About halfway through the work season and I’m thinking about where next. That’s not because I’m anxious to leave Bryce Canyon. However I am trying to think just a little ahead for a change.
Logistics
I no longer have a home base in Yarnell. Best friends are gone and property will soon be for sale. I’m not looking to buy real-estate. This special little town and it’s people will hold a place in my heart forever. I’m just not ready to return anytime soon. I won’t miss the scorpions.
Owning two RVs I can’t move at the same time by myself no longer works. The big 5th-wheel has been a delightful home for over seven years but it’s much bigger than I truly need. Those who follow my life journey know I tried to sell it last winter with no luck. Even with the troubles and expenses getting it moved last spring, it sure has been nice to live in the spaciousness compared to the truck-camper.
Yet that truly is a large enough space for me and Sierra, just not for all my stuff. I’m really not into paying for storage space which makes me question the need to be owned by some of this stuff. I suppose the 5th-wheel could go into storage but I don’t want to pay for that either if I don’t need it any more. I will try, but it’s not easy to sell anything from a national park. Feel free to spread the word to folks that it’s for sale again.
Time to rearrange and downsize once again. I think the next ideal combination might be a slightly smaller slide-in camper making it easier to tow a moderate sized bumper-pull trailer for longer stays. Maybe with airbag suspension on the Dodge it could pull a trailer now with an extended hitch. Why do I need two RVs? Right now I don’t. At this time, it’s all just a dream.
And I need a new address so am thinking about a mail service. Been a while since I had to go that route. Not like I get a lot of mail these days but need to keep licenses up to date.
Desires
Mount Adams & Takalak Lake Gifford Pinchot National Forest Washington July 1996
I’m trying to plan a journey to the Pacific Northwest this fall after my season is over, a trip I’ve been wanting to do again for several years. The current truck-camper is adequate for that.
I’m looking at two possible routes north and inland, and a coastal return south, with many side-trips. States I’m considering include Utah, Nevada, California, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. All weather dependent. Of course I am open to suggestions and visits along the way.
I want to travel and make photographs. Would dearly like to get paid for that. Thinking about speaker gigs, prearranged while traveling. That’s the tough part, writing and sending pitches, then committing to be somewhere on a specific date. Think anybody in your community would be interested. My list of topics is long.
Obstacles mostly of the self-made sort
Maybe I’m just feeling lost and alone right now. Lost my best friend in the whole wide world a year ago. The person who knew me best. I could talk to Berta about my concerns and what to dos. I still miss her every day.
View from Rainbow Point Bryce Canyon National Park
I’m not even sure I want to keep working. This season of 40+ hours a week is kicking my butt. I love being a Ranger, but I’m tired and think of retirement, if quitting a seasonal job can be called that. I could always volunteer for shorter seasons.
And through all these thoughts, I am totally lacking motivation to do much of anything at all except get up and go to work in the morning. Well, and play a little on days off as you know I love to do, but not until after staying home and resting first, and sometimes second. And there are things to do. Write and send those pitches. Some minor work on both RVs. Start making fall plans. I have the “I don’t wannas”.
Sometimes solo is exhausting.
Where next?
I totally get it about the ‘stuff’. Downsize is the thing to do. I am surprised that there is so little interest in your big camper; I’d have thought traveling families might find it an option. Anyway, I sure hope you make it up to the NW…
Sending you pm now.
I too hope to make it the PNW this fall.
Sorry you’re having a hard time. Changes like this are tough, tough, tough. Would a plot in a SKP park be something? For a kinda home base? I do think downsizing is a great option. And possibly volunteeering in shorter spurts. No money in it of course, but free rent and minimal hours, especially compared to what you’re doing now. I hope you find a solution that speaks to you.
Nina
I appreciate the SKP idea but don’t feel ready to park it for an extended time. The beast must go. I believe it has served its purpose.
Downsizing can be hard, we accumulate stuff and it became part of us…Some of it. When we are not travelling we keep our RV in a not too expensive storage place near home. Have you investigated prices near you? It might be an option if you don’t sell it. Very sorry you lost your best friend, losing a loved one takes a long time to process and accept. It gets better, but only a little bit. I think it is always better not to make big decisions when feeling low. I hope all gets brighter and you find the answers soon.
I could store the big RV but truly think it’s time for it to go. Yet I haven’t really made any final decisions, pretty much just talking out loud here. Thanks for listening.
Oh dear me Gaelyn , sorry you are so undecided what to do. I know it’s difficult to down size on you vehicles but the R V sounds heavy going, especially with stuff you need to carry with you. But with your job and the miles you travel I would think the comfort is a bonus. I can see how difficult it is to decide to sell it. Is there such a mobile home in your country that you can extend in some way, We have this in England in the way of an extending awning but I don’t suppose that would suffice would it. I am not being much help here Gaelyn. Maybe you could retire and write a book all about your travels. I am sure it would sell really well. Are you allowed a pension in retirement. ? Anyway, good luck in whatever you decide.
The big RV is great when I’m parked for extended time but I could certainly live in smaller. There are places to park it but I don’t want to spend the money needlessly. I was pretty much thinking out loud here so thanks for listening.
Lots of good advice. Money is key. We don’t know your finances. Is the trailer paid for? If so, you really should not sell it. We had to sell ours a couple of years ago. You practically have to pay someone to haul it away. It was a 2002 Alpenlite in perfect condition.
As you age things happen and limit your activity.so think of your future in stages. Right now I can do xxxx later on I won’t be able to, then what? Think this change and then the next change. If you can afford it Home Base the fifth wheel in a Skp park in a location you could see living at in the future when you have to get off the road. Get involved there, come and go as you please with the camper.
If you don’t want to home base than I would chuck the camper and full time in the fifth wheel. Yes you can. Figure out your travel itinerary and book 2 week or one month stays or boondock in the forest and take the truck on day trips. This will keep your options open and you will find your plan B somewhere on the road.
Join the WINS for support and knowledge.
Have an adventure!!
Best wishes
Mary
Thanks, all good advice Mary. I don’t quite own the 5th-wheel yet but it is actually NADA listed at more than I owe. This 36’er is way more than I want to really travel or boondock with. Haven’t looked into SKP parks before, I have been so spoiled parking/living on private property. Don’t feel ready to settle yet, but suppose I should be looking farther into the future than three months. More to think about.
There’s a nice SKP in Congress called North Ranch. We stayed there for a week Feb. 2017, and enjoyed it very much.
https://www.escapees.com/benefits/rv-parking/escapees-rainbow-parks/congress-az/
On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/NorthRanchRVPark/
As you know, just need to leave during the summers.
Thanks. I am familiar with North Ranch and looking at what SKP has to offer.
You have had your whole life turned upside down the past couple of years. I have seen how being by yourself makes the issues that come up harder. Still, your mind is spinning I can tell coming with ideas for the future.
I will probably be retired by this time next year. I think I have more to contribute but It is time.
I feel like I’m still picking up last year’s pieces and that I should be moving on, just not sure in what direction. I’ve been semi-retired for years and not sure I’m ready to not work at least sometimes. Thank you for listening.
Is it valid to suggest taking “baby steps” as finances afford? Take a small step forward, make a small decision, and then “rinse and repeat”?
Until you find your new way/journey, maybe some opportunities through Workers on Wheels might help?
https://www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com/
I do know that the Prescott NF had a hard time recruiting Camp Hosts this season. Not sure why.
I know it doesn’t pay, but at least it’s a place to park while downsizing and trying to figure things out.
The Coconino NF has some very nice campgrounds that need Hosts as well.
Yes, baby steps are good. I’m thinking to list and try to sell the 5th-wheel first. I have done volunteer work before and probably will again at some point. Will start collecting social security next year. Hadn’t heard of the link you gave me so will check that out. I do follow workampers. And I have considered volunteering at Kartchner. Thank you for all the suggestions.
Another option is to volunteer at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Free RV site for RVing volunteers.
Buying some time while figuring out next steps.
Downsizing is great , good luck with selling everything.
Seems like I’m always downsizing.
It’s so very hard to lose a lifetime best friend. For me, the grieving period is about four years after a loss.
I hope you can still feel her hugs, hear Bertha’s words in your memories.
You’ve had two significant losses close together. Your feelings are valid, as you already know.
Thank you for sharing your heart on your blog!
I do talk to Berta a lot, miss her everyday. I hope I’m past the darkest hole of last year’s grieving.
Of course I’d love to take out my wand and magically give you everything you need to make the best decision with all the opportunities to make it happen. Clearly the one thing you’re sure of is unloading the 5er. That would certainly give you more options, and maybe make the other decisions easier. I’m wondering if there are “resorts” in natural areas that could use your expert presentations as part of their programs. Maybe “dude ranches” too? Sort of exciting (overwhelming too) to have a clean slate to fill in. Hugs!
I do sometimes wish for that kind of wand. Either can’t think of anything or too many choices. Thank you for listening and making suggestions.
Hi Gaelyn, We understand where you are coming from but we do not know the USA well enough to give advice. You did have some thoughts at one time of retiring in RSA,is that now out of the window. Loosing Bertha must have been very difficult for you, and then the dramas of work not happening last year added to the stress. We feel sure you will get your life sorted out one way or another, though post will always be a problem if you are on the move all the time. We do all licensing, tax etc on the internet nowadays so no post here would not really be a huge problem. Now if someone wants to post us cheque…… guess they can just transfer to our bank, the internet again, Whatever you do take care and we know you will sort yourself out very soon. Big hugs from us both. Diane and Nigel
P.S. Did I tell you we will be in RSA leaving 10 Oct, back home 14 November. Hope to see Joan but have to wait and check plans ready made for us.
Thank you for listening. Not sure I can afford to move to RSA. I still think about it. Wish I could meet up with you there. I’ll figure it out. Was sort of talking out loud.
It’s interesting looking ahead this way. I wish you all the best. You are so strong. You will figure it all out! Your blog buddies are here for you!
Thank you for listening.
Not an easy time at all. So much to process and decide, and it makes it so much harder when some of the decisions are based on a random person loving your 5th wheel! Downsizing sounds pretty smart to me, but then again I live in a stix and brix and love it. But. If I were on the road alone, I would definitely go the truck and small canopy that could fit a mattress in it, and then pulling one of the new pretty nice small lightweight trailers. Still flexibility to just go camping with the truck, and yet a bit more space to live a bit more comfortably as you “dare I say it>>>>>Age”. I have never been able to figure out how those travel photo/lecture people get their gigs, and if they get enough of them to support themselves. Always seemed like a cool idea to me. You are so knowledgeable about so many things and I am sure your talks are wonderful to hear and we all know the photos are wonderful to see. Just no clue how that works. I see your path up and down 97 and 101 bypasses Grants Pass. I would avoid I-5 too!. Either way, you can visit us from Klamath Falls driving over Highway 140 about 2 hours, or visit us driving east from Brookings also about 2 hours. Room to park here, and even a real bedroom if you are so inclined. Good luck on your second half of the season. I hope you have loved it as much as I have enjoyed reading about it. We will be in Albuquerque from September 24 through mid October, so I do hope that isn’t while you are coming this way. Good thing is you can choose to come this way either coming or going!
You know it’s not that I always make bad decisions, but I do struggle making decisions. And as you say, tough when it’s just out there hoping somebody wants to buy the 5th wheel. For this fall I believe the slide-in camper will work just fine. Then I’ll decide if towing something else works out. I’ll never have the money to buy a stick and brick. One way or the other I’ll make it to Grants Pass. Probably not until late October or early November. Thanks for listening.
My thought on the 5th wheel.
When you leave Bryce and have to move it again take it to a RV dealer that accepts consignments. You will then not be paying for storage and will have a better chance of selling it. Take what you can get, it will not appreciate in value and the economy is going to go to hell soon.
That’s a good idea Ed. There is a RV dealer in Hurricane that does that. Yet another thing to look into.
We had trouble selling our 5-W too — It was hard to let go of our loved home anyway, and, even though we’d always known about deprecation, especially hard to settle for the price we finally were able to sell it for.. …
I wish everything was easier for you; it’s hard to plan ahead when day-to-day is so darn time-consuming. (Even when you get paid in sunsets, 8 to 5 is wearing!) I rather envy your ability to put your thoughts and concerns into words that don’t sound like whining. I can’t do that, hence my blog is always pretty much only about the present and only the good parts of that Every day isn’t like that when you’re our age believe me! I am sure you will get replies that are of more help to you than I can give, but just wanted to let you know I care.
I am so glad this didn’t come across as whining. I was really thinking out loud. So thanks for listening, and caring.