I was skeptical, but I was desperate...

I was skeptical, but I was desperate as to whether or not I could ever get any satisfactory wireless internet at the RV. Often times in the evening, I am logging in to make sure there are not problems and to prepare for the next day. Having a decent wireless connection speed saves me tons of time. Instead of fighting to connect, hopefully not getting dropped or suspended for an indefinite time, I want to log on, do my stuff and log off so that I can do something more meaningful like playing with the kids, fishing, or just about anything else.


As for road schooling, we don't have the extra room to store books and lots of 'paper' materials. A lot of the work has to be done online or using products such as Google docs to get the work done. Each of our children have a Amazon Kindle Fire we bought when they were selling refurbished ones for $149. This allows us to use them in conjunction with one laptop computer instead of having a laptop for each child. As you can imagine, for road-schooling like we are, connectivity is a must. Nothing like having a toddler upset that she cannot watch her PBS kids on her Kindle Fire! With the Kindle Fire's loaded down with books, and materials for homeschooling, it is just a matter of having connectivity to the Internet to allow us to facilitate and guide them through the process.


Over the last couple of years, I have tried several products from wireless tethering on my phone to buying a separate service such as Clear.com (don't get me started on them), paying for a data plan on my iPad, and just being frustrated all the time.


However, from a good suggestion I found perusing forums to find a way to amplify or extend an existing wireless network that would work well in an RV setting, I came across the NETGEAR Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender. The price was $67 and available at the local Walmart.  I have spent far more to try and get connected only to feel like I have utterly wasted my time and money. Often times products are so hard or complicated to setup or worse, they just don't work as described.


However, I did try this product after some glowing reviews in the forums along with great reviews on Walmart's own website. I was surprised at how easy it was to setup. I don't own the wireless at the campground but I was easily able to connect to, extend, and fully use it with this extender. As you can see, it takes up very little room and makes a world of difference.

Food and the RV

Cooking with all the conveniences of home

Well after a long day of work, I head home to our camp. After a year on the road consulting, you cannot imagine how good a home cooked meal sounds. As a consultant you spend your evenings searching for something new or stick to the same old food chains. Worst is the immersion of fast food day in a day out. Much like the college fifteen, consultants on average do the consultant forty. Long hours, inactivity, stress, all combine to push your health toward a downward spiral.

Road schooling, the advantage of having my kids with me wherever I go means home cooked meals. It allows us to prepare healthy options and consciously plan our meals throughout the week! One added benefit that comes from consulting is that I do get paid a per deim. Carefully planning meals and bringing my own lunch box (my awesome camo cooler) allows me to bank the per deim which allows for fun and adventures at little or no cost to us.

We have all the modern conveniences of home. Stove, microwave, well stocked fridge and freezer, along with outdoor grill round out our kitchen and necessaries. A decent pantry combined with some creative storage options enable us to meet the needs of a family of six. We even have opportunities to teach chemistry, math, history, and even geography by teaching the children how to cook.

Tonight was collard greens, cantaloupe, and lean strip stake. Home cooked meals beat any five star joint hands down!

The Adventure Begins

The Adventure Begins...

My name is Jeff, I am the father of four awesome 'minions' and the husband to a wonderful wife. We plan to spend the next month living in our new 2013 Cougar High Country as a way to learn about home schooling on the road. As a health care consultant, I have been given the opportunity for an extended stay on location. We thought it would be a great opportunity to experience something new, grow as a family, and just see where this adventure takes us. Wish us luck, I am sure we are going to need it.

Our goal is for one month to experience what it is like to live on the road together in an RV. From homeschooling, cooking, and just plain living, we plan to share this adventure together. This all within our travel trailor (2013 Cougar High Country). We started this week as I pulled the camper onto location and waited for Jen and the kids to arrive after they had finished their summer swimming lessons. Already, we have climbed Mt. Baldy, met numerous new people, ate fresh produce from local farmers, fished, and played! And this isn't even our vacation!

I will post more interesting thoughts and musings as we experience this adventure together!