Thursday, June 20, 2019

Will I Be Keeping Laverne?



While on our latest adventure the girls and I had a lot of time to talk and visit about how our lives are changing.  With one heading off to college in August and another one starting high school and looking forward to learning to drive and get her first job there is still a lot of change ahead of us.  We had a lot of time to think and talk about our futures as we headed to southern California, including me.


I have shared with you before that I want to travel and live on the road the first few years, once I retire.  It has come to me that the type of traveling I plan to do may not be conducive to having a motorhome.  I really like to get off the beaten path and explore and many of those places do not allow me to get there in a motorhome.

She drives like a dream

Another concern I have is that she would struggle with hills and, due to the weight, steep grades, especially downhill, could be problematic.  I'm a very anxious traveler and as I driving up to Virginia City and coming back from Lake Tahoe it occurred to me that if I was in Laverne I would be an absolute nervous wreck.  I don't want to be a nervous wreck.  The reality is that I have far more fears than most people, but it is my reality.


Navigating tight spaces to try and get in and out of the places I want to visit or having to not go at all due to fear I wouldn't be able to get there or would get stuck isn't at all how I want to travel either.  I don't want to be limited in where I can go.


Another thing, and I have to be realistic, is that despite the fact that Laverne is in excellent condition, she is over 30 years old and I'm not a mechanic.  You can't completely protect yourself from a possible breakdown regardless of what age your rig is, but a newer mode of transportation would give me more confidence when heading into an isolated location where cell service might not be available.


Lastly, I have been crunching the numbers and RV life will be more expensive than other alternatives (although a whole lot less than my current living situation).  Especially when it comes to fuel.  One more thing I don't want to worry about is having enough fuel when I head out on my adventures and stressing out between gas stations.  Having a more fuel efficient option would allow me to go further, visit more places and keep it financially more manageable.  That could mean more years on the road!  And travel outside of the country as well!!


So I've been giving this a lot of thought and I'm beginning to think it might be wise to sell the motorhome to someone who wants to really use it and get myself something else that will better fit the lifestyle I'm wanting to live.  I'm researching and looking at a lot of other options.  I think I have an idea of what will work better for me and allow me to do all the things I want to do as well as help me to do so with a lot less anxiety.


I've got oodles of ideas swirling around in my head.  Lots more research to do and a ton of work ahead of me as well.  I'm getting excited with some of the ideas I'm coming up with as well as the projects this venture would entail.


The decision to part with Laverne is bittersweet.  I've put a lot of work into her and she is a pretty sweet vintage motorhome.  I love her and I've done a ton of daydreaming about my life with her.  I even started outfitting her for my life on the road.  It has been a really hard decision to make.



18 comments:

  1. Kudos to you for looking at your goals and plans and changing them as needed! You're doing the hard but good work!!

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  2. Laverne looks so beautiful, but I understand completely. I would worry too. She would be great if you were only going a few hours away and maybe parking in a friend's or relative's driveway. It's always nice to have your own space when visiting, but driving the roads constantly could be a problem. I think your decision making is on the right track.

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    1. If I was sticking to main roads and using RV parks she'd be perfect. But I really want to go off the beaten path.

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  3. I'm learning flexibility is key in retirement. You've obviously put a lot of thought into this decision and I'm sure it's the best one for you. Now of course, I'm curious what your next plans might be. :)

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    1. I've got some ideas rattling around in my head. I'll let you know once I've decided.

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  4. I am looking to buy a new Casita.I have done a lot of research on scamper campers, but want something nicer. A casita I can tow with my Honda cry. They are very lightweight. I will pay cash.

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    1. I had a 13ft Scamp for years and loved it. You will love the Casita.

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  5. It sounds like maybe an SUV would work better for you? Then the anxiousness of driving on hills and not being able to go off the beaten path would work out better. You could also get a hybrid SUV to save on gas. An RV in retirement does sound like a great dream but put into practice I think you're right, I would be nervous about driving it and the logistics and practicality of it might not work. You'll find the perfect alternative, I know it ... and I can't wait to hear about it!

    D.

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    1. I've got an idea in mind and am doing up some plans to see if it is feasible. I'll be sharing once I decide if this is the route I'll be taking.

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  6. I am an anxious traveler, too! I would have the same concerns.

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    1. I don't want to be anxious. I don't think that sounds like fun at all.

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  7. I completely understand. We lived in a Dutch Star Bus for 6 years and sold it because fuel was getting so expensive. Have been in houses the last 10 years. When would you be thinking of selling. Would you keep it for a while and use it for vacations. Selfishly I am asking because we are looking for a small RV to buy in the future as we have been discussing possibly getting on and taking more trips and it would be easier with my health to have a place to lay our heads at night. Camping and even family trips are getting harder and harder for me. We were thinking of waiting a year or so before buying. Anyway. Just a thought if you decide to sell later down the road. We live in Reno / Sparks Nevada so we're close. Take care.

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    1. If you are interested in her I'd be willing. I'm in no rush to sell her. She is in beautiful shape and drives like a dream. I love her big windows, makes her feel bigger than she is, yet she fits into a parking spot. We will talk. :)

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    2. Sounds good! Will keep in touch and see if this would work for both of us down the road. My e-mail is CrystalHankey@yahoo.com if you want to hang on to it. Take care.

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  8. Check out YouTube. Tons of videos of folks living in RV, trucks and cars.

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