So after six months how are we feeling about this new lifestyle?
THE GOOD.
Space has not been an issue. We have quickly learned to adapt to our living space. (8' x 38') It's rare now that we block each other in the 2' wide hallway : ) Chef Sheila has plenty of counter space for preparing meals. The "office" space is large enough for our desktop computer, file rack for current projects and space to write and type. The printer is wired and tucked away in a storage compartment under the desk. We just open the cabinet door to access our printed docs. The bedroom is comfortable and we've slept better here than our old house bed. You very quickly get used to the "noise" associated with campgrounds. AND we always have the great outdoors to kick back in a lawn chair anytime.
The scooter has proven to be a wonderful way to travel around and see the sights, go to the movies, shop for groceries. The other day we rode down to the CDA Marina, walked the docks at sunset, got an ice cream and rode home. Simple but wonderful.
Sheila and I walk as often as possible for an hour or two, trying to choose different paths to follow. The Centennial Trail is the best, and we can access it directly across the street.
We've spent a lot of time with Shelby (which was the reason for being here so long in the first place). However, we realize when we hit the road for warmer weather in a couple weeks, we probably won't be back until the snow is gone again next spring.
In general, life continues to slow down for us. And the world around us seems to get faster and more impatient all the time. We often find ourselves with nothing to do (which is the whole point to begin with) and look for new ways to spend our new free time.
THE BAD
We've quickly learned that even the best trailers aren't built to bounce down the highway fulltime. We invested in lots of caulking, a good staple gun, compact drill, waterproof tapes etc. As it seems that things will continue to work themselves loose the more we travel.
We also learned very quickly what things one should look for before purchasing OR taking delivery of your new home on wheels. Most of these things a new buyer would never know to look for, so it's kind of a trap for newbies.
I already replaced all the seam tape on all four slide out roofs (this was not a fun job). The closet clothes bar was not built to hold clothes up (huh?) We also continue to adjust water fittings to stop little leaks (nothing major). Screws and moldings tend to fall out or pop loose. Metal screws were used in the shower and outside water compartments (again, huh?) So they rusted and since replaced with stainless.
Probably the worst challenge is the "creaking, squeaking floor in the kitchen". Doesn't bother Sheila, but sometimes gets to me. This is a manufacturing issue (not under warranty after the first year and it takes over a year of use for the floor to show this type of problem - gotcha!) Comes from not putting enough screws into the underlayment and having too much space between the floor joists. The combination rewards you with the "moving, creaking floor".
All in all, most of this was expected as "maintenance" we would need to do with a couple unexpected problems.
AND THE UGLY
So far, this has not been a cheap venture. We started out with somewhat of an estimated budget. (I will get specific in another blog for those interested). However, fuel and campground fees have been much larger budget chunks than we estimated. When traveling, it's easy to spend $25 - $50 on an overnite campground stay plus at least $100 in fuel each day. So, long story short - if it takes you four days to get to your next location, you've already spent $600 - $700 of your monthly budget.
I'm not complaining. We know it's a process of figuring out how to get places and stay more economically. But right now, we are about double our estimated monthly costs : (
In the end, we really haven't experienced the traveling part since we've been back and forth to Post Falls for most of our time since March. But we are enjoying the simplified lifestyle, and extra time together...
Till next time!
Sean
