Part-time RVing

2014 at Mackinaw Island

It was in the spring of 2009 that Chris and I decided to purchase a tandem bicycle.  A bicycle built for two, if you will.  I believe this was one of the smartest things we have done toward a healthy lifestyle, a fun couple activity, and a way to see an America that very few see.  Previous to 2009 we had ridden individual bicycles.  I would return home on my mountain bike exhausted and frustrated.  Chris had made a real effort to linger back with me and thus he did not get much of a workout.  On our tandem we both combine our efforts to get us somewhere.  He gets all the workout he wants.  I get all the workout I want.  We arrive at our destination at the same time.  In the process we have discussed and solved world issues.  We have shared the beauty of our surroundings.  And, most importantly, we are still speaking!

In April of 2010 we purchased a 5th Wheel and a truck to pull it.  In May 2010 Chris retired from the Gas company.  During the same time I closed my videography business.  A precious lady from our church agreed to keep an eye on our home, collect mail,  and take care of our 2 dogs while we were out and about on our travels.  Our trips during the 2 1/2 years that we were part-time RVers ranged from 3 or 4 days on up to 4 months in duration.

Our first trip was to Tulsa to see our sons.  We stayed 4 days at a mobile home park just off of Hwy 75 and I-44.  Found out what worked on the rig and what did not work so well.  The latter items would be worked on by Chris and by the manufacturer after we returned home.  We found out that a 4-day stay is a lot of work.  The work is in the loading and unloading of everything needed for such an outing.  Linens, pillows, food (refrigerated and non-refrigerated), clothing, toiletries, tools, etc.  It became clear that a longer stay involved the same amount of work and was not so exhausting.

Over the next 2 1/2 years almost every destination involved visiting family or riding on a bicycle trail in some obscure part of the country.  We particularly look for Rail Trails.  These are trails that are constructed where there were previously train tracks.  Rail Trails have no more than a 3% grade and are perfect for our adventures.

During this time of exploring and getting our "feet wet" we visited and checked out campgrounds in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan.  Everywhere we visited was beautiful.  Staying in a motel when traveling has some perks.  Staying in an RV is amazing!