A pleasant walk after dinner
After a wonderful steak dinner, Jen and I took off for a little walk. One of the many pleasures of full time RV'ing is the opportunity to see sights, and literally walk the less beaten path. Close to our RV park is a nice little trail in the woods beside a small pond. With the rain we have had over the last couple of days, the temperature has dropped significantly. It is wonderful.
With all the hustle of life thrust-ed upon us, it is nice to take some time away and in the quiet. With the demands and business involved in raising four minions, it is nice for Jen to have some adult time with me. Having real adult conversations without the interruptions of kids. That is what we got tonight.
Our little stroll was so pleasant. We didn't have to talk much, but we talked about how much we enjoyed the freedoms of this life. While it is expensive upkeep, having a home and living on the road allows us the adventure we have been striving for. I have read about families who had all the appearances of success in life, who after some reflection realize that all the trappings of success also is a hindrance.
You see, many who have chosen the full time RV life have felt that having a home, keeping up with the Jones's, and having things was what life had demanded of them. Husbands and wives felt distant from each other in pursuit of acquiring things, distractions, and the business of living a life. Is the American dream all wrong? When did it change to having the latest gadgets, McMansions, and how good your yard looked?
I read one book this evening called 'My Home Has Wheels'. It describes what you will find on the road and what to expect. What I have found is that the author is pretty much right on. When you walk around the RV park, you see a mix group of people. There is little differentiation of classes. You see the retired, the young, the rich and the poor, all living in close proximity to one another.
People genuinely help one another. One of the permanent folks in the park has been quit helpful to me. He has experienced the down sized economy and has struggled to find work. Yet, I do see him out there doing what he can. He goes out and applies for jobs, and mows the grounds of the park to help reduce the cost of his lot rent. His wife has also found work doing laundry for many of the folks in the camp ground. She does an excellent job, and goes the extra mile to make sure that things are sorted, and folded correctly. Her micro business provides an excellent resource for many of the people who are contractors working odd shifts.
random flower picture... come on, it is pretty right?
It was this couple who first greeted me when I was pulling into my lot. They helped me back my camper in what turned out to be the tightest spot in the park! It was this couple who helped me learn about the great restaurants, and where to find things. They have been a great resource and have provided insightful conversations about living full time on the road. They may not be rich, successful, or have all those other trappings of life, but they are wonderful.
I truly believe that RV living is a sub culture of America. People, who are in their pursuit of their own definition of the American dream. People who are willing, and have been able to live on less. MUCH LESS! In actuality, living in our RV, we have probably 95% less things. If you think of the clothes, appliances, furniture, and other things you fill your home with is non existent. There simply is not enough room to have all that stuff. You improvise, or simply live without. That my friends is the true freedom. Freedom from STUFF.
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