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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 24
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Hi to everyone. I'm so new I haven't even started yet. Sold the farm, am leaving hubby behind in a new small house (he's not ready to travel), daughter is just now going on her own, bought a tiny 20-foot older trailer, haven't found a tow vehicle yet but will soon, daughter is going to give me towing lessons, and I'm leaving Oregon about March 15 in a long, rambling trek to Florida to see family members. Just my two dogs and I. We're all so excited -- really, they are; I guess they sense something's up because I'm so excited! But I'm scared to death, too. My husband and I tried traveling for a couple of months in a motorhome a couple of years ago and loved it, but an illness forced us back to the farm. Now, there's nothing standing in my way -- except a lot of this kind of traveling knowledge, which I lack. Am I too naive to think that I can learn as I go and do this by myself? I've read extensively and have tent camped and traveled all my life. I just know I can do it. It's so great to hear others of you out there already achieving my dream, very encouraging. Any encouragement, critiques, advice, will be greatly appreciated.
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Seeking Sunshine, traveling with the pups
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Joined: 1/1/0001
Posts: 0
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Ladeeda, Good on ya for taking a trip. The weather can still be pretty bad in March. Snowstorms are a major possibility. Even the higher desert elevations can be pretty nasty in the a.m. Just remember to take your time, if it is questionable leave later, or even just stay put until conditons improve. It's usally a hour to hour, day to day thing. Remember that the only thing pushing on will do is put you in the ditch :8o: Enjoy, were are you going in Florida?
"Not all who wander are lost"
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 2302
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Ladeeda, I imagine weather would be your main problem.. and I would think coming down the southern route would be best.. I have been out your way but mainly in July and coming across the US to your area was a bit hectic..as I came from Pa and went out and over through 90...I had a lot of bad storms and had to watch the sky as well as listen to the radio..a few times I had to pull over and stay a few days in one place.. but I did the trip..and enjoyed it..in fact I've done it several times..so..if that says anything to you.. You just have to be alert and listen to weather reports..have a CB and a Weather Radio..important... I also stayed at Flying J's ..and
some Walmarts will let you park overnight....Talk with a lot of RVers..as there is a chat room on here as well...lots of experienced people that will give you good advise...and listen we all were "newbies" in RVing....just take your time..have things checked out..and allow yourself plenty of time.. I only drive so many hours per day..so I'm not exhausted.. I also have Critters so I have to stop for them as well..I carry bottled water for them so they don't get upset bowels from differnt water..or you can put a little lemon juice in water..that will help too....
Good luck to you.. and one thing Enjoy the Trip !
God Bless
Barbzeee
Life is full of surprises, just go with the flow !
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 24
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Thanks to you both. It's so encouraging to hear from people who've already been there! I used to live in the Rocky Mountain area, so I had already planned to avoid the entire interior of the country. I think I'll take the long way: head south and go across the country on I10 all the way to Florida. Don't know what I'll encounter in LA, though. I'm headed to Pensacola first, where my mom lives. I haven't seen her in a few years, and time just keeps flying by. Nobody's getting any younger. As I travel, I'm sure this forum will become a lifeline for me, so I hope to get to know you all in the future -- and, who knows, maybe I'll even have some advice for someone before long! Thanks so much for your feedback, Dottie
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Seeking Sunshine, traveling with the pups
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 3
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Hi, I have just found this site tonight. It looked so interesting I thought I would join in. My husband and I are full-timers. Have been for about 14 years. We have seen almost all of this beautiful country. This past summer we visited the Maritimes of Canada. Full timing is a wonderful way of life. We have a 39ft Royals International and tow it with a Freightliner Crew Chief, a sort of mini motorhome. We took it to the Maritimes and left the 5th wheel in the states. We are in our mid sixties. We are both retired teachers. I taught Elementary School (4th grade). My husband was a college prof. We have no pets. We do belong to several clubs and several membership parks. Thousand Trails, BullEk, etc. Sorry I have rambled. Sandra :)
Sandra
Sandra
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Joined: 1/1/0001
Posts: 0
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Ladeeda, I am so jealous.... I have traveled the southern route to P'cola many times. I just sold my property that I owned there. Last I heard I-10 east of P'cola was still just one bridge. Ivan really kicked rear end and they still are not back to speed in the panhandle. I would also check on 10 through Louisana, I know 90 (just south of 10) really caught it with Katrina!
Keep an eye on your gas guage in southeastern CA and Az there are some stretches where the gas stations are far and few between and the ones that are there really gouge you. Basically just fill up when you see a truck stop... stay away from the single gas station in the middle of the desert!
I get off I-5 at 58 to Bakersfield to 40. Then just stay on 40 until I feel like turning south. Completely miss LA that way.
Did I mention that I am jealous!!! :) Sue
"Not all who wander are lost"
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 8436
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Welcome Dottie and Sandy!! Glad ya'll could join us!
Dottie, of course you can do this! I'd figure out my daily miles I wanted to make and look for the place to stay that night, one day in advance...so when you leave that morning, you know where you'll be that night. As you become more experienced this won't be as important, but hunting for a park when it's late and you are tired, trying to come in late when park offices are closed and spaces are hard to locate in the dark is not good when you are a newbie to the road.
It is helpful you are accustomed to winter storms, and realize one must plan ahead and sometimes wait out a snow before moving on.
On Interstate 10 thru La and MS is all open but be sure to check out where you wish to stay as many RV parks are full of FEMA trailers and refugees, and they have no room. I have read that the State of La closed all rest areas on Interstate 10, so advance planning would be good through that area.
Enjoy your trip, have fun and enjoy family...Keep in touch with us!!
Happy Travelin'
Jomilt from Texas
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 1595
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Hi Dottie! Susan had a good idea of taking the 58 to 40 to save going through LA. Tehatchape is a pretty good climb, but not quite as bad as the Grapevine on the I-5. Both are steep and curvy. Just watch the wind, it can get pretty vicious between the bottom of the pass and Barstow. 58 is a good road, pretty flat, 2 and 4 lanes at times. You can fuel in Barstow, and depending on what kind of gas mileage you get, you should be able to get to Needles,Ca on a tank. Not much in between Barstow and Needles, and because of that, gas prices are high in Needles. Figure your miles and just buy enough + some to get you to Kingman safely, much cheaper there. There are a couple of truck stops in Kingman, easy in, easy out on the east side of town. If you're interested, pm me and I'll tell you where to get gas in Barstow. You have to back-track a couple of miles on the 15, but it's easy. Drive safe, take your time, and you'll do great! Hugs to you!
Good Roads,
Sharon
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
'05 Monaco Knight 34ft (Hope)
'04 Jeep Liberty (JipJip)
Sam the cat with Attitude
Chewy the Land Shark
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 2302
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Dottie and Susan, See that's what's wonderful about these Forums.. everyone is so willing to help.. Most of us have miles under out belts ! ..
Susan, I'm in my early 60's also and have been trucking for over 25 years and am always learning..but one thing about RVing..we all have one thing in common..LOL
Dottie...you will do just fine ! Just take your time..when in doubt..pull over .. If you have a Flying J in your area..stop in and get their map..that gives you listings of their places..where also you can stay overnight "Free" ..also Walmarts will allow you to park in their parking lot..You also want to pull in a campground to dump your tanks and get a great shower :)..and do laundry....You will enjoy it..honestly..the scenery really makes you appreciate God's gift... I just can't believe all that I've seen..and no matter how many times I've seen it, it still looks magnificent...
All of these RVers will help you as you travel along.. I have a PC card so I have my laptop open..and check regularly..
Keep posting so we can keep up with you as you travel along..
God Bless
Barbzeee....
Life is full of surprises, just go with the flow !
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 24
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Hi, everyone. Thanks so much for all the info, especially the specifics such as routes to take, where to gas up, etc. I have a couple of more specific questions myself: Is it safe to stay in the Flying J's and Walmart parking lots every so often (assuming I take the usual precautions one always ought to take)? I would love to save money by doing so but don't want to get into likely dangerous situations, either. Also, how about if I find myself caught out too late (very unlikely), is it safe just to pull into a rest stop, providing, of course, that there are others there as well? (As a tent camper for years, I always, always felt safety where there were numerous other campers rather than in more isolated places. I presume the same is true of RV camping?
Also, a more mundane type question: How do you handle TV reception? Do you just take your Directv satellite from your home, have some sort of special account with directv, rely on campgrounds' tv cables? I haven't a clue. And re computers, are most campgrounds wireless equipped? What did you do when you started out with your computers to stay connected? So many questions . . . Thanks very much again, Dottie
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Seeking Sunshine, traveling with the pups
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