We have been on the greatest adventure of our lives: living our golden years with the RV gypsy life in retirement. Yes, although we are now less active, we will always be"Winter Texans", "Snowbirds", or Modern Gypsies. We now travel "most" of the time (or at least as much as we can).

Before we/you jump into RV life, consider these exceptional vacations:
We rate the following as our best GREAT vacation/travel adventures:

1. Houseboating on Rainey Lake (along the Canadian border)

2. Bareboat Charter sailing in the British Virgin Islands (sailing exceptional)

3. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises (special relaxed island cruising)

4. Horseback Riding in Montana's mountains (great hosts and horses)

5. Paddling the BWCA Canoe Country (a true wilderness experience)

6. Pearson's Pond, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Juneau Alaska (what a get-a-way!)


Do you have a vacation that ranks with these? If so, let us know.

IMAGINE
(A little perspective - Paul Porter)

Imagine what it is like to:

Sleep until you really want to wake up;
Hear waves breaking again, again and again on the shore;
Listen to wind whistling thru pine and tree tops;
Or bubbling water, cascading down a nearby rocky stream.

Imagine that first fresh cup of coffee in the morning;
Having a beer, soda or adult beverage whenever you wish;
Meet and chat with new friends, learning something new every day;
Extend your stay until you've seen all you wish to see;
Move on whenever you feel the spirit and go where you wish.

Imagine using the latest technology to enhance your experiences;
Your GPS for path finding, driving assist and tracking;
Compass and signal meter to help setup your satellite dish;
The Internet for resources, contacts, grins, maps, reservations;
His and hers, networked laptop computers to check and automate finances.

Imagine what it is like to have a loving partner to share everything with;
Walks through the deep woods;
Relaxed talk while you watch nature play and work;
Unlimited wine and cuddle time;
Help with everyday minor frustrations, puzzles and chores.

If you can truly imagine, then you can start to understand what retirement
in our RV is like. Do I need to say it? We are so lucky. We love it!!!

RV life is not the same as camping. It's a lifestyle. Camp if you wish but RV options are varied, comfortable or primative to luxurious. The type of life you want to live dictates the type of RV unit you should choose. It also determines which types of organizations you may wish to join.

The popular large bus type units are the most opulent. They require more power to drive and plug in. Typically 50 amp electrical service is required. This rules out twisting mountain roads, smaller more primitive sites, campgrounds. If you choose a large unit do not be fooled. Class A motor homes depreciate like cars, based on the year and the number of miles traveled. Almost everyone still tows a vehicle known as, a toad, or dingy. These vehicles are used for shopping and in town travels.

We were advised, don't buy too small or pay too much. We selected a fifth wheel. The fifth wheel or "Fiver", requires a tow vehicle, typically a pickup truck. Like an over the road semi-truck, the hitch is centered ahead of the rear axel. They tow great. Just make certain you have a truck with sufficient pulling/stopping power. Fifth wheels "Fivers" are less expensive since you are not buying the second power train and there is less to insure. The liability insurance is carried on your truck. Fivers do a better job of holding their value since miles driven are less important than a well maintained appearance with good features. A well kept unit does a superior job of holding its value. One other plus, the interior space is all devoted to living. You do not give up driving space or listen to dishes rattle as you go down the road. Two, three and even four slide outs are now common.

Trailers, bumper pulls, or tag-alongs, are the least expensive. Trailers include options that let you include toys like all terrain vehicles, horses, motorcycles, etc. All units have issues in high winds. Special hitch arrangements can help. Small self contained units like truck campers are another good choice. If you are thinking about truck campers we happen to like Lance. Less spacious than the larger rigs but popular for knocking around in primitive areas, they can even come with solar panels and slide outs. Truck campers have been greatly improved over the years.

Size makes a difference in all units. We settled for 28 plus feet. Distances are often given as interior measurements so expect to tow about 1 to 2 extra feet of length. Every foot makes a big difference in terms of "elbow room", comfortable living. Prices vary widely so be sure to know what you are buying. Remember, "Don't buy too small and don't pay too much." Think: good, better, best. Our advice, buy quality you can afford. Mid-range units are almost always the best buys.

Popular organization options including camp ground resort memberships, specialized groups like Escapee's for full time state residency changes and tour clubs like Fantasy. Just be certain you know what you are buying. Salesmen are good at what they do. Take a few days to think before you commit. We happen to like MASA for emergency rescue anywhere in the world. Check it out.

You will want to consider all the issues about living on the road and closing up your place at home. It's fun to decorate the new one. There are also practical issues you need to watch. You can suspend most services like cable TV and telephone. By forwarding phone calls or using a cell phone, we travel with the same phone number that we use at home. Then people have one number to remember and can find us where ever we are.

Our first major winter adventures were spent in Texas. Texas is about the size of four regular states. We suggest you think of Texas in that way. There is a lot to see. Over by Big Bend, the wind can really blow. Going south? Check out Paul's RV Park, Brownsville, Texas We loved it.

Here is what we wrote at the time:
It's 80 degrees with a breeze that kisses your face here,
while it is snow, sleet and cold in the northland.
Here is what really makes RV life great:
. Great people
. Lower cost of living
. New experiences all the time

Yes, you really can live for less than maintaining a single family home. Consider going full time for at least two years. Naturally trying to do both at the same time, will cost you a bit more more. You should also be prepared to spend a little more than you think on small upgrades and maintenance.
Enjoy!

What about gas prices and mileage?
The answer is simple. Just stay twice as long and you cut your mileage costs in half.

We like State Parks, National Forest Campgrounds, remote sites, and scenery. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has excellent low cost and free sites. So do many small towns. You can camp for free on the desert or some beaches. But of course we had to start somewhere:

Our first adventure, after longing for, researching, purchasing, equipping and
at last, traveling in our RV spans several years.
We don't make decisions as quickly and easily as most.

Yes, we still make plenty of mistakes. Don't be embarrassed. Everyone does.
It's not unusual to see someone going down the road with their folding steps out or their TV aerial still up. The other day we saw a major compartment door flapping on the Interstate, still open. Best advice we can give, double check everything. We both do. A check list is an excellent idea. Walk around when you are ready to go and check the ground as well as the top of the unit. You don't want to drive away with the electric cord still plugged in or your favorite tool left on the picnic table. I can't begin to tell you all the time that double checking has saved our hide. Most of all, take time to enjoy your new life. It's not a destination, it's a new life style!