What I like most about full-timing!

[travelin texans]

There's a thread already started using "camping", thought "full-timing" would also be of interest to some.
We've "camped" for all our lives growing up & the last 46+ years of our married life. Once retired the "camping" became "living" full-time, they are 2 different lifestyles.
Most go "camping" to get away from it all preferably in some remote spot to rest & relax for the weekend or their vacation. Is can also be done full-timing, but to it didn't feel the same.
We would find a remote spot at first & enjoyed it, then it was less often, were more comfortable with more amenities such water & sewer, then we started looking for more of the resort type places with pools & some activities & then stayed at a 55+ park for the winter & were hooked. After the 1st experience of a snowbird winter with lots of folks our age, lots of activities, lots of happy hours, NO MORE boondocking. Our schedule then became finding a nice winter location with summer travels to cooler places & traveling to see grandkids.
Full-timing is not for everyone, but the DW & I did it for just over 10 years & wouldn't change a second if it. Traveled coast to coast border to border, actually crossed the northern one a couple times, seen & done a lot of things across this great country, met a lot of great folks some of which are now very close friends & made lots of memories.
We've actually settled down in a 55+RV park in a small modular home & started our next new adventure. We may, or may not, get another small RV & travel in the summer or just go bum off our kids.
So that's our story, & sticking to it, so let's here from some other fulltimers.

[purebred]

When I was a mechanic in the operating engineers in Arizona we lived full time in a Holiday rambler. Raised one child for a long time in it. Just got back into it after selling our house. We are in Texas until our Granddaughter graduates in a year. Then its off to Arizona. My wife of 48 years and me will be on an acre her dad gave to her. Its located 28 miles from the Grand canyon. Then in winter it will be close to the casinos of Laughlin Nevada. It takes a certain type person to live full time. We have enjoyed every minute also. Especially the financial aspect and also the carefree living it provides. No house upkeep, trimming trees, lawn care and so on and so on.

[gearhead]

Y'all are better men than me, I just couldn't do it. I enjoy our house and small town living too much I guess. Even enjoy the lawn work. Our friends don't understand why we pull our "wagon" across the country. "Why don't you fly and stay in a hotel?" It ain't the same. "Why don't you go to Europe?" I haven't seen this country yet.
Different strokes for different folks.

[mtofell]

I think I'd love the full-timing thing. DW and I are still "negotiating" what's going to happen in retirement. At least some of our time will be over in Maui in a condo we own. She likes that more than me but, well, it's Maui so I really can't complain too much. I'd like a bit more time on the mainland traveling in an RV. I really like the idea of hanging out around Nevada/Arizona areas during the winter. No matter what I do it's got to be better than life here in Oregon. I've spent my entire life here and will be ready for a change once the kids are through school..... maybe even sooner.

[ADQ K9]

I too am in the planning/negotation stage of going full time. We have another 2 years before the youngest is out of school. I have suggested snowbirding between Alaska and Nevada. If not full time we will still snowbird probably spending 6 to 8 weeks between locations.

[sourdough]

Y'all are better men than me, I just couldn't do it. I enjoy our house and small town living too much I guess. Even enjoy the lawn work. Our friends don't understand why we pull our "wagon" across the country. "Why don't you fly and stay in a hotel?" It ain't the same. "Why don't you go to Europe?" I haven't seen this country yet.
Different strokes for different folks.


^^^^For me, you hit the nail on the head. We are in the same boat; folks tell me how wonderful Europe is, the Bahamas (whoops), the Caribbean etc. I say, Why?? This country has some of the most beautiful things to see and experience and I've not seen nearly the things I want to.....and will die before I do. With my dad's family getting here in the 1600s and my mom's family being native American, I have SO much to look into and see....I don't need the other stuff.

Flying? My wife just had to fly to FL for a family emergency. It was horrific. Of course at every turn they can always fix their foul ups if you pay a few hundred extra...or a thousand. I quit flying when the TSA decided they were the German SS and I got to stand in a corner because I had fake knees and rods etc. all over the place...guess I was going to "self destruct". :D I have now determined, barring a "right now" emergency, I will drive no matter where it is in the continental US.

Condos? We do them all the time and they are just another way to see and explore without having to tow the trailer. As you said, to each their own and I respect that completely. I think I'm just getting "older" and more set in my ways. :lol:

[travelin texans]

We visited Germany, London & a train ride to Venice when our was stationed over there now weve been there done that & have no reason or desire to return.
After RV traveling for all those years we made a big dent in our bucket list but a very small dent in all the great places to visit right in this great country.

[gearhead]

Yeah I've had enough flying. After 4-5 years of jumping on a plane on Sunday to Laredo, then coming back home for 2 days every 2-3 weeks, an unexpected flight to anywhere...Seattle, Pinedale, Buffalo, Pittsburg, etc., I really don't want the hassle anymore. I could do a trip to the UK but Betty doesn't really want to.
We enjoy watching the new grandkids grow and our kids enjoying their lives.
How does that country song go? "Let me watch my children grow to see what they become, Oh Lord don't let that cold wind blow till I'm too old to die young."