Sunday, 9 April 2017
I’m settling in for a stint in the beautiful and majestic Sedona area of Arizona. I’m staying at a campsite in Oak Creek, where the bedroom window of my RV faces the water and the cactus covered hills. As with many folks, one of the draws to this area for me is the deeper spiritual connection invoked by the powerful beauty of the Red Rock country and the ancient ruins of native cultures. The ruins are high on my list of things to explore to the best of my ability.
A friend I met while at the RV rally in Tucson drove up here in her class A RV (the large bus type). She is “boondocking” it – living off the grid – on a bluff overlooking the Verde Valley. We ran into each other at the grocery store and made plans to take a drive in my Jeep. I had done some four-wheeling earlier in the day on a fairly rugged trail – lots of fun.
A friend of mine recently asked me what I like most about the RV lifestyle. I replied that it’s the people that I’ve met along the way. I could equally have said the freedom of exploring this already great country and the comforts of your own “home”. I recently had a solar system installed on my RV, so very soon I will be boondocking in earnest and enjoying the ultimate freedom of RV living. I’ll be able to see the incredible beauty of such places as the Tetons, Yellowstone, Redwood National Forest, and Alaska without having to deal with throngs of tourists.
My friend also asked me if my expectations about RV living were met and I heartily answered to the affirmative. There are downsides to everything, but overall taking up life on the road was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I suppose the biggest problem is keeping connected with folks. In the most pristine areas you often encounter poor internet connection and cellular signal – I will have to travel to nearest town to send this blog entry. I cannot keep up with the news, but that’s probably a good thing.
On the one hand, there is a sense of camaraderie with my fellow RVers, but on the other a sense of isolation. It is somewhat like my experience while serving aboard submarines while in the Navy; not the same kind of adventure, but adventure it is.
I’d love to be able to live the RV life. But with Doctor appointments and medicines to buy, unfortunately it’s not possible. My husband and I both want to buy an RV to travel in but not full time. I’m in envy of your life style…..
It’s not for everyone nor could most folks do it. Healthcare on the road is a problem so I definitely get where you’re coming from. I have to establish care simewhere out here for continuity. Overall I don’t know how long I can do this, from a health standpoint but that’s part why I out here now. I enjoy the lifestyle but there are many challenges and hardships.
Been more active since I was diagnosed. Keep thinking soon won’t be able too. Actually going to Florence AZ in a month to spend a couple of months then return to FL. Sedona is beautiful and said to be a good place for spiritual energy. There are many healers in this area. Many are well known and successful with it. Might want to check it out as can’t be worse than the neurontin and Lyrica thrown at us.
We watch a lot of shows that have to do with living “off the grid.” We like what we see but know that we couldn’t do it. But that said, it doesn’t stop the want we have to travel when we can, after he retires. Our 2 grandchildren are another reason we need to stay close to home. They have our hearts. I look forward to hearing more about your time on the road.
So inspired and impressed by your energy and spirit, Rick.