Full-timing... a lonely existance?

[idahosafari]

How can single full-timers keep themselves from getting lonely while touring the country? That seems like a major drawback to the full-timing lifestyle, which otherwise sounds tempting...

[qqq]

A good pet is good company

Ron

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by idahosafari

How can single full-timers keep themselves from getting lonely while touring the country? That seems like a major drawback to the full-timing lifestyle, which otherwise sounds tempting...

One diversion would be the WBCCI. There are rallys and events somewhere every weekend. There are folks who fulltime from event to event across the country.

Roger

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

One diversion would be the WBCCI. There are rallys and events somewhere every weekend. There are folks who fulltime from event to event across the country.

Roger

Within WBCCI there is a intra-club called the "Freewheelers" for unattached Airstreamers. A widowed friend of mine, though not a full-timer", has really enjoyed the group and has made a lot of friends. There are a surprising number of widows who keep right on Airstreaming.

[overlander64]

Greetings IdahoSafari!

Originally Posted by idahosafari

How can single full-timers keep themselves from getting lonely while touring the country? That seems like a major drawback to the full-timing lifestyle, which otherwise sounds tempting...

While I am not a full-timer, I am a Free Wheeler, and find that lonliness is far less of a concern while Airstreaming than while living in many of the neighborhoods where I have resided. The Airstream can be a near immediate "ice-breaker" in many campgrounds, and to paraphrase from The Long, Long, Trailer there are no strangers in a campground.

I generally travel during most of my Summer vacation, and since I am an educator that usually amounts to at least eight weeks of travel. Prior to purchasing my Airstream, I would travel up to four weeks during the Summer but found that the "motel experience" was far more apt to produce lonliness and isolation. It also helps to be involved in the Wally Byam Caravan Club International - - the Intra-Clubs can be a great help - - two that can be of interest to the single full-timer are the Free Wheelers (single Airstream owners), and the Full-Timers Club. The Intra-Clubs sponsor rallys and caravans that can be of particular interest to their members.

Kevin

[Porky Pig]

In addition to the WBCCI FreeWheelers ... the Escapees Club has a very active singles intraclub. Both groups should keep you quite busy.

Many Airstream fulltimers are also members of the Escapees. Check 'em out.

[mandolindave]

One fulltimer mentioned that one of the things about fulltiming that
he didn't enjoy was constantly saying goodbye to new friends.
Anyway, you might want to try music festivals. Many festivals are
costing about $55 for 4 days, camping included. That's around the same price as a campground. I have found that the kind of people that go to festivals, enjoy meeting new people.

[Bob Thompson]

Another idea might be to build on an existing hobby or try out one that has always held an interest to you. Then, plan your camping around the hobby. At least you will be around like minded people and will have an automatic topic for discussion. If you enjoy bingo, you might go to a local community center and volunteer to help out on Bingo night. Other examples might be fly fishing, or attending NASCAR events, or golf, or windsurfing, or jewelry making or beading. Plus if you are in an area like Quartzsite, there are always classes being offered. Last year my sister-in-law took a great class in gold wire wrapping.

With a little curiosity and research, there are always unique events going on that are free and interesting. An example is the Annual Land Sailing Regatta on Ivanpah Dry Lake outside Primm, Nv. It takes place Thanksgiving Weekend from Thursday thru Sunday. Land Sailing craft from all over gather to sail, race and play. I know if I can arrange to be in the area, I'm going to try to go out there and see what all the excitement is about. Hey, I might even be able to talk somebody in to takeing me for a ride in one of those things!

[nettepdx]

Hey IdahoSafari, I may be full-timing by the end of October so I'll let you know how it goes. I don't think loneliness will be a problem. In an airstream, I imagine lots of people will be knocking on my door wanting to take a peek at the silver palace.

Another way to keep loneliness at bay is to keep in touch with the people from this forum. I can't wait to hit the road and actually meet some of the posters, attend various rallies, etc.

Of course, I will have to work on the road so I imagine I'll meet people that way - Starbucks barista, here I come

[Janet H]

We were at a bluegrass festival this weekend in Moses Lake, WA. There were several hundred rvs on site and 5 airstreams.

3 different "streamers" made it a point to track us down, introduce themselves, and strike up interesting conversation. 4 other people asked for a tour of our little Argosy. We had dinner offers and invitations to stop by and visit. I cannot imagine you would be lonely unless you purposely avoid crowds.

[Pick]

I spent over 3 months away from my family, while "fulltiming" on a temporary basis in Florida, until our house sold in Ohio. I had brought my Jack Russell terrier, "Cali" with me, and I will say having another "being" in the Airstream made quite a difference. Met a few folks from this forum and the irv2.com forums. Always something to do, some new place to explore. Campgrounds are nice places to stay. I am really glad I did not have to stay in a rented apartment. Airstreamin' is the way to go

[ArtStream]

Originally Posted by idahosafari

How can single full-timers keep themselves from getting lonely while touring the country? That seems like a major drawback to the full-timing lifestyle, which otherwise sounds tempting...

Hello Idahosafari,
I have been fulltiming 5 years now in my 95, 28’ Excella.
Originally from NYC, I have a more active social life than when I was land-locked.

As an artist earning a living exhibiting my work at juried shows around the country, I’ve developed a network of friends who insist I stay on their ranch/driveway/backyard/etc.
After 5 years I’ve had to sneak into town as not to snub invitees and try to rotate.

I love the gypsy lifestyle and the exceptional people and friends I have made on the road.
It’s like the old TV show “Than came Bronsen” but of course I’ve just seen that show on DVD.

I like to get involved with the people I stay with, and find that with me pitching in, they are motivated to tackle projects that they might not otherwise have considered.
Ie: I just helped replaced a starter motor on a 1919 model T ford.

Anyway, I’m really enjoying myself.

Michael

[dieterdog]

hi idahosafari,,, am thinking and planning on doing extended trips over the summer and truly believe that joining the above mentioned clubs will be a lifesaver. belong to wbcci and the freewheelers,,, also think some kind of hobby would help, especially one that you could work on during bad weather. i have been in a campground and felt very isolated. hoping being with the streamers will change all of that. good luck,, happy trails,, dieterdog