RV Home Yet?

Welcome!

We- Alice and Jaimie - invite you to participate in our new blog. Our intention is to have lots of good information and interesting tidbits on the RV lifestyle. We'll be happy to answer your questions too. Both of us have been full-time RVers in the past, though now both travel part-time. Jaimie is an expert at RVing for dollars. She is the author of Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road. Alice has written Taking the Mystery out of Retiring to an RV. Together we have written RV Traveling Tales: Women's Journeys on the Open Road, The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing, and Taking the Mystery out of RV Writing. We invite you to check out our website RVLifestyleExperts.com  for all sorts of informative articles, recommended books and fun things for the full-time RVer. Whether you have already hit the road or are a wannabee, we have something to offer. We look forward to conversing with you on many aspects of the RV lifestyle! Jaimie and Alice

Seeing America in the slow lane

Maybe I should say "Seeing America along the shoulder!" This mule-drawn wagon made its way through Pine, Arizona today. Traveling only 13 to 15 miles a day, they are making their way from Crab Orchard in Lincoln County in Kentucky to Butte County, California, about 100 miles from Sacramento. Starting their journey early in 2010, they hoped to make it from KY by November 2010. Now they are estimating November of this year - two years behind schedule!

"They" consists of Chuck and Mary Regan, Pete, Spit the cat, their mules Pearle and Pauline and Dan their horse. A second horse is hitched behind today. When I spotted them yesterday, there was only one.

Their mission is to experience America, and their website is called “America Found: Best of the Free Life”,which has become their motto. Chuck says, "Get off the interstates and out of the theme parks and into America, pull onto the back roads and make America your destination visit small towns meet the people, visit our state and national parks and instead of cooping everyone up in some overpriced hotel with a pool and a spa that you may not use anyway go camping and swim in a lake or a stream."

They are raising funds by selling postcards, which they will mail along the way- postmarked from somewhere on their journey, and tshirts. You can donate online.

Most RVers, even those who travel at a slow pace, do not go this slow. It's a good thing they are sticking to back roads, especially when traffic comes to an unexpected halt on a narrow two-lane road. They'll be working their way up Highway 260/87, then follow 87 to Prescott and the Grand Canyon. If you're in the Verde Valley or Prescott area, keep an eye out for them.

Somehow, I doubt they'll make it to Sacramento area by November. They've got a long way to go and some pretty high mountains in between. And, in accordance with their purpose, they are not taking the direct route. Last winter they took about 5 months off due to concerns about the weather and traveling through AZ mountains during that time. Chuck worked as horse wrangler and handyman plus worked on a children's book during their stay at Apache Creek Deaf and Youth Ranch in New Mexico. Equipment repairs have also slowed them down at times. But, they are not in a hurry.

It's not everyday you see a sight like this. It's pretty cool though. We could learn a lot from them about living life slowly. What a way to see the U.S.! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Greers Ferry Lake

Jody Anderson Duquette sent me this photo she took of George on the last night of the Workamper Rendezvous in Heber Springs. He was fooling with his camera, waiting for the sun to set. Nice photo of the sun going down over Greers Ferry Lake. We didn't get out on the lake but enjoyed our evening at the barbeque looking out over the lake. At the Heber Springs end, there are several nice places for RVers to camp. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Health care- $240,000 or more in retirement

The latest estimate from Fidelity Investments says that even with Medicare benefits, a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2012 will spend at least $240,000 in retirement. Whazow! That doesn't cover inflation, either. Many people have only a fraction of that saved.

At MarketWatch.com, Andrea Coombes, columnist explains how this can happen and steps to plan for it plus keep your costs lower.

RVers have the opportunity to be more active, traveling to places where they can walk, hike or bike. Geocaching can keep you active too. And, some RVers feel like they have covered a lot of ground when they travel so forget that they need physical activity. Our bodies are designed to move and to use muscles. Our lifestyle now does not require much activity compared to 100 years ago. Some would say this has caused more illness because our systems depend on the stimulation that exercise and movement provide.

Having sufficient funds to pay for medical issues that come up as well as dental, hearing aids, co-payments and premiums as well as treatments that are not covered is a relief, but taking care of yourself through diet and exercise could save a bundle and improve your quality of life.

What steps are you taking to keep good health through your retirement years? Share your ideas below. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Whiskey Row- burns again

In 1900, a fire swept through Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott and totally destroyed the block. Last week, another fire started, but this one was confined to three stores. Rebuilding began right after the 1900 fire and undoubtedly rebuilding and restoration will begin again for the three businesses. According to AZCentral.com, "Two businesses, the Bird Cage Saloon and Pearl's Place Cafe, were completely destroyed while a third, Prescott Food Store, was 80 percent damaged, according to Lt. Andy Reinhardt, a Prescott Police Department spokesman." (In another article, it said the third business destroyed was Larry and Hy's Bare Bones BBQ, which is the one that was boarded up.)

The fire took place last Tuesday evening. We visited Prescott to do some errands on Thursday. When I first heard about it I thought it was another restaurant and saloon that burned, The Palace. I was relieved to find out this beauty was still intact, quite a few stores down from the fire, though of course I was sad that anything burned. We were having lunch at Hotel St. Michael on the end of Whiskey Row at the corner of Montezuma (Whiskey Row) and Gurley when fire trucks drove past us and came to a stop in front of the scene of the fire. They stopped to hook up a hose. From what we heard on the street, there was a hot spot in the Food Store. A woman at the next table at lunch told us that her husband worked in the Food Place and that most of the damage to their store was water damage and that an adjuster was assessing the damage. Perhaps he was the one who noticed the hot spot.

Another article also said that it was a small appliance in the Bird Cage that started the fire. If you'd like to watch some footage of the original fire from Tuesday night, check the CNN video.

Prescott is a neat area to visit in spring, summer and fall. At around 5300 feet, it is much cooler than nearby Phoenix. Winter can bring an occasional snow and cold. Nearby Prescott National Forest has numerous places for RV boondocking and camping. There are some RV parks in the area as well. Friends have stayed long term in their RVs at Pine Lawn Ranch Mobile home park a few blocks west of the square - within walking distance of the best Prescott has to offer. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak  Photos by George and Jaimie Bruzenak

 

 

 

 

Should burned man win suit?

I saw in RV Daily Report, and followed up in the Contra Costa Times, that a man is suing Cruise America and AmeriGas because he was seriously burned while filling a rental motorhome at his place of business. He contends that this happened because the RV had a refrigerator burner and ignition directly above the tank filler valve.

The incident took place at Tioga Gas Mart, owned by the family, so he probably had taken courses and gotten certified in filling propane. However, the burner should not have been on if the propane was off. Was the propane turned off and the refrigerator off? Those details are not covered in the article. I'm not a propane expert, but I would think that it would not have been possible for the propane to ignite had these procedures been followed.

In any case, let this serve as a reminder that propane is very flammable. Make sure the valve is turned off, appliances are off and that you are outside your RV when propane is being dispensed. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

RV Lifestyle Ezine: Tips for Frugal RVing

Fuel prices getting you down? Read the latest RV Lifestyle Ezine: Tips for Frugal RVing. Tom and Nancy write about dealing with a health emergency on the road, plus more RV resources, news and tips.

Also, participate in our latest poll: RVing- have you been near/experienced....

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Mysteries of social security

When should you start collecting social security benefits? This article, "Seven Social Security Sins" by Maryalene LaPonsie, a Money Rates columnist, is a must read. It talks about when to file, must (and should) spouses file at the same time, and waiting too long. Learn why you should file even if you defer benefits- that situation could apply to you.

It is a balancing act- start collecting too soon and you reduce the amount of your benefits. Sometimes, though, collecting at 62 makes financial sense. This article may help you figure it out for your situation. And it can better help you budget for your RV lifestyle and know if and when it is financially feasible. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Accessible motorhome

Another manufacturer is making a unit that is handicapped accessible. Newmar Canyon Star gas unit 3911 has accessible options. It includes a remote-controlled 4-foot lift and a roll-in shower. You can see a floor plan with the options at the Newmar website. You can also watch a short video of an aspiring professional golfer, Dennis Walter, who suffered an accident and is now a paraplegic. He spends more than 200 days a year in his Canyon Star.

Now RVers have another option when they need an accessible unit in addition to the Harbor View trailer we recently blogged about. This opens up the RV lifestyle to even more people who desire to travel. Thanks, Newmar! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Workamper Rendezvous

Workamper Rendezvous Spring 2012 was a successful event! We had great weather, food, socializing and lots of opportunities to learn from experts and other Workampers. The setting was the Heber Springs Community Center, not far from the Workamper office. We started off with a welcome from Mayor Jackie McPherson. Once again he extended an invitation to attendees to use the facilities at no charge, which included an indoor track, weight room and aquatic center.

The theme was "teach a man to fish and he'll eat for the rest of his life." The classes provided an excellent variety for learning how to "fish" in the Workamper and RV lifestyle. Classes on taxes, RV maintenance, safety, RV driving as well as plenty of sessions on Workamping were offered. It was often difficult to make a choice! In addition there were two separate round table discussions led by a Workamper or Workamper couple and a hot seat session. Dee and Kevin Placzek shared their experiences preparing for the Workamper lifestyle while on the hot seat.

Sewiepigs were a hot item at the Workamper bookstore. Jody and Luke Duquette shared how to make the best use of Workamper tools. The Workamper Class A motorhome and the Cooper's 5th wheel were also open for touring. Wow- they get fancier every year!

At the end of the Rendezvous, we met at the Dam Site pavillion for entertainment and a barbeque dinner. Entertainment was by Strings and Things and included instructors Arline Chandler and Lee Smith. Lovely music!

We watched the sun go down over Greers Ferry Lake and then some of the staff and Workampers gathered for a quick photo.

Bonus Day found some Workampers staying for more education while others headed back to homes to prepare for their Workamper lifestyle or headed to Workamper jobs. We'll be doing this again in October so if you missed this one, sign up for Workamper Rendezvous and take advantage of this excellent educational opportunity. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak  Photos by George Bruzenak

RV retirement - following your calling

An article at Bankrate.com, “Self-actualization in Retirement,” got me thinking. The article was about the author’s reaction to Boundless Potential: Transform Your Brain, Unleash Your Talents, Reinvent Your Work in Midlife and Beyond, by Mark S. Walton. Walton, who had been in business executive development, changed his mind about working in retirement over the course of writing the book. Walton is quoted as saying, “After five years of research on men and women who not only reinvented their work, but are profiting -- financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually -- from this work, well into their 70s, 80s, even 90s, I've reached the conclusion that the very concept of retirement is a dinosaur, an idea whose time has come and gone.”

Walton isn’t talking about meaningless work or even stopgap work like being a greeter at Walmart. It’s spending your retirement following your calling.

How does this mesh with RV retirement? Most Workamping jobs, the seasonal jobs you find as you travel, are usually low-level jobs, earning your RV site and maybe minimum wage. Can you find meaningful work or activity on the road?

I believe the answer is yes, and what it is will lie in what you find meaningful and also the income you need to achieve. Here are some possibilities:

• Volunteering: national parks, other state and federal agencies, humanitarian groups are just a few where your involvement can make a big difference. You can get a number of ideas in this section of RVLifestyleExperts.com.
• Helping a business succeed: It may not be your business, but helping guests enjoy their stay and making it a good experience is very satisfying. You can pick your situation so you only work as much as you want and in the location you'd like to be in while not having the headaches of ownership.
• Taking time for a avocation: Activities like biking, hiking, geocaching, fishing along your RV travels have many benefits like getting you outdoors, exercise and giving you a sense of accomplishment. Better health can also result.
• Get creative: Learn or develop your talents and skills in beading, painting, writing or other creative pursuit.
• Start your own business: It can be very satisfying to run your own company - even if it is a company of one! Setting your own schedule is a big benefit, creating or giving back another.

Get involved as an RV mentor: In RVers: How Do They Live Like That? authors Farrow and Stoetzer found that people who stay on the road get involved in the lifestyle in some way. One way is to mentor other RVers, through online forums, at RV events, RV parks and organizations. Encouraging and guiding other folks in this lifestyle is very rewarding indeed.

Becoming an RVer in retirement opens up different possibilities for a meaningful life than staying in a stix 'n birx lifestyle- including the opportunity to see new places. Not only that, living the RV lifestyle keeps you young! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak