider said
07:12 AM May 15, 2014
You just have to do what YOUR heart and mind tell you is right for YOU. No one will judge you, well should not judge you for doing what you feel is best.
We like the variety that the USA offers so staying put is not an option for us while living in a RV right now. And I grew up in Iowa so to be honest I don't care if I EVER feel snow under my tires again. But that's me.
And things are subject to change at any time.
Ok, I'm in serious "rv dreams" mode now. I read about everyone who picks up and goes where the wind takes them. Or chases the sun across the Sun Belt. Or just stays put for long-ish periods of time.
Here's what I'm thinking. I live in western Washington, it does have its faults, but it is an outdoor paradise. The rains keep things lush and green. The rainforests are so green they shimmer. In the eastern part of the state, there's scrubland that reminds me of California. Brown hills! Yeah! One state down from me is Oregon, famous coastline, mountains, dense forests, high desert, take yer pick! You could almost cut Portland off, put a fence around the state and call it Oregon National Park.
I'm almost thinking of "localized" full-timing. Staying right around my corner of the country. I think travelling north-south, back and forth would be too hard on me and the pocketbook. I want space too, for me, sitting in a place like Quartzite surrounded by 1,000 other rvs would kill my soul. In eastern Oregon, there's plenty of space for a person to breath. Yes, it will be cold in winter, but saying the rig is outfitted for four season, should be able to survive the winter?
I realize this is probably a jumbled topic. Lots of questions in one topic. But to be specific...
1. Have you ever considered localized fulltiming?
2. Have you considered full-timing in a cold climate? These two states (WA and OR) aren't Wyoming cold, but are below freezing. I guess for warmth, go west and sit in the rain for three months!
3. Have you ever wanted to be a full-time boondocker and live an "Into The Wild" experience? (Without the stupid mistakes of course.)
There are lots of fulltime boondockers as well. Low cost travel, get away from the crowds, back to nature...many reasons.
And there are many who fulltime in cold climates, but I bet a majority are snowbirds...head south for the winter and stay for months and then head back north for the summer.
That being said...Winters are harsh here!!!. I do travel south sometimes into northern Florida or Va. for the winters.
for reasons beyond my control the last 3 years I've spent in NH Fulltime.....its all about how your heart calls you and your skill level allows. budget wise my budget never changes ....basic costs do not exceed 800.00 per month , durring the summer I work at the fleamarkets to add to my budget for the slower more demanding winter months.....I dont spend to much time in pay campgrounds , normally only 2 days a month to take on water and dump.
your weather is alot milder there so yes you can do it......but trust me....sooner or later the Wander bug will bite!!! its venom causes one to drift farther and farther looking for new feeding grounds and nesting materials!!!
Don't care what they call it, NO RV is really 4 climate - - you can keep them warm but it will cost a lot in propane, etc. Much easier to use the wheels underneath to take you to a warmer place for the winter and back north when summer comes.
Barb
We will be alternating, summer in WA/ID, winters in AZ, with spring and fall in northern CA with a trip to TX to visit family thrown into stretch our travel budget.
Time on the WA beaches in the summer, desert in the winter, mountains in between, lots to see and explore and we can pick when and where we want to go based on work and weather.
If there is enough in your state or area to keep your intrest then there's probably no reason to go elswhere. If not then go some where else. It really is that simple.
We only travel 200-300 miles between stops and spend a week or two depending on what's in the area. Sometimes, like this last trip, we only go 60 miles because that've where we wanted to go (Jekyll Islant to Savanah).
This is your life, write your own memories and remember; when the time comes to look back, make sure you will like what you see.
We're currently in Eastern Texas and it's breathtaking this time of year! Green and lush. Being originally a Michigan girl I thought I'd hate the desert but there is a subtle beauty there to say nothing of the quiet or the stars. Yup, you can see stars in the desert and lots of them, unlike in Western Washington. 😜
Your signature indicates you're a woods woman, I'm just attempting, weakly I'll admit, to tease you into considering exploring more of this glorious country.
Whatever works for you!
Sherry
I traveled up until July 2012 when I up my traveling clothes; was a very sad time; and have become kind of partial to where I'm living now. Found some really nice people and am turning 63 in July; also the health care in this area is very good.
Like others have said; we have to do what pleases us. Heating an RV in the Winter or cooling it in Summer is still I believe to be a lot less expensive than a sticks and bricks!!!
Welcome and Enjoy!!!
We like the variety that the USA offers so staying put is not an option for us while living in a RV right now. And I grew up in Iowa so to be honest I don't care if I EVER feel snow under my tires again. But that's me.
And things are subject to change at any time.
Welcome woodswoman.