When I started to seriously research RVing, one of the things I was anxious to know was how do real people live in an RV? I couldn’t find many people who met my demographic of single and working age or at least keen on spending a lot of time behind a computer desk.
I looked at a lot of RVs and had no idea how I could fit an office into them. And then I came across the blog of a single guy full-timing in a class C motorhome with an office in the back bedroom and I went HA HA. I literally found Miranda less than a month later. This fellow is Andy Baird.
Over the years, we became online friends. Andy was an incredible mentor and teacher for me during my travels. He’s been mostly based in New Mexico, so when I started to plot my route to Mexico this fall, I decided that I really wanted to meet up with him if we could get our itineraries to match up.
After playing with maps, I decided that I was definitely going to Zion National Park and that I would do a detour to meet Andy if he was in western New Mexico. I fired off an email asking him about his travel plans for late October. To my immense shock, he was heading for Zion, too!
This afternoon, after receiving coordinates from Andy, I headed up route 9 towards Zion to meet him at his boondocking spot 20 minutes from where I’m staying in Hurricane!
Skylark in person!
Like all the online friends I’ve met over the years, Andy was exactly who I expected him to be, as was his lovely cat Alix. We had a nice chat and then a friend he’s been traveling with, Jan, joined us. Jan has been reading my blog, so I got to meet two online friends!
We shared stories of nightmares on the road (Andy, you have to write about the trip up that snowy hill!) and other adventures, easily wiling away a couple of hours.
They are parked in an amazing location that makes me miss boondocking. I really don’t think I’m done RVing. 🙂
I see you with an appropriate truck, van or SUV pulling a small 18 to 22 ft trailer on your travels.
One of the reasons I got my truck was to have the option to pull a tiny trailer. My friend L has the same truck as me, just a little newer, and tows a 17″ Casita camper without issues. I still like that idea, but am also toying with the idea of replacing my truck with a class B motorhome or some type of camper van.
We’ve had trailers, vans, and RVs. We prefer the RV or vans For one thing, it’s nice to know that if things happen that make you feel uncomfortable, you can leave in a hurry without worrying about getting from trailer to vehicle and hitching up etc. Just our opinion, not trying to talk you into something you might not want.
Elaine in BC Canada
Elaine, I’ve heard that argument, but have not found it convincing. When I parked for the night, even if I didn’t unhook, I still had to at minimum take the keys out of the ignition of the tow vehicle, so I couldn’t just drive off in a hurry.
To each his own.
Indeed! That’s probably why so many different kinds of RVs got invented! 😀
Thanks for sending me down the rabbit hole called “Andy Baird’s website”. I don’t see much else happening at my house tonight!
Liz, Andy’s site is fantastic! Eureka alone deserves a sleepless night! 😀
I’m thrilled to read you don’t think you are done RVing. I look forward to you being back on the road sometime. Not that you are not on the road now but you know what I mean, I’m sure.
I do get it! I’m just trying to figure out what the next few years will likely bring. I’m thinking that I’m going to enjoy Mexico, but will want to experience it in my own home. Once I master the border crossing with just the truck, returning in an RV won’t be so scary and I’ll become a snowbirding RVer. We shall see. 🙂
Right now, I know that money needs to go to the property. After that, I can think about an RV. If I had all the money in the world, I’d go your route and get a custom class B, but I have yet to find the seeds to a money tree. 🙂
It took me two years to decide what I wanted and I LOVE my B. The real test will be this winter in Mexico but for parking convenience, gas savings, easy to pack up and go, I haven’t had a moments regret. I live in the city and because of the size I am able to park on my driveway and not have to pay for storage. For one person, it is perfect. A little crowded with two people. It is not easy to make the final decision with so many options available.
When I bought Miranda, I knew exactly what kind of RVIng I was going to do and made a good choice. What I’m worried about with a class B is that it’s going to be too small for me to work and live in full-time for six months. I don’t do well living in just one room. I’ve seen small trailers with layouts that would at least give me the feeling of having a separate office and sleeping space. But I like the idea of having just one vehicle to maintain and not worrying about hitching up. Lots to consider over the winter!
I think I found out about Andy thru you & your blog. He has tons of interesting & useful information. I love to go back & review Eureka & see what might be new. Always nice to meet other rv’ers but even better when you get to meet-up with your mentor. Hope you had a great visit.
I’m also glad to hear you’re rv’ing days are not done.
Night…
Rae, I just spent a few hours waiting on an overpass on the 401 with nearly 200 other people and two fire trucks from our local Colunteer Fire Department, along with numerous Canadian flags to observe the vehicle carrying the body of the young Canadian army reservist who was shot point blank at the the War Memorial in Ottawa pass by on his way home to Hamilton, Ontario.
It was the Canadian thing to do.
Wow, you were part of it?! I’ve been following it on the news. Good for you!