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TO EACH THEIR HOME

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Most RV parks are their own little microcosms. Almost half of the “resort” where we are now is comprised of full-time residents, and we’re finding this to be the case in more and more parks. It has become a rare thing to stay at a park that doesn’t allow full-time residents, especially since they’re a steady source of income for park owners in off-season months when tourists and travelers don’t come around.

As for the full-timers, they aren’t necessarily what you’d expect. Well, some are, but the ones we’ve met on our evening walks, aren’t at all.

For example… The pretty young woman and her two sons who bear a Florida license plate are from Puerto Rico. Her boys are both excellent students and competitive swimmers. When the hurricane destroyed their town, she bought a motor coach in Florida, drove to Texas and established residency. She found a job as an aerobics instructor so her boys could go to school and continue their Olympic swimming dreams.

Walking up and down the streets here you’ll see large fifth-wheels. Some are up to 43-feet long. They are towed behind huge pickup trucks, but lots of people choose to park them and live in them for a while. Some have chosen forever.

People choose this RV lifestyle because while the neighborhood remains the same, there’s an ebb and flow of new blood: visitors coming through, who you get to talk to for a few days or weeks, and then they leave and someone else parks next door. And the best part is if you really dislike your neighbor… You can move your home!

This is a great alternative to apartments because you have a bit of yard but no overhead. If you are saving for a home, a gorgeous fifth-wheel is much cheaper than a house and will allow you to save. It’s a way to live that allows you to “have it all!”

We walk by RVs that have not only the necessary giant truck, but also a Mercedes Benz and a Harley Davidson motorcycle parked in their driveway. Or a truck and a BMW. Or a Hummer. There’s a cute couple in their late 30s who have a tiny English Mini (the original Clown Car), a swoonworthy 60’s Ford pick-up and a 1960’s Cougar. She’s a fashion-model, chic blonde who sits and reads while he’s outside working on one of his cars.

We’ve become a familiar pair of faces on our evening walks, and all we have to do is say, “hello,” or ask a question about someone’s rig to strike up a conversation. Everyone has a story to share. Whether or not it’s one you want to hear is another thing entirely!


12 Comments

  • gmail login August 2, 2018 at 3:15 am

    very good.thank you

    • Donna August 2, 2018 at 8:38 am

      You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
      XO Donna

  • Diane August 2, 2018 at 9:00 am

    Oh, my word! I’d love this!

    • Donna O'Klock August 10, 2018 at 8:39 am

      Diane, it does have it’s perks. Did you know that you can rent RVs now, in all shapes and sizes? You can give it a try!
      XO Donna

  • 1010ParkPlace August 2, 2018 at 9:58 am

    I would imagine you’d get to know your neighbors easier in an RV park than the burbs or an apartment building. I’d like that because where I live, everyone pulls into their garage and only only a couple come out early in the morning or late at night to walk their dogs. Just love your insight about RV living! xoxox, Brenda

    • Donna O'Klock August 10, 2018 at 8:47 am

      Brenda, Since most RVers live their life outdoors when the weather allows, it is easier to strike up a conversation. We have met some very nice people, enjoyed their company for a few days, then one of us moves on. Which is one of the perks of this lifestyle… especially if you don’t like your neighbor!
      XO Donna

  • Candi Randolph August 2, 2018 at 10:07 am

    RV parks are not what you’d expect! I think your description is spot on for some of the parks located near me in SW Florida. Sounds like a fun lifestyle!

    • Donna O'Klock August 10, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Candi, it sure can be fun! Some parks are wayyyyy better than others to us, but we sure have had a nice time in Florida! I’d love to return and explore more, soon!
      XO Donna

  • Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au August 3, 2018 at 2:11 am

    If I thought my husband and I could survive in such close quarters I’d be in one of these like a shot – or a tiny house (very cute). Unfortunately we’d end up killing each other and that wouldn’t be good karma for the tourist park I’m sure! The dream and the reality are nowhere near each other – maybe if I’m ever by myself?

    • Donna O'Klock August 10, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Leanne, LOL – I’m sure we’ve had days like that, too! I’ve met many, many women who do travel in their RVs… either completely alone, or with a group of other women, like Sisters on the Fly, which isn’t just about fly-fishing anymore.
      I’ll bet Australia has lots of stunning places to explore!
      XO Donna

  • Amy August 13, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    I often dream of buying a rv and living in it. Moving it around once in awhile and just parking it and staying put too! Maybe someday.

  • Donna McNicol August 14, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    We were full-time RVers for ten years…in fact, that’s how we met! Both widowed, both full-timers and both Harley-Davidson riders attending an RV rally in Gillette, WY. It was fate… Besides full-timing, we lived in Ecuador for two years, high up in the Andes Mountains. Now we have a house in rural Tennessee and are officially snowbirds. LOL!

    Off to check out your other blogs…

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