RVentures with Doug and Chris: Getting to Know You: Our First Anni-RVersary

We celebrated our First Anni-RVersary in the spring sunshine of Lake of the Ozarks State Park in central Missouri. As we hiked around the park, we talked about the treasures and the challenges during this first year. It has been a year of "getting to know you".

One year ago this week, we sold our beloved home and moved into our new best friend, the Wildebeest. After 30 years of marriage, we thought that we knew each other well. But as we complete our first year living in our small "home on wheels", we realize that our new lifestyle has given us new understanding of each other. Yes, we have had our "moments", but we have gotten to know each other better as together we work through the challenges and celebrate the blessings.

Our HUGE back yard for the week

Getting to Know Our New Home

Temperamental at times, every system of the Wildebeest needs to be working in order to both live and travel comfortably. Systems do break down, and usually need our (Doug's) immediate attention. I am grateful to realize how "handy" my handyman is! I do believe that Doug can fix just about anything from the leveling jacks to roof leaks to a broken door step. And the bonus is ... he really seems to enjoy being Mr Fix-it! Doug has tackled his fair share of problems ... and his problem-solving skills are legendary. Something not working??? He will research the problem, diagnose, get the new part and fix it. Everything from water heaters to generators to ant infestations ... he will try his darndest to fix it. All those wires just give me a headache!

Getting to Know Each Other

Living in close quarters can bring out the best and worst in each other. It took a bit to figure out how much "together" time and "alone" time we each need ... and that it is OK to take time for yourself. We have learned to enjoy our daily walks as times that we can talk ... or just enjoy the beautiful solitude if needed.

Getting to Know Our New Normal

Being retired, it is easy to get into the mindset of always being able to relax. But, maintaining a RV is (almost) a full time job. Our "home on wheels" works better if regular maintenance is done ... regularly. Monitoring tire pressures, checking water levels in the batteries, and cleaning gray and black water tanks are just a few of the "keep on top of it before disaster strikes" type of activities that demand Doug's attention. Of course, taking the "Hamster" for her daily walks is also time consuming, so Doug has found that he is always on the go! We are learning to balance the "want to do" with the "have to do".

Getting to Know Our Ever-Changing Community

Even after a year, moving days can still be stressful. Unknowns like: road conditions, weather, fuel and bathroom stops, and finding the perfect campsite keep Doug on his toes. Then there are the co-pilot errors ... he usually needs a cold one (or two) when we reach our destination. In each new community, we still need to seek out grocery stores, laundromats, and churches. That is probably why we are both thrilled to be heading back to Minnesota for a couple months ... everyday errands will be just a little less complex.

Getting to Know Friends

We have met some wonderful fellow travelers along the way and enjoy all the campsite conversations ... and are always hopeful that our paths will cross again.

Staying in touch with "golden oldies but goodies" when it comes to family and friends is important to us, but communication can be challenging with the busy lives everyone lives. We appreciate all the phone calls, emails, Facebook correspondence, and blog comments. I cherish the "girlfriend" conversations ... that is something that Doug is not very good at!

Looking forward to "Sista" time!

So the question that we are frequently asked ... How long do you think that you will continue to travel? As long as we continue to enjoy "getting to know" each other and this wonderful world that we live in!