Life in a Camper

Now that we've been living in less than 200 sq feet for over a week, I think I can offer some insights...

Down side:
1.  Moving around inside the camper can be a bit tight.  If it weren't for the "bump out" in our camper, it would be impossible.
2.  In order to fit into a space this small we had to either store some things or get rid of some things that I wish you had access too (a full-size couch would be nice).  I also wish I had my full-size freezer and additional pantry space.
3.  We miss having a cat.  To help fill the void we've adopted some squirrels that we feed regularly (one has even eaten out of hubby's hand).
4.  We have to have a stash of quarters on hand to do laundry.

Up side:
1.  It doesn't take long to clean.  Another down side... it doesn't take long to get messy either (especially since we are camping on sand).
2.  We've really gotten an opportunity to learn just how much stuff is extraneous and what is necessary.  I've found multiple uses for things just so I wouldn't have to lug around additional items.
3.  We're spending more quality family time.  What else is there to do when you've got no TV?
4.  Traveling around in a camper has given us opportunities to see and do things that we wouldn't have otherwise.  We've also been able to meet some interesting people.  For example, we visited a church last Sunday that had 2 guest speakers.  They were the adult children of a family who was recently featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition.  What this family does is wonderful and the kids are amazing in their attitude and support of their parents.  To learn more about them go to http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/episode-detail/hurston-family/703772.

Overall, I would say this has been a very positive experience thus far.  Is it something I would do for an extended period of time?  I'm not sure.  Ask me again in a a few more weeks.

Inaugural Run

Sorry this is late in coming, but things have been a bit hectic the last few days.  You see, we actually did it.  We packed up the camper and hit the road.  We left Northern Virginia on Friday, April 22 and headed South.  Granted we only went 80 miles or so, but it was our inaugural run and we were spending Easter weekend in the Richmond area with family.

There was a bit of rain and wind, so that set my nerves on edge a bit at first.  As we got further and further down the road, I got more and more comfortable.  Parking was quite easy considering how long the camper / truck combo is and that it was almost dark.  Unfortunately, we had a malfunction while trying to unhook the camper from the truck, so family had to rescue us and take us to get a part to help us unhook.  Of course, I'm thankful that we didn't go so far away that we didn't have that option.

The last few days have been spent visiting with family, but today the grandparents are going to take the kids for the day so that hubby and I can fix a few more issues with the camper that we've found now that we're living in it.

Tomorrow, we will be off yet again, heading even further South.  All in all, I can't complain about our inaugural run.  Glad it was short, and glad there is family in the area to help us work through some of the issues we've found. 

Strike that....

Well, it would appear we now have a water heater issue.  I guess we're not going to be leaving quite as soon as we'd hoped (again).  Update to come as soon as I have one.