ShaunaH wrote:
Most of my RV experience comes from long family vacations at campgrounds and RV parks along the West Coast in the 1980’s.
So you're not really a total newbie after all! That's good, you already have a leg up on those who have really
never camped before. :W
As someone potentially looking to go full-time for a couple years, I’m curious to hear from the long-timers how much things have changed in the general community.
I really don't think things have changed with camping that much, other than some may tend to be a little more demanding, a little less tolerant, whether it's with you or park staff or whomever, but that's just a reflection of the general angst and response to it in our society these days. If anything, as a Canadian I have to remind myself when we're in the US half the people we come across whether camping or otherwise could be legally armed, unsettling in itself for those of us from this side of the border. :E In reality it's never been an issue and I hope it always remains that way but when I read of those who boondock in deserted areas I don't doubt that's just not something we'd do ourselves.
I’m now of the opinion that, for at least a subset of the population, watching televised news, especially right before bed, can cause us to become overcautious, even to the point of paranoia.
Part of the problem is that decades ago we might have watched the evening news, read a bit of the local newspaper, but these days we're fed a constant stream of 24 hour news cycle and the only way you
can get away from it is to simply turn it off, as you suggest. Not to politicize this but the general consensus here in Canada is that the situation is shortly about to become much worse, meaning you ain't seen nothing yet as the bar indicating how offensive one can seemingly behave and get away with it is being raised every day. :( But that's yet another good reason to get away from it all, ignore that 24 hr news cycle, and enjoy what you can while you can. :B
3. Things haven’t changed completely, RVing is still a cool lifestyle for friendly and adventurous people to meet others and have a good time.
Do people still hang out on their sites and smile/strike up conversations with passersby? Or do most just keep to themselves or hole up in their RV?
For the most part I think camping is the same as it always was - folks just want to let their hair down and relax. Sure, sometimes you strike up conversations, other time you do just want to relax and not talk to anyone. Neither is right or wrong, it's just how the mood strikes you.
JMO, I too think you should forget about this full time idea for the time being, get yourself a small camper even if you have to rent a few times this season, and just give it a go for a few days at a time. As many have already pointed out you'll learn quickly, just as we all have, and although you're sure to have your own Griswold moments you'll also have a great time. Either that, or you'll figure out pretty quickly this isn't the sport for you. ;)
Best of luck to you. :B
