Hi, I'm Craig from the Western NY region. I'll tell you a little about myself and plans and you can tell me what you think. Plus then I'll know if I'm even doing the "forum" thing right. I'm 56, retired for eight years from a local PD. Divorced (friendly enough), 2 grown kids. My pension is enough to keep me comfortable, plus my health insurance is paid. I have previously owned a class A that I parked seasonally. I miss camping. Nowhere in life have I found nicer people. I was asked to work kamp at that park but did not take them up on the offer. I wish I had.
I love to travel, love the camping lifestyle, and have nothing here to prevent me from living this dream. I have read numerous articles on RV full timers, workampers etc, so this is not an impulsive decision. My only hinderance would be to sell my house. It is well kept and is a moderately priced home perfect for a young couple. So I might not have a problem despite the economy. My plan would be to sell the house first. I could then buy a reasonably priced good P/U (let's say 12K) cash. I have looked at decent 5th wheels in the 12 to 15 K range. I would in fact be debt free, reasonable health, 2 supportive adult children, a good income, and able to offer security as well as excellent cooking skills to a campground or park service.
I am soliciting comments on:
Well, first, am I actually reaching anybody?
After that, has workamping been rewarding?
Would I be removing my self from the social scene? After all, would you reply to a personal ad "seeking woman who WANTS to live in a trailer and move every 6 months?
I could easily attend the rally in April 2011 as I am usually in Myrtle Beach in April.
I took early retirement because I could. But, I didn't have a plan for my time.
Your comments are greatly appreciated, except if they are about the Buffalo Bills, because we here in WNY already know that they're bad (LOL)
Craig
laurly said
06:40 PM Oct 11, 2010
Hi Craig, and welcome to the forum! There is a wealth of knowledge from people on here for sure. Even though we are not yet full-timers, from what I can see & read from others, you shouldn't have any trouble having a social life.
Good luck in your quest to go full time!
Roz said
07:35 PM Oct 11, 2010
Greetings, Craig! Whether you are full-time, part-time or most of the time really does not matter, the social aspect is one of personal taste. If you like being around like minded people there are out there.
It sounds to me as if you will have no problem whatsoever striking up an acquaintanceship.
We have enjoyed camp hosting (work caming for site and amentities only - no$) but involves less hours. There are many singles that RV, even full-time. You may find it easier to meet someone than other places.
We have attended one of Howard and Linda's Rallies, and it was a great experience. By all means plan to go! You shall enjoy it, and you will not be the only single person there.
We are from Jacksonville and you already know the score from yesterday! Go Jaguars!!!
Terry and Jo said
08:27 PM Oct 11, 2010
Craig,
First of all, thanks for your service to your community by being in the police department.
Second, be careful with this idea of full timing. There are some Solo'ers out there and some are single ladies. Who knows which ones might be on the hunt.
Third, the social scene is what you make of it. While most campers and full timers will be married, if you are workamping or camp hosting, you sometimes get to see the singles ladies. Perhaps not many, but some.
Fourth, welcome to the forums. It is a site of a lot of knowledgeable folks, very willing, friendly, and helpful with comments, answers, and advice.
Before buying anything, take a look at the trailers and fifth wheels out there and find something that you like. Pay attention to as much detail as you can and sit in the furniture to see whether you like it. It is advisable to choose the camper first so you will have an idea of the weight that your pickup would need to pull. Nothing is more frustrating than finding that after buying a truck, that it isn't big enough to safely pull your choice in camper.
Check out the RV shows and as many dealer lots as possible. Use the internet to find and look at picturs of potential units. And above all, ask a lot of questions of those on the forums. Some forum sites will be more friendly than others, and RV Dreams is one of, if not, THE BEST We welcome questions as one never knows who else has been in need of the question being asked.
But whatever you do, have fun doing it. When checking out dealer's lots and RV shows, take along a digital camera and take pictures of features you like and features that you aren't sure about. Then, ask more questions.
Terry
janni said
09:04 PM Oct 11, 2010
Hi and Welcome to a very friendly group with a lot of knowledge mixed in. I was divorced and single for 10 years so I can relate to the socializing question. Personally, I couldn't think of a better place to meet people and maybe even that "special" one also. I see you love traveling and the camping life so the rest will all fall in place if you really want it!
Craig M said
10:53 PM Oct 11, 2010
Terry & Jo: Thank you for your response, especially buy the camper first, then find a truck that matches the need. So much is written about both partners wanting the same lifestyle but very little about singles. Campgrounds for the most part are destinations (vacation) for families and to a lesser extent married couples. Travelers are there for the weekend and only some during the week. I have rarely if ever seen singles in a campground.
The beauty of a campground is that they are located in lesser developed area of the locale (mountains etc) I have never been in a campground that was not at least a half hour drive to the nearest good sized town. So for all the other factors I have to take into consideration, companionship is a big concern. I'm sure you'd like my jokes and stories but you're not going to want me around your campfire every weekend.
I always appreciate thanks for my police service to the public. I'm proud beyond words to tell you the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. MY boy is a Marine,been to Iraq twice and is looking at Afghanistan this March. Never was religious before, but I learned to pray real quick.
53 Merc said
07:07 AM Oct 12, 2010
Craig M wrote:
Travelers are there for the weekend and only some during the week. I have rarely if ever seen singles in a campground.
The beauty of a campground is that they are located in lesser developed area of the locale (mountains etc) I have never been in a campground that was not at least a half hour drive to the nearest good sized town. So for all the other factors I have to take into consideration, companionship is a big concern.
MY boy is a Marine,been to Iraq twice and is looking at Afghanistan this March. Never was religious before, but I learned to pray real quick.
Oddly enough, I was at a campground last week in TX that had at least 4 and possibly 5 single campers. Three men that apparently left for work about 8 AM and came back about 4:30 or 5 PM. The single lady went to town a couple of times a day and cared for her pet. The week before that, a park in OK was full of long-timers working in town.
This campground was at a golf course on the outskirts of town.
A great number of travelers stay a couple of weeks or more at destination parks (think Fred and Jo) and many many others on this forum.
Like Fred siad on another thread, somebody been lyin' to you! Socializing is simple, sit outside your rig in a lawn chair, speak or nod to the people walking past and you are immediately socialized. Sometimes you have to go inside to get 'em to leave. The camping fraternity are some of the best people on the earth. It is almost impossible to pull into a park and not have three or four people try to help you back in, set up, disconnect or hook up the stinky slinky for you. If you really want to draw a crowd, put a cooler beside your chair with a choice of beverages, leave the lid up and watch the party grow.
GiniaJ said
07:14 AM Oct 12, 2010
Craig: I don't think any of your concerns will be a problem, once you get going in this lifestyle. If you choose workamping, there are plenty of parks out there that will hire singles, and from this site, and also Workampers.com, I know that there are plenty of single women out there doing this llfe. I think there is even a personal site of sorts (I've seen some ads for finding like minded partners that want to share this lifestyle) there on Workamper.
Being a cop (former now, but once cop..always a cop), you have a natural draw. I should know, as I was married to a Michigan State Trooper for many years and the ladies do love cops. I don't think you will have trouble in finding a social life (in the right RV park) or finding eventual companshionship.
The rest should be easy. Find your trailer, find a good truck, put out the feelers if interested in workamping and go for it.
And as already said here on this site, thanks for your service. I highly respect cops and what they do and am proud to have been part of a cop lifestyle at one point. It is not always an easy life to lead but so much good is done that is never truly known by the public they serve!
Good luck on finding your trailer, truck and in beginning a new lifestyle. How exciting to even begin planning.
Remi said
08:22 AM Oct 12, 2010
Welcome and yes, you just reached a whole lotta helpful folks.
About work camping, no personal experience but I know many who do/have and they seem to like it.
Social stuff I have experience on, first, I wouldn't advise posting for a woman wanting to live in a trailer and move every 6 months, you never know who would respond and even more so, many who might find it intriguing or desirable with the right partner might be scared off at the outset if that's in a post. I've lived in everything from a New Orleans hood, to a van, to a McMansion or two over the years and had no problems socially, be it friendship, or socially, be it romantically, in any. Actually, probably more issues when living in the McMansions and executive apartments cause I had to weed out a lot of the superficial types who want status or $$$. I wouldn't bring up the rv thing at first unless your dealing with other rv enthusiasts. Just meet folks and see if you click, the rv thing will come up on it's own and if the person(s) have already gotten to know you, then it's not so much of a culture shock or stereotype issue from the outset.
If you enjoy the camping lifestyle and want to travel, do it if it'll make you happy. The other stuff will work out as you readjust to the general flow of your chosen lifestyle.
Bon chance,
Remi
Ckerr said
09:37 AM Oct 13, 2010
Welcome Craig! Just wanted to say hi and second the responses you've already gotten.
1. Find the trailer, then get a suitable truck to pull it.
2. If you enjoy camping (or I would say "RVing", since in my mind it's much different than "camping"), traveling and adventure, go for it.
3. Don't worrry about the social scene. If you meet people living in the S&B, you'll meet them on the road too. We've found it to be a great way to meet new people -- some married, some co-habitating and some single. I think I've even heard of some folks meeting up on the road and eventually marrying...
4. If you have difficulty striking up the initial conversation, just travel with a friendly dog. Walking them around the park provides lots of opportunity to chat with folks.
We're in the transition to fulltime. My SE (spousal equivalent) is currently working a project in Arkansas for 20 months. After trying to juggle his working on the road and my real estate business we recently decided to just go fulltime. So my current project is to empty the house and get it set to lease in the spring so I can join him on the road the beginning of the year.
Hope to see you out there soon!
Waggin Tails said
06:43 AM Oct 17, 2010
Craig, welcome to the forum. As others have said, there is a large knowledge base here. I have found the folks here to be honest and real people. You can count on honesty bascked up be experience here.
Also, thanks for your PD service. I always have a special respect for law enforcement and military service members. Just like these people, you put your life on the line daily so we can feel secure and safe. Thanks for your years of service.
Lastly, we have found that RVers are just about the friendliest people you'll find.
It all starts with a plan. Live the plan so you can live the dream.
It sounds to me as if you will have no problem whatsoever striking up an acquaintanceship.
We have enjoyed camp hosting (work caming for site and amentities only - no$) but involves less hours. There are many singles that RV, even full-time. You may find it easier to meet someone than other places.
We have attended one of Howard and Linda's Rallies, and it was a great experience. By all means plan to go! You shall enjoy it, and you will not be the only single person there.
We are from Jacksonville and you already know the score from yesterday! Go Jaguars!!!
Craig,
First of all, thanks for your service to your community by being in the police department.
Second, be careful with this idea of full timing. There are some Solo'ers out there and some are single ladies. Who knows which ones might be on the hunt.
Third, the social scene is what you make of it. While most campers and full timers will be married, if you are workamping or camp hosting, you sometimes get to see the singles ladies. Perhaps not many, but some.
Fourth, welcome to the forums. It is a site of a lot of knowledgeable folks, very willing, friendly, and helpful with comments, answers, and advice.
Before buying anything, take a look at the trailers and fifth wheels out there and find something that you like. Pay attention to as much detail as you can and sit in the furniture to see whether you like it. It is advisable to choose the camper first so you will have an idea of the weight that your pickup would need to pull. Nothing is more frustrating than finding that after buying a truck, that it isn't big enough to safely pull your choice in camper.
Check out the RV shows and as many dealer lots as possible. Use the internet to find and look at picturs of potential units. And above all, ask a lot of questions of those on the forums. Some forum sites will be more friendly than others, and RV Dreams is one of, if not, THE BEST We welcome questions as one never knows who else has been in need of the question being asked.
But whatever you do, have fun doing it. When checking out dealer's lots and RV shows, take along a digital camera and take pictures of features you like and features that you aren't sure about. Then, ask more questions.
Terry
This campground was at a golf course on the outskirts of town.
A great number of travelers stay a couple of weeks or more at destination parks (think Fred and Jo) and many many others on this forum.
Like Fred siad on another thread, somebody been lyin' to you! Socializing is simple, sit outside your rig in a lawn chair, speak or nod to the people walking past and you are immediately socialized. Sometimes you have to go inside to get 'em to leave. The camping fraternity are some of the best people on the earth. It is almost impossible to pull into a park and not have three or four people try to help you back in, set up, disconnect or hook up the stinky slinky for you. If you really want to draw a crowd, put a cooler beside your chair with a choice of beverages, leave the lid up and watch the party grow.
Welcome Craig! Just wanted to say hi and second the responses you've already gotten.
1. Find the trailer, then get a suitable truck to pull it.
2. If you enjoy camping (or I would say "RVing", since in my mind it's much different than "camping"), traveling and adventure, go for it.
3. Don't worrry about the social scene. If you meet people living in the S&B, you'll meet them on the road too. We've found it to be a great way to meet new people -- some married, some co-habitating and some single. I think I've even heard of some folks meeting up on the road and eventually marrying...
4. If you have difficulty striking up the initial conversation, just travel with a friendly dog. Walking them around the park provides lots of opportunity to chat with folks.
We're in the transition to fulltime. My SE (spousal equivalent) is currently working a project in Arkansas for 20 months. After trying to juggle his working on the road and my real estate business we recently decided to just go fulltime. So my current project is to empty the house and get it set to lease in the spring so I can join him on the road the beginning of the year.
Hope to see you out there soon!