Trekking to the Sandwich Fair

In many communities there are annual county fairs. There are others, too. The town of Sandwich, Illinois has a fair each September. The fair includes animals and livestock, a petting zoo, all sorts of exhibits from antiques to flowers to vegetables as well as commercial exhibits. Need a RV? Come on down!

The fair also includes lots of food, and other entertainment including music, tractor pull, horse races and other competitions. This post does not do justice to the scope of this fair. Consider it to be a small sampling.

We have friends who attend and compete each year. So this year we made the opportunity to go to the fair, which is running until tomorrow September 13.

Click to go to the Sandwich Fair website

Monarch Butterfly Migration, Rain, Sunsets and Campfires

It's that time of year and the annual Monarch butterfly migration is underway. The evenings are becoming cooler as the sun moves northward in the sky.

We've experiences wetter weather this August. But on our trek we've had a lot of wonderful sun, too. Warm water temperatures (70F). cool evening breezes and lovely evenings and sunsets.

When it rains we don appropriate clothes and hike a few miles into the woods or state parks. I prefer hiking boots, jeans and a lightweight Marmot rain coat with a wide brimmed hat. But we take what we have and what works. Then as a group, off we go!

When the rain stops the sand drains quickly and we dance and laugh. 

With the rejuvenating rain mushrooms come up.

Returning to our campsite we prepare dinner. After dinner and as dusk approaches I light a campfire, and when darkness falls we sip tea and tell stories.

Storm Clouds

Recently we've seen some interesting storms while on our treks. These are two photos taken on the same trek and on the same day. One looks like marshmallows and the other formation has the appearance of waves at sea.

Michigan Mermaids

Another day in our endless trek. Stopped by a popular pubic beach and there were the mermaids. They were kind enough to stay near the shore and pose for photos.

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."