Judgeing a book by it's cover- first impressions - RV-Dreams Community Forum

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Judgeing a book by it's cover- first impressions

ClassicRoadTrip · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hi Deb,

After 18 months on the road I will give you my view.

You will find clicks in other words the same highschool mentality of group thinking me personally I got no problem with that I feel no one should be forced to be with people they do not want to be.

To use an example in a few thousand trails resorts I started noticing that some parts would be loaded with large brand new rigs and the rest of the park would be mixed when we got to Florida after back and forth a few times I got into conversation with a park ranger because I noticed something interesting on the office map the section with the new large expensive rigs was marked as full but when you went to the actual sites there where many empty the park ranger changed colors and admitted that they would leave it marked as full and when "special" rvers could come they would let them know that section had spots available.

Again with me I got no problem with it either if we had one of those large expensive rigs I would not mind the extra love either.

I also as in the regular society have overheard other people talking about others again this is something normal in society.

We as you kind follow our own beat and really do not belong to any clicks and since we are a kind of young fulltime family do not tend to go with the typical demographics.

Having said that we have never made to feel unwelcome and over all most rvers are wonderful people that does that mean you will not find some bad apples yes you will again it is what it is.

Now in Florida there are some parks that they have restrictions on the conditions of your RV but there is enough competition to find an alternative where you can not stay with your RV.

Welcome to the road and we pray ypu have as much fun as we have.

Vic

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think if I saw you with camera in hand I would just ask what you were doing and probably ask if I could come along. I woudn't worry what other people would say. As far as your rig, ours is older but comfortable. As long as it fits your needs, not to worry. Hope this helps.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Vic, I understand the clicks and that's o.k. with me. People who travel and know each other should form good bonds and as far as bad apples well they are everywhere and that is the beauty of the r.v [move if you don't like where you are]. Thanks for the welcome...Deb

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

At the park where we hosted, there was a tiny fellow female solo host who was anything but feminine. She did maintenance and pumped propane. Only time I saw her muddy was when she had to climb under an antique rig to get propane access and s he walked like she just got off a horse. She had the loudest and most outrageous laugh and everybody loved her.

Love Loretta's response and agree.

Ps, we've seen stranger sites than someone chasing a bird in flannel PJ's. 😄

We'd find you interesting but you'd probably scare our dog! 😄

Laughing,
Sherry

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Loretta! That's great. I would take anybody along, it really is just sitting a lot and waiting but the tea is good and you can quit anytime and go back "home". ...Deb

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Sherry, I am laughing as I type this. My big 5 lb dog is exactly like that too! He does not even recognize me on occasion. I came back one day and I looked like I was on army training-mud covering my face and whole front of my body. I fell face first while trying to get a shot of a plover [those are so quick] and they like the mud flats so that is where I had to be. I think "john-boy", [named him that so I could say goodnight John boy just like when I watched the Waltons Ha Ha] thought I was some sort of assassin until I spoke. I do look more respectable when I am photographing snowy owls [no mud] but I don't run into many people in RVs as who wants to be up north in -30? Take care....Deb

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hey muddy person. Want me to rinse the mud off you with my outdoor shower? Be glad to.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

If your nice your OK by us.....that's all we judge by......NICENESS,,,,,

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm with Gene!!!.....................Niceness!!!

Personally I find people who are trying to impress and judge by what they have usually boring!!!!

If you live like you want....treat those the way you want to be treated and speak from the heart....I already like you!!!!.

and if playing in the mud or hanging from a tree branch is your thing......just smile.....some people are just to embarrassed to do it because they grew up and dont really know what keeping that childhood spirit going is all about!!!!

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

I sometimes act like a pre-teen with some of the crazy antics I do. If I embarrass anyone too bad; we only go through this life one time and I am going to enjoy what makes me feel good. I just turned 62 in July; I have an old 1988 Class C which I try to keep it looking fairly nice. Oh! I try my best to be nice also.
Try to make pleasant conversation with every one I meet; Yep; There are a few that are unapproachable and have to kindly excuse myself!
If I seen you all muddy; just might ask you if you would like to make mud-pies!! LOL!

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well thanks for all the replies, Yes I am a nice person and I like to have fun also. I do care [deep down] what others think but not enough to stop me from enjoying my work life and I think everyone regardless of money , looks, etc. has something to offer even if they don't think so. Many years ago I was embarrassed a little but now I am more comfortable and I make a decent living. If I wanted to make a lot of money I would do more shows but I only do maybe 2 weekends a year to keep me going and I am o.k with just enough to get by. Maybe in the future if I wanted a larger everything I may do that but I did the workaholic thing for many years and was not as happy as I am now. Thanks so much and if in the future you do see some "bizarre" woman in lovely red flannel pj's [I don't run around in them all the time but if a bear, bobcat, or birdie is in the area and I just get up, I am out the door pj's and all] with a cup of tea and holding a camera don't be shy come on over and say hello!!! and yes don't worry I am not the crazy weekender chasing a bear with a camera without the knowledge of knowing what I am doing, I am always safe and I have gained much knowledge over the years and don't mind sharing that with anyone interested in wildlife photography.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

BTW, your hummingbird photo is gorgeous!

Sherry

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Sherry, birds are kinda my specialty. Funny thing is I get tons of people asking for shots of their kids or weddings and I always tell them "not unless they are being chased by a bear as I only do wildlife" They laugh but That really is the only way I would do people shots..... Take care and get some sleep!!!....Deb

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Heck,, we don't care what ya drive or wear. I'll admit that I saw this old guy come out in HIS flannel robe to bend down and mess with his sewer hose one morning and I was bothered by what he WASN'T wearing LOL!!! But I got over that as well. So to each his own.
We see it all out fulltiming it seems. When I see the guys out at 7am with nice shorts on with a belt and all tucked in and I'm out in my gym shorts and a old Tee Shirt with the neckline all pulled out of shape and my hat that Diane says needs to be thrown away on mixed with a few tattoo's and I sometimes wonder what they may think of me LOL!!! But it seems that I don't offend many.
I would just be impressed that you were able to figure out all the buttons on your camera!!!

CJSX2fromCT · RV-Dreams Family Member

To damn hard trying to be someone your NOT, All we can be is who we are. I am who I am and you can accept me for that or not. Life is was to short trying to keep up with the "Jones"
Looks like the left and right side of you is already taken in the mud, Can I sit in front of you or behind you?

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would much rather be around women who would fit in at the "deer camp" rather than the Holiday Inn.

I had a good customer "female" who "came from country roots" but sophisticated herself to be in the "elite circle of the rich" in the Dallas area.
I was always uncomfortable around her, afraid I wouldn't be politically correct enough.

Deb, you're alright with me. You can sit by my campfire anytime.

Red

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have met so many amazing people on the road. The most amazing thing is encountering so many folks who are comfortable being who they are. That is the most beautiful thing.

Sounds like you'll fit right in... :)

- Cherie

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

You'll come across all kinds of people just like in any other lifestyle. Keep in mind that some people are just naturally reserved and you do have to exercise a certain amount of caution these days when in unfamiliar territory. I never really saw a firm division based on one's rig. Once, a beautiful Prevost came into the park and that man was very friendly and related to us how he had wanted one since he was a kid and now, retired, he had saved enough to have one. Since I walk my dogs, I have encountered a lot of people and no two the same.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well I can see by the responses that many of you are pretty much the same as myself, willing to accept people on the basis of who they are. That is very nice to know. It has been very helpful that so many of you all with different personalities have answered this as It gives a wide range of views and it is much appreciated. I hope to see some of you next year as that is when I will be south basking in the above freezing temps...Can't wait......Deb

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've come across all kinds of people, I really don't care about the rig, we care more about the people and friendships we make along the way. Met a couple in Colorado who were full timing in a truck camper (the kind that has a partial pop-up roof). Personally I was amazed anyone could downsize that much, but thought it was wonderful that they were having fun in that small of a rig seeing the country and living life.

As for appearance, who cares? I work a virtual job from home (which is whereever the RV is parked) and because we're mostly on the West Coast I have a lot of conference calls that start early so unless I want to get up and shower at 5 AM (NOT!!), I "miss" my shower time until late afternoon. Sometimes I work outside the rig, hair looks like a rats nest and if anyone really cares, it's their problem.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Dale & Ruth!, Ya "rats nest" is how I look returning from a photo day. I guess I just see most of the women looking pretty good and I do not fit into that category at all. I will have a coffee or tea with anyone even after a days work/enjoyment, even if they are done up to the nines but I on the other hand just don't do that. I shower and am clean of course [except when I am out for a day] but even If I am not in the swamp makeup and hairdo's are just not me. Funny I read that and It sounds like I am some sort of backwoods creature but although that is where I spend my time I can easily fit with most groups but heck maybe that is why I get so many speaking engagements, I can usually get a large crowd comfortable and laughing their heads off in a short time and really what more does one need. Oh except food, shelter, water, money, wall mart,.......Deb

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Deb - I do not want to worry about outward appearances, it's what is on the inside that counts. Working from home has given me so much more time and luxury to not give a flip about my appearance. I do look appropriate when I have to be at an art show for Dale's business or travel for my business, but when working from home? Who cares.

If someone is put off by my hair looking like it's been slept on or the fact that I love very, very casual clothes and hate ironing, it's not my problem.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

good to know Ruth, I do like that "very ,very casual comment. Thanks and have a very warm winter!!

jrzygrl64 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've been following this for a couple of days and decided to add my 2 cents worth.

I agree that people who are nice, who cares about the rest (clothes choices, age of rig, etc.). I look for "genuineness" (is that a word?) and sincerity. I like people who are honest and who aren't afraid to be who they are. So, based on what you have said already, we could become great friends!

CurveCarver · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike said it all in a nut shell.

Be a free spirit, be who you are.

If others have a problem or issue with that, that's their problem.

I'm a bit of a birdbrain myself and have to laugh at myself sometimes for some of the antics I'm apt to go through

too follow a song and catch a glimpse of who's singing ...

Absolutely love the picture.

Take care, and enjoy your life time doing what you love to do.

You have and offer a gift that can be shared and enjoyed by many.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

I wish I could be clean more. I was part of the leadership team in my last job. Always neat and tidy. But I didn't really feel comfortable around the CEO, CFO, COO types. They always seemed a bit arrogant. Now that I am flatbedding, I am dirty all the time. Handling the tarps you get dirty. Ain't no sense in fighting it, it's the nature of the beast. I am treated differently by some and the same by others. Truth is, I am too old to care what you think. I am polite to all and conduct myself with class. I try not to judge. In the past when I have, I am usually wrong. I am sensitive to your comfort level and expect the same from you. I don't recognize race as having any place in modern society but I am horribly intolerant of dishonesty. Bottom line, you are my friend until you prove otherwise.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Looks like we kinda all have a great outlook on others. I think niceness, honesty [both inner and outer], "genuineness" [we will make it a word ] , kindness, "sensitive to your comfort level " are as important to all of us. I am glad to hear from so many as it shows a real reflection of people from all over. And Bruce we will have to meet up one day and share funny birding stories. JRZYgrl64 [bill and Kelly]-- I like your outlook as well, I think being out in nature does give us a better measure of who we are and once we know, acceptance and change can be acquired to feel comfortable in our own skin. On that note, I always thought I was a strong independent and fearless woman until one day I was out with my 76 year old father both facing in opposite directions but only a couple feet apart. I was honing in on a wonderful bird shot with my camera and my father yelled " bear "[it was fall and they were hungry] The strong fearless me turned and ran like a schoolgirl leaving my father in the dust hollering at me to stop as it was up the road a ways. Well I laughed myself silly [almost having an "accident"] and trundelled back to my father. He could hardly contain his laughter and it will be a good memory for him at least. I realized that the real reaction one has may be slightly if not entirely different than we perceive it to be. Oh and in my defense a 400mm lense does make things appear much closer, Wait I did not see the bear through my lens!. So for anyone wanting to come birding with me you are now on notice!! Make sure you can at least outrun me. Take care....Deb

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

MarkS wrote:
I wish I could be clean more. I was part of the leadership team in my last job. Always neat and tidy. But I didn't really feel comfortable around the CEO, CFO, COO types.

Mark, a good CEO, CFO and COO would make you feel like he's just one of the guys. Sometimes though, they may under a great deal of pressure and don't come off as a regular Joe. And a few of them just think they're better than the worker bee's, I have no use for these types either.

jimindenver · RV-Dreams Family Member

Deb

I'm a insect photographer and people look at me pretty funny while I chase them around. I do other wildlife too which people always seem to understand but shoot a bug and they think you are crazy.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Jim, I love hearing from people that do things I cannot, Macro is almost a foreign language to me. Love looking at it, find it fascinating [and difficult] but I am not good at it at all. Hope to meet you someday down the road, I'll be the one smashing into you as we both follow that "rare" butterfly-Ha Ha!.....Take care....Deb

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

The day I retired I threw my watch away. I also asked my wife to give me a short buzz hair cut. Why? So i don't have to comb it or fuss with what little hair I have left every morning. I call it my retirement cut.

I am no longer the working world so I don't need to make a first impression to keep my income up.

Now if you want to judge me by my appearance, I am not interested in anyone so short sighted. As others have said, I am just too old to care.

Many campers are so accepting because we all share a common love...camping.

If you are covered with mud, but willing to share your love of photography with us, pull up a chair, let's talk. I love to learn. Need a towel? Coffee?

-- Edited by Dog Folks on Saturday 12th of October 2013 01:44:52 PM

Airplane Guy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I love you guys attitude! Only thing I would ask is to see how your camera is set up and can I go with you, I'll bring the bug spray

jimindenver · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'd probably pull a second rig out of the bag, give you a quick how too and head out. I can't use bug spray though, it scares them off when I get within a inch or two of them for the shot.

Deb
Macro isn't hard once you have and are use to the gear. Most people I teach it too pick it up really fast.

Ravenlotus · RV-Dreams Family Member

My 5 year old daughter might point and stare and say "Look Mommy, she is all dirty. She needs to go home and take a bath." Then she may come over and tell you herself and ask you why you are so dirty. Kids are funny. But we know do how it is to be judged. My daughter has sensory issues that keep me from combing her hair. So she is growing dreadlocks. I'm lucky I can get her let me wash her hair once or twice a week. So her hair is clean but yes it's not combed. Her dreads are still forming. I also wear dreadlocks. Only because I think they are beautiful. Even though mine are more formed than my daughter's they still aren't perfect yet. Lots of people judge us because they have the idea that people who have dreads are dirty people. We are not. And I would love to listen to all the stories of your adventures in photography. I find it fascinating.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Airplane guy-if ditch sitting sounds good to you, your more than welcome- bug spray is always welcome, Jim - I am Always into learning something new, I'll take you up on that offer If I do meet up with you. Ravenlotus --Kids are funny, When I have time I sometimes do photography lessons for kids[ I NEVER charge for people or kids as It gives me an opportunity to get them interested in nature and wildlife] from 2 to 16 and they are a lot of fun. When teaching perspective one day I had a large flower[pretty weed actually] and asked the kids "how would I take a pic of this so the nice blue sky was in the shot", a cute little 3 yr old looked down at the flower and up at the sky and with big huge eyes said "buy another flower". She figured if I bought one and held it up it would work, smart little girl. Of course the correct answer is to lay on your back and shoot upwards for a wonderful perspective. Dreadlocks or mohawk's are fine with me too. Hi dog folks, I can smell the coffee already-- and a towel, absolutely!! one less for me to pack in my small motorhome, does it come with free laundry service? A short hair "buzz cut" is the way to go for you guys anyway, I on the other hand keep my hair shortish but I still look like Maude but that's o.k she was one of the funniest actresses on t.v. and grey waves is my "camo" at least that is what I tell people........Take care.....Deb

nessa9566 · RV-Dreams Family Member

If I ran into you out in the "wild" I would probably try to befriend you. I am a horticulturist and landscape designer. The dirty I am the better I feel. My husband feels the same way. So we may end up sharing a campfire together someday. Looks and outward appearances mean nothing to me. Its whats in your heart that counts!

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Vanessa, I would love to share a fire. Landscape design and horticulture ! That's fantastic , I would love to hear more about that sort of work, once I get into a greenhouse it is hard to get me out, I can spend days in gardens and even landscaped yards. I am one who spends hours enthralled with grass of all things. I just have always loved any type of grass from green to all the wild varieties. See you down the road I hope!....Take care ....Deb

Grams · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've just started our full-time life and met the nicest man in the spot next to us. He even helped us move to a better spot during the pouring down rain. He told me that lots of the folks in the park won't talk to him, he thinks because of his tatoos. I think actions say a whole lot more than how you look! If we meet, I'll smile at you and hope we start up a conversation!

tobyjack · RV-Dreams Community Member

IT is not how you look or what you drive, but how you treat people that counts. We are getting ready to hit the road full time in our used 1990 36 foot airex. It has some paint damage to one side and since we decided to name it Jumbo, and I work, until February, in the printing industry and ride dual sport motorcycles, we decided to make a huge color image to place over the paint damage. It is the same image as our avatar, a Kawasaki KLR 650 pulling a giant pull toy elephant. We expect that it will garner attention from people who either think we are cool or strange and that it will be a conversation piece wherever we go. If we see you with your camera we will ask you to come look at some of our many images and share yours as well. Enjoy your travels.

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Grams, I do think actions say a whole lot more!! Hi tobyjack, I have no idea what an airex is but I would definitely check you out if I saw a cool image like that on the side of your rig. Take care.....Deb

Trix · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Deb, I'm a solo female in a 24' class C. I figure if folks want to look down on my rig cuz it's not big and fancy with 4 slides and satellite tv, then those aren't the kind of folks I want for friends.

You'll meet all types on the road, it doesn't take long to figure them out. I had a couple near me at the rally would barely say hi - their loss not mine. Most folks don't care what you drive or what you wear. Clean is good tho, LOL!

Kyra

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Kyra, I am learning not to take things to personally and I don't need to befriend someone who is a little stuffed up, but it is good to know how the rv community feels about such things and I have gained some good insight with how the majority feel and so far I like it. I agree "clean is good" ha ha, but if you catch me on the return of the day trip and you are just pulling in it may change your site choice in a hurry!! at least until you see me re-emerge clean but never coiffed. It is good to know there are other solo females out there, hope to meet up with a few some day...Take care and I hope you are enjoying the 24' experience.....deb

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!!...............no greater truth than this....and in our day and age , bombs have been found in some of the most prettiest of packages!!!

the nice part of solo'ing is being able to see the country without an opinion and observe it without it trying to leave an impression !!!
(Kinda like Kyra!!)

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

One thing we have noticed is that the travelers are the nicest group around. Its the folks that are at the resorts and campgrounds that have their weekend place that are usually not as friendly and cliche'ish

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jims carrilite wrote:
One thing we have noticed is that the travelers are the nicest group around. Its the folks that are at the resorts and campgrounds that have their weekend place that are usually not as friendly and cliche'ish

It is really O.K. they don't want to know you as you are not in their circle, and you don't want to know them anyways. There is "nothing" there.

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm also a solo female RVer, 26' 2004 Fleetwood Fiesta Class A. So far, so good, most everyone has been very nice to me; in Carson City though, I did have odd encounters with some neighbors in a 5th wheel that moved next door... the man, who appeared disabled in some way, immediately noticed I did not have my cable TV hooked up, and immediately began grilling me as to why! confuse I told him, I took the TV out, to make room for my printer (and I also may have thrown out my opinion that TV is mind control...) He was so very suspicious and disdainful of the "weird" lady who didn't watch TV.... he had a TV in one of the basement compartments, and would sit outside for hours, watching TV.

I've also had a few encounters with RV repair men, or guys working at campsites, who notice I travel alone, and begin the questions... "So, are you traveling alone? Do you have a husband?" It's not casual, friendly conversation, but probing and taking note. At that point, I generally point out, my dog (who is usually with me, these guys generally use him to start a conversation) is not well socialized, and WILL bite anyone who comes into our rig. If the guy seems too probing, I may say I am on the way to pick up my husband...

Right now, I am in Pahrump, and this park is nice; I've had a few nice conversations with people, no one is judging. There is one curious fellow, though, in an expensive Class A, towing a Mercedes, Florida plates, just across from me, who will yell into his cell phone about the Republican party, Obama, "F" this, "F" those people, get it done, "G" damn it! He puts on the appearance of a "party player" running some kind of show from the road, off his cellphone. Not someone I am eager to meet!

One issue I have, as a relatively young, non-retired female RVer, is the age difference, and also, the economic difference between the generations. Most fulltimers are around 70 it seems, and had an affordable, or GI bill paid for college education, a real job with retirement benefits, bought a house and sold it for enough profit to buy a Class A outright, with money in the bank to boot... being a lower income, working woman, in a 10 year old RV, crossing my fingers everything holds out, no retirement benefits, no Medi-Care, that's where it often becomes hard to relate, and judgement might happen.... hmm

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am fairly young [51] also but I seem to find the older generation a very interesting group. I like hanging out with people who have had amazing lives [boring to them maybe, but not to me]. The economic difference will be the biggest difference but I don't mind chatting with those who have more than myself, most out there will but I don't want for anything and have lived my life in wonderful, interesting low paying jobs that I have loved and wanted to do so I would not judge someone who hated their job their whole lives because they are now living their dreams. I now make enough to get by for my needs and have no intention of working more than I do to acquire something better to fit in better. From the input on this forum I am comfortable that I will meet people that do not judge simply by the pocketbook but more by the person and I am confident that will be enough. I will be out soon photographing the snowy owls and by march I will be fulltime "fulltime, I can't wait!.......Deb