By Barry Zander, Edited by Monique Zander, the Never-Bored RVers
I just read your article about Enon. It gave me a chuckle. I actually live close to Enon and still am not sure where it is. I hear people talk about it but it remains this mysterious place that only certain people know where it is located. I’ll be following your journey and hope you have a fun and safe trip. Carol Garris
In the book “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christy, which was made into a movie in 1959 called, “Ten Little Indians,” the name of the omniscient host was U.N. Owen. It was later decoded to mean “Unknown.” Well, maybe the “Mystery of Enon” is that it’s “None” spelled backwards.
In response to my request for wrong turn stories, there’s this one from Gary:
Perhaps not as good a story as yours, but here goes anyway. My wife and I were traveling south from Mount Vernon, WA, on Interstate 5, talking about anything and everything when we found ourselves on Old Highway 99, the old main north/south Hwy, from Seattle, which is about 10 miles or so to the west, of I-5, without any knowledge of how we got there. We knew where we were, but how we got there remains a mystery even today. That was over 30 years ago and we still refer to that time whenever we find ourselves talking past a turn-off. Good times. Yes. Thanks, Gary
AND …
We once spontaneously decided to tent camp with canoe, two kids, and a dog. The idea was to get to Flagstaff Lake, put gear and all of us in the canoe, and paddle to the campsite. After several hours of driving and dark soon approaching we realized how ridiculous our plan was. Not to mention how far we’d have had to paddle. I whipped out our map of Maine and found Rangeley Lake State Park. We booked one of the last two available sites.
When we got to the site with the campground wood, turns out to have been waste from a furniture maker. The kids built with the wooden “blocks”. We canoed on several ponds nearby and had a blast. We didn’t get lost, but made a major change in plans. That was one of the best camping trips we ever had.
Now we have a teardrop a third kid and no pets. We also have a teardrop and rooftop tent. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do more exploring this summer. I love reading about the adventures on this blog. We’re trying our best to enjoy as much as we can with our kids and will also be happy campers when we become empty nesters. I read your blog and live vicariously in the future. Thank you! Jacquie
Hi Barry:
I have been reading your postings off and on for the last 3 years. My wife and I started out RVing in a 32 foot 5th wheel. It was very nicely equipped, had a great kitchen with island (which my wife thought would be useful as she is a great cook). What we came to realize fairly soon was that this unit did not suit our needs at all as we like to travel rather than spending a week (or more) in a park or campsite like our friends who got us into RVing. When travelling you have the issues of backing up, hooking up, unhooking etc., which can be stressful.
We are going to trade in our 5th and get a motorhome and have been carefully looking at Class B + C’s. That said we have concluded that we don’t want to buy a MH and end up towing a “toad”, and as a result have pretty much eliminated Class “C”’s and will probably compromise on a B unit in the 25-26 ft. Length to avoid towing a vehicle.
My question to you is what size/type of unit do you use? Based on your experience what are some of the things to really think about before purchasing and some of the things to try to avoid? What have you and Monique found to be important “must haves”?
What are some of the things people may think are important considerations but which in many cases turn out to be unimportant? Any other thoughts or suggestions based on your experiences are appreciated.
Thank you, Brian.
WOW, what a forum for opinion! Let’s start out with the first thing we learned when we were considering buying an RV. During a talk by Vickie and Joe Kieva, they stressed, “There is no perfect RV.” We strongly recommend visiting at least one RV show before making your purchase, or visit dealers with a large selection of models. Sit in them, and of the ones that capture your interest, write down what might be missing that you would want. After we shopped, we went home, sat in our backyard swing and one-by-one eliminated the models that left us with doubt.
We have a 28-foot travel trailer. Most important for long-time travel is a slide – we have one, Monique would say our TT would be perfect if it had a second one in the bedroom.
Meet Kokopelli, our 28-foot travel trailer. It's appropriate for most camping situations.
What to think about? Construction. The more you’ll use it, the more emphasis on quality construction, which often means more of an investment. Monique tells others to avoid the kitchen in the rear, which bounces around the most.
We suggest that you make your decision based upon Lifestyle. if you’re going to park in private campgrounds primarily and for long stays, big is okay. If you’re a camper going to state parks, even our 28-footer eliminates many places. When we pull into a crowded shopping center or fast-food outlet, we often comment, “Glad we don’t have a 42-footer with tow.”
On the other hand, physical limitations must be considered. I’m still able to lift our 86-pound Honda 3000 generator into the bed of our truck. Five years from now, I may have to find another way to do it. For months-long travel, the smaller motorhomes have convenience. If you don’t have a toad, you have to accept hooking up every time you return to the campground. A Class B (van conversion) is a flexible rig but less spacious. A pop-up, teardrop or truck camper can get you just about anywhere, but we would dread being cooped up in any of those during a weeklong rainy season. As former tent campers, that’s what we first thought would be ideal, but were quickly talked out of it by an RV salesman, for which we are thankful.
Another must-have is a sense of adventure accompanied by a sense of humor. Things don’t always go as you’d like, but like the wedding where the bride trips over her gown while walking down the aisle, these things pass into fond memories.
And thanks to the following for their input:
Just took delivery of a 31-foot Class ‘C’ Sun Seeker. I live about 120 miles NE of Toronto, Ontario, and about mid-May am starting out on a LONG trip. Down to Raleigh, N.C., New Orleans, San Antonio, Carlsbad Caverns, Yuma, San Diego, Culver City, San Francisco, Denver, St Louis, Nashville, Raleigh and then home. Towing a Dodge Caliber for side trips. Expect to be On-The-Road for 8-10 weeks. Enjoy your blogs and will post again along the way. Keep an eye out for “The Cialis Palace”! Pat & Dixie
[Culver City?]
Enjoying your blog, you are living the dream! Lois
We traveled cross-country In our 32ft 5th wheel from NC to Washington. Learned about the importance of ELEVATION when planning a long trip. We left WIlliams, AZ, where it was 75 degrees, and went to Bullhead City, AZ, and 112 degrees. If you travel thru NC (my home state) be sure to stay in Maggy Valley and try some country ham for breakfast. Margaret Jordan
Thanks for the suggestions, Margaret. One important elevation tip that we all learn early-on is the “potato chip bag principle.” When your travels take you from sea level into the mountains, carbonated liquids and air-filled bags do fun things when opened.
Hi Barry, As you will be coming east, we’ll be leaving Vermont in our 5er to points west and eventually Alaska! From there we – should say “I” want to follow the coast south through California and then east to San Antonio, and finally back to Vermont. Haven’t convinced my wife yet about going the long way home through California, AZ, NM, TX etc.
Please send me your blog address when it is ready. We wish your both a wonderful trip, with plenty of adventures – good adventures.
Steve Trahan
And this one from our friends on the ranch in Texas:
Howdy Monique & Barry
Rosie
Did the cow answer your mother, Barry?? Maybe the cow didn’t speak Cajun!!! We sure enjoyed the Alaskan adventure and are anticipating the ‘new’ tour!!! Hope all is well with y’all!! Come by when you can!!! Y’all are always welcome, Joyce & butterbean carpenter
And, a big How-dee to you two. Good to hear from you again. Monique says “Hi” to Rosie.
From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.
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© All photos by Barry Zander. All rights reserved