giving it up

[Terryallan]

So, After 40+ years of camping, it is finally time to give it up. Apparently my body has already given it up, as it simply hurts too much to set up, hook up, and maintain the TT. So it was sold this week, and for the first time I can remember, we are with out a camper. Yes it is really sad. But the right thing to do.

FYI Now is the time to sell. I put our's on the main highway with a sign, and it sold in less that 24 hours. At one time there was 3 people looking at it. I thought they were all together, but no. They just all showed up at the same time.

Also. Don't believe that myth about your RV losing all it's value. We used our's for 9 full years, and when we sold it. We got it all back except $4,350.00. So in other words. We used a 30' BUNK HOUSE WITH A SLIDE for 9 years for $4,350.00.. It is possible that I could have gotten more, but I sold it for what i thought was fair.

So now a young couple, and their children can make new memories in a really good TT. As for us. Many of the CGs we stayed in have cabins. And we already have reservations in one. we will be fine. Sill in all. We will miss the TT. It meant freedom for us. We could never have afforded to go the places we went if we had, had to get motels, or condos. Think about it. when we started a campsite in a National Park was only $3.00.. we could spend a weekend in the mountains for less than $20.00 and that included all expenses, gas site, and food. And we could spend a week at the beach for $125.00. Plus gas and food.

So yes it is sad. But life goes on.

[afidel]

I'll add Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort for a great getaway with cabins. It's just outside the east entrance to Zion and a relatively quick drive over to Bryce. The cabins at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon were another favorite from before we got the trailer. The last big one is the cabins at Tower Roosevelt in Yellowstone, one of the only places I've seen the full Milkyway.

[2_Retired]

Understand and appreciate your circumstances. DH and I are both now 70. We have been RVing (from a pop up to our present Class A) for over 45 years and have both said this is our last RV. It's a 2006 32' Georgie Boy Pursuit. Love it, and so love using it, and now being retired we do far more often. BUT - I can't drive it - never have had the faith in my abilities to do so and our physical realities make doing everything just that much harder! No longer go more than 5 hours on the road a day, and never back to back days! With the costs continuing to increase for a campsite, gas, and evrything else, we have sometimes been able to find a decent motel room for only a little more - and when factoring in the difference between 7 MPG in the RV and over 30 MPG in our traveling car, we have sometimes chosen to leave the RV at home! We still love camping, and nothing will ever replace the joy of sitting around a campfire, meeting others, but the time is close when that part of our lives will be closed. We will continue to travel, just in different ways. We have definitely created many, many forever memories for ourselves and our sons. Wouldn't have done it any other way, but things always change.

[bcbouy]

we bought a beautiful lake house in the middle of fishing country and parked the truck camper in the driveway for 2 years.we thought we were done travelling to fish.i started getting wanderlust really bad last spring.we sold the camper and ordered a new travel trailer and a couple electric powered fishing kayaks and we plan to do some serious travelling now.i guess we weren't done after all.i retired at 52 so maybe i jumped the gun a tad early when i parked the camper.when my check engine light comes on and i'm too decrepid to deal with the trailer it will still be used for a bunkhouse for the family to stay in when they all come to visit.

[Dave_Velky]

Man, that's a bummer. I dread getting to the point where I can't be in nature. I see people locked away in nursing homes, and i can't bear the thought. I'm 55, and my Dad is 76. He's saying he's going to sell his class c cobra in the Spring. I can't believe he's talking like this, but time is catching up with him. For him, the constant repairs on his 90's era rv are the issue. I suggested that he get a class B with a simple bed and a potty. That's all he really needs. But, he can't really afford a new one, especially at today's prices.

[Super_Dave]

After being notified of next seasons rates, I might be right behind you!

[BarneyS]

"The bending over to hook everything up about kills me."

That's what got me too! :M. I lasted until 81.
Barney

[B_O__Plenty]

At 76 years, I'm getting very close. The bending over to hook everything up about kills me. Been getting some new equipment to try and stretch this out a little longer. Got an electric cord reel, a new soft water hose that's very easy to roll up and I'm looking at some sewer hose options. Going down to 20# propane tanks from the 30# it has so I can lift them. Longer hand railing on the steps. Auto level is a blessing. I guess it's all about adapting.

B.O.

[Veebyes]

Quitting time is something everyone has to face. When I have to pay somebody to fix every little thing it will be time to quit.

Right now I am happy to go up on the roof, crawl underneath & twist the body into all kinds of positions to get at something in the basement. It is not as easy as it used to be but thousands in tech time have been saved fixing the little things myself.

When the body says enough I guess that will be enough.

[Terryallan]

Lwiddis wrote:
At 72 I setup and takedown the TT a little slower but still enjoy these chores. To each his own.

Truth is. I hurt my back years ago, and it will just not take the strain of setup, hookup, and even carrying the WDH from the building to the truck. This is not something I want to do. But not being able to walk, or sleep is not something I want to do either.

[Terryallan]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
I'm sorry to hear this Terry but I understand. My time is coming very quickly. I figure 10 to 15 years on the outside at best.

In any event I have enjoyed your posts over the years and you have given a lot of new comers many great tips.

I wish you and yours the best in your new adventure.

Thanks

[Terryallan]

spoon059 wrote:
I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision, but what a great time to get top dollar for it! I'm turning 41 and hoping to have 20 or 30 years left where I am capable of and enjoying camping. I've already given great thought to a park model camper at a nice location somewhere. Someplace the wife and I can load up the car (or fly to) and have a (very inexpensive) vacation home in paradise. Perhaps that is something you may consider.

We actually did think about that. But the only CG we would consider using has a years long waiting list, and it is pretty pricey to put it there. Last we checked it was $2500+ for 6 months, and that does not include electric. and at this time we wouldn't be able to get up there enough to justify the cost.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

I'm sorry to hear this Terry but I understand. My time is coming very quickly. I figure 10 to 15 years on the outside at best.

In any event I have enjoyed your posts over the years and you have given a lot of new comers many great tips.

I wish you and yours the best in your new adventure.

[olfarmer]

I sure understand but glad you can still enjoy a cabin in a campground! At 77, I am in pretty good shape but my wife has multiple health issues and walks with a walker 90% of the time. I am not ready to sell our motor home but we didn't use it at all last year and this year we used it 3 nights at a nearby camp ground for a family reunion. We wanted to take it to Montana to visit my wife's sister but I am afraid the wife's health is just not good enough to make the trip. The MH sits inside and is in very good shape with 30K miles on it but it is 20 years old so it is not worth a lot so I think we will just keep it and hope we can use it again!

[spoon059]

I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision, but what a great time to get top dollar for it! I'm turning 41 and hoping to have 20 or 30 years left where I am capable of and enjoying camping. I've already given great thought to a park model camper at a nice location somewhere. Someplace the wife and I can load up the car (or fly to) and have a (very inexpensive) vacation home in paradise. Perhaps that is something you may consider.