Who am I? Ah, now there’s a question.
Here’s a little bit about myself. Why you would be interested is beyond me, but here goes anyway.
I’m a single, sixty-something, great-grandma (gasp!) wandering around the Southwest, living fulltime in my 17-foot Casita Liberty Deluxe with my two canines, Spike and Bridget. I’m originally from northern New York and formerly from Florida. I sold my home in Athens, Georgia, and two days later headed west to pick up my camper and begin a new lifestyle as a vagabond.
Here I am with Spike and Bridget in front of my brand new fiberglass trailer at the Casita factory on August 16, 2011. I planned, worked, and saved toward this purchase for seven years! What a happy day!
By nature I’m a loner.
(I said LONER, not serial killer, okay?) As a child I liked to pack a lunch and spend the entire day, alone, in the woods. Over the years I’ve learned, out of the need to survive, to enjoy the presence of people, although at times I could use a refresher course!
I relish solitude.
I do care about people — don’t get me wrong. I can and do miss the people I love, but I can honestly say I’ve never been lonely a moment in my life. It’s a gift, never feeling loneliness. One day in my mid-thirties I realized that I didn’t even know what loneliness felt like, explained to me as an intense longing to be with people.
My writing style makes me seem very approachable and likeable. Rvsue is an easy-to-talk-to, honest, and sincere sort. The lady behind rvsue (named Sue by her parents) can very easily, at the slightest provocation such as an uninvited visitor, turn into a moody and cantankerous hunk of woman. For this reason and the fact that my privacy is precious to me, I ask readers not to drop in on me. I’ll open my heart and home via rvsue and her blog, but please remember Sue is a reluctant hostess. Blogging suits me well because I can interact with all kinds of interesting people without having to actually meet them, forfeit part of my day, or reciprocate with a dinner invitation.
I am happiest in natural surroundings.
I relate well to animals and they to me. I’m unsentimental, thrifty, analytical, compassionate, and curious. I love words. My exceptional ability to amuse myself is one of my greatest life-tools. I appreciate simple pleasures. I avoid confrontations. I’m not political. I’m not a worrier. I have a deep love and gratitude for my Saviour Jesus Christ, but I am not dogmatic. I try to be tolerant of others, although I’m not always good at that.
Enough about me.
Read my blog and we’ll get to know each other the most enduring way . . . over time.
rvsue
Just came across your blog, and I can tell it’s one I will want to follow. You sound a lot like me — I’ve always gotten along better with animals and also have never felt lonely. I thought I was the only one in the world like that! I am married to a retired middle school principal, so I have an idea what your job is like, also. Good luck with your preparations — it’s an exciting time, for sure!
Dianne, I’m glad you plan on following my blog . . .
Wow, we DO have a lot in common. And you have whippets, a breed I’ve always been attracted to. In fact I thought Janie was a whippet. She was so slender. Turns out she was just starving. In 3 days with me she became totally tubular, the anti-whippet!
I recomment this book to anyone who likes being alone or to anyone who has a loved one who likes being alone: Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto by Anneli Rufus
Hi RVSue
We are following your blog with great interest. We have just started our travel journey in October, and are travelling around Australia. Some terms you use are unfamiliar to us here in Australia. Can you let us know what ‘boondocking’ is and what ‘dry camping’ is. At first I thought it might be free camping but not sure.
Thanks
Glenda and Robyn
We have been following your blog for a few days and find it interesting. Being on the road is a constant learning experience. We have been on the road for over a dozen years and have had our Casita for seven of those years. Our tow vehicle is an extended GMC Savana 3500 van – not too much different from your perfect tow vehicle. Until last December, the van was filled to capacity with photographic art for exhibiting and sale at juried art shows. We could repack the Casita at home in between each tour and during the summer we would be home about three days a week.
In December, we went on the road full time – no more repacking from stock at home – if it ain’t with us it does not exist. Of coarse we over packed the van. Some things just aren’t needed any more and others were duplicates because we already had the Casita stocked with spices and other kitchen items and then added duplicates from the home kitchen. You won’t have that problem starting your Casita from scratch. Your problem will most likely be taking some things for the Casita life style that you don’t need as much as you thought you might.
Good luck! We will be cheering you on.
Harrison & Peg
Harrison and Peg,
First of all, I want you to know I’m happy to hear you find my little blog interesting. Thanks for visiting. I hope you keep coming back because you obviously have a lot of experience . . . and I need people like you to stop me when I’m about to do something stupid.
Your van is even bigger than mine! I don’t know why more people don’t have a full-size van for a tow vehicle. All that storage space is wonderful! You know that, of course. You’re right about what to take. I’ll probably wonder why I kept some things. Heck, I’ve kept stuff in my house for years that I never looked at or used!
I think I’m into my third sort, each time I’ve become a bit more realistic. It’s been tough giving away special things that I’ve had for years. I look at an item and try to imagine emptying out the entire van to find it. Then I ask myself, “Would it be worth the search?” “What function will it serve while camping?” That usually puts it in the Goodwill pile.
Every time I hear from someone who has a Casita I get more anxious to see mine!
Good luck to you, too!
Wow, something I strive for. I tell everyone that when I retire I am selling everything and buying a small motor home and travel around. I found your blog, and it gives me confidence that this is truly what i want to do, me and my animals.. Thanks looke forward to hearing and seeing more of your lovely adventure.
Good for you, bearwise!
If this is the life for you . . . and from the tone of your comment, it sounds like it is . . . I wish you the best of luck making your dream come true. I have not regretted my decision for one minute! Sometimes I stop what I’m doing, look around in amazement at how much my life has changed for the better, and I have to laugh like a fool. I wake up every day loving my life. .. and I think Bridget and Spike feel the same way!
Hi Sue,
” It’s been tough giving away special things that I’ve had for years.” Take PICTURES. Then you can keep the memories without the stuff. I’ve really enjoyed your blog even though I doubt we’ll ever full time.
Welcome, Reine! I’m happy to hear you’ve enjoyed my blog. I hope you keep on enjoying it!
Hello Sue!,
Your not alone!, at 41 when I retired from the Army I realized after 5 years in the corporate drone arena that I was working to act interested in the mudane office talk, I was successful at it, but like you by shere survival.
I miss those I love dearly but also have never felt loneliness. Nice to know I’m not alone, I look at it like this, I can be out in the woods observing nature or climbing a mountain range and camping below and be so engaged with my environment not at all like the city world I left behind!. and these same people in my corporate job would always say the same thing eventually in a conversation on the subject “Arent you disengaging with people on this fulltime lifestyle of yours?” … What??.. they just dont get it? oh well, you do.. nice to meet you Sue! keep up the blog.. Ill send you all the address of mine when I get it up in July.
Rick
How very nice to meet you, Rick! Welcome to my blog.
You aren’t the first reader of my blog to recognize themselves in the loner description I wrote about myself. It pleases me greatly to hear from people who have this special gift of “aloneness.” And it is, indeed, a gift, not a defect, to have never experienced loneliness. It sounds like a burden to me, this feeling lonely business. If you haven’t already, do read Party of One: A Loner’s Manifesto. You will enjoy the validation of who you are.
I do believe if I were forced to exist solely in the human-made environment (in other words, cut off from the natural environment), I would go insane! Maybe not immediately, but eventually, for sure. That’s why I’m enjoying blogging so much. I can have contact with people and enjoy them knowing I have the option of turning off the computer whenever I want!
I’ve received a similar comment in response to my fullltiming plans… “Are you sure you aren’t just withdrawing from people?” Well, duh, no, not really, but is that necessarily a bad thing? LOL
And yes, do let us know your blog address!
Just a note to say you go girl! Be safe and enjoy life.
Same to you, Annette! Love it that you stopped by here . . . I hope you had a wonderful summer. I’ll email you later.
Rvsue…You have a great blog! You must have taught english. My wife and I hope to start fulltiming next April. South Dakota is on my short list also. Good luck and have fun. Hope to see you on the road! Bob
Hi, Bob!
Welcome to my blog! It tickles me to hear someone thinks my blog is “great!”
Yes, I did teach Language Arts for a few years. I’m certified in Middle School Math, Science and L.A. Most of my training and experience is teaching mathematics. My former life!
I’m always thrilled to meet people who are planning to fulltime. I do hope to meet you and your wife on the road.
Your name is familiar to me. What, are you famous or sumpthin? I have a poor memory.
Good luck to you both!
Thank you! Love the blog! You are living my dream. I am a sixty something grandma who has another four years and two months to work (but whose counting?) and then, when I grow up, I wanna be just like you. I want to sell the house (God willing the real estate market will rebound by then) and shed myself of everything that either isn’t needed or doesn’t add joy to my life. The kindle comes with me and the dogs do too (Charlie the little 12 lb brown mini poodle and Wicky the little 5 lb chihuahua). Some music, internet access, and a deck of cards can come along for the ride. There is something about solitaire with an actual deck of cards! I love the sound and the feel of the cards. Gotta bring long some chewy toys and maybe a woobie stuffed bear or two for the dogs.
My tow vehicle is a V6 Jeep, so I am trying to go as light as possible with my trailer. I have been camping in a teardrop trailer so far, but camping in the rain in the Pacific Northwest has begun to lose it’s charm. I am going to step up to a 14 or 15 foot micro light trailer. I have found several in the 2,000 pound range. My tow vehicle is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, so that gives me some room for a few toys.
I will be living vicariously through your adventures in the mean time. So, be sure to hold nothing back. I want to learn how to do it, but just as important, how not to do it. So please share the mistakes too!
Thanks again, and happy adventures to your and you canine companions,
Carol
Carol,
I could have written your comment myself — your outlook on life, shedding possessions, selling your home, your dogs, etc. I remember how important blogs were (and still are) to help me get through the work years while counting the days til the dream could be realized.
Thanks for writing about you, your dogs, and your plans. Wow! You are really going light! I wish the best for you as you move toward your dream and when you start living it.
I’m so happy you enjoy the blog and find it worthwhile reading it. I am trying to be honest and forthcoming. I’m sure I’ll make many mistakes and probably some of them will be so big I won’t be able to hide them, even if I want to!
Your dogs sound adorable!
Glad I found your blog through Barney, OFM who you met. And glad to find a Casita owner. I was down at the plant ( bout an hour from me) and now am searching hard for one cause I can’t wait for them to build me one.
Quick as I can get this Big ole Honking Cab over I’ve got now sold, I am so gonna hit the road in which ever Casita I end up with..
Good luck to you! Reading your words reminds me of how strong the urge can be to get out on the road. I hope you find the Casita you want at a great price.
Welcome to my blog!
How refreshing to read of someone with many of the same thoughts and feelings I have as well. In a pressured society to conform, how nice to read your independent understanding of self. Although happily married, I too am a contented loner for the most part preferring to spend my time far from the ‘dinner invitation’ crowd. Not always an easy feat with the very socially oriented RV lifestyle. Good for you in setting out on your own and I wish you all the best in your travels…….AL from The Bayfiield Bunch:))
Hello, Al!
We loners have been maligned too long! We’ve been called everything from wall-flowers to sociopaths! In truth we are a very blessed segment of society. We find contentment all by ourselves.
Nice to hear from you, Al. Good wishes to you, too.
Hi Sue, I, too, am enjoying your blog. I’ve always enjoyed my time alone as well. I like to mingle with people but I surely like having the ability to have quite time by myself whenever I choose. I’ve never felt lonely in the slightest. My family thinks I’m wierd, and I they. Hey, I show up for Christmas and other events, what more do they want!!
I’m envious of you. I had finally decided that I’d like to sell the house and full time in my 13 Scamp, with little Lily, my poodle. I wasn’t home 2 weeks from my big Great Lakes trip when the bottom fell out of the economy. It’s hard here in California to think about selling a house. There are just too many foreclosures on the market. I’m not looking to make a killing on my house but I don’t want to give it away either.
I guess for now I’ll just keep planning long extended trips as I’ve done in the past.
Keep up the good work on your blog.
Joy and Lily, too
Hello, Joy!
I’m feel badly for people who have to put their dreams on hold through no fault of their own. I was extremely fortunate to have a buyer for my house (a personal friend), but I didn’t get a lot of money out of it. I’m not complaining.
I’m happy for you that you have a Scamp trailer and a canine crew of one! Lily is a lovely name.
Enjoy your trips and thank you for complimenting my work on the blog. And hooray for loners! We rule! We just don’t make a lot of noise about it.
Your description of yourself also describes me. Funny – I think a lot of solo RVers are loners. Nothing wrong with that, but a lot of people don’t understand us.
I have a question for you: Why are you using WordPress? Blogger is driving me crazy and I’m ready to switch, but of all the blogs I follow, only yours and one other use WordPress. In checking it out, WordPress seems like a much better vehicle for blogging. I started with Blogger because it’s the only one I knew about, but with all the problems I’ve been having, I started researching what other options I have, and WordPress seems to be the best. Do you mind telling me why you chose it?
Thanks!!
I didn’t have any big recommendation or reason for choosing wordpress. I wanted to find a template that wasn’t popular and since so many bloggers in the rv/fulltiming world use Blogger, I figured I’d have a better chance of finding a template that I hadn’t seen before if I looked at wordpress.
Once I got into wordpress, it seemed so easy, I went ahead with it. It has it’s quirks . . . I can’t really rate it because I’ve never experienced any other. I wish I could be more helpful.
No problem, your answer really helps. The fact that is seemed so easy is good. I’m going to change to WordPress and see how I like it. I’m sure I can change back to Blogger if I decide that’s better for me.
Love your posts! I always look forward to the next one.
Lovely to meet you, Sue.
You write beautifully. I love your blog so much that I immediately added a link from my website, http://www.frugal-rv-travel.com/RV-Travel-Blog.html.
Marianne,
I didn’t realize you had commented here until today, a month later! What nice compliments … thank you. And another thank you for putting a link to my blog on your website!
HI – I saw your posts in the Fiberglass RV forums, and enjoy your Blog – if you are still looking for your Wave heater, etc., I recommend this source :
http://www.adventurerv.net/
I’ve saved a lot of $$ over the last 3 years,since fulltiming – they’re in Tennessee, fast shipping, and they seem to beat everybody’s prices for RV gear … great Blog, nice dogs, !
God bless you and yours,
Jimmy M. ‘roadcam’
Hello, Jimmy/roadcam!
I didn’t find your comment until the end of October. . . I appreciate the compliments.
Thanks for the link!
We have a lot in common some day I hope we meet surely it will happen as I camp in NM from time to time.
Happy Trails
Julia
Hi, Julia…
A lot in common… I noticed that, too.
Best wishes to you and Shelby .. .
For us loners, I suggest a good book…. “The Loner’s Manifesto….Party of One”
Great looking WP blog….and good stories. I am in the analysis phase and gathering all the information I can. Plan on traveling with 3 larger dogs but a couple of them are low to the ground. You can see here http://bhounds.blogspot.com
Hi, Steve!
I have that book right here in my Casita. It’s one of the few books I saved . .. The Bible, The Loner’s Manifesto, and RV guides … LOL The rest of my books are on kindle.
I jumped over to your blog (in between writing these paragraphs!) . .. I got a kick out of the title “Can’t Stop Thinking About RVing Fulltime” . . . You’ve got two things going for you as far as fulltiming goes…. 1) A loner (no problem with loneliness) and 2) you really want to do this!
Good luck to you and a big thank you for listing my blog on your website!
Dear Sue, You you’re story inspires me to start getting rid of most of my worldly possessions. Both my husband I and are retired but hampering my dream of RV living are elderly parents that need attention. I also babysit my 2-year-old granddaughter. Once my grandchild is in daycare I will have free time to dispose of my belongings. I do have a weakness for fashion. It will be hard to part with my clothing and many fun assessories, hats, scarves and jewelry. But honestly my dream of life in an RV is strong enough to make me walk away from everything I own. I want to be able to hike up mountains, run along beaches, fish, swim, and connect to the outdoors. Loneliness happens when we can’t connect to our enviroment. You are amazing. I want to learn more about your adventures. I will follow your blog. I live in San Antonio Texas if you are ever in the area I hope to meet you. Best Regards, Jarah Olga
Hi, Olga!
I understand the necessity of waiting for the timing to be right for making a huge change in your life. Sometimes a delay is a good thing. I would have made a lot of wrong decisions if I had jumped into this way of life too soon.
I’m glad you will continue reading my blog. Thank you for the compliment and the invitation to San Antonio! Best wishes to you and your husband!
Hi Sue!
I am so glad I found your blog. I’m in my early 50′s and my son will be heading off to college next summer. My dream is to hit the road – just me, my dog and two cats… With no savings to speak of (suffice it to say it was a tough divorce financially!) and rebuilding my credit – I think the hardest part will be figuring out a way to finance my adventures. My goal is 2015 – and I’m starting to wade through my belongings and search out freelancing jobs I can do on the road. I look forward to reading everything you have and following along on your journey.
Someday – I’ll be there too!!
Terri
Hello, Terri!
As I read what you wrote to me I could sense your determination to make your dream happen. I have no doubt that you will make it happen.
I hope my blog will help you visualize yourself on the road, enjoying a different kind of life!
yikes! I just repeated myself on your current entry…Maybe I’m older than I know!! Yes – I’m very determined … and a bit scared too. But where would life be without a bit of adventure?
I find your “everyday happenings” blog very interesting and check it out along with The Bayfield Bunch first thing every morning. Thanks.
Alice
Hello, Alice!
Welcome to my blog. I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner. I forget to check under the “about rvsue” section.
I’m proud to be part of your morning ritual, along with the Bayfield Bunch!
Hi,
Enjoy reading your blogs. My husband and I are getting ready to fulltime, are busy renovating our 1995 16 Freedom. Will likely head to NM early December and greatly appreciate the info you post about the different campsites and their facilities. Maybe see you sometime!
Hi, Marty!
I hope the weather stays warm enough to your liking here in New Mexico. I hope our paths cross . .., Good luck with your travels and welcome to my blog!
I’ve really been enjoying your blog. I’m kind of a loner in some ways. I do get lonely but being around people isn’t always helpful for that. My wife and I have been married for 43 years. We are both retired and have four little Bichon dogs that we are crazy about. They go everywhere with me. We also have a 17 foot Casita that we picked up in Rice, Texas in September 2010. We are planning a trip to Palm Springs next month and want to do some camping on the way home too. We live in Battle Ground, Washington, where it cold and rain are the rule from October to June. The Southwest appeals to us, so we hope to be doing some camping there this summer.
Hello, BB!
Four bichons! They must keep you on your toes. I hope you love your Casita as much as I love mine. . . so easy to tow and easy on the eyes, too.
I want to camp in the Northwest someday. I guess I should pick a non-rainy month, if that exists. Not too much rain in the Southwest. It’ll be a nice change for you and Mrs. BB.
Welcome to my blog! Happy travels!
Oh, Sue, I’m really liking your drawers stacked up there. We currently are using 3 little plastic tables along the passenger side of our Liberty & sleeping back to front on the “full-size” portion of bed left over. But. . .I want storage space for all the stuff UNDER the bed so I can set up the table at times. For now, both cats love hiding out under those shelves tho. I’m anxiously following your solar set up too since that’s our winter project.
Hi, Glenda!
I don’t know why I haven’t seen your comment. I apologize for not replying sooner.
I do like the stacked drawers. It’s so easy to find stuff and they hold a lot of stuff. I was wondering if your cats would like a cat tower that they could hide in . .. one that would fit in the back corner of the Casita, maybe under the television . . just a thought. It would get them up off the floor.
Thanks for reading my blog . . .
Hi Rv Sue!
Have been reading your blog ( and others) for awhile and want to thankyou for sharing your experiences. I retired 14 years ago (at 55) and tought about “fulltiming” but found out that I have to much “junk” that I want to keep and end up “downsizeing” my place and moved from San Diego, CA to San Antonio,TX (also my wife, of 47 years, doesn’t feel very commfortable not having a home base) so I end up with a fully selfcontained Truck Camper and travel to the west coast several times a year for 1 o 2 months at the time also a lot a parks here in Texas and the gulf of Mexico. So I enjoy reading people like you, George and Ms Tioga, Juanita and Gordon, etc.
So keep up your good work, we enjoy it. (Thanks again)
Eli
You’re welcome, Eli! And welcome to my blog! Thank you for letting me know you enjoy reading it.
I am glad for you, that you have found what works for you and are able to travel in your truck camper. I understand your wife’s desire to have a home base. Totally “cutting loose” isn’t for everyone. It was financially prudent for me to unload my house, but I also had a psychological need to be rid of it, to be untethered and footloose!
Enjoy your road adventures . . .
Hi, rvsue,
Enjoyed your description of today (5 Dec 11) at Caballo Lake SP. We’re up in the Appaloosa CG. We saw you the other day when you came by to dump. Hope you and your 4-footed friends are staying warm.
Cheers,
Ted H aka wxtoad
My blog: http://www.wxtoad.com
Hello, Ted!
I apologize for not replying to your comment sooner. I appreciate you writing. Gee, it has been a long time. Seems like ages since we were at Caballo . . . That’s the way it is when you’re on the road. So much happens that time is unreal. Hope you are well and happy this new year!
Hi Sue, Started reading your blog after reading about you on the Bayfield site. I too love boondocking. Presently live in southern Alberta but wil be heading south around Jan 10th for Quartzsite. Will be there for about 2 1/2 weeks visiting the various shows and displays. After Quartzsite heading for Ajo and Darby Wells road BLM. I’m a rock and mineral collecter so want to check out the mine and possibly find some samples. Have enjoyed reading your Darby Wells comments and photos along with the Bayfield Bunch. Are you going to check out Quartzsite. Lots of boondocking there. Take care. Terry
Hi Terry,
I missed your comment. I apologize for replying so late. Soon you will be in Quartzite. I’m headed that way, too. As you know from this blog, I love Darby Wells. Enjoy your stay in the Southwest . . . I know I am!
Hey Sue, just found your blog and enjoying playing catch up. We’re hoping to stop through Ajo in a few weeks so glad to hear that you are enjoying it.
Hi, Brent,
Sorry I didn’t see your comment here until the new year. By now you are probably in the Sonoran Desert enjoying the sunshine . . . Good place to be!
A friend of mine in Washington state just sent me your blog. Very cool. I am glad to see a fellow adventurer on the road. I too am somewhat new to this. Check out my blog and web site. http://www.ramseystravels.com. Love it all.
Very nice website! Thank you for commenting here. Best of luck with your travels and your blog.
AWESOME BLOG! You sound a lot like me. I’m 40, and very much a “loner”, although I hate that word. I very much just prefer and enjoy my own company. I loved your description that you have never felt what “loneliness is”. Me too!! I love my family and friends but I have a dog and 2 cats and they fill up my world very well. I am getting ready to buy a class A (I LOVE the casita!!) just because I want the cats to have more room on the road. The dog could care less.
I will follow your blog avidly.
I’m from the Pacific Nw in Seattle so if you ever make it up here, give me a shout out!!!!
Keep the rubber side up!
Brooke
Hello, Brooke!
Thank you for the compliment about my blog. I’m glad to have you follow along with the crew and me.
One of the side benefits I have in keeping a blog is hearing from other loners. Actually there’s nothing wrong with the word loner. Society has given it a bad connotation. We loners have a lot to be proud about . . . I think the nonloners are secretly jealous that we aren’t dependent on their company …Ha!
Best of luck getting your Class A and setting it up for your cats and dog. I do want to travel the Pacific NW someday soon.
Hi Sue
I’m the guy with the Trillium checking out the plumbing. Guess the day is coming for bigger
better.. The outhouse at the pond had run out of TP. New Years Day was so beautiful on the pond. Sad to have to leave..
Went thru Borrego on the way back.. There are new metal animal scuptures scattered around the
place that give the feeling of being there in prehistoric times. The owner of the land with the
sculptures allows camping for 3 days.. would be interesting to sleep where dinosaurs are marching
across the desert. Our rat terrier was so funny getting tough with the 15 foot high elephants and sniffing the
behind the tin pigs. youtube from 2009
Nice to know you are there enjoying the pond.. saw a sand crane land in the tree you took a pix
of down by where we camped.. but didnt catch a glimpse of the beaver that was plugging up the
outlet .. bet your dogs can point you to where they are hanging.
Happy trails 2 u ..
Rand
Hi, Rand,
So you did check out my blog! Great! Thanks for telling me about Borrego and posting the Youtube video. Those sculptures are incredible . . . beautiful workmanship and so creative . . . You take care. Happy roads and blue skies . . .
yeah .. new years is here… new is not what was before… have a great year rolling around.
i think you moved in the area next to the drain where we were… not sure how to post pix..
thats where the beavers have blocked the drain.. hey.. say thanx to Don and Darwin brothers from Ohio ..at the southeast corner.. we were asleeep new years and i think Darwin came by and left an invite brochure to the Yuma Lakes timeshare campo .. 3 days.. we probably wont use it but if anyone wants to .. let me know..
Hi Sue,
…Makes me smile to read your words. They remind me so much of my desires and dreams. I, too, enjoy my own company. …And, the outdoors is where I belong. It’s my home. I’m 55 and will be taking an early retirement June 1, 2012. Yes, 5 months! I’ve taught for 24 years, and yes, I could continue to teach a few more years and receive full retirement benefits… …However, the joy that I feel, knowing that this summer I’m free to frolic wherever I want…cannot be bought. I’m leaving for Quartzite, AZ, in 9 days to get a feel for what roamin’ the highways in my conversion van will be like. …Can’t wait! Thanks for your blog!
Katie
Hi, Katie,
If you can manage financially, why wait . . . gee, it’s your life . . . Live it! I’m so happy for you. Retirement is fabulous and retirement with a dream fulfilled is even better!
Hi Sue, When I leave Ajo, I’m heading over to Yuma (Ogilby Road area) to do some rock collecting. I like the area where you are presently camped. Is this the Mitry Lake/Imperial Dam area. Will not be getting there until first week of Feb. Looks a little more scenic than the Ogilby Road area. Terry
No, it’s not Mitry Lake. Terry, ask me again about this location in a few weeks and I’ll be happy to let you know. I’ll be somewhere else by then. I’m becoming concerned about my security lately and don’t want to draw attention to where I am right now.
That works for me Sue, as I won’t be in the Yuma area until Feb 2/3. Right now just watching the weather to make my 2 day run from southern Alberta to Mesquite, Nevada. We are getting record high temps these days so hoping it stays warm for my drive down south. I may end up spending sometime in the Ogilby Road area as I was impressed with the photos taken by the “Wheeling It” couple. Plus lots of interesting mines.
Terry
hi sue
next time you see a LOWES stop in and look at LED puck lites i have 4 in my camper cargo trailer thay are so bright you can use tham as a flashlight at night you can use velcro or the sticky back to mount anywere they have a magnet also cut / paste to look this up
SYLVANIA 2-Pack Battery Cabinet LED Puck Light KitItem #: 165994 | Model #: 72434
2-Pack ( 3 aa Batterys you can switch to recharge latter on) cabinet LED Puck Light Kit
•Under the cabinet LED
•3000K color temperature
•Soft pleasing light
•Wireless
Mister Ed,
Hello! I just now found your comment with the info on puck lights. So I didn’t see it until I bought the LED bulbs. This is info that’s good to know . . . Thank you.
hey there been reading your blog for some time now i found it on old texen blog im new to this fulltime stuff i see your in quartzsite now also, I came here looking to update my rig havent had much luck with that yet anyway do they make a larger trailer like the one you have, if your out running around the rv show and want to grab a coffee or something call me 563 608 7450 scott
Hello, Scott!
Somehow I missed your comment. Sorry, I hope you get this reply. Thanks for the invitation for coffee. I hope you enjoyed Quartzsite.
Casita’s largest trailer is 17 feet, including the tongue. That’s what I have. I find the size works well for me and two small dogs, but everyone is different.
Hello RVSue! I have been reading your blog and have been thoughly entertained in addition to learning a few things also. Although I have RV’d for years with my family, I still learn from others every day. I am still a couple years (2) from retirement which is when I plan on full timing myself. My children are grown and wife is gone, so my solo adventure will be similar to yours. I will be following your blog and travels with the canine crew!!!! Be safe and continue to enjoy life every day.
Kent
Hi, Kent!
As you probably have realized, the best is yet to come! Fulltiming (and not working!) is great. Thank you for your positive comment about my blog. I’m enjoying life every day and wish you the same!
Sue, I like the looks of your folding chairs that you picked up in Quartzsite. I was wondering if they have anything on them that identifies the manufacturer so I can try to find them online. My email is mdleonard@gmail.com , if you wouldn’t mind emailing me the information.
My wife, Margy, and I drove past Dome Rock and through Quartzsite while you were there. We would like to have stopped and met you, but all of the rigs and activity in Quartzsite made me feel a little claustrophobic. We had been down at Organ Pipe National Monument with our Casita for about a week before that. Ajo is such a great little town and I thank you for writing about it in your blog. We loved all of it, the town, the landscape, and the area. One of our first nights at Organ Pipe NM, a rodent of some sort ate some of the wires in our engine compartment and when I turned the truck on, we got a bunch of warning lights. It meant a trip to Phoenix after the mechanic at Kord’s there in Ajo looked at it. The camp host said that he puts a light under his vehicle at night to prevent it. We noticed a number of other RV folks did the same thing. It would have saved me $688 if I had known about it beforehand. Oh well… life is always about learning… Our four little bichon dogs had a great time there but we learned to be careful of the cactus thorns after pulling a few out of a couple of paws. My wife had to come back to spend time with the granddaughters but we’ll be back that way again next year. Maybe sooner!
Interesting info about the rodents. I’ll have to remember that. I haven’t seen any rodents or any similar wildlife around here . . .one rabbit, that’s all. Sorry you had that expense. Never underestimate the power of a rodent, I guess is the lesson here.
I would love to meet your bichons! As you probably have read, the crew has been fortunate . . . no thorns so far.
The chairs have a badge on them that says … EEZ RV Products.com
I typed it just as it looks with those spaces. I think I’ll look at the site myself.
Ha! I love it. Ann here. My Mother-in-law, bless her heart, always accused me of being a loner; as if it was a bad thing! Welcome to my world. We so enjoyed meeting you and camping with you. We will now follow your blog and hope to be camping with you next year.
Hi, Ann!
Funny how it doesn’t work the other way around. . . Loners accusing non-loners … “What’s the matter with you, always needing company!”
I’m happy to have met both you and Bill. We had a lot of laughs. I particularly enjoyed your reaction to the southern Arizona desert. I look forward to camping with you again!
Hi Sue,
As soon as we sell our ’83 Airstream we’ll be buying a Casita…probably a 17 ft Spirit Deluxe or maybe Liberty Deluxe (not sure of the difference in space/storage for 2 people).
I’m so happy to find your blog! Hubby and I tried out the ‘staying in one place in an RV resort’ thing for our retirement. After 3 years, we’re ready to downsize and get travelling and camping again.
We’re here in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas because of the great birding. We’re not sure whether we should buy a used Casita or stop in at the factory in Rice to buy a new one. I’ve emailed for brochures and prices.
Looking forward to reading through your blog and learning more about Casitas. Thanks for sharing your adventure. (That’s another reason to downsize: if (and when) one of us kicks the bucket
, the other can still travel and camp.)
Hope you see this down your long list of fans!
Cheers, Hazel
Hi, Hazel!
Welcome to my blog! As for choosing a Liberty or a Spirit, there are two points of view, of course. The Spirit is nice for couples who want the dinette. The Liberty is nice in case you find the double bed too small and want a king bed. I think the storage is much the same in both. It’s a tough decision, but as decisions go, this is a good one to have!
Good luck finding what’s right for you and your husband!
Thanks, Sue. The brochures should be here today or tomorrow but from what you said, I think the Spirit is the one for us. We have so many ‘small space storage’ ideas to try out!
Hi Sue! Would you mind doing a post on storage sometime? I’m looking at all I have in our 31 ft Airstream and looking at the Spirit brochures and wondering how? where? We live minimally and frugally compared to most people but still have ‘stuff’ like a breadmaker, a crockpot, clothes & shoes for every weather, special foods that we can’t find in many places, etc. This will be part of the challenge and joy of downsizing!!!
I’d be glad to write about storage, Hazel. Your challenge is greater than mine… two people living in a 17 foot trailer is a lot different than just one person.
In a nutshell, the greatest way to conquer the storage space problem is to get a tow vehicle that has a lot of space. I always have enough room with my Chevy van. (That’s one of the reasons I call it the Perfect Tow Vehicle!) If all those out-of-season clothes, equipment used only occasionally, pantry items like special foods, camping stuff like folding chairs and patio mat, etc. can fit in your tow vehicle, you don’t have clutter in your home on wheels. I’m not saying everyone should have a van for a tow vehicle. Figure out how you can store stuff in your tow vehicle and free up the space in your Casita, because there isn’t much!
Heading down to Organ Pipe. Have followed your blog almost from beginning. You seem to be my female counterpart. Saw your Casita and van with “solar” and did not stop as I respect your privacy as asked. I started my journey this past Oct. with a small (19″) trailer and pick-up truck. I sure do enjoy the area’s weather and I wish you much enjoyment and privacy. Just keep blogging without all the location details.
Hi, Randy!
Glad to hear from you! I hope you enjoyed Organ Pipe. Thank you for being sensitive to my need for privacy.
canIjoin in .,I am 78,also a ggradma My dogs are Autralian Shepherds..
Hello, Jean, and welcome to my blog!
You have excellent taste in dog breeds, although I’m partial to rat terriers myself! Glad you stopped by and left a note about yourself.
Peace be with you.
To find the universal elements enough;
to find the air and the water exhilarating;
to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening
saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird’s nest
or a wildflower in spring
- these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
John Burroughs
Ed & Carol
Ed and Carol . . .
My thoughts exactly! Thank you for posting Mr. Burroughs’ words here.
Nicely said and clearly explained. I’m ashamed to say we almost were ‘intruders’ when you were parked at Dome Rock … by the time we finished our family visit you had already moved on. Hope our travel paths will cross again in the future (with advance communication, of course). Wishing you safe journeys and continued amazing adventures – blessings, LdB
.p.s. Ms. Minnie the Dachuahua sends a “woof” to Bridget and Spike
Hi, LdB . . . Sorry for the delay in responding. I missed your comment somehow.
Oh, people who drop in unannounced aren’t bad people. I enjoy visits. But when I get surprise visits every day for several days in a row I get a little nuts, feeling I’m losing control of my life. Can’t help it!
I hope are paths do cross. I’d love to meet you and your Ms. Minnie. Enjoy your travels and stay safe.
I really enjoy your writing style .. the hilighted header, then the detailed paragraph. Gives me the chance to scan highlights if I don’t have time to your whole post until later.
I admire your spunk and individuality plus how you state what your boundaries are. Maybe more folks who read your blog will also decide what works best for them and let others know as they meet fellow RVers.
We hope you enjoy your new Casita, Rving full-time and exploring new campsites as your own pace. A belly rub to Spike & Bridget and a “atta-girl” to ya ….
from Terry and Candace
Terry and Candace,
I apologize for not responding sooner. I tend to overlook the “about rvsue” comments.
Thanks for the nice compliments. I’m pleased you like the format of my blog. I set it up the way I would want it to look if I were the reader . . . easy to scan, easy to read, lots of white space to give the eyes a rest!
And thanks also for the good wishes. We are enjoying at our own pace. I hope all is going well for you!
Hi Sue….we really enjoy your photos, especially the birds. What kind of camera/lens are you using?
Tara & Steve
Hi, Tara!
I think I answered your question about the camera lens but I see it isn’t here. Oh well. My camera is a $100 Sanyo digital, 5X zoom, 14.0 “megapixels.” In other words, it’s nothing special, including the lens. My photos are not the quality I would like.
Found your blog from my Friends Al & Kelly’s Blog ( Bayfield Bunch) Sounds like you and your furbabies have it down pat and are enjoying life, That’s all that counts.I invite youy to take a look at our little blog, http://samdonna-5thwheelvagabonds.blogspot.com/. Who knows somewhere down the road our paths may cross, you will know for sure when you see a big lop of a black Lab come running out with the biggest tongue you’ve ever seen. He’s never met a people or other dog he didn’t like.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..
Hi, Sam and Donna!
I’ll be sure to look at your blog. Folks travelling with a dog always interest me!
I do hope our paths cross. I’m sure the crew would enjoy meeting your lab!
Hey I like the idea of full timeing. With no house how do you get licence plates, driver licence, etc. How can you register to be a residence of any state with no permenate address?
Hello, Dan!
I set up residency through a service called Americas Mailbox located in South Dakota. They registered van and travel trailer. I received the license plates in the mail (General Delivery at the post office near where I was camped at the time). I still have my Georgia driver’s license. I will need to spend one day in SD in order to get a SD license. A receipt from a campground is adequate to prove a day in SD.
If you want to learn more about Americas Mailbox, do a search . . . They have a website.
Thank You!
Happy trails
By the way I am a 60 and a half guy who has a 17 ft. casita LD. On feb 22 I suffered the worst gout attack I have ever had in both feet and my left hand and wrist and have no use of my left hand at all, as of today I have not recovered. It Has me thinking about what would have happened to me if I had been out boondocking in the egg. Have you ever gotten sick while out alone? I hope not! Stay well.
Dan
I’m sorry to hear you haven’t recovered, Dan. It must be tough.
I haven’t become ill since boondocking. I did suffer a near heat-stroke last summer but fortunately I was in a campground and near a very kind and helpful rver (Barney of Old Fat Man Adventures blog).
If I become ill or hurt while boondocking, I’ll use my cellphone to summon aid. If my cellphone doesn’t work, I’d holler for help here on my blog!
I also keep the Casita well-stocked with supplies I need when feeling “under the weather” –Gatorade, ginger ale, chicken soup, saltines, immodium D, Tums, etc.
From one Liberty owner to another . . . Best wishes for improved health and happiness!
Thank you Sue and same to you.
Dan
3-18-2012 Sue I just read where your sister has breast cancer. My wife had both of hers removed due to cancer. Her younger sister died from it and she decided to go taht route rather than chemo or radition My wifes were removed on, Sept 26th,2011 just after We got the egg aug 8, 2011 It was a sueprise and a shock to us.That has really changed our plans, but we will see what happens. I wish and pray for a full recovery for your sister.
Dan from Ga.
Dan Bailey
My condolences to your wife on the loss of her sister and to you, your sister-in-law.
I am so sorry for what your wife has gone through. And you, too. What a horrible plague breast cancer is. I pray that your wife has regained her strength and that both of you can get back to enjoying life to the fullest.
Thank you for the kind words for my sister. She is doing remarkably well. Chemo, surgery, and radiation treatments are over. It’s been a long, hard road for her. Isn’t it amazing what some women can do? God bless your wife and anyone dealing with cancer.
Am enjoying your blog. First one I’ve followed.
I’m retiring June 6 after 30 years teaching elementary school. The past few years I’ve been running a science lab that I designed.
Could not wait for my casita so I bought it and a 3/4 ton dodge truck 4 years ago. Love it. My husband does all the work and driving at the moment because hes the retired one with the time. Im planning to be self sufficient in it starting June. Your experiences reinforce what I can do. I can see me taking off by myself, at times, while he goes off in his beloved vanagon.
My favorite summer area are the sawtooth and north of the Tetons. Lots of boondocking and inexpensive forest service campgrounds. You might like it. It’s not hard to get off by yourself when you want to. (which I do – I like my solitude)
I have a solar oven which works great in the desert (my favorite spring and fall hang-out)
Have you ever tried one? I’ve gotten it up to 375 and can cook anything.
Question: what service do you use for cell, Internet, and tv? Our AT&T works all the way down to the tip off baja where we like to go but it doesn’t,t work in the sawtooths . We,ve heard that Verizon is good. Is that what you have.
Penny
Hi, Penny!
I like your independent spirit! I’m pleased to hear my blog helps you envision yourself going alone to out-of-the-way places to enjoy the solitude.
I do want to see the area you mentioned . . . Sawtooth and north of the Tetons. Photos of those places seem unreal, it’s so beautiful.
You’ve got me interested in the solar oven. I’ll look into that.
I use Verizon. It’s probably not much better than AT & T . . . good in open areas, not so good in mountains.
Thanks for taking the time to write here, Penny. Good luck to you . . .
I hope folks do not think I’m a pessimist, but I have lived all my life in the West after having been born and raised in the Arizona desert. Though I do not live there now, I fully understand how far out and isolated you are. So, it occurs to me that you might want to carry a small bicycle with you or better yet, a mo-ped. If something happens that causes the PTV and BLT to be stranded way out “there,” you will need something to move you back into some kind of settlement so you could get help. Believe me…it’s NOT fun to have to dig your way out of sand, especially by yourself.
Been there, done that four or five times.
Emjay
Thank you for the cautionary note, Emjay. Sorry I’m late responding to your comment. It seems no matter how far out I go, there are people around. I usually have phone or internet service. And I try to stay out of the sand! I appreciate your concern and will remember your warning.
I have heard good things about you from Al and Kelly and I trust their word! My husband and I lease a lot in North Ranch. Prior to leasing, we parked in the RV portion. As a paying member of Escapees, our feeling is that you shouldn’t have had to apologize for your experience. Not only that–you own your blog and are entitled to express yourself. You were treated rudely and want you to know that our friend was treated much the same when he visited us–you are not alone! I follow your blog; haven’t commented until now. Enjoy your travels; stay safe; and keep up with your interesting blog!
Thank you, Bev. I apologize for not seeing this and responding sooner. It was nice of you to share this with me.
Sue-You should share your blog on our new Facebook group…
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RVingwithDogs/
You have made my day..I found your Blog through Rv-dreams community..I so understand what you share and hope to be on the rd myself soon. I am emptying my small apt. daily, researching etc.Thanks for sharing I will keep reading and intend to be on the road less traveled soon!
I’m happy for you! Now that you’ve made the decision, doing the research and downsizing will make for an easy transition. Good luck! And thank you for letting me know you will be following my blog.
Hello Sue. I have a blog http://www.bohemianbeachjunque.blogspot.com and we are just starting the
trek toward living in an RV. We made the first major dump of possessions andI am now looking for a smaller RV to purchase. We probably won’t be vagabonding anytime soon, I have a job I really love. I look forward to your future posts.
Catherine Lee
Good for you, Catherine! I wish you the best!
Just want to let you know that i have been following your blog for a long time because i relly enjoy reading about your adventures. this is the best blog of all the blogs I follow. before i go to bed at night i check for new blogs if none first thing in the morning is check to see if there’s a new one.Just want to thank you for your blog and all that you write about. Thanks
What a nice comment . .. I’m happy you are following along with me and the crew, Abel. Welcome and thank you for letting me know you like my blog.
Sue, Not sure where to put this question so I decided on here since you obviously look at all the comments all over your blog. GOOD FOR YOUI! I’m wondering what made you choose the Casita over any other type of RV. If it was wanting something really small, I’ve seen a lot of little RPods around. They seem the same size. Did you consider those and if so, why did you decide against them? I’m going to have to downsize and want to get all the knowledge I can especially from folks whose judgment I trust.
Sherry. . . There are a lot of reasons so I’ll try to state them briefly, though it’s tough for me because I love my Best Little Trailer so much.
Fiberglass molded shell — less chance for leaks as it ages (a common rv problem)
Appearance — looks “more than the sum of its parts’ rather than pieces put together
Model Choice — I could pick a model (Liberty Deluxe) that allowed for adapting to suit my fulliming needs (Installation of storage drawers)
Light and airy interior — It’s small but doesn’t feel it.
Size — Just enough room, no more than I need
Ease of towing — I could forget it’s behind the PTV!
Ease of cleaning — vinyl floor option, fiberglass surfaces inside and out
Reliable manufacturer, good reputation, other happy devoted Casita people and forums for support, no dealer middle man,
Price — within my budget
Choice of high-lift axle and heavy duty tires — important for a boondocker
Could opt out of furnace — wanted catalytic heater (propane)
Doesn’t have an oven — Not important to me, didn’t want to lug one around, take up space
Adequate refrigerator/freezer for one person
Quality appliances, i.e Fantastic Fan
Television with built-in antenna
It’s cute!
I’ll think of more, I’m sure. These are the basics. Thanks for trusting my judgment. The final decision, as you know, is yours, finding what suits you and your way of camping.
Hello RVSUE,
We found your site about a month ago and have followed you since. WE both love your style and sense of freedom. Thank you for inviting us in to your wonderful lifestyle.
Doreen & Joe
Welcome, Doreen and Joe! Glad to have you with us! Nice of you to take the time to say hello . . .