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Old 07-09-2016, 09:57 AM   #1
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Camping is a DIY Activity

After returning home the other day from yet another enjoyable outing with Nellie, our 26 year old AS, I mentioned to my wife: "You know, you have to earn your fun when RVing.". No mints on the pillow at night, no room service, no room cleaning - you do everything yourself when you camp.

I wonder why there are so many complaints here about various aspects of camping/RVing - it kind of gets under my skin after a while. It leads me to believe that many folks are getting into it while peering dreamingly through rose colored glasses. Maybe the idealistic portrayal of camping in advertising has unduely influenced them, the couple sitting outside their AS while parked next to an idyllic lake. Maybe they expect camping to be some kind of catered, turn-key experience. I dunno. But what I do know is that camping requires a lot of user involvement - you have to earn your pleasure.

First of all, all RV's require ongoing maintenance. We all know the list: greasing wheel bearings; rotating tires; incidental repairs (pretty common in a frequently moving vibrating little house); leak proofing; cleaning and skin protection; well, you know...

Next there's towing your trailer to your campground. It requires you to be knowledgeable about your hitch setup which takes some learning. It requires you to concentrate and be alert for a number of hours. I really enjoy the driving it but it can be tiring.

Then there's the work involved when you arrive at a campsite: back into the site (occasionally a pull-through); check for level, maybe have to add a couple of blocks with additional back and forth; unhitch and level fore and aft, stow hitch and stabilizer bars; extend stabilizers; connect to water, electricity and sewer when available; extend awning(s); spread out ground mats; lower steps; unlock trailer and check inside for contents shifting; setup outside chairs and table; check to see that fridge is running on correct source; if you're like my wife, put checkered tableclothes and flowers on tables.

Then, when you leave, the entire procedure is reversed - with the addition of draining your gray and black tanks.

You work for your pleasure when you RV/camp. One of the things that I admire about the AS crowd is that for the most part it's a bunch of can do, self reliant folks. Most are aware of the work and skill level involved, accept and expect it and enjoy the process. But those who are not prepared to be involved in every aspect of RVing/camping, who complain about things constantly, might give some thought to a nice hotel.

Cheers,
John
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Old 07-09-2016, 10:13 AM   #2
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Agree with you especially about setting camp and breaking camp when at the destination.

But having just done our first long trip (we will get back home today, on I 70 right now!), I do think that the en route work may be equal or easier with the trailer.

I don't need to drag my clothes and toiletries into a hotel room for a 12 hour stay, remember to repack and not forget my charger or shampoo when I leave. I know my bed and linens and pillows are just what I expect. I know what I can have for happy hour and dinner. I know a good cup of hot coffee will be a part of my morning.

So for the getting there and getting home part I think it's some work, but an assurance of sleeping in your own bed is pretty nice.

Now the set up and tear down of a multi night stay IS a process. I agree with everything you posted.
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Old 07-09-2016, 10:20 AM   #3
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I agree with you. Having our own bed and our own stuff with us is one of the big pleasures that makes the work worthwhile. My wife and I are giddy everytime we pull over for lunch and bathroom break and all we have to do is open the door of our trailer.

John
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Old 07-09-2016, 11:01 AM   #4
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Getting there early is nice

We go to Bluegrass festivals. Some of us are retired or self employed. Getting set up a day or two early ( sometimes much earlier if we know the promoters ) is a real luxury.

I think that I mentioned to you that Oregon is on my bucket list. I have a friends that just bought a bed and breakfast on the river in Vida. The Pacific Crest Trail to Crater Lake, and Bend are on my itinerary, as well as a few others. Hoping that I can find a nice spot on BLM land. Sisters looks like a nice town to explore.
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Old 07-09-2016, 11:08 AM   #5
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Great and timely post John. Man of us wish we could put our thoughts into words as well as you do.
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Old 07-09-2016, 11:20 AM   #6
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Well said John. It is a process to learn, but, once learned......the "world, (or at least the nation) is our oyster! My last plane ride reminded me of why I hate flying....sitting in an uncomfortable and cramped seat for 2 1/2 hrs, packed in like sardines....that was plenty for me to appreciate my AI. Searching for a reasonably priced motel....hoping for clean sheets and a somewhat comfortable bed....no thank you!

If I can't get there by driving my "Goliath"....I don't want to go. Yes, there is a learning curve and yes, there is some work involved, but, man oh man, is it worth it! We are fortunate in living in a country with some amazingly beautiful natural resources. And all we need to do is put forth a bit of effort and it is all there waiting for the adventorous souls in us all !
Evelyn.
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Old 07-09-2016, 11:31 AM   #7
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Ditto John and Vicki! Another good post!

Many of our friends asked us, "what do you do while your out there camping". Of course most of those friends are non campers so they're wondering why we go out to some strange place on a Forest Road and sit among the trees. Actually I tell them, we're quite busy out there when camping.

We also get giddy every time we go.

There's the planning, the selecting of location, the gathering, the loading. Then take off, safe travel, and arrival.

We like to pick our own spot so we always try to convince whomever (if its an organized spot) that we want to do a scouting loop. Where's the sun, how level is it, whats the approach, where's the bathroom, the playground, the view, the privacy. Lots to consider when your building a house. .

Then actual set up, interior exterior, schatzki's, water, shade, chairs, stove, etc. Yes a nice table is absolutely part of it. And inside needs to be tidy for the curious.

Then depending on if its a rally, family or solo trip what's the next meal entail. Baking bread, has it risen, start the coals, does meat need to thaw, are we taking a cheese platter to happy hour, what beverage are we bringing, is there a theme.

We are a fire family so after dinner it's the fire (or a ranger program maybe) and staring endlessly into the red coals. Catching up with friends, meeting new people, asking who they are on Airforums. Watching the grandkids experience and learn about fire.

Hit the bathroom before tuck in, is it cold enough for a catalytic heater, climb over hubby into our to small sleeping accommodations. Sometimes the wall is nice and cool on the backside sometimes it's really cold. Hang onto that comforter and tuck the extra behind you. Think to myself I'm going to make a baby buggy bumper for that wall someday.

Awake to another great day, kinda cramped need a good stretch, hot chocolate, coffee, tea? Hot breakfast, cold, breakfast provided? Talk about the day, take a hike, visit other trailers, ride a bike, are there attractions close by.

Sit and talk, a lot, plan, dream enjoy, smell nature, be thankful.
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Old 07-09-2016, 11:38 AM   #8
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Hittenstiehl...

What a beautiful post! We're heading off to the Oregon Coast for two weeks on Wednesday - and I'm getting giddy!

Cheers,
John
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Old 07-09-2016, 11:49 AM   #9
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Thx John and Vicki, enjoy your trip as we all travel vicariously with you.

You might have a good opportunity to post a photo into this month's photo thread, the theme is wild.

I enjoy threads where there is sharing, informing, banter, light teasing and reasonable debate. Seems we can argue almost in any thread about most everything.

Life is WAY to short to be upset or stressed about a forum. Thanks for starting good threads.
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Old 07-09-2016, 03:04 PM   #10
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Great post. We thought RVing would be a lot like boating, and so far that has proven true. I confess I am part of the hotel crowd. I mean, I can do some things but for the most part I pay others to service my stuff. And I like 50 amp connections and concrete pads. Not exactly the boondocking type. But we went into this with both eyes open and so far our experience has been outstanding.

Looking forward to many years of comfy camping...
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Old 07-09-2016, 05:30 PM   #11
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It's not for everyone. Personally, I hate hotel rooms no matter how nice they are. Others feel a 5 star resort is living large. To each their own.

Fortunately, we all have more fun. I don't see any forums dedicated to the pastime of renting hotel rooms.
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Old 07-09-2016, 05:48 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John&Vicki View Post
I wonder why there are so many complaints here about various aspects of camping/RVing - it kind of gets under my skin after a while. It leads me to believe that many folks are getting into it while peering dreamingly through rose colored glasses. Maybe the idealistic portrayal of camping in advertising has unduely influenced them, the couple sitting outside their AS while parked next to an idyllic lake. Maybe they expect camping to be some kind of catered, turn-key experience. I dunno. But what I do know is that camping requires a lot of user involvement - you have to earn your pleasure.
It's a matter of past experience, I think. Someone who comes to RVing having never camped except at a lodge— if that— expects it to be easy and fun and they're often disappointed. Someone who comes to RVing from tent camping expects RVing to be easy and fun, and they're absolutely right.
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Old 07-09-2016, 06:26 PM   #13
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This topic is rather funny we have decided to give all our Marriot reward points to our kids. We would rather stay in our Airstream than any hotel anytime... Usually about three weeks a year in points.


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Old 07-09-2016, 07:18 PM   #14
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On the other hand…...

Our camping club ( family ) The Grillbillies, have been having fun for about 25 years. We started out in tents and Hippie Vans.

Kinda miss those days with tarp structures and make shift awnings, collaborative mazes, india print tapestries, beat up over stuffed couches, astro turf, huge buffet tables, portable showers, utility trailers with dish washers, kiddie pools, homemade cabanas, a sea of purple, and tie dye.
Parades, Pajama Parties, Pirate Night, Grillbillie Prom (My paranoia of being pulled over, and having to explain to a State Trooper why I was carrying around a hundred soiled prom dresses.)

Pot luck meals, Cooking 20 turkeys for Thanksgiving in August, singing Amazing Grace before dinner. Eating by the light of Tiki Torches.. A string of campfires and Jam sessions, picking guitar, banjos, and mandolins till dawn.

Times change. We finally threw out the dirty prom dresses, and we traded hippie vans for motorhomes. Our kids are taking charge now. Next weeks parade theme is Stars Wars. The kids are having the after party catered.
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Old 07-09-2016, 07:40 PM   #15
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Grillbillies you sound like you had and are having tons of fun and memories.
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Old 07-09-2016, 07:42 PM   #16
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Camping is definitely a lot of work, but it's so worth it!

Nothing worth having is easily got.

We just got back from a week with a baby and a toddler in our 23' Safari. It was exhausting but so rewarding. Cutting wood, building a fire, cooking over the coals, doing dishes by hand, chasing kids around, setting up, packing up. And all this after spending 3 weekends polishing aluminum and an afternoon in sweltering heat packing wheel bearings but I wouldn't have it any other way. Would have stayed another week if didn't have to go back to the office.
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Old 07-09-2016, 07:47 PM   #17
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Yes, yes and yes to all. I agree. As I write I am on festival grounds working. I can see Eirestream, from my space, I just have to walk over, cleanup and go to bed. No elevater noises, no hall doors slamming, no bringing my stuff in and out. I would not want it any other way.

Sure we have chores and housekeeping, but it s like cleaning a dollhouse, quick and easy.
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Old 07-09-2016, 08:04 PM   #18
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Sure we have chores and housekeeping, but it s like cleaning a dollhouse, quick and easy.
One of the realizations that I had on our recent 10 day trip was a renewed appreciation for the art of housekeeping. I understand very much now after living in such a confined space with several people how truly important the ability to tidy up, wash up and put away and have the housework "done" (at least until the next mealtime) is a source of necessary closure. Without it, having all that Stuff out can make the experience a bit chaotic.
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Old 07-09-2016, 08:31 PM   #19
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What work?





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Old 07-09-2016, 08:41 PM   #20
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I know a guy in SoCal who rents a trailer for a week a year. The rental place drops the trailer on the site that he rents in a State Park, and his family gets most of the experience without many of the requirements such as a TV and towing. They use the park bath house as needed instead of the trailer's facilities. Not a bad idea for someone who just wants to take the kids camping once a year. Of course, the rest of the experience - cooking, entertainment, etc is DIY.
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