That’s it, I’m packing it in at the North Rim and today I roll the 5th-wheel off the Kaibab Plateau. There’s always a certain amount of packing and tossing things out after sitting in one place for almost six months. I really tried not to collect this summer, at least not big items.
So why is the basement so full? Oh yea, it’s empty boxes to pack things in. Besides it’s just as against the rules to throw away a techie box as to tear the tag off your mattress. Bet you didn’t know my RV has a basement, well unless you do know.
Yet it really only takes a couple hours to pack. I mean, I’m still living in the RV so daily used items can’t really be put away until just before the slides come in and I hook up to go. I’ll take three leisurely days from my last day of work. Then drive as far as Flagstaff for a night before completing the move back to Yarnell. Don’t like to tow the 370 miles in just one day which puts me in late. Much easier to set up in daylight.
I’m a list maker partially OCD, ageing memory, and just plain don’t want to forget anything. It’s not fun when a gallon of milk jumps off the shelf onto the floor because the refrigerator door wasn’t latched. Or in my case duct taped shut in many directions because it’s a household fridge without a cool gadget to latch it shut like the RV versions.
Really only two small boxes of ‘stuff’, plus PC, put strips of no-skid between the dishes, stuff glasses in old (clean) socks 
, and a little rearranging of the furniture.
Sweeping pine needles off the top of the slides is also a good time to see how the roof looks and enjoy the up high view. Plus remove the Wilson booster antennae which didn’t help my phone or internet signal a bit.
Hardest thing to do is round up a few Rangers to help me load the little freezer in the back of the truck. Been eating it down the last couple of weeks so it will fit in the inside freezer.
Last thing unhook sewer pipe which stays behind for next year, water hose and electric. Trust me you don’t want to see a photo of that.
I could put off packing forever, especially in a setting like this. But it’s time to move on.
So what’s up for my winter? Other than a quick trip to the Pacific Northwest at the end of the month, I don’t know. But I’m open to possibilities.
No I didn’t know your RV had a basement. How neat. And your whole set-up [and take-down, lol) routine is perfectly planned. When I saw the OCD list maker bit, I stopped reading, pulled my little black book towards me and added two items I’d thought of while outside hanging laundry and would have forgotten to write down. Thanks for the reminder. Travel safe and happy Internet connection on the other side. (((Hugs))) Jo
xxx
Lists are good. Should roll to Flagstaff in just a few hours.
No wonder you take a couple of days to get it all done and make sure everything is covered. Hectic. Hope you have a safe journey
Really not too bad. This last minute stuff if what I always dread. Thanks.
You gotta live efficiently in a rig like that. How great to just get up and go in a matter of hours.
I do best when I make lists also.
Don’t know what I’d do without my lists.
Wrapping up old routines & beginning new ones.. Always the challenges of transition. I’m generlly sad to leave a place with all it’s memories but always happy to be moving on to new places & unknown adventures.
It’s not easy to leave the canyon. But am looking forward to warmer temps in Yarnell.
Since I don’t get to full-time, I make lists before I travel so I check off as I load the RV. Of course, most of the stuff stays in the RV but there are always clothes, food, dog food, computers, etc. Think how wonderful it is that you have everything in your “home” so you don’t have to pack in and out of a cabin up there.
I am very happy to have my rolling home. Has more space than the cabins.
And a new chapter begins….I can’t wait to go along for the ride. Wishing you a safe, uneventful drive to Yarnell.
Well the first 4 hour part was basically uneventful to Flagstaff. Now only 3 hours tomorrow to Yarnell.
Gosh – I could have used your help when I was packing the Denver house! Safe trip, Gaelyn. You tend to go from one beautiful place to another.
I would have helped you Barb. Made it to Flagstaff today. Home tomorrow. 🙂
Doesn’t seem possible you’ve been there a whole season already. Love the color in the trees – beautiful photos as always 🙂
Thanks Jodee. 6 months sure flies by while I have so much fun working.
What a beautiful spot you have there. Will you come back to the same one next year? I actually thought all RVs had at least some “basement”. We move way more often than every six months. Our longest time in one spot was 6 weeks and even so, we have a departure checklist that we go over every single time to make sure we don’t forget anything. We are able to just tie the dish cupboard doors shut and not have to pack the dishes or glasses. Have you ever tried that? But then we don’t go bumping along on 4WD roads with Winnona either. Safe and happy travels to you!
That’s where I hope to park again next year. My last old 5er didn’t have a basement. When I traveled more frequently with an RV it was easier to move, not so much stuff out, but I’ve always had a check list. I use plastic like used to bundle wires on the cupboards but am also anal about no skid. I don’t take this monster down 4×4 roads 🙂 Pulled in this afternoon and leveled up real easy.
This looks familiar — of course, I’m one of those who do know! Even if we don’t pull ours any more. Sure was fun while it lasted (even this part of it!) Safe travels and keep the wheel side down!
BTW, we bought a couple of the quilted storage boxes that they sell at Bed Bath and Beyond for our glassware. I suppose they sell them for fine crystal, but they work just as well for cheap sets from Target. The boxes, empty or full, fit perfectly in the underbed storage and it was faster than the sock thing. The boxes weren’t expensive.
Think I’d rather use the socks. Don’t have very many glasses anyway.
Pulled into Yarnell this afternoon, leveled and hooked up with slides out. Tomorrow the rest.
That is a huge tow you have! I was nervous driving just a 16′ truck across country, I cannot imagine towing your home! I’m curious as to why you park in Yarnell for the winter. I’ve never been there – I don’t think – but I’m just curious. Enjoy your trip through the Pacific Northwest, I’m sure the color will not disappoint. Love your little ranger doll sitting on the sofa! 😉
This 5er is a breeze to tow with my Dodge 2500, no prob doing the speed limits. I return to Yarnell for the people. And so far it’s nice and warm.