Success!

We completed the main projects before Labor Day and successfully camped at two different state parks for a total of nine nights. The first two nights were incredibly hot and humid, but the second outing was absolutely wonderful. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and are excited for our next trip.

I'm getting used to driving a large vehicle and figuring out the systems. I had a slight problem with the awning on the first trip, but no one was hurt and Mr. Q was able to fix it. I successfully dumped the waste tanks by myself (which involved packing up the RV, driving it to the dump station and then driving back, re-parking/leveling and setting up the awning again). The generator is leaking oil and the house battery needs replacing, but neither problem will stop us from doing a bit more exploring this fall. I think I'm ready to leave the state on a solo trip with the kids!

Slow Progress

The RV (or as my youngest says arrrveee) came home to live with us last August. We started the renovations only to find that there was more water damage than we anticipated. The rig spent a month being repaired by professionals. By the time it came back to us in November, it was getting cold and the holidays were fast approaching. Then came one of the snowiest winters on record. The poor RV sat and sat.

We resumed work this spring, but then yard work, gardening and life slowed us down. We were busy with ninja classes and a broken arm. We've got reservations to camp in September, so that's our deadline. Since late July, we've made a big push to get the renovations finished.

Mr. Q has done the bulk of the work; I will have a lot of painting and sewing to do in a few more days. So far, he's:

• removed all of the over-cab storage and replaced it with a queen bed platform
• removed the damaged wall sections and replaced them with beadboard (which I painted)
• added new trim
• replaced the carpet in the main part of the RV with vinyl flooring planks
• removed the microwave and starting building shelving in the empty cabinet
• re-installed the dinette and couch

Next on the list is building a railing system to keep the kids from falling out of the queen bunk area and finishing the former microwave cabinet which will be our primary food-storage area. We need to buy a new mattress for the bedroom, build a little bunk for our toddler, make a towel rack, make curtains and figure out bedding for everyone.

Oh, and we need to learn how to use all the systems, buy a new chassis battery and get it inspected.
 

Dream a Little Dream

This blog disappeared for three years.

A new son joined our family, my oldest graduated from high school and started college, we got a dog...all those things, while wonderful in their own right, complicated life, making travel more difficult than ever. I was restless, but usually too tired and too busy to dwell on hitting the road.

This spring, the kids and I went on a fairly spontaneous trip to Mt. Washington. They handled the surprise well and were even bitten by the travel bug. So while I had nearly given up on my dream of owning a recreational vehicle, their excitement about traveling got me thinking again. Just last week, my wanderlust roared to life when I saw a Class C for sale in our neighborhood. The kids approved. Mr. Q agreed to check it out. Today, we put down a deposit and signed a purchase agreement. We are already approved for a small loan and should be able to have the rig in our dooryard by Friday!

My current plan is to travel with the kids (and maybe the dog) as much as possible while Mr. Q holds down the fort at home. Occasionally, he'll come with us. My mind is about to explode with possibilities, renovation ideas for the RV and practical concerns (like the budget and learning to drive a 29' long behemoth!). I'm trying to breathe deeply, think peaceful thoughts and take one step at a time.

Fortunes Rocks Beach

On Sunday, I took a little road trip to Maine to buy a used snow blower. A solo road trip wouldn't be complete without a little unplanned excursion. Thanks to the wonders of wifi squatting, I found my way Fortunes Rocks Beach near Biddeford Pool. It was a beautiful way to spend a few minutes on the first day of spring!







I've been struggling with recent world events, including the earthquake in Japan and the bombing of Libya. The soothing sounds of the rolling Atlantic were just what I needed to help wash away the fear.

Pack Monadnock

Yesterday, we went for a short hike at Pack Monadnock in Temple, New Hampshire.

Resting

Summer Escape

Earlier this month, I escaped the humidity of New England and spent four nights in Las Vegas. I timed my trip to surprise a dear friend for her 40th birthday. She was speechless! I enjoyed two nights camping in the Spring Mountains and two nights in a hotel in Henderson. Driving a Smart Car was a fun treat, too.