Chasing Spring Wherever We Go

Matt and I have been down in Florida since the beginning of the year -- while the rest of the country has been buried in snow during one of the coldest and longest winters in ages, we've been enjoying warm weather and sunshine. However, the thermometer is starting to rise above about 85 (and we've actually had to turn on the air a few times.) That's a sure sign that summer is on its way -- so it's time to head north!

Holding Tank Odors -- Every Full-Timer's Achilles Heel

I do love it when the weather starts to get (and stay) warm, but there's one drawback when you live in an RV -- holding tank odors! No matter how conscientious you are, no matter how clean you try to keep your systems, you are bound to get some interesting smells once the warm air starts things cooking down below.

The Snowbirds Are Flocking Back North!

Spring is in the air, and our RV park is emptying out. It's clearly time for all the part-time snowbirds to flock back north (although I don't know why they would want to return to all that cold and ice when it's a sunny 79 degrees with a breeze down here in Miami!) Still, I hate to see them go. We're losing all of our neighbors!

Full-Timer's Insurance -- Don't Leave Home Without It

This past week, Matt and I experienced our first "emergency" as full-timers -- someone broke into our truck while we were out touristing and stole a load of portable electronics (including our laptops.) Aside from the fact that we've had to put everything on hold to re-build our virtual lives, this was about a $6,000 loss. We simply don't have the money to replace everything out-of-pocket, but we don't have to -- because we have full-timer's insurance.

Camping World -- Not The Best Choice For The Tin Can Set

When you need RV supplies, Camping World is a good one-stop-shop. However, Matt and I have discovered that this mega-recreational-corporation simply isn't capable of serving the "fix-it" needs of Airstreamers. We've given them 3 tries and they've struck out 3 times. We still may buy TP and deodorizer at their superstores (although Amazon is just as convenient), but now we have our repairs done elsewhere!

Medical Polygamy -- Healthcare On The Road

It is that time of year again -- Matt and I just had our annual physicals here in Miami (last time it was in Portland, and before that in D.C.) When you're on the road 365 days of the year, you never know where you'll be when you need medical attention, or which doctor you will see. A full-timing lifestyle really requires you to be proactive and take charge of your medical situation in order to protect your best interests -- because no one in a lab coat is going to do that for you!

Can I Tell You How Much I Love My Patio?

It is always about this time of year when I start to really appreciate my patio in a way I just can't during the colder months. The sun is shining (at least in Miami where we're parked right now), the weather is warm, there's a lovely breeze -- and I can think of nothing more pleasant than sitting outside, under my awning, enjoying the day. However, RV patios are a bit different than stationary ones, and you have to know what you're doing to keep them in good working order.

It's Hard To Be Spontaneous During High Season!

Matt and I started this year of RVing off in Key West and are slowly heading up the East Coast toward Canada. While it's lovely to be down in the warmth and sun while all of our friends are freezing their butts off in record-breaking snowstorms elsewhere, I will admit that I had forgotten about dealing with "season" in South Florida. But I was appropriately punished by the gods of RV reservations, I have learned my lesson, and I will be much more diligent next time around!

Who Needs A Car When You Have A Bike (Or A Moped?)

Matt and I just finished up a two-week stay in Key West -- which I have officially dubbed one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. We camped out over on Stock Island, just across the bridge from Key West proper and a short bike ride from all the fun and sun (and drinking establishments.) I loved pedaling my way along the waterfront and into town -- and I wish that more cities were as easy to navigate without driving that big freaking truck we own!