It's All In The Details - Literally & Figuratively

Our original mission for our Nomadic American blog was to make it unique, entertaining, humorous, and hopefully, have the capacity to pass along some knowledge to other first-time RV'ers. We realized from the get-go that there are TONS of RV web sites as well as blogs out there, even if some haven't been updated for a few years. We'll be the first people to mention that it is not our intention to compare sites. There are scads of very useful information locations out there. Yes, it can be a process to sort through it sometimes, but we've personally gained lots of insights from books as well as the Internet.Speaking of cool websites, kudos goes out to Tim Enright (aka BugSmaker) from Hitchupandgo.com for adding our RV blog to their website directory!


Now that the Nomad is back home and all the minor mechanical bugs have been worked out, the next project on the list is loading it up. This will give us a whole new take on the word "organizing". We're thinking about borrowing our grand-daughter Alyssa for this job. She can shove, jam, and pack a bunch of books in with some videos, shake the cabinets, and nothing moved or fell out! Amazing! Space is at a premium in the Nomad. And since we don't want things flying around while we're on the road, the organizing and packing will be going hand in hand with "securing" and "maximizing the use of space". In other words, this process will work successfully - it's all in the details.

When thinking about this process, we also realized that there are numerous other details in preparation for any kind of road trip. So, rather than bore you with nothing but "what we did and how", because every RV is different, we pass along some thoughts about some of the other concepts that crossed our mental paths.

1). Why do this is the 1st place? We feel traveling is in every person's blood. From the time we take our first steps as toddlers, we have a drive to 'go somewhere" - even if it's across the living room floor. Now, think back to the best road trip you've ever taken. Do you remember that feeling of rolling across the country with your windows down and the radio up, with nothing on your mind but the joy of being with people you like in a vehicle that you really dig? If not, you need to plan a road trip in the very near future. If you do however, and if the feeling of wanting to do it again, then you are a nomad to some degree.

2). Be sure to pack the right attitude! Stay flexible and laugh a lot. No matter if it's a commute or a several thousand mile trek, traffic delays and inclement weather will be encountered. If you're living the RV life or just planning a future vacation, decide what will work for you. If you spend your allotted time in one place or soldier through an entire area - that's okay. Just do it! That's the kind of freedom we all need in the first place!

3). Take only pictures, leave nothing but new friends. We share this world with others - people, animals, and mother nature herself. While everyone has a different lifestyle and agenda. Be sure to pack respect along for the journey.

4). Find some bliss - literally. First off, you won't find this at a mall or gift shop. Things like televisions, computers, or the latest coffee maker doesn't even come close to cutting it. Why? Collectively, they won't make you happy in the long run. We need to live what's out there, not buy it. It doesn't matter where we go - what does matter is the experience to be had along the way & once we're there. That's one of the main reasons why we purchased an RV - it's more of an experience than flying in a plane sitting in a seat for a few hours and barely relating to anyone.

Signing off for now,
The Happy Campers
Jill and Dave