Rainy Days and Big Decisions

There is a saying in the RV world that goes ...

Buy your last RV first

When we found the Wildebeest in 2014, we thought that we had done just that. She had everything on our "wish list". She was a high quality older rig that was in our price range. She had a comfortable living space. And at 40 feet long, she had the amount of storage that I thought I would need to carry all my "stuff" required to live full time on the road.

And with her bright colors, we were sure to never lose her in the mass of RVs in campgrounds! We fondly named her the Wildebeest because of her "wild berry" color and because of her migratory nature that is similar to her African animal namesake.

Our migratory travels in the Wildebeest have taken us south in the winter and back to Minnesota in the summer. We have spent time in many amazing areas. We have settled into the RV lifestyle. And we have discovered something very surprising to us ... We discovered that we have more space than we need, and that "extra space" has sometimes prevented us from being more "nimble" in our travels.

Since one doesn't park a 40 foot RV just anywhere, we have felt the need to make our travel plans and reservations several months in advance. In the last few years, there have been several travel opportunities such as sailing in the BVI and traveling to Colombia, South America that didn't include the Wildebeest. We started to think about how good it would feel to be able to be more spontaneous with our travels. We also wrestled with the idea of being able to live in a smaller space.

What we are striving to become ...

We have tossed around this idea for the last year. Doug has done extensive research on "camper-vans". We have sought advice from many of our RV friends ... Thanks! We have come around to the idea of "downsizing" to a Class B such as the Winnebago Travato. At 21 feet long, it is easier to drive, maneuvers better on narrow roads, and don't require as much advance planning in order to find an overnight parking spot.

We also have thought about what possessions we really need and what we can do without. We have continued to give away the items that we don't use or need.

Happy that Joanne could adopt our "coffee" table!

During our month long stay at Gulf State Park, we had a few rainy days to seriously think and pray about this decision. We both feel that the increased simplicity and nimbleness outweigh the decreased living space, therefore ...

We have decided to go from Class B "wannabees" to "owners" in 2019.

So during those rainy days, we put our beloved Wildebeest up for sale. Pictures were taken, ads were placed on Craigslist and RV Trader, and the "For Sale" sign was posted.

Although it feels good to have made the decision, some uncertainties still remain.

• Should we sell her before we go to Colombia for the winter?
• Should we store her for the winter?
• Should we look into RV consignment?
• Should we just trade her in when we get our new RV?
• Should we buy our new rig in Florida or up north?
• Will we be OK with less than half the living space... and half the stuff that we have now??

For the answers to these and other questions, stay tuned to RVentures. And, as always, we appreciate any wisdom you can share with us!

In the meantime ...

Does anyone want to buy an RV???

Here is the link to our ad ... feel free to pass it anyone who may be interested in a well maintained and much loved 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom.

I know that I couldn't have downsized to the level of a Class B camper-van when we began RVentures. During our first four years, we have had great RVing experiences and have learned a lot.

We have learned to appreciate wherever RVentures take us.

Until next time ... remember that it takes rainy days to appreciate the sunshine ... and enjoy all the adventures in your life!

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