Good grief, about to go FT!!

[Sean Michael]

Bill, we think alike!

My wife and I are taking an extended trip west to escape the Alabama summer heat. We aren't selling all of our stuff just yet, though.

One thing I would mention, is that if you are looking at visiting Yellowstone...it's VERY crowded in the summer. We are having trouble finding decent reservations there.

We've started a blog to document our journey.

The Honeymoon, Part 1

Best of luck to you!

[lebolewis]

After working a year on "Elvira", the AS, getting her in good shape, ready to travel, I never thought that getting ready to go FT would be so stressful!

Actually, I had not planned to go FT, until just recently. My idea was to maintain a homebase here in Cullman to come back to from time to time. But then after reading a book "Basic RVing" and another one "Full-Time RVing", by Bill and Jan Moeller, I started looking at the COSTS and liabilities of maintaning a "homebase"!! The costs are rediculas if you plan to be gone 2 years or more!

I looked at all options.......storage of everything, buy/rent a smaller house, sell some/store some, etc., etc. NOTHING was financial appealing; hence, my decision to sell everything! So, Im selling everything.......except some hand tools.....you know, the good stuff to have.

But, frankly I was not prepared for the stress of ridding yourself of all the "stuff" you have accumulated over a lifetime!

However, I'm feeling better now. Looking forward to hitching up and going. And, I hope to meet some of you nice folks out there somewhere!

Bill

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by lebolewis

However, I'm feeling better now. Looking forward to hitching up and going. And, I hope to meet some of you nice folks out there somewhere!

Bill

Bill are you a WBCCI member? if so, you can put your big red numbers up so we all will know it's you rolling into the RV park. If not, maybe you could put your forums numbers on the trailer in blue. Just an idea.

[lebolewis]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Bill are you a WBCCI member? if so, you can put your big red numbers up so we all will know it's you rolling into the RV park.

Terry, I'm not a member of WBCCI, yet. Thought about it some, but no decision, since I will be ROAMING the country. However, the PO was a member and I still have his numbers on the AS. The numbers are 14189 Bill

[maxandgeorgia]

'. . .One thing I would mention, is that if you are looking at visiting Yellowstone...it's VERY crowded in the summer. We are having trouble finding decent reservations there. . .(QUOTE)
Bill and Sean Michael, in reference to the quote above, for what my suggestion is worth, you might consider establishing a base camp outside of Yellowstone itself and day tripping into the park. You'll find numerous camps south, west, east, and north that all serve well as central bases. South, we've stayed at Flagg Ranch, between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, so works well for visiting both parks. West, we've stayed several times at a campground on the Madison River, driving into the western and northern portions of the park to tour. This summer we are staying North, at Yellowstone's Edge, maybe 30 miles north of the entrance to Yellowstone NP. This kind of camping may not be what you have in mind, but if you are having trouble making in-park reservations where the crowds are, you might consider something on the perimeter. Just a suggestion ~G

[fr8tshaker]

Happy Trails to you. I am jealous. Living in my AS fulltime, but don't get to do the roaming part except on days off since I still work. Good luck and most of all have fun! 'shaker

[Sean Michael]

I applied for WBCCI. My check cleared 3 weeks ago, but I've still received NOTHING from the Club -- not even an email. Is this normal?

Bill, I'm sure the process of "downsizing" is painful, but what a relief to have it all done. You must feel liberated.

Ever since we bought our pickup truck, I've made an effort to downsize our stuff -- just in case.

[Wabbiteer]

"No where to go and all day to get there" didn't have $3 gallon fuel!

I fear going on the road now w/ $3 gas, if my disability check budget gets applied to TV gasoline I am allowed 100 miles per day. May your money hold out longer than you planned, mine sure isn't...

[Gunnyusmc]

I have been out for two + years and I remember the FUN of getting rid off my stuff, but it was the best thing I ever did.
You will forget the interstate's after a while and enjoy the less traveled back roads.
I am in Salem, OR. till end of Sept for medical reasons, so if you get near drop me a line.
I will be in Yellowstone from 4 - 18 Aug and will be Beverly Beach Run the last weekend in Sept.
Have fun.

Don

[lebolewis]

Originally Posted by Gunnyusmc

You will forget the interstate's after a while and enjoy the less traveled back roads. Don

Hey Don,

I used to live in Beaverton, OR, a beautiful state. I'm looking forward to visiting there again.

I much prefer the backroads and the adventures they provide, but I am wary of the unknown road conditions. I need to build a level of confidence and the skills necessary to avoid the obvious "traps" when towing. An earlier post correctly reminded me of the steep roads and the perils envolved when in the mountains.

One step at a time is the plan I'm on.

Thanks, Bill

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by lebolewis

An earlier post correctly reminded me of the steep roads and the perils envolved when in the mountains.

Remember, I found out the hard way that just because a line indicating a road is straight on a map, does NOT mean it does not go up and down. A lot.

[Tom Randall]

Originally Posted by Wabbiteer

"No where to go and all day to get there" didn't have $3 gallon fuel!

I fear going on the road now w/ $3 gas, if my disability check budget gets applied to TV gasoline I am allowed 100 miles per day. May your money hold out longer than you planned, mine sure isn't...

I only get a disability check also....and it is not that much. The trick for me is by going to the airstream parks...like Top of Georgia... I stay for the month for $180. Maybe 2 months. It has some nice nearby towns.

I am also considering some deals with a "share" and then I spend $380 A YEAR for whatever plus another $400 - $500 A YEAR for taxes on a lot or cabana in Texas. Who knows, but I can't travel thousands of miles but I can base myself and explore within 200 to 400 miles for a "change". Hey, with a V10 pulling the Silver Hut to Perry, I got about 9 mpg. Plus, I have met some of the greatest people.... much nicer than the folks for where I use to live.

So... with a on my face.... onward I go.....

[lebolewis]

Today, was one of your typical hot, HUMID Alabama days, UGH, not a fit place to live!

One of my five daughters came down from Huntsville today and got the stuff she has bought at a VERY fair "family" price and some more "free" stuff, and that combined with what I have already sold in garage sales has just about cleaned me out! I'm almost LIBERATED! Hooray!

Only got the Fridge/Freezer, 1 tall Bookcase, 2 stands with wheels, Food Processor, one nice bedroom lamp, a small portable file drawer w/lid, Clothes Hamper and a New King size Comforter,....oh, and this GREAT Computer System from which I write this message!! Progress is being made and I am smiling!

Looks like August 1st is a very good objective time for departure.

Bill

[lebolewis]

I was gonna post photos of how this place looks.......but decided against It. Bill