RV people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in my travels include at least four kinds, all of whom are a part of the lifestyle, they just happened to go about it differently. I’ve been friends with every kind and understand their different viewpoints. None are better or worse than the others and all have learned to make whatever adjustments necessary to survive (and some thrive) in their RV homes. For some it’s full-time; for others only part-time. They are recognizable under different classifications, and I think you will understand my categories.
RV’er and his toys
The first group I think of as ADVENTURERS. Their RV serves the purpose of getting them to the trailhead, water shore or some other venue. Bicycles, motorcycles, kayaks, or off-road vehicles are often inside their RV’s, such as a toy-hauler or strapped on or hooked to their RV. When they get there, wherever “there” is, they spend little time in their vehicles. They will be outdoors enjoying their toys and sleeping well at night, worn out from the day’s activities of riding, rowing, or hiking. They are usually the most physically fit of RVers.
Another group is the CAMPERS. They enjoy the smell of conifers and campfires and taste of mountain stew or s’mores. Like the ADVENTURERS, they will spend a lot of time outdoors, but often reading a book under the shade of an awning or big tree. The obvious thing about CAMPERS is that they have more tables, chairs, and generators set about than the others. Their destinations are often national, or state parks or boondocking and they often meet with friends to enjoy the outdoors. Campfires are their favorite thing.
Photo of RV at an Indian Teepee Campground on Historic U.S. Route 66 in New Mexico. Note unique paint job.
The next group is the TRAVELERS. They have their maps highlighted and like to talk about where they’ve been and how they got there. Walmart is often their version of a “National Park”; their windshield is like the Drive-In theatre of their nomadic lives – wonderful stories unfold there. When you ask them about their RV, they are quick to tell you how many states it’s been in and how many trip miles are on the odometer. They are the least settled of the bunch.
Somewhere in Arizona
The last group, I refer to as the HOMESTEADERS. For whatever reason, they live in their rig all the time. It may be temporary or for the duration. This life is a dream for some and a necessity for others. Some plan for it and others have had no other recognizable choice. Some like it and some tolerate it. I’ve met lots of these and must confess, I’m often impressed by them. Even in a tough place in life they have it within themselves to carry on.
Arizona sunset
One closing thought: I can easily identify with each of these groups. when I headed out on a recent trip, I told myself that I was going to try to think like a HOMESTEADER on this trip instead of a TRAVELER. I noticed it slowed me down and didn’t have me thinking about where I was going. Instead, I was thinking about where I was at the moment. It’s like “wherever I’m at, I am.” That was me this past winter!
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Until next time… “Enjoy The Pleasure Of Getting Lost”
