About a month ago we purchased our first travel trailer, and since that day we have been debating our first RV destination. Of course, we are fair-weather RVers, so we are waiting for the weather to warm up a bit, and dry out a bit, before hitting the road, but still, there is enjoyment in the planning of that first RV trip.
Preparing for that first RV trip
Of course, there are things to do before heading out. The trailer was winterized, of course, so I need to flush out the pipes. There are shelves to line, and some hooks to hang. There are always supplies to gather; you can never have enough RV supplies when RVing, am I right? Propane tanks need to be topped-off, tires checked, make sure the heater and fans work, and don’t forget the fridge.
And, having done all that, there will still be a nagging voice in my head, telling me I forgot to do something, and that, too, is part of RVing that everyone experiences. There is always something.
The first RV destination
We joined Harvest Host shortly after purchasing our Elusive Lo Pro travel trailer, so we are pretty sure our first overnight RV trip will be to Owl and Olive Farm, about thirty miles from home. It’s a charming little farm, right on the Chehalis River, right next to a great walking path which goes for miles, and it is close enough to home so if something does go wrong, we will not be too far from a local fix.
That trip is schedule for April, but we have a wild hair to go sooner, so I think this coming Saturday, March 19th, we will tow the trailer down to that farm just for lunch and a quick hike. Just a dry-run to test it out, get comfortable towing it, check to make sure everything is working properly, and have a few hours of RV fun before heading back home. Practice makes perfect, right? It sounds like a good approach for us two old folks.
And we can build on that success!
It’s natural to be nervous
I suspect all RVers are nervous when they are first starting out. It’s a big investment just buying an RV, and then the expectations are pretty high, and you want everything to go perfectly on that first trip so you can stock up on positive vibes. Those positive, first few trips will help us to gain confidence, and then we can venture out on longer trips as our confidence grows. And I’m pretty sure it’s that way for most people just starting out with the RV lifestyle; at least that’s what all those RV veterans say on all of the YouTube videos I’ve watched.
No matter what happens in planning the RV destination
No worries! My wife and I are going to find joy in whatever happens out on the road. We don’t have much trouble finding the wonders of life. Our quality of life is quite high, and it just keeps getting higher with each new adventure. After all, the RV destination isn’t too terribly important. It’s in the journey where the fun times are found.
Thanks, Bill! We are in a holding pattern right now. The Ford Ranger we have just isn’t strong enough to tow the trailer comfortably, so we are looking at options for a tow vehicle. I suspect we won’t be back on the road for several weeks. But that’s okay; it’s all a learning experience.
Hey Bill. Looking forward to reading about your first overnight trip in the RV. The Owl and Olive Farm sounds interesting. This will be a great way to get your feet wet in the world of RVing.