Friday, August 22, 2008

Are You Considering Fulltime Rving?

Have you ever considered the idea of fulltime RVing? Well many people have and are doing it, I am one who considers it a dream come true. I started when I retired but I have met many people that did not wait that long. This lifestyle is gaining in popularity as more and more people, of all ages discover the joys of the RV lifestyle and traveling around this great country of ours. If you are considering leaving your brick and mortar home in exchange for this lifestyle there are a few things you will need to consider and plan for first. If this lifestyle sounds too good to be true-it isn't. But, it takes some decision making and planning ahead. Some I did and some I missed and I would like to pass on. You need to and get a copy of the Trailer Life Directory it will come in very handy.


One of the first concerns about being full time on the road, is the upheaval that it causes, especially if you have lived in the same area (or even the same house, this was not a problem for me) for many years. You will need to consider how it will affect you to uproot your lives and the lives of your family. Not only do you have to consider the relationship factors, but if you choose living full-time in a motor coach. You will also need to consider what to do with all of those personal items you have accumulated over the years that do not fit in your RV, such as your home, your furniture, etc. Should you sell or store, that is the question? This needs to be well thought out. When it comes to this step many people decide that they would rather just continue to maintain the home and live in it occasionally, rather than just go “cold turkey”, even if they spend a majority of their time in the RV. This usually works well for those that do not need the money from a sale to maintain a lifestyle, remember that storage cost money too.

If you do decide that this lifestyle might be right for you, the next thing that you must consider is keeping in touch with your life. Depending on how often you will return to your physical residence, if you maintain it, what to do about your mail? You could find a friend or relative that could keep your mail or rent a post office box that would hold your mail, while you are out on the road. This will work if you are not on the road to much. There are however services that collect your mail and forward it to you wherever you are, the Escapees(http://www.escapees.com/) is the one I use, but there are others, check the internet. The next thing to consider is your prescriptions, my suggestion would be to have them filled at a Wal-Mart or CVS that have outlets all over the country and will be glad to fill your prescriptions wherever you are. Of course if you can have them filled by mail you should not have a problem.

Cell phones are the great way to keep in touch when you are on the road. The service has improved over the last 10 years. When I started living on the road most of my phone time was spent saying ”can you hear me now” and it was expensive if you were not in your “home” area. Of course it is getting better and better now and this way you should be able to keep in touch with loved ones more easily.

If you will require a steady income while living the lifestyle, there are many ways to supplement or even replace your income. If you are not all ready involved in a business that uses part time or traveling personnel, there are many jobs available in different areas of the country at different times. I understand that many companies are encouraging their employees to work from home because then they don't have to pay for a cubicle, desk or office supplies. Just make sure that you have an adequate internet service connection or provider or that you have wireless technology that will allow you to work from home.

Living in an RV can be exciting and adventurous. You will meet people throughout the country and make new friendships. You can see all of those sights you have wanted to see but never had the time. If this sounds like something for you, I recommend it highly.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Washington State Parks Camping

The state of Washington offers an extremely distinct landscape. From the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula and the moderate Pacific coast in the west to the high peaks of the Cascade Range and the dry deserts of the west, it is no wonder the beauty of Washington Parks attracts visitors from every state and country. Outdoorsmen from every area are attracted to Washingtons outdoor environment.


There are 120 Washington parks and recreation areas which attract the public with a wide variety of amenities, attractions, and activities. Windsurfing (on the Columbia River), rock climbing, skiing, and snowmobiling, Washington state parks end up with loads of activities to suit every outdoor lover. There are also plenty of historical sites, cultural exhibits, and interpretive centers for educational opportunities.


More than 30 of the state parks in Washington are on lakes or rivers, with over 70 public boat launches, so boating and water sports at the parks are fairly abundant. One of the best Washington state parks for water recreation is Deception Pass. Here, visitors can enjoy thier favorite saltwater and freshwater activities on more than 4100 beautiful acres along the quiet Puget Sound. This is one of the most fascinating areas in the Northwest.


Enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming on one of the three Deception Pass lakes or try crabbing, clamming, mooring, or diving in the saltwater of the sound. This Washington arena coastal park also provides boat rentals so everyone can enjoy the fun of being on the water. Deception Pass is in a great location for whitewater kayaking and sailboarding. Don't forget your Coleman inflatable boat when you visit this park.


In the winter cycles Washington is a haven for snow lovers, especially in the central mountainous regions. One of the best Washington state parks for winter recreation is Lake Easton state park in the Cascade Mountain foothills. The 45 RV sites and 95 tent sites are open year round so guests can enjoy a weekend of cold weather camping, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and family snow activities together with tubing and sledding.


Washington state parks access almost 700 miles of scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls through natural exhibits to strenuous treks through mountain passes. There are also 3 long distance backpacking trails that can be accessed from different parks. Mountain biking trails are quite abundant as well. Beacon Rock is one of the top Washington arena parks for mountain biking, with 20 miles of designated trails.


There are two water trails in Washington that are designated for canoeing and kayaking. These trails wind through miles of scenic waterways and pass by several state parks the present offer primitive camping and pullouts. Washington state parks are furthermore popular destinations for horseback riding. There are 10 parks with equestrian trails, some giving horse campsites as well, and horses are allowed on several beaches. Just outside of Seattle, Bridle Trails is one of the best Washington state parks for horseback riding with 28 miles of riding trails. Lake Wenatchee state park offers horse rentals for day trips, as good as overnight excursions.


Whether you're interested in rock climbing at Columbia Hills state park, paragliding at Lincoln Rock, or just enjoying a weekend of Washington neighborhood park camping, there is plenty to do and lots to see across the state of Washington.


Find More on Camping at Outdoor World