We all love RVing, it's a wonderful way to pass the time and relax. However, as wonderful as it is, RVing has it's dark moments. For example, regardless of how urgent your schedule is, there is no such thing as a quick chat between two RVers who have just met. I have believed this for a long time but, I proved this theory today when I met my RV storage neighbors. I feel pretty certain we would have never spoken a word to each other had it not been for the common thread.
The fellow that worked on my work truck the other day couldn't pull his phone out fast enough to show me pics of his fiver. I responded in kind. Like a couple of proud grand parents.
I bet every one of us has a story to tell about "the dark side". Cold suppers, late to appointments, holding up traffic, smiling, oh that gawd awful smiling. Someone on here once ask if a loner can be an RVer. The answer is no. Unless you want to teach how to suceed at lonerism 101.
So the dark side and the bright side are one in the same. New friends from all walks of life.
Jim01 said
04:30 AM Jun 7, 2014
Mark, you're so right. During our travels, I have met a couple RVers though that I'm sure could teach lonerism 101.
Jim
GENECOP said
04:46 AM Jun 7, 2014
We carry pictures of our Rig and Quickly pull them out at the appropriate time.....There's always time for RV Chat...LOL...
Joe_Camper said
04:56 AM Jun 7, 2014
Too funny and too true!
WestWardHo said
05:46 AM Jun 7, 2014
Love it MarkS, and don't forget sharing pictures of our trucks!
Sherry
Dog Folks said
10:26 AM Jun 7, 2014
True. But I don't call it the "dark" side.
bjoyce said
01:35 PM Jun 7, 2014
When Darth Vader starts showing off photos of his RV, I will worry.
MarkS said
04:29 PM Jun 7, 2014
Isn't his RV too big for most parks?
Terry and Jo said
08:50 PM Jun 7, 2014
bjoyce wrote:
When Darth Vader starts showing off photos of his RV, I will worry.
MarkS wrote:
Isn't his RV too big for most parks?
Now you've gone and done it....
....it isn't "really" Darth Vader, but....
And, what's an RV without a truck stop?
Seriously though, my experiences in campgrounds over the years has been to show that the RV'ers/campers are a different breed, and very much friendlier. Any number of people have always asked about the lifestyle after hearing of what we live in. Some are even taking an interest, although most just can't break away from ties.
Terry
FLCoastalChick said
06:26 AM Jun 9, 2014
Mine was a little different, since I dont own a truck and it was delivered directly from camping world. I had every person in the park over watching it back in...then they introduced themselves while I had boxes in hand to unpack in 5er...LOLOL. Good thing I love to chat and was in no hurry to get anything accomplished that day!!
NWescapee said
11:47 AM Jun 9, 2014
We have a little different perspective, not sure if we call it the dark side, but we've referred to it as the delay factor more than once. When the weather is nice (and since that was one of our goals) Dale likes to work outside but we're finding that to cause delays in his work. RVer's love to stop and chat and those that are retired seem to find it fascinating that we work on the road, then they want to know what he's doing, what he's making, how the process works, where he stores everything, etc. He's had some places where 2 hours worth of work took 5 hours to get done just because of the friendly, curious interruptions.
So for us, we're learning that when we're on a deadline we need to work inside and appear to be loners. We're really not loners but I'm sure there are others who think we aren't very friendly.
We love chatting with others, share experiences, but we're having to balance that with needing to actually get work done. So for those of you who love to chat, it someone who is still working while on the road, please don't be offended when we disappear inside the RV
bjoyce said
01:37 PM Jun 9, 2014
Ruth: My experience is some of those people who stop by to chat are avoiding work of some sort. Probably not the kind of work that pays money, but something they should be doing. Many people are not disciplined enough to be their own bosses.
NWescapee said
03:47 PM Jun 9, 2014
Bill - LOL, understand that. We had finished the "day job" at a campground recently and were working on some rig maintenance. One of these retired couples then offered to pay us to do the same maintenance on their rig, thanks but no thanks. They then proceeded to spend 45 minutes chatting about all the things they needed to do on their rig, made me not want to be following them down the road, not sure what might fall off the rig.
BiggarView said
08:27 AM Jun 10, 2014
On our return trip from TX to IL we stopped again at a TT campground to partake of the free tent camping (thanks Cindi's dad for the family pass). Well, it rained on us hard for 4 hours in our little tent from midnite till 4AM. The tent isn't really up to that kind of onslaught and we suffered "leakage". In the morning, I was up early and took Josie for a walk and crossed paths with a 5er owner who saw us set-up our tent the day before and after I mentioned that we had suffered some water issues from the rain, then proceeded to tell me all about his leak woes... for about 25 minutes. I finally found an polite exit to the conversation. Nice guy, but way too much info.
The dark side to RVing here is apparently misery loves company Mother Nature's dark side is another story
Brian
Trikester said
03:28 PM Jun 23, 2014
This may be one of those too-much-info replies. But, hey, here goes:
As an inveterate introvert, and as someone who values a sense of place, and as someone who champions supportive community, I find RVing something of a stretch at times. It’s not that I’m a “loner,” not at all. Nor am I “shy.” But I dislike the small talk that dominates most social settings, not just RV parks. I’d rather read a book than go to Monday morning coffee and donuts. I’d rather take a long bike ride, by myself or with my spouse, than fraternize with the RV park “chain gang.” I also miss close relationship with folks who share philosophical and political views that remain are important to me. And I’d rather stay put in a location months at a time than be constantly on the move.
On the other hand, I like meeting new folks, including ones with whom I have relatively little in common. I like experiencing more of the natural world than is possible when we’re tethered to a particular place. Ironically, I appreciate the role of that dreaded small talk in forming relationships. I like the freedom to travel near and far, even if not always deep and wide. I like the camaraderie that comes from shared address of RV problems. I love sitting under the awning, sipping something cold, and waving at folks walking their dogs or buzzing by on their golf carts. As RVers, we can spend time with friends and family who live in various parts of the country, and we can avoid Midwestern snow and southern summer.
So, yes, there’s a mixture of things. Some good. Some not. As with most any other “lifestyle,” there’s a balancing act to perform, an ever-flowing negotiation process.
MarkS said
11:32 PM Jul 3, 2014
We have been at this campground since about 5PM. In nearly 6 hours we have had 5 minutes peace. But, we have met every neighbor. Someone once ask if you could be a loner in an RV. IF YOU FIGURE OUT HOW, PLEASE SHARE YOUR SECRET!
BiggarView said
04:52 AM Jul 4, 2014
Change your cologne? That "Eau de Bizzie Bodee" obviously wasn't a good choice "Parfum des Miserable Humains" has had good results at keeping others away. Smells like a skunk. Comes in handy gallon size for dousing your rig and campsite too.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 4th of July 2014 05:07:38 AM
MarkS said
11:33 AM Jul 4, 2014
Thanks for the tip. I need to be more aware of these imported scents. I heard there was one for every occasion. I'm looking online for a mail order catalog.
Incidentally, the visiting ended about 1am. I'll go home on Sunday to rest up from the weekend.
Lonney Wade said
12:11 AM Jul 5, 2014
Hey Mark, if you want people to leave you alone come to Michigan. We have been to a lot of parks, we walk all over the park and people rarely even look up at you. You have to be in their (box) before you are even noticed. I have been told from people not living in Michigan, we live in small boxes (small groups of people) or clicks or people that have poop that does not stink, it is sad but true, I can not say this any better than that. If that happened to us here it would be because they would see us as the Geico commercial motorcycle dud strapped with money falling off behind him.
Welcome to Michigan LOL !!!!!!.
Lonney
-- Edited by Lonney Wade on Saturday 5th of July 2014 09:19:16 AM
MarkS said
08:44 AM Jul 5, 2014
Lonney, don't turn the lights out. I'll be right there!
kb0zke said
06:06 PM Jul 5, 2014
We spend almost a week in a nice state park. While I was changing a few rusty bolts for stainless steel ones, a family showed up at the next site and tried backing their TT into their spot. After a few attempts the man came over and asked if I knew anything about backing trailers. I admitted I had done that a few times, so he asked if I would help. The trailer was almost parked, but I gave a few directions anyway. They were quite grateful and later asked me if I would like to stop by for a drink. Unfortunately I had to decline since we had company coming.
As Jo Ann and I walked around the park, though, very few people even greeted us. We were there over a weekend, and the park was pretty crowded. The weather was nice, and lots of people were out.
MarkS said
07:07 PM Jul 5, 2014
And then the deputy came. He was doing his drive through and stopped to talk about my truck. He is retiring in five years and considering RVing. I guess I'll just have to get used to it. Gotta run, the neighbors are here and want to visit. I sense that my ribs will burn.
We all love RVing, it's a wonderful way to pass the time and relax. However, as wonderful as it is, RVing has it's dark moments. For example, regardless of how urgent your schedule is, there is no such thing as a quick chat between two RVers who have just met. I have believed this for a long time but, I proved this theory today when I met my RV storage neighbors. I feel pretty certain we would have never spoken a word to each other had it not been for the common thread.
The fellow that worked on my work truck the other day couldn't pull his phone out fast enough to show me pics of his fiver. I responded in kind. Like a couple of proud grand parents.
I bet every one of us has a story to tell about "the dark side". Cold suppers, late to appointments, holding up traffic, smiling, oh that gawd awful smiling. Someone on here once ask if a loner can be an RVer. The answer is no. Unless you want to teach how to suceed at lonerism 101.
So the dark side and the bright side are one in the same. New friends from all walks of life.
Mark, you're so right. During our travels, I have met a couple RVers though that I'm sure could teach lonerism 101.
Jim
Too funny and too true!
Sherry
bjoyce wrote:
When Darth Vader starts showing off photos of his RV, I will worry.
MarkS wrote:
Isn't his RV too big for most parks?
Now you've gone and done it....
....it isn't "really" Darth Vader, but....
And, what's an RV without a truck stop?
Seriously though, my experiences in campgrounds over the years has been to show that the RV'ers/campers are a different breed, and very much friendlier. Any number of people have always asked about the lifestyle after hearing of what we live in. Some are even taking an interest, although most just can't break away from ties.
Terry
We have a little different perspective, not sure if we call it the dark side, but we've referred to it as the delay factor more than once. When the weather is nice (and since that was one of our goals) Dale likes to work outside but we're finding that to cause delays in his work. RVer's love to stop and chat and those that are retired seem to find it fascinating that we work on the road, then they want to know what he's doing, what he's making, how the process works, where he stores everything, etc. He's had some places where 2 hours worth of work took 5 hours to get done just because of the friendly, curious interruptions.
So for us, we're learning that when we're on a deadline we need to work inside and appear to be loners. We're really not loners but I'm sure there are others who think we aren't very friendly.
We love chatting with others, share experiences, but we're having to balance that with needing to actually get work done. So for those of you who love to chat, it someone who is still working while on the road, please don't be offended when we disappear inside the RV
On our return trip from TX to IL we stopped again at a TT campground to partake of the free tent camping (thanks Cindi's dad for the family pass). Well, it rained on us hard for 4 hours in our little tent from midnite till 4AM. The tent isn't really up to that kind of onslaught and we suffered "leakage". In the morning, I was up early and took Josie for a walk and crossed paths with a 5er owner who saw us set-up our tent the day before and after I mentioned that we had suffered some water issues from the rain, then proceeded to tell me all about his leak woes... for about 25 minutes. I finally found an polite exit to the conversation. Nice guy, but way too much info.
The dark side to RVing here is apparently misery loves company
Mother Nature's dark side is another story
Brian
As an inveterate introvert, and as someone who values a sense of place, and as someone who champions supportive community, I find RVing something of a stretch at times. It’s not that I’m a “loner,” not at all. Nor am I “shy.” But I dislike the small talk that dominates most social settings, not just RV parks. I’d rather read a book than go to Monday morning coffee and donuts. I’d rather take a long bike ride, by myself or with my spouse, than fraternize with the RV park “chain gang.” I also miss close relationship with folks who share philosophical and political views that remain are important to me. And I’d rather stay put in a location months at a time than be constantly on the move.
On the other hand, I like meeting new folks, including ones with whom I have relatively little in common. I like experiencing more of the natural world than is possible when we’re tethered to a particular place. Ironically, I appreciate the role of that dreaded small talk in forming relationships. I like the freedom to travel near and far, even if not always deep and wide. I like the camaraderie that comes from shared address of RV problems. I love sitting under the awning, sipping something cold, and waving at folks walking their dogs or buzzing by on their golf carts. As RVers, we can spend time with friends and family who live in various parts of the country, and we can avoid Midwestern snow and southern summer.
So, yes, there’s a mixture of things. Some good. Some not. As with most any other “lifestyle,” there’s a balancing act to perform, an ever-flowing negotiation process.
Change your cologne? That "Eau de Bizzie Bodee" obviously wasn't a good choice
"Parfum des Miserable Humains" has had good results at keeping others away.
Smells like a skunk. Comes in handy gallon size for dousing your rig and campsite too.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 4th of July 2014 05:07:38 AM
Incidentally, the visiting ended about 1am. I'll go home on Sunday to rest up from the weekend.
Hey Mark, if you want people to leave you alone come to Michigan. We have been to a lot of parks, we walk all over the park and people rarely even look up at you. You have to be in their (box) before you are even noticed.
I have been told from people not living in Michigan, we live in small boxes (small groups of people) or clicks or people that have poop that does not stink, it is sad but true, I can not say this any better than that.
If that happened to us here it would be because they would see us as the Geico commercial motorcycle dud strapped with money falling off behind him.
Welcome to Michigan LOL !!!!!!.
Lonney
-- Edited by Lonney Wade on Saturday 5th of July 2014 09:19:16 AM
As Jo Ann and I walked around the park, though, very few people even greeted us. We were there over a weekend, and the park was pretty crowded. The weather was nice, and lots of people were out.