Just over a year ago, we picked up our brand new fifth wheel to begin an RV trip around the US. Along the way I planned to blog about our adventures, but as the queen of procrastination I never wrote the words down. We were busy putting miles on our rig, state on our maps, and friends around the table. And most importantly making great memories and a couple thousand pictures. Instead of starting the blog when we started our journey, I’m starting it a few months after we ‘restarted’ our journey post COVID shelter in place. We’re a little bit more road wise but still in awe of the amazing history and beautiful places in our great country.
This August we took our rig in for some warranty work and services in the same place we purchased it last September. Most RV dealers have an area to stay in your rig over night for a day or two when you first take possession or when you bring it in for servicing. We dropped our rig off at McClains RV in Fort Worth and headed to Arkansas. On our return we spent a night in the same place as when we took ownership of our rig. It was a surreal experience. So many memories flashed back of those early days of RVing. Just 10 months earlier we had taken possession of our rig and despite doing a good bit of research online and schooling through an online RV course, putting the concepts to practice was daunting. Ten months earlier it took us at least an hour to hook up and get things ready to hit the road (plus helps from a seasoned RVer staying in the same lot). A year later and we almost feel like pros. I say almost because there is always that bit of trepidation as you pull your home down onto a crazy busy highway.
When you take possession of your RV, an RV tech will walk you through all of the intricacies of your rig, from lowering the jacks to how the sewer works. Keep in mind that this guy does this day in and day out, and despite the number of notes you take or videos you make when it’s actually time for you to do it yourself it’s a whole different ball game! Thank goodness we made some awesome RV/ Military Retiree friends who were picking up their rig at the same time so we could share our newbie questions without feeling too foolish.
The first time you hook up your rig, your HOUSE to your truck and begin pulling it down the road is a nerve-racking experience. Couple that with the chaos of Dallas/Ft Worth traffic, crazy high fly overs and bad drivers and you’ll need a drink when you get to your next site. But your drink will only be cold if you remember to turn your inverter on before you disconnect from shore power (another thing to remember!)
We’ve learned and seen so much in the last year on the road. We’ve seen some amazing pieces of American history. This blog will chronicle our adventures on the road, random thoughts on life events and highlight some of our favorite places. A lot of post will be retrospective as we catch up on our adventures. It will be rough at times as I fight technology and time management. Thank you for coming along for the ride!
Comments
So excited to read about the Wandering Whitney’s.
Loved this! Cannot wait for more!
I love seeing your adventures. Retiree goals.
Quite an amazing adventure! The kids will appreciate it one day.
I am so excited to follow along in your journey! Great job and keep up the sight seeing! I am so thankful to have made your friendship so many moons ago!
I love hearing your stories on FB. Can’t wait to see all the details in the blog.
Always love reading your travels and adventures…no matter when you find the time to “log” them!
Gonna be watching this space as we approach acquisition of our travel trailer. Congrats on kicking this off!!
Author
Can’t wait to see you guys out there!