A Sunny Day and Flying Kites

Just another day in our endless trek. The sunsail works great and so does the recently installed "active" cooling system improvement. So we spent a day at the beach.

The Neverending Trek

What type of trekking?  I'm in transition and we began assembling our plan several years ago in 2007.  We currently have a larger Class B which provided immediate benefits. When not travelling we have a permanent address because we don't want to be nomads and there are "tiny homes," and then there are "miniscule homes." A Class B is at the extreme end of "tiny," but ours is not the smallest.

Our RV is a means to an end, and a means to explore. It does not become a means unto itself.  This is part time RVing and that seems to be the most prevalent type. However, part time is not our goal. Part time might be the only type available to many of us with family, jobs at permanent addresses and so on. When in that situation we can't simply wander the continent for the entire year. Some of us can but choose not to. Some of us do, but probably should not. Retirees may have a lot of flexibility, but not all trek. For those who do trek, many want an address, something we can think of as "home," so no matter where we are, we can always look forward to returning home.

Plans and formulation. It has taken a few years to agree upon a plan and to put in place several critical pieces. Piece #1 was a condominium in a centralized locale. "Ya gotta live somewhere" and this has been a good place to hang our hats for 13 years. Piece #2 was travelling, acquiring skill and spending a decade determining what, when and where. With experience gained and after further discussion piece #3 was a trial in a rental Class B; that was the proof of concept and the opportunity to obtain further clarity. Piece #4 was acquiring a vehicle in which one can live for a week or two, or more and scope out various locales. It will be used to travel from locale to locale, our "ports of call." It is our "tiny home on wheels." As part of our explorations we sought suitable locations for bases, which I'll call "locales." If this was about sailing I'd call these our personal "ports of call." We have identified three, but selected two, which I will call Pieces #5 and #6.

Neverending, or Endless Trekking. Where are we going with this? That's both a literal and rhetorical question. During our relationship we have always discussed our future together. As worker bees and thereafter. We began discussing our post-work future and wiped the slate clean. We agreed upon "must haves" and "non-negotiables" which provided a foundation. We wanted some permanence, but also wondered if an intermediate approach was possible, something I would describe as a "Neverending Trek" which offers some permanence but without the sticks and bricks?  In other words, a truly portable existence with one or more semi-permanent addresses.

This would be a kind of "hybrid" RVing. This is not "Class A" living from KOA to Boondock to National Park,  nor is it traditional part time RVing. Unlike part time RVing there would ultimately be no home or apartment with an RV for occasional travels. Endless trekking cuts the cord. It replaces the home, condo or apartment with another, larger RV. It could be a fifth wheel or a towable. However, our port(s) of call would be much larger than a Class B. These could satisfy the need for permanence and space by placing them strategically in locales in which we would really like to live for 4, 5 or more months of the year. But not for the entire year.

How would this work? This approach creates a continuous trekking environment in which one can explore most of the year. This provides an opportunity to explore entire areas of the continent from a locale which is itself mobile and impermanent.

The minimum pieces required are:

1. A truly portable Class B or C 
2. A much larger RV which would itself be moved from time to time, or sold and replaced by one at another location. 

Such an approach would avoid the permanence of a "sticks and bricks" house and set in motion the opportunity for endless trekking.

What would a Year look like? 
By foregoing a sticks and bricks house, this would provide the opportunity to live anywhere in the U.S. with forays into Canada if desired. As an example, let's assume the larger RV was in Michigan. Then for one summer one could explore the entire eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago, and parts of Michigan and northern Indiana. By relocating the home base RV, then in another year Door County and Lake Superior could be explored. Of course, Using the Class B as a mobile home on wheels, it would be possible to venture as far east as Niagara Falls. In yet another year, it would be possible to explore Main, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In another a trek to Alaska and back.Or Colorado and the Rockies. And so on.

Obviously, one's life would be limited only by imagination and one's savings. And yes, money will always be a factor.

When we tire of trekking via wheels we can always take the occasional cruise. Believe me, St. Maarten is lovely in January, and Alaska's inland passage is wonderful in July.

Where to begin? That's a personal decision. We began with a discussion of a map of the U.S. Take a draftman's compass or a thumb tack, string and pencil. Put the sharp point on the map in your current location. Draw a circle with a radius of 250 miles. There is the initial area. Then look farther and think about the most opposite season. Where might one want to be in winter (or summer)? Take the compass and put the sharp point in that locale. Then draw a second circle with a radius of 250 miles.

We now have two possible locales for our large RV.

Draw a line from the center of one circle to the center of the second. Now we have a possible area to traverse and explore in the first year or two. Look at the routes of major interstates or highways and the intersections of these circles. Now we have major roads to travel. Along those routes are places to explore.

Cold and hot weather locales. Obviously, it would be desirable to avoid weather extremes. Cold weather camping can be fun for a week. Ditto for tropical extremes. Most of the time we prefer comfortable weather. (I've ground camped at -25F and I've also spent 11 months in the southernmost part of the Florida Everglades including summer. So I do know what I am talking about).

That desire to avoid temperature extremes and experience comfort also shapes our plans. We could have a "base" in a "cold weather" locale in which to spend the winter and explore the surrounding area in the Class B. It could be in the southwest for a few years, which would provide winter access to CA, AZ, NV and so on. Alternately, the "cold weather" locale could be in Florida.

The criteria requires deciding how far one wants to travel in the Class B, how much time one will spend in the Class B, what one wants to see in the Class B and where one will travel in the Class B.

One could set up impermanent homes in two locales. One in the north in the Class B for use during the summer, and a larger RV home via a fifth wheel in the southern part of the country in which to spend winter. That would be the second locale.

Of course one could have two RV locales and use the Class B to trek between. "All it takes is time and money."

Avoiding the extremes of weather. For many of us, that might be desireable. As we age we may develop one or more forms of arthritis, or experience respiratory problems. If so, it's best to avoid 20F winters and 95F humid summers. If that is desirable, then as we age and as the seasons change, one could travel from the "cold weather" locale to the "warm weather" locale to continue exploring. Along the way greater distances would be travelled and that would allow one to see many of the National Parks other states such as CO, and visit relatives anywhere on the continent in a Class B.

As the season of travel nears an end, then one would travel to the larger RV base and put up one's feet for a few weeks or a few months. This is not a new concept; there are more than a few people who live in Florida for the winter and then in northern, cooler states in the summer. These are the well known "snow birds." They may have a Keystone Montana in Michigan and a permanent home in Florida. Most travel from one home to another in a traditional automobile. That is not continuous trekking. This is not what we intend to do.

Logistical requirements. The endless trek would require the rental of an annual space in the north (summer zone) to enjoy cool summers. A similar space would exist in the warm southeast or west (the winter zone). One might live in a locale for only a summer, or a winter. One locale might be relocated after a year or several.

One locale could be an "over 55" community which has a lot of activities. Travel between locales and continue trekking the continent in a Class B. By doing this, one can escape winter, escape summer and see the sights and the relatives. It would truly be an "Endless Trek" with the best of all worlds. If one tires of trekking, stay put for a while.  If one tires of an area, relocate the fifth wheel and set up residence somewhere else.

If one tires of moving between two locations summer/winter, then sell one of the RVs and "settle down" to a single location and continue trekking in the Class B.

Alternatively, get a B+ or a C and use it for travel and to live part time on the road. This could do double duty as a "hot weather" escape, or do the opposite and make it the "cold weather" escape. Then put the fifth wheel or travel trailer on a rented spot which will be our "permanent" address.

In the process, one may find that perfect spot to permanently retire. When that time comes, simply do it. Until that time, there is no need to feel trapped in one's home because this is a big country.

At what age to do this? This is ideally suited for someone or a couple in early retirement. However, a younger person, couple or family could also do this for a year and satisfy family and financial responsibilities.

For those entering retirement that's a time when we are relatively healthy, are ready to do or to see things we haven't because of the myriad of responsibilities of working and a family. With good health, we may have a little discretionary money to do this, before the medical system takes it all. It would be prudent to do this in one's 60's and 70's. Once we reach the age of 80, there may be health, vision or other circumstances. Of course, there are exceptions to all of the rules. And yes, someone will win that lottery. But that winner will be the exception. So too for health and old age.

What might this look like? Here are a couple of places we have been. One is a more traditional RV environment. The other is an over 55 community with pools, other outdoor activities, indoor activities and so on. We continue to explore other opportunities in our quest for the endless trek.

A Warm Weather  Retreat

A Cold Weather Retreat

Alternative Approaches to RVing

I've looked into the future. There are a number of ways to spend it. I can sit in my condominium and wait for God. Or I can travel and see the continent, if not the world. That's not really a difficult decision, is it? So what is my 10 year plan? Here are a few options and approaches using a RV. Some are more palatable and acceptable than others.

Full Time Vanning. Now, over at Facebook and YouTube we can read or view the adventures and travails of those who practice "stealth camping" in a van. This includes the joys of defecating in a bucket, mooching showers from friends, going to Panera to get WiFi and so on.

I've ground camped. Really liked it because there was a real payoff. That payoff was nature. I was one with the critters. We bathed in the same water, slept under the same stars and walked the same paths. However, living in NYC in a van is not my idea of communing with nature.

Nor am I enamored of the concept of avoiding all taxes. It is a fact that property taxes support most education in the U.S. I view a desire to avoid property taxes as a covert attempt to undermine education and children. Merely another duplicitous move in a country in which we state "Children are our future" yet do exactly the opposite.  For those avoiding property taxes, the reality is this is BS.

"Thumbs Down" to Full Time Vanning. 

Class A Living. This is the opposite side of the spectrum. Purchase a 30 footer (or longer) and tow a "Smart Car" or something larger.  Start a website promoting the wonders of going with the wind. This also applies to fifth wheels and towables more than 30 ft. in length.

The class A does provide a "home" experience. However, it isn't very maneuverable and I really got a kick out of the TV show which included the family that purchased a Prevost and declared "We're going to the National Parks." My guess? They have never before gone to a National Park.

Living full time in a Class A means avoiding all taxes other than fuel, and torpedoing education in this country. Not something I can support.

Yes, there are some real benefits to owning a class A. But getting into the National Parks isn't one of them. One of the problems of the Class A is maneuverability. Another is initial cost. A third is "cost per mile."  Ditto for trailers longer than 25 feet. These RV's need a lot of room. "Room" is in short supply in a lot of the State and National parks.

For the boondockers, driving a Class A on sand, or the prairies is probably not a good idea.

Gets about 8-12 MPG. Great support of OPEC and a variety of despot regimes in the world.

However, having such a vehicle does allow one to live in a house on wheels. But as for the adventure? Sorry, no adventure and limited outdoor access. Too many inconsistencies for me, one who adheres to "a life of moderation."

"Thumbs Down" to Class A RVing. 

Class B or B+ Living. These are vehicles less than 25 feet in length. Consistent with "moderation." However, consider that a Chevy Suburban is 18 feet in length. Obviously anything longer than 20 feet will be impossible to parallel park, will overhang any shopping mall parking space, and may likely be too tall for many garages.

On the other hand, I'm not planning on an urban exploration in such a home on wheels. In other words, would you like to travel through Atlanta or Manhattan during rush hour in such a vehicle? Been there, done that. Not something I would recommend in anything other than a Hummer.

The problem with a Class B? It's really small. Yet it does provide the opportunity to travel at about 16-19 MPG and will fit into all of the National Parks. A "luxury" Class B will also include a real bathroom, ample sleeping space, an additional space for living, a real kitchen and so on. In other words it is truly "A tiny home on wheels."

However, most of us want more than 80 square feet of living space. Yes, this might be adequate for travel and a week, or two or more. But difficult to live in for an extended period.

Thumbs Sideways for a Class B

Class B+. This is a vehicle that is larger than a class B. Many have the same chassis, but also add a "box" at the rear. That box generally accommodates a larger bath, but not much else. If the B+ includes a slide-out, that does improve the real estate. But if it doesn't, then all one gains is that large bath area. I once commented at the "gone at the Wynn's" website that the author seemed obsessed with bathrooms. Let's be real, shall we. We really don't spend all that much time on the pot.

Furthermore, many Class B+ don't accommodate multiple living areas. Want to do something separate from the spouse in the morning? Impossible as the bed is in the middle of the vehicle and egressing requires opening the door in the bedroom. In many of the B+, even using the kitchen requires working at the foot of the bed.

In purchasing a Class B+, one may sacrifice flexibility for a larger bath area. However, if one purchases a Class B+ with a slide-out, then one does gain floor space.

Most B+ won't fit easily in a standard parking space. When's the last time you saw one parked on Main Street? That's my point.

So in purchasing a Class B+ there are some modest gains, but also some sacrifices.

Thumbs Sideways for a Class B+

Ground Camping or a Small Towable. Now, that's a good way to travel. Put the kids in the rear seats of a Chevy Traverse, or a Honda Odyssey and tow an Alpine.

Not a really a bad way to travel on a budget. Some include all of the amenities. An R-Pod includes a furnace, refrigerator, range top and so on. Overflow can sleep in a tent.

Park such a vehicle anywhere there are full baths and it can be really comfortable.

Thumbs Up for R-Pod.


Bottom line. It's all about lifestyle. That, and the reality "We can have whatever we want in life, all we have to do is pay for it."

Walking on Water

Walking the Dunes

Doesn't look too tall

Here's another perspective

There are animals and signs of  reptiles

The path continues

Some shade

Children enjoying running down the dunes

It's steep and we're higher than it might appear

View my Flipboard Magazine.

An experiment draws to a close - Can Time Be Wasted?

Recently, I returned to Facebook after a long absence. I've posted that these social networks appear to have dubious value. My blogging elsewhere has included extensive writing, editing of photos and videos. Obviously time consuming and something best done in the wee hours, or while waiting for the rain to stop so outdoor activities can resume. Of course, one can go the Tumblr route and simply "reblog" someone else's work, so the same photos, GIFs and snippets may circulate through millions of "websites." Is that creating value, or is it simply a datastorm? I'll let the reader decide.

Ultimately, we each face a choice of how we spend each minute of every day. It's subjective to say that something is a waste, yet there is waste. So why would I say that FB has dubious value? What do I mean? How would one determine that? If FB does have value, how best to exploit it and for what purpose? FB began as a closed system which ostensibly had the purpose of facilitating social connections with women on the Harvard campus. Its mission statement has evolved and since 2009 has been “Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.”

Blogging and social networking are work of a different sort. Perhaps part stream of consciousness and part accomplishment. Certainly, measuring productivity of  blogging and networking can be challenging. Productivity implies a deliverable that can be measured. In bona fide work, we can always look at our net income and make the statement "I earned (whatever) this week." Or we can point to a tangible product. However, blogging as I have done it, with no ads for 5 years and currently limited Google ads, is certainly not a way to make a living, nor did I intend it to be. If earnings (dollars) are the measure of productivity, then all blogging of this type has no tangible benefit. So was or is there an intention? Or is this all simply entertainment, a hobby and a diversion? I did have a purpose and objective in returning to FB. Nothing nefarious, so readers should not be concerned.

One FB user commented and objected to what she said was my "advertizing" on Facebook. That's a really interesting comment and it did provide useful data about some users at FB. Facebook survives entirely because of the advertizing which proliferates its pages and inundates the reader constantly. My apparent sin was to put a link in a FB post directing readers to specific posts in my personal blog in response to questioning and that's considered advertizing? If anyone should complain it should be Mark Zuckerberg, because any off page links takes the FB user away from all of that advertising which generates FB revenue. Perhaps that was the problem. It seems I was perceived to be a competitor for advertizing dollars? Worse, I am at a Google hosted site, the FB archrival. Horrors! Most interesting, really. I wonder how much FB stock some of the users over at Facebook may have. I'll reminisce about the days when many people pushed Microsoft for that very reason. They had a lot of personal money invested in the stock and it became such a problem in industry that to avoid the possible taint of industry bias I had to issue a company directive; employees (including managers) could not own MS stock; mutual funds containing MS were fine. More recently, this has been a phenomenon with Apple. Greed in America? Can't happen, and I suppose neither the internet bubble or the real estate bubble ever happened.

Blogs and social media can be used as a diary. And of course, as a communications tool. Or a change agent. There are additional uses. However, if the primary purposes of the internet are entertainment and sales, then there may be a competition to keep people watching or reading. I've monitored certain blogs. Stop writing and people stop reading. So there may be pressure to write anything. If so, this can put one at cross-purposes with their commitment, unless clicks and consumer purchases is the desired outcome. However, my visible purpose remains a diary with commentary. While a public diary via multiple streams might be the medium, that does not indicate the true purpose. A public forum does have use but also limitations. It is not always the best approach and to be responsible there is oh, so much I'll never write or publish here. Those communications are reserved for elsewhere; why give away the best to non-committed readers? On the other hand, this is an elegant way to use the cloud. My "home" may cease to exist or become permanently mobile, my hard drives may melt, and yet, this stuff will remain out here. Some day, an internet user may stumble upon one of my blogs and wonder why it hasn't been updated recently. It may be I'm on "vacation," have moved to other interests which better serve my purposes, or I may no longer be on this planet. Or perhaps my blogs will go on automatic and will continue to be published by machine. Perhaps that is already occurring?

Coincidentally, a friend recently asked me why I am "wasting my time" in social media. She's a professional and may not be typical. In my limited experience, most professionals don't see the value of social media beyond marketing, sales or service and would prefer to use a service like Skype to communicate with distant family, etc. Distant might be only 5 miles.

Yes, there is a risk in putting any aspect of one's life on the internet. For many years I took steps to be routinely scrubbed from the public domain. My life is my business and what I put out here is what I am willing to reveal. It's not too difficult to obfuscate. Or perhaps this is a charade. Who is the person behind the blog? Reading my public persona might be misleading. Misdirection? Would anyone on the internet do that?

Which brings me to my point. In response to a brief discussion about procrastination and delay, one reader said "......if you were living as today was your last on this planet, you probably wouldn't be wasting time on facebook." That too was an interesting comment. This drew another comment from another FB user "Shots fired!" The person who wrote the original comment may consider all of FB to be an utter waste. That's not necessarily so because life is a choice. Each day we make small and large decisions about how to accomplish specific purposes. I made a decision to run what I could describe as a social experiment on FB (Is it? I'm not going to get specific). Doing so included choices about time, interaction and limits. That experiment has just about run its course. However, the reader who made the comment about FB assumes time can be wasted. If goals or purpose are accomplished, then where is the waste? Or is the reader assuming that time is wasted if new challenges are not created? That's a different question, one that touches upon abundance and perception. For example, can one have "enough" in life? Are there limits or are we to be boundlessly "I want?"

As for two FB users getting involved in a "Shots fired!" discourse, now, that could be entertainment, couldn't it?

There is an old expression "Work smarter, not harder." Can FB be a part of a smarter approach? If so, how would it be used? Some now use it as an online "help desk." I'm not certain I see that as "smarter." Consumers are a fickle group. Service is demanded and expected. There are always going to be bystanders, some looking forward to excitement or carnage. Competitors can view the dirty laundry, too.

Turning bystanders into "buystanders" is not easy. There are costs and benefits to the FB approach for a company. How will that approach turn out? Time will tell and I'm interested in the result. I simply may not find the knowledge is worth the time spent to obtain it. That's not about waste, by the way. It is about allocation of resources.

There is something to be said about "doing" and being in action. However, if we operate as if we are hamsters in cages, then where is the accomplishment in that? In other words, a life should have purpose. That involves choice, goals, commitments and so on.

We each choose how to use our talents. Some are put to use to earn a living. Some are used to entertain others. Some are used in volunteer work. Some are used to maintain relationships. Talents can be used in many ways. Time is not purpose. I suppose the larger question is simply "If we are truly aware that our life is finite, then how should we best spend it?"  But it isn't about "spending" time; it is about use. It's about accomplishing goals and purposes. These are the interesting question to ask, IMHO. "Are you in thought or in action?" read the placard over my desk. I've been asking myself these questions for decades. It is useful to do so in purposing oneself. From time to time, we may also repurpose based upon what we have learned or accomplished. Life can be lived in stages and each may have differing goals and purpose. That is the larger question. What is my purpose? In fact, I have several purposes, because my life exists in several domains. Don't we all? The ultimate decision is how much talent (resources) to spend (allocate) in any one domain and in the process what specifically can I or will I accomplish in each domain? This implies having a goal or goals within a pragmatic approach. A larger question might be about commitment.

When a goal is reached, or the data acquired, or if a goal becomes impossible to achieve, these are appropriate times to end a project or task.

If we are to discuss waste, perhaps it should be from the perspective of living or not living a life of purpose.

This is not the time or place to express what I would do if this were my last day on the planet. Nor am I going to go into my purposes, goals, ambitions, etc. Sometimes life in the public domain is like a poker game. A lot of people expect others to show their cards while they do not, or hide behind "anonymous" and trivia.

A reader might assume I would be spending my life differently than I currently am if I were told "your life is over." This implies that we may alter significances when we face the reality of our finite existence. The reader may assume I have not yet done so. But what if I have realized this? What if I live from a place of readiness and completion? Perhaps each morning is both "hello" and "goodbye." Perhaps the things I find necessary have either been accomplished or are in motion and on a trajectory to completion, with or without me. Perhaps I have declared that I do have enough and experience abundance in my life? Is it possible that one might feel no compulsion to do anything "special" if one has lived life fully, has accomplished the things one set out to do, and "has" enough? What if that bucket list has no significance? After all, it is all made up, isn't it? Ah, yes, there is always something to do, or to see. Hollywood will be churning out a new blockbuster each month and does. There will be singing and dancing on America's Got Talent. There will be a new flavor at Ben & Jerry's, a new play on Broadway, a newer car or RV. There will be news tonight, and a weather report. Stocks will be bought and sold, There will be taxes and problems. Etc.

There will always be need. In our western culture "wants, needs and desires" are treated as very important. Life can become about getting these things, or having them. or consuming them, or providing these things to others. Why? What about the quality of one's life? How would we measure that? Are relationships and intimacy important?

As for lifespan, it would seem a lot of people want to live forever. To what purpose?

Value versus the price of admission.

On July 15 a Facebook member complained about my reference to my blog (this blog) in my posts. I responded thusly, and I'm putting it here because this blog is a form of personal diary. FB posts will quickly be scrubbed and flushed.

"I use my personal blog to provide specific information and my personal experiences, as do most bloggers, IMHO. Be it a back up cam addition, or screens, or comparing a Sprinter and posting photos and videos of my adventures. It's a diary! Frankly, if I wanted to advertize this is the last place (FB) I would do it. I prefer to interact with the people over at Roadtrek International FMCA who pay an annual fee for that privilege. I'm a firm believer that the value of the performance is linked to the price paid for the admission ticket. My blog is free, That means readers should expect nothing based on the price of admission."

In other words, one gets what one pays for and when the price is zero, then the benefit is also zero.

Steel, Iron and Facebook

I decided to revisit Facebook this year. I joined in 2010 but after a week of exploring a variety of groups, I put it back on the shelf as "not ready for prime time."

Here we are 5 years later, and I decided  to try it again. After all, according to the popular press, so many privacy issues had been resolved, it was all "wonderland," etc. etc.

Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal published an article on July 14 entitled "How to Start Liking Facebook Again: Fixes for the Biggest Complaints" by technology writer Joanna Stern. Apparently I wasn't the only one who had problems with FB. However, I am possibly unusual because I NEVER liked FB, and I still don't.

Ms. Stern's pet peeves sound like 2010 all over again. So the question remains: Can one find value over at Facebook? The answer is a qualified "yes" but it goes beyond likes. FB aso remains a huge time waster and distraction. I simply don't have the time or inclination to sit with my smartphone all day. In fact, to accomplish things I frequently turn off one of my phones and set the other to silent. I know, horrors. But then, I'll never get carpel thumb disease.

Steel and Iron
Now, why the title of this post? There is some value over at Facebook, but one must be selective. For example, I am interested in things that improve my life; in other words, things I can apply to my lifestyle. I have no interest in those dim bulbs in the entertainment industry. FB and Google+ also provide a means to contact family, friends and acquaintances.

So what might improve my life? I have several interests in which a few of the 1.4 billion FB users can provide value to me. These include travel and cooking. Travel specifically in a steel can (a small class B RV) and cooking with cast iron. Other than that, I already have more than sufficient sources of information and guidance. More importantly, those other sources are trustworthy.

That, by the way, is my #1 pet peeve about FB and any and all social networks. The internet is the Wild Wild West with many unknowns. I really don't need instant chat about any and all opinions. I'm interested in what works, what doesn't, and what I can use. Opinions ("I like this") are about as useful to me as the voting on America's Got Talent. Yet, I too get sucked into the FB vortex and find myself hitting the "Like This" button. Okay, I admit letting people know what works has some value. but I also suspect this might simply be a popularity contest. One thing I have learned about creating value is this. It isn't a popularity contest. Some people will use what I provide and others won't. Some will refuse to simply because they don't like me. On the other side of the coin, if I find value I'll use it. I really don't care who did it and my opinion of them is meaningless. It is about finding value and then applying it. In fact, I'd go so far as to say "If I don't use it, it has little value." It's like working on a HOA board, which is a payless, unpopular job. Some owners and residents will like the results, some won't and some will forever dislike various board members, simply because they are on the board. No big deal, because I didn't buy a condo to be in a social club. Who does? That's why they make retirement and over 55 communities, isn't it? Ditto for other aspects of my life.

First the Iron
I find the "Cast Iron Cooking" group probably the most interesting FB site. Now I know that's a personal, subjective comment. However, I suggest the reader think about how much time they have spent cooking, baking, eating and then cleaning dishes. I'd also suggest we consider what it is that really makes a difference in our lives. I am of the opinion that talk is cheap.

Why a group about cooking? For the foodies, cast iron might seem oh, so middle ages. For those who don't cook, how much time and money has been spent in restaurants, both good and bad? In the wild, one is frequently uncomfortable. A good meal makes a real difference and it is sometimes the only thing over which we have some control of comfort when camping. I've done a lot of ground camping and that's been my experience. One thing that made a real difference was a good meal. It still does and my spouse and I enjoy cooking and baking. It's one of the ways most of us share our good fortune with others. "Breaking bread" is in the American Lexicon.

Over at the cast iron group, people share results, not just opinions. It isn't about wants and needs. They share cooking tips, cleaning tips and recipes. Everything it takes to make a meal of anything from corn bread to steak to beans to stew and pie. The group users provide the evidence, too. Lots of photos and recipes. Now, other groups do similar things, but this group is "doing" and doesn't spend much time "complaining."

Now the Steel
Another interest is several RVing groups. In particular, smaller Class B or C. Why? Well, I have a specific interest in travelling and living in these rather complicated machines. There are a number of these groups over at Facebook. Some provide more value than others.

Now, I've actually had my fill of certain kinds of travel. In my business life I've driven about 600,000 miles, flown more than I can remember. Spent as many as 11 months at a time "somewhere else" living in a motel or compound. Home was sometimes 12,000 miles distant.

In those travels it was mostly work. I wasn't wherever to make friends. Sometimes my purpose was to make and force a difficult decision. It wasn't about popularity. Once it was about lifting the banishment of a company which had found itself in serious difficulties. Yet I was at times popular. When results are necessary, achieving them may make one notorious if not popular. For companies, it is all about results and survival. Good companies reward this with more work. Sometimes bad companies also do so, but from experience, these bad companies will be more inclined to attempt to squeeze blood from the workers. Greed is rampant in our society.

In nearly all of these travels, I either drove by or flew over millions of people. I didn't share their experiences. I first saw the Grand Canyon from the air. Now, it's time to see all of the things I flew by, up close and at my pace. So I have an interest in doing just that.

RVing on Facebook
Rvers are a diverse group. At one end of the scale are those travelling in a $2 million Prevost. At the other are those living stealthily in a Van parked in NYC. Most of us are somewhere in the middle, travelling in a smaller RV called a "Class B" or "Class C" and costing when new from $50,000 to $150,000.

Obviously, this diverse group has differing viewpoints and needs, wants and desires.

As the owner of a class B, I have a specific interest in that type of travel and living. However, there are other sources of information. My favorite is the FMCA Roadtrek Chapter. Why? That group via their cyberrally communication is a group of committed listeners. They each paid for this privilege.

That, by the way, is probably the #1 problem with FB. It is free. That means people sign up who have no financial or other tangible interest. On FB, we'll be interacting in a group comprised of the makers and the doers, but also the casual bystanders and from time to time, the loose cannons. I commented recently in a FB group that the problem with "free" is it has no value. Provide access for free and people equate that to "no effort" which is one step on the entitlement bandwagon. It may also simply be entertainment. I have no interest in entertaining the bored. That's why we have free TV.

Over at the FMCA there is a membership fee. That alone keeps the casual observer and the loose cannons at bay. In all honestly, I've gotten far, far more value from my FMCA membership than I have from FB. That's the reality. Sometimes, the best things in life are not free, nor should they be.

Sharing implies a give and take. That's not necessarily the way it works at FB, unless one considers sharing to be opining.

What FB has going for it is visibility. Some RV manufacturer's have decided to spend a lot of time on FB. I can understand that from a marketing and sales perspective. Owners have a free site to go to for advice, etc. Potential buyers see the involvement of the manufacturer and equate that to commitment and service. This can drive sales, which is really important in competitive industries, and the RV Class B world is competitive. This is not a criticism. I'd rather have a responsive company than one which is non-committal and un-responsive. However, there is perception and there is reality. There are some really large, well known companies which have thrived by driving perception, to alter the reality of the customer. I'd rather live in an unaltered, raw reality. It's a fine line for any company to walk.

Sources of Information

Trekking is a learning experience. For those of us who are new to this, the task can seem overwhelming, but with experience we will settle in and become more comfortable. Alternatively, we may drive down the road and be unprepared for the operation and care of our new "home on wheels." For some of us, our mobile abode may be our first experience as a homeowner. For many of us, who are "sticks and bricks" homeowners, many of the things encountered while trekking will be familiar. But not all. Winterizing, for example is a new thing for the homeowner,

One can "dive in,"or one can ease into trekking. Probably it is better for most of us to ease in and begin camping at modern sites, as we learn the capabilities of the vehicle and ourselves. Then with knowledge and proficiency we can try "boondocking" in a trial location and then in the wild.

It is desirable that these treks be pleasant ones and live up to our expectations. Preparation is essential. But it will require more than simply packing our clothes and filling up the gas tank; that has been my experience. Some of these vehicles are complex. They include mechanical systems, electrical, plumbing and so on. These things can be cantankerous or won't always perform as expected. They will break from time to time, or we will break them. It's useful to be prepared for this, to the extent that we are able. In this post I'll include several sources of information and help sources that I have found useful during my initial 18 months as the owner of a Class-B. Some of these I used in my research long before considering a purchase.

So where does one begin? Hopefully the new trekker did some research about the vehicle before making a purchase decision. A lot of manufacturer's post their vehicle manuals on line. I know for a fact that Roadtrek does. It's a good idea, in my opinion, to read these prior to purchase. This will provide some insights. It will also prepare us for the questions to ask during the dealer orientation period, after we have made our purchase. Of course on purchase we will be given not only the RV manufacturer's manuals, but also a stack of manuals for everything from the TV to the generator. On purchase we'll also be given an orientation by the dealer. Then we'll receive the keys, start it up and drive it home.  However, on driving the vehicle home, the real adventure begins. Believe me, purchasing a Class-B motor home can be a transformative moment. But that purchase is simply the beginning. Once in the vehicle we face the challenge and the opportunity of using and living in "our tiny home on wheels."  We each have expectations for our trekking experiences. Will the reality live up to the expectations? In large measure that will be determined by us.

Being prepared is one very important part of any trek. We'll each pack canned and dry goods, put some essentials in the refrigerator, stuff clothing in the cabinets, take a small medical kit, the necessary maps, and put together a bag with light tools, etc. . Then, we'll check our lists to be certain we didn't drop anything out, and off we will go. It is inevitable that there will be questions along the way.

Here is a partial list of information resources that I have found useful. I'll elaborate on these in the post:

1. Coach Manufacturer - email links, website, etc. 
2. Coach Manufacturer's Manual(s) (Roadtrek, etc.)
3. Vehicle Manufacturer's Manual (Chevrolet, etc.)
4. Various User Manuals - Generator, Furnace, Heat Pump/AC, Refrigerator, Hot Water Heater, Microwave/Convection oven, TV, Entertainment Center, Amplified Antenna, Propane Detector, etc.
5. Vehicle specific User's Group: FMCA Roadtrek Chapter - Cyberrally Email correspondence "Help!". 
6. RVing: Facebook.
7. Google Plus and Yahoo Groups
8. Social Videos: YouTube.
9. Personal Blogs and Websites.
10. Vehicle and Coach Roadside Assistance. 
11. Dealers.
12. General Comment about the WWW (World Wide Web or Wild, Wild West?)

1. Coach Manufacturer:
The coach manufacturer probably has a help line and a website link for support and contact. It may include "social" links to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. At that link the owner may find chat line, email, telephone, manuals, etc. For example, here is a link to Roardtrek's support at its website:

Roadtrek Support Link

2. Coach Manufacturer's Manuals:
With the vehicle the purchaser should have been provided with a manual which the coach manufacturer prepared to explain some of the "Do's", "Don'ts" and also the various systems is the vehicle. For example, plumbing, electrical, propane, electronic and so on. It is really important to take the time to read this manual, study the diagrams, find the various valves, etc. and take notes if necessary. We take this with us when we travel and we also include the original data sheet with Roadtrek's model, Serial number, etc.

3. Vehicle Manufacturer:
The vehicle manufacturer (Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes) etc. included a manual with the vehicle. It's essential to peruse this and become familiar with knobs, fobs, service intervals, "Don't's", etc. The vehicle dealer maintenance department should also be able to answer specific questions. I've made it a point to establish a relationship with a Chevrolet dealer. That dealer services two vehicles I own (engine, transmission, differential, tire rotation, etc.), including a Roadtrek 210P. I always use the dealer for oil changes and the routine interval maintenance recommended by Chevrolet. In that way, I have single source responsibility. Of course, if we were on the road when an oil change interval occurred, I'd find a local Chevy dealer. I am of the opinion that having a consistent relationship is mutually beneficial.

4.  Various User's Manuals:
With the vehicle one should have been given a packet or packets of manuals for the various devices in the coach. These include stove (range), furnace, generator, propane detector, refrigerator, microwave/convection oven, overhead fan, heat pump/AC, awning, water and waste pumps, etc. It is again useful to read these, note models and serial numbers and so on. We take these with us when we travel. We've also entered all of the manuals in a simple spreadsheet which contains a description, the model number and the serial number, if we are aware of it.

Various Equipment Manuals

5. Vehicle specific User's Group:

There are a number of resources available comprised of users. It's beneficial to belong to one or more of these groups. One of my favorites as a Roadtrek owner is the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) Roadtrek Chapter, of which I am a member. They hold group events called "rallies" and so on. I've established some friendships there and been given a lot of information by other users. Via the "cyberrally" email system other members are available if one finds themselves with a problem, or has questions. These are "committed listeners" who own a vehicle and are available to assist other owners. This is really beneficial to those with older Roadtreks, in my opinion. However, there are FMCA chapters for many popular coaches. For general information on FMCA chapters, this is the website:

http://www.fmca.com/chapters/about-chapters.html

For Roadtrek owners, this is the FMCA Chapter website:

http://www.roadtrekchapter.org/

With membership in a FMCA chapter one gains access to the cyberrally email correspondence which I call "Help!" and there you can get tips, tricks and assistance from other knowledgeable users. 

Social media is another resource, and that is covered next in this post. 

6. User Groups: Facebook.
Facebook is a social membership site. It's free. It has several user groups which I have found helpful and interesting as a Roadtrek owner. These include:

        Roadtreking: the group

        Roadtrek

        Class Bs, Cs and Small RVs

        Cast Iron Cooking

There are many Facebook groups  available. For example, for general RV information there is:

        Go RVing 
        RVing Fun - Camping Recipes
        Etc.

There are all kinds of people on Facebook at the RV and camping groups. Some own RVs, some don't own, some are considering a purchase. and some are simply onlookers. Some groups are open to all and some aren't. As is the case with all web based information, some information is useful, some is misleading, some is incomplete and some is downright incorrect. I'm a member of Facebook.

7. Google Plus and Yahoo Groups
Google has it's own social media approach, and this is called Google Plus, or Google +. If you have a gmail account you can expand it to a Google + account. As is the case with Facebook, there are all kinds of people at Google +. I'm a member.

There is also a Roadtrek group over at Yahoo:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/roadtrek/info

8. Social Videos: YouTube
Youtube is part of the Google universe. At Youtube you can find a video about nearly anything. It is a very helpful site for those who want to see ads by manufacturers and dealers. Want to see the interior of a new Roadtrek Zion? or a Winnebago Trevato, or a $2 million Prevost? Or would you like to see what it is like to live in a Sprinter Van, or "stealth RV living"? Or know more about boondocking? Or RV Toilets? It's all there, and more.  However, it's impossible to say if everything you will see is accurate. But this is a good way to get ideas, see people's experiences in their own words on camera, see sights, get some generalities about what works and what might work for you.

9. Personal Blogs and Websites
Personal Blogs can provide a personal perspective, insight, experience and complaints to others. It can record life's journeys, trials and travails. These websites and blogs can provide tips. They can be an agent for change, or improvement. Personal sites blogs come in all types. They frequently include the bias of the writer. Some promote products or services, but many do not.  Some writers make their living via their websites, many do not.

This blog is an example of a personal blog about camper vans and specifically experiences in a Sprinter Van and a Roadtrek 210P. For those with a Roadtrek 190P, here are two sites that could be of interest. The  "Roadtrek 190 Popular" site is about the experiences of the owners of a 2011 Chevy 190 Popular. The "Red Rover is about a 1995 Dodge 190P:

http://roadtrek190popular.blogspot.com/

http://www.redroverroadtrek.com/

Here is a site which includes posts on "a year in a Roadtrek," a comparison of a smaller Class B and a Class C, observations on solar and the Mercedes Bluetec engine 

http://jdawgjourneys.blogspot.com/

my-roadtrek-rv-year-in-review.html

going-from-class-b-to-class-c-small.html

10. Vehicle and Coach Roadside Assistance

There are a number of Vehicle and Roadside Assistance services available. I can't recommend any single one, but they are worth investigating. I am a member of one, and I also have some assistance built into my RV insurance. If you wonder about the usefulness, consider how would you change the tire on your RV or Camper Van? Or deal with a catastrophic failure on the road and disables your vehicle. If you think that might be difficult, then joining a roadside assistance program probably makes sense. 

11. Dealers.

Dealers are the ones who sell most new RVs and they are the ones who provide service. Getting to know your local dealer is probably a wise decision. Of course, you can also stroll over and view the inventory. However, some dealers have hundreds of vehicles, campers, 5th wheels, towables and so on. So it is probably wise to do some research before hand.  RV shows are another opportunity.  We didn't purchase at our local dealer (only 72 miles distant). But when warranty work was required they are the ones who performed it. They will also be my choice for routine maintenance of the Onan gasoline powered generator. I've come to know their service department and they know me. We have an amiable relationship.

12. General Comment about the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web, or WWW is sometimes like the Wild Wild West. That includes websites, blogs, YouTube, Facebook and so on. There is very little fact checking going on. A lot of what is out there has the primary purpose to sell a product or provide entertainment. If the goal is entertainment then the primary purpose is to get you, the viewer, to watch and perhaps to click on those ads. Some sites are designed to be money makers, and others are simply gifts to the reader. It's important to be aware of this distinction.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with entertainment as such, it's useful to be aware that if you want information you may not be entertained. Content providers are aware of this. Similarly, information sites may not be all that entertaining. My blogs are short on entertainment value. I'm using my blogs as a combination journal of my experiences and to share the information I've gained with others. I do that in a responsible way. I think I'm similar to many bloggers who want to get a message out there and have little interest in how happy or entertained the reader is. We know there are one billion YouTube users out here and Every day, people watch hundreds of millions of hours on YouTube and generate billions of views" according to YouTube. For those attempting to make money on the web via viewers, there is a lot of competition.

 If in reading my blog you are entertained, that's fine. But that isn't my primary purpose. We all want to make a contribution to others in life, and this is one way.

Comment:
It's no accident that I published this on July 4, Independence Day.
Edited July 5, 2015

Passive versus Active energy systems while Trekking

A Passive Solar Energy Device

When trekking we take advantage of both active and passive temperature control and other systems. Of course simple conservation is the best passive system to use, in my opinion. By practicing this hot water and energy requirements are reduced. Judicious approaches to cooking also reduce energy requirements, even if propane or other fuels are used. Solar power has a significant advantage over other energy sources if plentiful sunlight is available. This is particularly true for those planning on spending long periods in the camper or RV with a preference not to be "plugged in". However, solar power is not "free." The solar energy collection and storage systems had to be built, have to be maintained and they do have a finite lifespan. There is a cost for that and while it is possible that some of the systems will have a 10 year lifetime or even longer, some approaches will not. In other words, all solar and battery systems are not equal.

The sun sail in the photo above is an example of a "passive" solar system. It doesn't use energy nor does it rely upon mechanical devices. The awning on the side of the vehicle can shield most of that side from the heat of the sun. Reflectix reflective bubble pack in windows is another. The screen on the rear door is a third example of passive temperature control. These things, when used together can assist in regulating the interior temperature.  By orienting the vehicle to the sun and using these techniques, the interior temperature can be improved in both hot and cold weather.

Of course, many of our homes also use passive systems such as insulation, south facing windows for winter solar heat and so on.

Other passive approaches used when RVing include simple orientation of the vehicle to the sun's solar radiation (infrared energy). In the summer this includes parking the vehicle in the shade to reduce interior temperatures. In the winter, parking it in the sun and allowing entry of sunlight through windows is a method to increase interior temperatures. This is effective because the infrared energy from the sun is converted to heat on striking an object. Certain colors absorb more infrared than others. Black, for example is an excellent energy absorber while white or highly reflective surfaces absorb less energy. Infrared which is reflected is not converted to heat, so to maximize heating we attempt to reflect as little sunlight as possible. For minimum heating we do just the opposite and reflect as much sunlight as possible.

Active systems include the use of electrical energy from a variety of sources. These include the 50A or 30A, 120VAC shore power connectors on RVs and the solar panels many come equipped with and the battery systems. The solar panels, controllers, batteries and inverters are active systems because they collect and store that solar energy, and then later convert it for use in heating, cooling, cooking and so on.

An Active Solar Energy Device

Solar on Full Sun

Of course, if the vehicle is equipped with roof top solar panels, then it may be a necessity to park in the sun to take maximum advantage of the solar energy which is available and to avoid depleting the batteries. So, there are trade-offs with such active systems. Some get around that with smaller portable solar panels which can be set up 10 or more feet from the vehicle and oriented as desired. This approach has the advantage of allowing the vehicle to be parked in the shade for cooling, while energy is collected and stored by the solar panel(s) which are in the sun. Of course, portable solar panels can't collect energy while stored in the vehicle and rooftop collectors can. So there are trade-offs to all approaches. Of course, one can use both rooftop and portable solar collectors and get the best of both worlds.

Further passive temperature control in the vehicle can be accomplished by opening widows or door(s). With the vehicle in the shade, the windows and/or doors open and good airflow, the interior temperature will be the lowest possible and will approach the outside temperature. If in the sun, with a sun sail properly positioned and the awning extended the interior temperature will be lower than it would otherwise be in full sun.  Vehicle color also plays a part. Certain colors such as black generally absorb more infrared energy while white reflects more energy.

Cooking is another opportunity for use of passive systems. Simply cooking outdoors will lower the interior temperature of the vehicle. It will also lower the relative humidity. Boiling liquids creates steam and that may lead to discomfiture and even water on cooler surfaces. There are also a variety of solar cookers on the market. If the desire is to reduce consumption of energy in the vehicle, then cooking over a wooden fire is always an option, assuming suitable firewood is available. People have been making "solar tea" forever; all it takes is a glass jar and a tea bag. If the vehicle has sufficient batteries and solar collectors, then an inductive cooktop can be used inside or outside the vehicle.

Even active system benefits can be improved and extended by use. For example, most vehicles which have coach batteries include an inverter. The inverter may also be used to control the charging of the batteries while the vehicle is on shore power (120VAC) or the vehicle engine or generator are running. However, the primary purpose of the inverter is to convert 12VDC from the batteries to 120VAC at 60 hertz (Hz). Unfortunately, using an inverter will more rapidly deplete the stored energy of the batteries because inverters are not 100% efficient. During the inversion, some DC is used, or lost, primarily as heat. That heat may also be transferred to the interior of the vehicle. So, to maximize battery power available, it is best to use 12VDC devices and avoid the inverter all together. Many plug-in devices such as laptops, or cellphones and other electronic devices can run or be charged on 12VDC. For additional interior "cooling" there are 12VDC fans available, and even for refrigerator compartment cooling a 12VDC fan is frequently used.

Using passive systems may require a shift in one's thinking and approach to some activities. It may require a change in awareness, and an inquiry into "what am I hoping to accomplish here and how can I reduce the energy required?" However, a lot of this becomes habit after a while. For example, on cool mornings we generally cook indoors and use that heat to increase the interior temperature. Later, when the outdoor temperatures are at their peak, we may cook outside to maintain interior comfort levels. This approach is necessary for other tasks such as water consumption. True, there are passive water sterilization techniques and ground campers and backpackers use them all the time. However, there is a limited capacity to the grey and black water tanks. One needs to determine just how much of a "camping" experience their trekking is to be. Many of us want it to be less camping and more like home. Simultaneously we prefer to minimize the use of shore power, generators and extend the time until the grey and black tanks are full. If so, that desire becomes a driving force for better and more flexible energy sources in our trekking vehicles. It also provides a motivation to be better trekkers.