Year 7...Some thoughts for those on the fence about buying an RV

[ryand]

Like everything in life, things change. I do not post here much any more and look at the forums every so often. Dont really know why but its just how things go. However the last few weeks have made me reflect on a few things in my life and realize that this silly trailer has meant so much more to my family than pretty much anything we own and value (other than our home). It has allowed us to frequently spend time together that we otherwise would not have been able or could afford to do.


We just wrapped up our longest trip to date....A 16 day trip to Topsail in Florida. While this might be common to some folks, to me its not. My kids turn both 8 and 5 next week and this has been the longest stretch of time I have ever spent with them un-interupted by work or some other (insert issue or problem) ever. EVER. Its funny how you can unplug from things if given enough time. It was awesome. No other word can describe it.


We were packing up to leave and both kids and mom and dad had a pit in their stomachs not about the pending 14 hour drive but knowing we would be leaving our little slice of paradise not to return for who knows how long....it was a very sobering thing for our family and none of us have ever really felt this way.


What I am getting at is....6 or 7 years ago when I proposed this crazy camper thing to my wife she thought I was crazy. Our first night was a total and complete disaster but things quickly improved. Now, Looking at the photos on our walls and fridge at home, almost all of them were taken on a trip that involved the camper and a huge amount will be added from this last trip. It has proven to have been the best investment in my family that we have ever made and now that we are on the fringe of out growing it....it's going to be really sad for all of us to see it go. Lots of good memories.

[BandJCarm]

One of the best posts here, ever.

Wrote a bunch of other stuff but just deleted it.

I enjoy camping and am willing to put up with the problems that go with it, just to get to do it. I'm glad you are too.

[Bikersarge]

Originally Posted by ryand

Like everything in life, things change. I do not post here much any more and look at the forums every so often. Dont really know why but its just how things go. However the last few weeks have made me reflect on a few things in my life and realize that this silly trailer has meant so much more to my family than pretty much anything we own and value (other than our home). It has allowed us to frequently spend time together that we otherwise would not have been able or could afford to do.


We just wrapped up our longest trip to date....A 16 day trip to Topsail in Florida. While this might be common to some folks, to me its not. My kids turn both 8 and 5 next week and this has been the longest stretch of time I have ever spent with them un-interupted by work or some other (insert issue or problem) ever. EVER. Its funny how you can unplug from things if given enough time. It was awesome. No other word can describe it.


We were packing up to leave and both kids and mom and dad had a pit in their stomachs not about the pending 14 hour drive but knowing we would be leaving our little slice of paradise not to return for who knows how long....it was a very sobering thing for our family and none of us have ever really felt this way.


What I am getting at is....6 or 7 years ago when I proposed this crazy camper thing to my wife she thought I was crazy. Our first night was a total and complete disaster but things quickly improved. Now, Looking at the photos on our walls and fridge at home, almost all of them were taken on a trip that involved the camper and a huge amount will be added from this last trip. It has proven to have been the best investment in my family that we have ever made and now that we are on the fringe of out growing it....it's going to be really sad for all of us to see it go. Lots of good memories.

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Sounds like your upgrading, you will probably never forget the memories of that first trailer. My wife thought I was crazy to but she fell in love with our 1st purchase and is very well into the set-up, planning and is always improving things. good post!

[4Daughters]

That is what is all about. Family and good times. Great post on reflecting on what isgood in your life. Memories you can keep👍

[Sierra360PDEK]

Great post. Take as many trips as you can with your kids, they will be gone and on their own before you know it. This is our first year as empty nesters and miss our kids dearly especially while camping.

[dblr]

Great post and really sums up what it is all about.....memories!!!!

[Moparman1230]

The whole reason why my wife and I decided against the bigger house and bought a trailer instead.

Right there.

I told my wife the other day the strong affection I have concerning this box on wheels, I wouldn't trade them for anything. My kids WANT to do stuff with the trailer. Some of my most cherished memories growing up was the adventures my family took with the camper, not how big my bedroom was or how many closets we had.

[Iwannacamp]

Do you write for Hallmark? Good job. We don't see enough.

[Oakman]

That was an outstanding post ryand. Thanks for sharing.

[A32Deuce]

Yep, Great post!

[HangDiver]

And the values that you're instilling in your children about camping, going on an adventure, and making memories will carry on with them when they have children. Good for you!

[mjones12]

Great photos, too. I'm sure many memories will be made in your next camper, as well.

[Grey Wolf 22]

My thoughts exactly. Best purchase we have made was out tt. These kids are growing so fast, each year goes by quicker. We make many memories camping. Great post. Let's all share some family pics/ memories.

Dave

[Life is great]

Fantastically said!!

[Cowracer]

Well said Ryan. In a small way, I feel cheated. We didn't get into camping till our kids were pretty much gone, or at least "had their own cars and interests". We did a couple weekends in my old Class A together, but I think my youngest went with us once in the Roo when we had it. Even at our lake lot, I've only had the boys down there together once. I'm pretty sure neither boy has even seen the cabin, except during construction once.

It's not that we aren't close. Nothing could be further from the truth. We just raised them the way parents are supposed to and set them out in the world. They both have their own lives and while I am proud of the men they became, there is always that little touch of sadness when you realize that you aren't the most important things to them anymore.

One thing for sure is Miss Kelly and I are looking forwards to grandkids someday. And you can bet that those kids will be brought up as campers from the get-go.

Tim

[Steeljag]

Very good post !

Time sure flys with kids growing up, and moving on ! I would suggest for those with kids not to put off buying some type of RV, and heading out to a camp ground ASAP !

Very soon you will be looking back and saying " remember when" !

[MaineCampingFan]

Well said, lad. I echo the comments and would add that those kids have a leg up on life with parents like you.

[gmacklem]

I totally get it. Well, I don't have kids, but my wife and I really enjoy our RV. We are in our 5th season as campers and love it. Just a weekend away allows us to totally relax and unwind and can make a weekend feel like a week off. My biggest regret is not getting one sooner!

[Jeff_and_Abby]

We sit around our camp and talk about when our parents had us out camping as kids.

You are all blessed

[Ortep]

Great post ryand. I started camping on a trip to California in 1960 with my family. Dad had rented a popup and we left Iowa and headed out west. That trip has a story of it's own, not to be explained in this post. We saw all the sites (most), but that trip is what sold me on camping. The next year I joined the Cub Scouts and went on to earn my Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts (I'm still activity today in the scouting program). When I got married the wife and I camped a bit but not like we do today. We took our daughter camping when she was 8 months old and then when our son came along his first camping trip was when he was 1 month old (he earned his Eagle Scout rank too). This year we held our 39th annual Petro's Camp at Ginnie Springs and the family and friends now expect this annual event to happen every year. Of course our kids and grandkids are stepping up to help with this event (usually have between 30 to 45 folks show up for it). The one year we thought we wouldn't go the kids had a fit and said that wasn't acceptable, we needed to be there as the "Patriarchs" of this event and they have BIG plans next year for the 40th. Camping with the family is probably the BEST thing you can do to keep the family unit together. KEEP ON CAMPING!