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3streams · 10-02-2009, 03:17 PM

We always say... "We are planning to leave at ___." But on average we don't get on the road for at least 2-3 hours past that departure time. This tends to happen on Fridays (we are young and not retired so we have to make it home from work and attend to the 4 furkids) but I can never remember a time when we actually left at our scheduled departure time.

Does this happen to everyone?

**Stefrobrts** · 10-02-2009, 03:27 PM

I voted for leaving two hours late, but I almost voted we are hooked up the night before. Because often we are hooked up the night before, and still end up leaving two hours late

Gene · 10-02-2009, 03:28 PM

I hook up a day or two before, fill as much of the fridge the day before, pack clothes and other food, but nevertheless, we are often thwarted.

My approach is that we always leave on time whether it be the crack of noon, 1 pm, 10 am, or whatever.

And I don't own a watch—everyone else has them, the truck has a clock, the trailer has a clock, the sun tells me the time too and I do have an internal clock, so who needs one?

My wife is an unrealistic optimist (with a watch), but someone has to be so to her we leave late.

Gene

Foiled Again · 10-02-2009, 03:35 PM

I was an 11 month baby and I've been late ever since

Something ALWAYS happens. The one time I did leave exactly on time, some fool crashed in the bottom of the Hampton Roads tunnel (I-64 West) and there I was on the causeway leading to the bridge - no way to turn around even if I didn't have the Airstream. Got moving 2.5 hours later!

I should have charged admission for the toilet - but did offer it free to several desperate women... Thought I saw a man or two just sssssssss off the bridge into the bay.

Had a cold snack because they make us turn off the propane at the tunnel. Could have taken a nap in bed if I'd wanted. I did go back and pick up a good book I'd been trying to finish.

Mike Leary · 10-02-2009, 03:36 PM

I was still running the business, had a hell of a Friday; called the wife, came home, un-hooked and out in seven minutes: my personal best.

Wingeezer · 10-02-2009, 03:37 PM

I could easily get away at the time we planned - but it would mean leaving my wife behind!

She always insists on tidying up the house to the n'th degree two minutes before scheduled departure time!

DaveFL · 10-02-2009, 04:05 PM

When we did trips with water yacht it was critical due to tides, but now with land yacht not to important. I try to get out in a.m. for a few hours of drive time before first stop.

slowmover · 10-02-2009, 04:13 PM

Knowing more details about on-the-road for that day tends to focus me. Worst is just pack and drive, doing everything spur-of-the-moment. That is occasional fun, but better when the trailer is not going along.

Mackhopp · 10-02-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I voted for leaving two hours late, but I almost voted we are hooked up the night before. Because often we are hooked up the night before, and still end up leaving two hours late

x 2!!

Always.

Dakota's Dad · 10-02-2009, 04:24 PM

20 years in the Army. If I say we are going to SP at 0900, we SP at 0900.

or, I check with the commander and change the SP time.

but we always leave on time.

overlander63 · 10-02-2009, 05:37 PM

Leave on time? You're funny!

Inevitably something happens, usually a day from hell at work, lights suddenly stop working on the trailer, flat tire, something conspires to make us late. The last time I wanted to leave work early so we could leave at 2, I not only didn't leave early, but had to work an hour later than I was supposed to. Instead of leaving at 2, we left at 5:30, in rush hour...

3 Dog Nite · 10-02-2009, 05:50 PM

In the days before fulltiming, the camper (non AS) had it's own set of dishes, pots & pans, clothes, etc. The day after returning home was full cleanup day. This covered everything: clothes, floors, beds coverings, etc. Vacuum sucked bags were great for storing clean clothing. When we wanted to go out, all we had to do was grocery shop on the previous day. Refridgerated items when in the house fridge in the bags. Other items went directly into camper. All I had to do was pack cooler (no fridge) & hook up, & pretrip for safety. Ready to go as planned as long as no one had to work late.

Ricky

**moosetags** · 10-02-2009, 05:56 PM

We try to get going by the crack of noon. These low expectations are easily met.

Brian

stillcove · 10-02-2009, 06:05 PM

If I need to leave first thing on Saturday morning the best thing I can do is stay up late Friday. Pack everything and pull out on Friday. Stay at the first rest area on the interstate. I am always on time when I do this. O well the best laid plans............

**Stefrobrts** · 10-02-2009, 06:05 PM

When we bought the trailer we thought we would come home from work, grab the trailer, and go almost every weekend. I think we've done that once in the six years we've owned it. But someday...

maxandgeorgia · 10-02-2009, 06:23 PM

I laughed at all these replies to your question...how many hours AFTER your planned departure time do you really leave?? With us, it's a matter of how many hours BEFORE the planned time we pull out of the drive, Gypsy in tow. Somehow, anticipation and that urge to get on the road again override any sensible pre-made plan, and we inch the time for leaving up and up and up....often leaving a full day or so earlier than we had thought we'd leave. Are there any other early-on-the-roaders like us out there? ~G

Mackhopp · 10-02-2009, 06:25 PM

During camping season, we pretty much go camping every weekend after work/school on Friday, and I'm continually surprised that we actually get away on Fridays. What with work schedules, kids after school, bringing dogs to kennels, forgetting the last-minute whatever, traffic... We grow at least 20 gray hairs each by the time we're on the road.

But once we've arrived at the destination, everything just seems to be OK in the universe.

wheel interested · 10-02-2009, 06:48 PM

I'm supposed to be gone now. Traditionally I am 1 day and three hours later than others would expect.

The whole purpose of having a travel trailer for leisure is to move at ones own pace. I am a slow poke.

There is no need to be at a destination or even leave to begin to relax and enjoy the time.

Gene · 10-02-2009, 07:05 PM

People who leave on time probably have tidy desks.

Oh wait, my wife has a tidy desk and we never leave when she thinks. Another theory down the drain.

Gene

Minnie's Mate · 10-02-2009, 09:50 PM

I want my wife to read this thread!! We never leave when we plan. Usually we leave about 20-30 minutes late and my wife is beside herself. Of course I'm relaxed and ready to go and have hold ups from everyone else. Yeah, right.