It’s no secret that social media is a disaster: We’re barraged by a stream of images and videos of people showcasing their “tuned up” faces, buffed bodies, ah-mazing living spaces and travel adventures.
I have no idea of how many parking lots of various kinds, big box stores, damn Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, truck stops, rest areas, etc, where we parked our RV overnight in our 20+ years of meandering about. We also enjoyed some campgrounds for the amenities. We were not full-timers and usually had a home base somewhere (NM, OK, CA, AZ). I see folks here like you, Holly Starley, April Isaacs and a few others, and I sense missing out now since giving up our 8th and last RV, a Leisure Travel Van. Figuring out a way to maybe get back "on the road again" (Willie Nelson) and immerse ourselves in that wonderful environment.
Our next road trip likely to be by car and that’s ok too. Because we have a car with E-Power, we will save enough in gas to pay for a hotel along the way, choosing ahead of time for sake of location and planning. I still use paper maps, as well as GPS and love getting off the busy Interstates and taking state and US highways through some forgotten towns, Hope to take some photos along the way, share later.
My husband and I spent two nights in the parking lot of a Rite Aid, a local grocery store and a pizza place while waiting for a part for the RV. He went in and talked to the managers of each place to let them know, and we of course purchased a pizza, a bottle of wine and a few groceries. It was one of the better stops we made on that particular trip.
Thank you, Paulette…so you know. It’s certainly good to make friends with the neighbors! It was late and I wanted to keep a low profile, but yours is a great approach.
Right?!? These moments, though occasionally challenging, are a necessary part of the whole magical bundle. So, glad we've connecting and I'm excited to follow your journey as a fellow feral woman!
I have no idea of how many parking lots of various kinds, big box stores, damn Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, truck stops, rest areas, etc, where we parked our RV overnight in our 20+ years of meandering about. We also enjoyed some campgrounds for the amenities. We were not full-timers and usually had a home base somewhere (NM, OK, CA, AZ). I see folks here like you, Holly Starley, April Isaacs and a few others, and I sense missing out now since giving up our 8th and last RV, a Leisure Travel Van. Figuring out a way to maybe get back "on the road again" (Willie Nelson) and immerse ourselves in that wonderful environment.
Good for you!! I’m often yearning to be “on the road again”! I highly encourage it.
Our next road trip likely to be by car and that’s ok too. Because we have a car with E-Power, we will save enough in gas to pay for a hotel along the way, choosing ahead of time for sake of location and planning. I still use paper maps, as well as GPS and love getting off the busy Interstates and taking state and US highways through some forgotten towns, Hope to take some photos along the way, share later.
To adventure! 🏔️🚐
Skillful choice, Wendy.
My husband and I spent two nights in the parking lot of a Rite Aid, a local grocery store and a pizza place while waiting for a part for the RV. He went in and talked to the managers of each place to let them know, and we of course purchased a pizza, a bottle of wine and a few groceries. It was one of the better stops we made on that particular trip.
Thank you, Paulette…so you know. It’s certainly good to make friends with the neighbors! It was late and I wanted to keep a low profile, but yours is a great approach.
Yes, for sure. We rolled in sun streaming during shopping hours, and in a big ass diesel pusher. We though it better to say hello.
Not quite as incognito…😊
Just as good second time round! Thanks for the preview.
Thank you, Michela! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wendy! This scenario is soooo familiar. And more than one Walmart had been just such a respite.
I know that exact tug you were facing, too—just wanting to sleep. Really glad you went though.
Thanks for pointing me to your post! Always love connecting with fellow #solowomenvanlifers. 😉
Right?!? These moments, though occasionally challenging, are a necessary part of the whole magical bundle. So, glad we've connecting and I'm excited to follow your journey as a fellow feral woman!
Yep, "good choice woman", doesn't sound like it was the best place to stay, even if it must've been a beautiful spot.
No, probably not. But my resistance was real—not just the disappointment of leaving this spot but the dread of night driving to find something else. 😳
Have "camped" a few times in Walmart parking lots with a trucker companion. Even had security come up and welcome us :)
Yes “camping” (read: air quotes) is the way to describe it! Full urban, pavement, lights, yuck…but safe, quiet, and at times, a saving grace.