Full Time RV Living–So What Do You Do About Church?

This is a question we are often asked by friends and family. . .but for us, attending church has not really been an issue at all.  We, well Dave, will usually just google our denomination, and the town we will be in, and there are usually even choices to be had.

We’re not really picky. . .I mean we believe what God said about, where two or three are gathered in My Name, there will I be in the midst of them. . .so even in the smallest, tiniest places, at least two or three show up. . .so we just join in, and enjoy the fellowship.

I was thinking about all this, because this past weekend, we had the golden opportunity, and privilege to be with friends at one of our favorite places, New Life Church at Round Rock TX.  Since we’ve known all them forever, we were discussing our summer trip, and all the different churches we had attended.

I admit, I actually hafta log the names and locations on my calendar, so I can look back to remember where we were, when. . .but some make a lasting impression. . .and the amazing thing is, once you start talking to folks, no matter where we’ve been, there are usually mutual acquaintances somewhere in our background. 

One guy stated, he felt like if he kept talking to us long enough, he would have found out we were kinfolk! LOL. . .we got a kick out of that one.  And we’re all God’s family. . .so in a sense. . .yes, we are kinfolk!

What about you?  What do you do about church while traveling?

Full Time RV Living–Are you a GREEN RVer?

I was reading a blog post titled How To Make Your RV Travels Greener,  which made me think of my camping experiences growing up.

I never knew we were “green” campers.  I was just taught,

• You take out more than you brought in
• Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it
• Going to the store will not be an option, bring everything you need
• Be considerate of your neighbors

And now, all these years later, I find out that I was being “green.”

How about that?

Tips for Green RVing | RV Blog from RVT.com | Tips and Articles for ...

Many RV campgrounds provide recycling bins and practice green campsite management. Here are some things you can do to go green when you RV: – Follow recommended tune-up, maintenance and oil change schedules ...

Publish Date: 09/26/2011 6:08

http://www.rvt.com/blog/going-green/tips-for-green-rving-2/

Rv Solar Panels | Green Rv Living |Solar Battery Trickle Charge

Living in an RV can be a challenge or freedom, however you look at it. You can go anywhere anytime and stay there for whatever time you think you want to enjoy the place.

Publish Date: 08/05/2011 20:28

http://business.ezinemark.com/rv-solar-panels-green-rv-living-solar-battery-trickle-charge-7d2fd10bbd68.html

RV Green – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: An Eco-Friendly RVing Guide ...

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a system RVers can use to protect the environment. Help the great outdoors by following these green RVing tips for eco-friendly camping,

Publish Date: 03/22/2009 13:24

http://thomas-alan-gray.suite101.com/rv-green-reduce-reuse-recycle-a104171

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

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Full Time RV Living–Progression over the Years

I often receive notes from newbies who are just starting out in the lifestyle, or from wannabees who are anxious to get started in the lifestyle.  These notes always take me back to that nostalgic place that I lived in for about three years, that place where I researched the lifestyle, absorbing everything I could find about it, so I know exactly how these folks feel. . .the excitement. . .the fear. . .the feeling of not knowing exactly what we may be getting ourselves in to. . .oh yes, it all comes back.

Now we had camped for years, starting out in tents, progressing to pop ups, then to an 18 foot bumper pull, and finally, our ultimate vacation rig. . .a 30 foot Jayco Fifth Wheel with a slideout.

We were uptown then, living the good life. . .so when we decided to sell everything we owned, and it all happened a little quicker than we anticipated, we determined that we could live in the Jayco while we continued researching and shopping for a full time rig.

Oh my goodness. . .that WAS a transition. . .going from a four bedroom, three bath home to a less than 400 square foot rig that was designed to go on vacation in. . .and while it was the ultimate for what it was designed for, we quickly decided that having NO closets, NO storage. . .and especially, NO washer, dryer. . .just was NOT going to work.

We were both still working full time jobs, hubby on rotating shifts, and I worked a rotating week which almost always included working Saturdays.  Going to the laundromat was not on our list of fun things to do on our day off, so I started dropping the laundry off at one of those full service laundromats.  Oh I can feel the eyes rolling. . .LOL, but that was what we needed to do to survive, and we quickly decided living in survival mode was just NOT going to work.

Had we already been retired, we may have coped a little better, but in addition to our jobs, we also volunteered at our church and were in charge of a large Children’s Ministry Department and staff, so adding a lifestyle change in the midst of our other responsibilities was probably not the smartest decision. . .however, we had been researching FULL TIME rigs for quite a while, and had narrowed our choices down to about four brands which met our criteria.

Our criteria list consisted of basement air, two refrigerators, or at least one oversized one, washer/dryer, and a built in desk.  Not much to ask for right?  Dave would make the rounds of the RV lots on his day off, looking, looking, looking. . .as you can imagine, in Houston TX there were a lot of choices. . .and then, by the grace of God, there it was. . .the perfect rig. . .a brand that was on our list.  We knew they built quality full time rigs that would stand up to the rigors of the lifestyle. . .with absolutely everything on our wish list. . .and MORE.  God is so good! . . .and although we were looking for used,  this one was their RV show model. . .had never been lived in. . .but was being sold as a used unit. . .only took a few minutes to make that decision. . .and take that miracle home.

Now, almost ten years later, in the next phase of our RV journey as we begin searching for a motorhome, we still know we made a great decision. . .even with the trials and tribulations of the constant maintenance that comes with living in an RV full time. . .it has been the perfect “home”. . .and we would do it all over again. . .in a heartbeat!

What about you?

How did you get started in the lifestyle?

Did you make the right decision, or do you have regrets?

Have you reached a transition mode, where you are thinking of bigger or smaller, or perhaps even a more permanent address? 

I would love to hear your stories!  Please share your comments below and feel free to email me any time at JaniceLEvans1015@gmail.com

Safe and Happy Travels,

Janice

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Full Time RV Maintenance–This is Getting Old Fast

Well. . .as beautiful as it is. . .and as much as I love it. . .the “Beast” is acting beastly this week. . .

and is really starting to get on my last nerve!

A week ago Saturday, the master cylinder starting going out, and the brakes were mushy. 

Now of course this happened on a day that we had the RV attached,

and were halfway to a new destination, and of course the repair shops are closed on the weekends,

so we very carefully, and prayerfully continued on our way to Crystal River FL. 

Bright and early Monday morning Dave presented himself and the Beast at the local Ford Dealership.

A new master cylinder, new brake pads on the front, grind the rotors, yada, yada,

and a boatload of cash later, all was well, and we had an entire week to explore the Nature Coast of Florida. 

The Beast was performing beautifully, took us everywhere we wanted to go. . .not even one hiccup. . .

A week later, moving day again. . .get the RV all attached, headed for Pensacola. . .

get about thirty miles down the road, horrible, horrible shimmy.  What on earth?  

My first thought was, just having had front brake work done, that something was bad out of alignment,

or a tire was out of balance. . .it was that sort of vibration.  Stop. . .check everything. . .

no bubbles on any tires. . .nothing loose. . .weird. . .continue on.

Dave thinks it seems like a vacuum hose is off. . .since the next town has a Ford Dealership that is ACTUALLY open on Saturday. . .we decide we will stop by there. . .but alas, they only do oil changes on Saturdays. 

Ahhh. . .but you know how charming my hubby can be. . .he convinces them to just run a diagnostic. . .just so he’ll know if there’s a major problem.  Those guys were so nice. . .they dragged their laptop all the way out to where the truck was, since we couldn’t get it and the RV into the service bay. . .and determined that some electronic module thinga ma jiggy, which controlled the fuel injectors probably needed to be replaced. . .BUT. . .they assured us that it was not going to hurt to drive it, and that he was sure we would not get stranded on the side of the road.

Being the weekend, not wanting to be stranded in a podunk town in Florida, needing to be in Pensacola to meet up with our nephew on Monday, we decided to continue on. . . and here we are, thankfully without incident in beautiful Pensacola Beach FL. . .

Here it is. . .another Monday morning, and once again,

Dave has presented himself and the Beast at the local Ford Dealership. . .

oh Lord, please let it be something simple.

Now, I have no problem understanding that the Beast is almost 10 years old. . .that things must be replaced. . .

and Lord knows. . .a repair is still cheaper than a truck payment. . .

but please, if you could just have your temper tantrums when the RV is NOT attached. . .

that would be so great. . .really!  I promise we’ll get you whatever you need. . .

but being stranded on the side of the road with a big ole’ fifth wheel attached is just NOT a fun proposition. . .

been there, done that!

But on a brighter note. . .here we are in a campground on Gulf Shores National Seashore. . .across the street from a gorgeous beautiful,  white, sugar sand beach. . .crystal blue water. . .just fantastic.

Dave’s nephew Nick, his beautiful bride, Lindsey, and our two great nephews, Caden, 3 1/2, and Ashton, 6 months, will be here for lunch. . .Caden will be so grown up, we haven’t seen him since his first birthday,

and we will have the privilege of meeting Ashton for the very first time. . .it’s going to be a great day.

The last time we were in Pensacola,  my grandson, who is now seventeen,

wasn’t too much older than Caden is now. . .here’s a flashback. . .

My grandson Jordan, his Pa, and his Great Grammy, my wonderful mother in law on the beach. . .

right down from where we are staying this trip. . .

now. . .THIS is what I’m talking about, when I say I want to go to the beach. . .

Safe travels everybody,

Janice

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email in the top right corner.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Full Time RV Travel– Exploring Myrtle Beach South Carolina

As the name implies Myrtle Beach is a beach town. . .60 miles of beautiful beaches divided into basically three sections

 

North Myrtle Beach – laid back, quiet, mostly condos and private homes along the waterfront – nothing really exciting, and not too terribly many places to eat.  You almost need to go up to the main thoroughfare to find restaurants or fast food eateries. . .but free parking, and plenty of beach access. . .bring a picnic, and your own beach supplies, and enjoy a great day at the beach on this end of town.

Since Hurricane Irene was coming in, a news crew showed up while we were having lunch at one of the little beach dives on North Beach.

Our little waitress was having a fit.  She says, “Here come the vultures, blowing everything all out of proportion, and scaring people away.”  I can’t really disagree with her theory, and I’m sure when things like this affect your livelihood, it’s rather difficult to just sit back and watch.    As you can see, the beach was still pretty busy at this point.

Grand Strand – is where the Beach Boardwalk, the tourist shops, and lots of excitement is. . .

Since we are not huge beach enthusiasts, this is where we spent most of our time. . .just watching the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. . .

while having a fabulous shrimp and oyster po’boy at Dirty Dons.

Just so you know, we only saw paid parking in the Grand Strand area. . .you could park at the meters, or you could use the parking lots with the paid attendants. . .pretty pricey, but worth it if you are going to make a day of it.

South Beach – if you are here with kids this is probably where you will want to be.  All sorts of go cart rides, parasailing opportunities, mini golf,  sorry, didn’t think to get any pics of this area, since we just passed through.

Overall, we enjoyed Myrtle Beach, but would probably choose a less populated area when we return.  You know. . .it’s one of those things. . .you’re that close, you gotta go see it!

See the rest of our pics in our Myrtle Beach Album

Myrtle Beach Discount Card – we didn’t purchase one of these as we were here in our RV, so did not did not need a discount on accommodations, and did not do any tours. . .but I’m sure if you are here with your family, and will be doing kids activities such as go carts or mini golf, and if you will be eating out often. . .it might be worth checking out.

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

Full Time RV Travel–South Carolina - Hunting Island State Park andLighthouse

I had read that I would be able to climb to the top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse. . .and I was looking forward to it.

Only 129 more steps to go.

Thankfully, I could stop on each landing and read. . .and breathe!  Just kidding, it wasn’t that bad. . .

although I can’t imagine having to tote this all the way to the top

Can you imagine the manpower it took to move this thing all those years ago. . .

The view from the top was really great!

This was the foundation of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Home.  It was designed to house three families, who were stuck out in the middle of nowhere. . .so were basically required to grow and hunt their own food.  Supplies were only brought in periodically.  As beautiful as the entire place was, I don’t think I would want to live there year around with only a boat available to reach civilization.  I guess after the third time the home burned, they decided not to rebuild it.

A storm was blowing in the day we were there, the wind was really whipping the sand around, and the surf was up. . . but the South Carolina Beaches were really beautiful. . .and reminded me a lot of the beaches in Hawaii. . .being rugged, remote, and natural. . .loved it!

Loved seeing the sea turtle nest. . .I’ve read so much about them, so it was great to see one up close. . .the only thing that would have been better, would have been to see the little turtles scampering towards the ocean. . .maybe someday!

On our way home. . .looking out over the marsh. . .and seeing the shrimp boats. . .just beautiful!  They look so much prettier here than they do in our part of the country, where we only see them up close at the dock.  I know these hard working guys provided us some good eatin’ while we’ve been here in the Low Country!

Low Country Boil (Frogmore Stew) at the Steamer Oyster and Steakhouse. . .so great!  Reminded me of a Cajun crawfish boil. . .but I like shrimp so much better!

And of course we always want to pay honor to the hard working men and women who keep us safe. . .thank you so much guys for the jobs you do. . .

Hunting Island State Park | Davis & Strother
Hunting Island State Park, located a short drive from Hilton Head Island just outside Beaufort SC, is South Carolina's most popular state park. The Hunting.
Publish Date: 09/06/2011 12:33
http://www.davisandstrother.com/Blog/?p=1044


Fun Hands-on Learning Activities at Hunting Island State Park ...
Hunting Island hosts the only lighthouse open to the public in South Carolina. Campers can readily see the lighthouse if they take a short walk from the campsites to the beach and peer to the right. Children may think they are ...
Publish Date: 04/16/2010 1:13
http://katrenawells.suite101.com/fun-hands-on-learning-activities-at-hunting-island-state-park-a226218


Nature spots: Hunting Island and the sea
The Hunting Island Lighthouse, though no longer operational, is open for visitors to climb to the top and take in beautiful views of the islands, salt marsh and ocean. It's located on Hunting Island State Park, currently ...
Publish Date: 04/17/2011 11:31
http://nature-spots.blogspot.com/2011/04/hunting-island-and-sea.html

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email in the top right corner.

Full Time RV Living and Travel - Fall Foliage Tours

As many of us full time RV'ers begin thinking of our fall and winter plans, taking a fall foliage tour is often on our list. . .but normally when I think of taking a fall foliage tour, I think of the East Coast, and the New England States. . .not often have I ever considered the Pacific Coast as a destination for a fall color tour until I read this article at Better RVing. . .check it out.

The 2011 Foliage Tour

In addition you might enjoy perusing these links as you make your tour plans. . .have a great trip. . .and be sure to join us on FACEBOOK, and let us know how it was.

Autumn Delights in Mendocino County | The Culinary Scoop

Fall in Northern California's Mendocino County brings warm days, crisp nights, turning leaves, crush season and some of the most exciting food and wine festivals and events of the year – all in the relaxing atmosphere that prevails after peak season is over and the County settles back into a more mellow groove. ... Savor these lush and elegant wines while you meet and mingle with the winemakers at our seaside setting overlooking the spectacular Pacific Coast. ...

Publish Date: 08/23/2011 10:35

http://www.theculinaryscoop.com/2011/08/autumn-delights-in-mendocino-county/

Autumn Scenery in CA and NV | Tricom Management, Inc.

People mainly associate “changing of the leaves” or fall foliage to colder climate areas like the New England area or Canada. However, portions of Southwestern states like Nevada and California boast quite an abundance of ...

Publish Date: 08/15/2011 10:55

http://www.tricommanagement.com/1172/autumn-scenery-in-ca-and-nv/

California Travel Insider: Fall Foliage Abounds in California ...

The Colors of Fall in California State Parks (Columbia State Historic Park) Many state parks in Northern and Southern California have fantastic displays of fall colors. Cooler weather, fewer visitors, and the changing ...

Publish Date: 03/03/2011 3:00

http://californiainsider.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/10/fall-foliage-abounds-in-california-state-parks-1.html

Is it Time for New England Fall Foliage Yet?

With the Fall Foliage Surf & Turf package you'll see foliage by land and by sea! This is not your ordinary fall foliage tour! To expand your fall foliage viewing even more, you can also do as one of our guests did, and drive ...

Publish Date: 08/02/2011 9:50

http://blog.brewsterhouse.com/2011/08/is-it-time-for-new-england-fall-foliage.html

5 Top Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage | Blog of the Bernerhof Inn, Glen NH

Offering not only spectacular foliage but a wide variety of ways to enjoy the harvest hues of Mother Nature's artistry, there's plenty of great ways to enjoy Mt. Washington Valley's fall foliage throughout this autumn. Here are some conventional and a few ... Book your seat on the Cog Railway and take this famous train ride to the top of Mt. Washington or enjoy fabulous scenic tours to Conway, Bartlett and Crawford Notch on the Conway Scenic Railroad. ...

Publish Date: 08/18/2011 16:45

http://www.bernerhofinn.com/blog/5-top-ways-to-enjoy-fall-foliage/

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address