blog

Hitch Itch

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:53:06 +0100

(technically written last month, just now getting posted!)
Currently in Texas (which by the way, is quite green and beautiful in Spring) getting ready to head out to escape the Summer temps. This has been an interesting adventure, merging my little rig with the love of my life's 38 ft Holiday Rambler. And of course we are also a blended family: his dog and my cat. . . . now yours, mine and ours. New tires, house batteries, a new couch/futon a couple of gadgets and gizmos I don't really understand and we will soon be ready to roll. My new lifetime goal is to never be in Texas in June/July/August. To that end we are heading east to Virginia. We are workamping at a family RV destination resort for the summer. I am looking forward to exploring the areas I didn't make it to last summer. It is an area rich in history and hopefully, cooler and less humid than the Carolinas where I spent last summer!

Workamping is a great way to travel and provides an excellent tax writeoff! Plus, it's a great way to meet folks and get to know them for more than a few days! I have met some awesome peeps along the way. In addition, no matter how bad the work is, you only have to do it for a few months. I have come to realize that I can do just about anything for 4 months. In fact, 4 months is pretty much the length of my RV attention span. Traveling for 4 months makes me ready to settle for a spell. Being stationary for 4 months gives me hitch itch and compels me to hit the road again!

We are getting the last tasks done and plan to “live” in the rig the final week before we leave. It's much better to find out you have left something behind when it's still only 40 ft away and you can run into the house and get it! More tales from the road to come!

Big Changes

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:39:15 +0100

It's funny how life changes in a moment. You think you have the perfect plan, and then life tosses you a new road map. I was in KY, working at Amazon and minding my own business, planning the way back to Oregon, when someone called my name across the parking lot and changed my life. We had met last year at Amazon, but the planetary alignment was not right at that time. What began as a friendship soon took a big turn and all I can say is that it takes a lot of love to get an Oregon girl to Texas. But that is where I am now; living on a VERY rural ranch and struggling to understand (or should I say endure) this conservative state. The upside is that I am happier now than I have been in many years, and we will be back on the road before the Texas summer hits!

It's a bit of an adjustment going from single to couple, moving from my beloved rig (my home for the last 2 years) to an actual house, and then to another rig for future travels (Sadly, his 38' class A trumps my 20' Class C) but I'm adjusting as best I can. I do miss my family and friends in Oregon and hope to get back there for a longer visit soon.

The next chapter will take us to Virginia to workamp at a Jellystone Park (a family destination RV park). This should be interesting.

Settling In For The Winter

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:38:05 +0100

It is suddenly October and I have settled in quite well here at Amazon. Leveled out the rig, pulled out all the kitchen gear, put the plants out in the open without fear of flying pots, and unpacked all the stuff that gets stowed away during mobile mode. Mark gets to get out and stretch his little kitty legs, eat some grass and roll in the dirt – oh boy! I can actually get mail, order online and receive packages – something I have done too much of!

The weather has been very nice, almost too warm but still a whiff of autumn in the air. The nights cool off and at 3:30am provide a refreshing welcome after 10 hours in an enclosed warehouse. I noticed the other morning that it was still a little dark at 7am, a sure sign that winter is not too far off. I am a bit more winterized this year, yet still hoping for a more mild winter. If the snow can hold off til I am safely out of the state I will be happy! Having survived being snowed in one season and enduring extreme heat and humidity the next, I have decided I would rather have the cold – easier to add on than take off when you are living in a fishbowl!

Enjoying my time here at Amazon; hard work but (I think) a fun job. Amazing the amount of products that come in and go out of this facility. And the pace will only increase as the holidays approach. I have already pulled out the map, RV park guide and AAA Tour books to generally plot the escape route. Four months seems to be the magic number. After staying in one spot for four months I am ready to be back on the road. After traveling for the same amount time I am ready to settle down for a while. Yin & yang. The balance of road life.

Back On The Line

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:51:22 +0100

Time is an amazing thing. I left Kentucky in late December last year, travelled throughout the SE for eight months and am now back at Amazon in Kentucky. Oddly, it is like I never left. I'm in the same space at the same RV park, on the same shift performing the same job function as last year. This is the closest thing to home I have had in the past year or so and I have to say, provides a bit of a comfort level not usually found on the road. I have neighbors I actually know, a "j-o-b" and routine, and even reconnecting with shop owners from last year! I figure I'm good for about 4 months til "hitch itch" takes a hold!

Amazon has a great workamper program and is still looking for people to come and work for the holiday season. Yes, it is very physical work; yes, the hours are long and overtime may be manditory with some positions. But it is a great way meet some really nice folks, have fun, and make a good chunk o' change in the process! Pop me an email if you want more info!

When One Door Closes

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:55:40 +0100

I have wrapped up my time with Eco Drink and demos at Costco and am heading north to Kentucky, Amazon and, hopefully, cooler weather! We are enjoying hotel AC and a soft bed for our last few nights in Wilmington. With highs nearing 100, a heat index of 114 and lows hovering around 80, it is just too hot to boondock at Costco! We're leaving tomorrow after securing my drug test for Amazon, an oil change for Amanda and picking up the last of the Wilmington mail.

I'm sure in a month I'll be sweating up a storm, soothing tired joints and adjusting to working nights, but for now, I am excited to see old friends and be in stable mode for a bit of time. Mark, too, is looking forward to being back in Kentucky. If his field is still there I'm sure he'll enjoy exploring, tree climbing and being able to get out of the rig a bit. A stop at Petco to update his rabies shot is in order as well! I am absolutely giddy about stopping at Trader Joe's and stocking up on all the great stuff that is nowhere to be found in Campbellsville! I may even splurge and grab a rack of lamb for the C'ville homecoming.

I have truly enjoyed my demo days; hopefully helped a few folks to better health. Met some great people along the way and SGN Nutrition is a great company to work with. I hope to continue working with them when I get back to Oregon (or, perhaps even along the trail home!)

So with this door closing, we head north to our next adventure!

Here Comes the Sun

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:18:59 +0100

One of the major issues I face with life on the road is my sad dependence on technology and by association, electricity. Charging my computer, iPod, cell phone and TV have placed me in more Starbucks than I would like to admit. But the need to fuel both my toys and caffeine habit is most easily accomplished there.

I am overjoyed to have handled (at least to some extent) one of those issues. I recently found and purchased a very portable solar charging system from Goal Zero. This lightweight (< 1 pound) system consists of two small solar panels and a charging unit that fuels either AA or AAA rechargeable batteries. In a few hours I can charge this unit and use it to charge my iPod, phone and other small devices. The batteries can also be taken out and used as well.

This is great for those times when I am out of energy for both my devices and myself. After a day of talking non-stop sometimes I just want to hole up in the rig for an evening of Hulu and/or Spider Solitaire. Now I'm able to charge up without going out! AWESOME!

This system was very affordable (<$100), is small and compact and works great!! Plus the company is pretty cool as well! Take a few minutes and read their story even if you have no interest in the product. It's good to know there are corporations like this out there – http://www.goalzero.com

New Directions

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:52:13 +0100

I came to Charleston for a weekend. That was in March. In spite of the heat and humidity, I have come to really like this area. Rivers, beaches, cool architecture, cobblestone streets and a sweet campground only a few miles from downtown combine to make this one of the most convenient places I have found myself. However, after 4 months it's time to move on and I'm a little sad to leave Charleston and many new friends behind.

Now I am making my way back to Kentucky for another season with Amazon at their KY Distribution center. I am looking forward to connecting with friends from last year and making new friends as well. (One of the nice things about traveling as I do is the opportunity to meet some very interesting people.) On my journey there I'll stop in Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Raleigh and possibly Nashville. I am hoping for a bit cooler weather (or at least less humidity) and a minimal amount of natural disasters.

I'm heading down to Folly Beach for one last romp, a stop at Whole Foods and then back on the road!

Jekyll Island, GA

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:02:53 +0100

After an 18-day Eco Drink roadshow at Sam's Club in Savannah, I am at Jekyll Island, one of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia! Although I was hoping to see a bit more of Savannah than Sam's parking lot and Starbucks, I have been trying to get down here since hearing about Jekyll Island last fall and just made a beeline as soon as I finished up. It is just as beautiful as I was told and teeming with all sorts of wild life – a deer wandered thru the campground early this morning! Mark is busy keeping tabs on the zillion or so very aggressive and fearless squirrels in the park!

Known as a vacation destination for the very wealthy (the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts & Morgans) for 50+ years around the turn of the century, the island now boasts many historical areas as well as a waterpark and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. I rented a bike and explored a fair chunk of the more than 20 miles of bike paths that circle the island and cut through the downtown area (whew!).

The Sea Turtle Center was very interesting and included a visit to the rehab area inhabited by turtles from all over that have been injured and brought here to be healed and, hopefully, released back into the wild. The doctors and staff are doing remarkable work; if you are looking for a cause to contribute to, please consider this organization! (www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org). I snagged a stuffed turtle to send to my little grandbaby!

The only downside of my respite is the weather – HOT, Humid – smoke from nearby forest fires and the BUGS! Oh, well!! Three fans and the nearby showers are keeping life bearable! I was able to wrap up a couple of projects, catch up on podcasts and finish my latest Dean Koontz book! I will be leaving relaxed and rejuvenated and return to Charleston just in time for a service appointment at Camping World; fridge problems seem to run in the family! Hopefully, slightly cooler temps, too!

The Greatest Show on Earth

Tue, 03 May 2011 01:38:04 +0100

One of the several occupations I have (I'm a great believer in multiple streams of income) is doing product demos at Costco and Sam's Club. I have a lot of people ask me why I do this. Well, there are a couple of reasons. I do truly like, use and believe in the product (Eco Drink). This is the main requirement to do what I do; I could not promote just any product. I enjoy educating people and, on occasion, perhaps leading them to healthier choices. It offers me the ability to travel around and pretty much write off the majority of my expenses. I've met some very nice folks along the way and it does provide me a front row seat to the greatest show on Earth!

Working in warehouse stores you pretty much see it all. The best of humanity and, sadly, some of the worst. I have to say, over all, it makes me happy I am single. Between couples treating each other badly, requiring “permission” to purchase or being told “no” on something they want, I usually end the day happy to retire to my sweet little Marky kitty (who loves me no matter what and would never tell me I can't buy something!).

I do like the couples who actually seem to enjoy each other, especially the sweet ones who have been married for eons! Working by the flowers I love to see the guys picking out bouquets; laboring over which one would be best. I always hope the recipients of said flowers appreciate them (hint, hint, gentlemen?). I once helped a older gentlemen pick out flowers for his dinner date who, I'm thinking, was new in his life. In the end we went with multiple stems of orchids as they each had a little water vial and would stay fresh all night. Plus I think orchids make a good impression; different from the usual floral choices. I hope his dinner went well and his date was duly impressed.

On the downside, there are mean spirited people, those who seem to have nothing better to do then argue, belittle or otherwise be nasty to their significant others and the demo folks alike. Everyone wants to try all the free stuff but no one wants to listen to the pitch. Well folks, it's our job. Companies pay a lot for you to get free eats and samples so please, if you do sample, be courteous to your host/ess. Stop and listen if only for a moment. If you don't like it, say “thank you” and leave (remember what Mom said?). No need to make a scene; remember everyone's palate is different and just because YOU don't care for it, doesn't mean the person next to you won't.

Also, please control your children. It's up to YOU not US to limit their sampling to ONE not TEN! I have had my table swarmed by kids who wiped out enough samples for 6 adults while their parents stood and chatted. I have often thought of writing SuperNanny and suggesting she set up a kiosk at Costco; she would probably go off the deep end with all that goes on here!

And speaking of kids, think about what you're giving them and the age appropriateness of the samples. What might be a bite for us can be like eating an entire cake for a small child. And I'm pretty sure 14-month-olds don't need multiple brownie bites, nor do they need to be sucking down sodas (yes, I have seen both more than once).

All in all, it's a great show. I have seen an elderly woman in Groucho glasses, outfits I can't even begin to describe (I'm sorry, do you OWN a mirror??), folks engaged in serious “I hate you” arguments, child (and adult) meltdowns, and so many cart (aka “buggies” in the south) near misses you wouldn't believe! It is a never ending parade of entertainment and best of all, it's free!!

Charleston, South Carolina

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:05:28 +0100

Through a series of scheduling malfunctions I have spent several weeks more than I anticipated in the Charleston area. Sounds like a travel slogan: Came for a week, stayed forever. Although I will have the benefit of moving on eventually, I am really enjoying this area. I like the architecture of the downtown area, the big trees with streams of moss hanging down, the Ashley River and the marina.

Boating is really big in Charleston. With lots of rivers, islands and inlets it makes me wish I had one. Or better yet, a friend with a boat! As a Pisces I am bound to water and at one time debated RV vs Boat. For now I am content to watch the boats and enjoy the water from the shore. Something really cool: they have a ZipCar equivalent for boats. Boats when you need 'em, I guess.

As I'm writing this post I am at Edisto Island State Park on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean (a little spendy and no wifi but quite beautiful). The crash of the surf is in the background, a more-than-slight breeze is blowing the trees and shore vegetation and I am in one of those “all is right with the world” moments. I took a long walk on the beach today, enjoying the sand and water between my toes, the sound of the waves, birds, kids playing, all the sounds I didn't realize I missed so much. I found a couple of shells to send back to the grandbaby (who is now less of a baby than she was when I left) in hopes that she will play with them and think of her Nana. I have all the windows open and have decided I will leave them open and risk freezing or being devoured by bugs just to hear the ocean as I fall asleep tonight. A beautiful sunset is in the making although it is strange to have it behind me and not at sea. If I'm lucky I'll get up early and go for a walk on the beach at sunrise. Won't that be a change!?

I'll most likely be in Charleston a few more weeks, I hope to make it to the aquarium and who knows, maybe even find a friend with a boat. It has been a long journey from my Pacific ocean to this spot. I sometimes can't believe I'm on the other side of the world – at least, my world.