Wallydocker - RV Life in America

How to RV Fulltime

2008-11-07T20:47:00.000-06:00

RV Freedom Now - How to RV Full-Time

The goal of RV Freedom Now is to help you make those all-important decisions
so that when you drive off into the sunset you can do so knowing that
everything will run like clockwork in your new life....

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Both of you should be able to drive

2007-09-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

We had a personal experience that gave us new perspectives. I have always been the principle driver but my wife did learn to drive the Rig. We travel and do art shows six months out of the year.Between shows we were at Maggie Valley N.C. when the Heart Attack hit. Being American Indians we went to Cherokee N.C. to the Indian Hospital, she drove. During the night things got worse and I was sent by ambulance to Asheville, about 50 miles away. She was on her own to get the motorhome there. After the stint - 2 of our kids flew out to help get us back out west. They hooked up the cargo trailer and she drove all the way home. She did an excellent job despite the construction in Knoxville and Memphis. She not only saved my life but saved the day as well. Important 2nd Driver? You Decide. "You are where you are from the choices that you make."

89A on the way to Quartzsite

2007-02-15T13:39:00.000-06:00

Alright I'm no Robin Williams (didn't watch the movie until we got back home) but in hind sight it was kinda funny. We left home without a parking gear or parking brake, 4 yellow scotchblocks that my brother-in-law would hop out and block the tires with. Having not been to Quartzsite and really not that well travelled in the west I took the exit south of Flagstaff and headed to Sedona on 89A. Yep, I saw the sign with circle and bar saying NO TRUCKS OVER 50ft, but this is a motor home. Gotta tell you it was exciting, going down that mountain for 25 miles or so.
After finally reaching the bottom of the mountain, letting the brakes cool off, driving through Sedona and a couple of little towns it was time to decide. Continue on 89A or start replanning, maybe go back to the interstate. A quick "how bad can it be after that" vote, we continued on 89A- big mistake.
Jerome, Arizona, for anyone who hasn't been, is 4 miles straight up the mountain. 45degrees and switchback city. We continued to climb and make 90 degree turns. My sister-in-law was totally unafraid in the back near a window until she heard me utter the 3rd "Oh S***!". To appreciate her anxiety, please be informed that we are flatlanders, totally unaccustomed to grades going from 1800' to 7000' in just a few miles.
After something just short of what seemed a lifetime we reached the top and started down the other side. We stopped at just before dusk at a little station to take on propane and gasoline. The owner asked which way we came, I told him, and being unduly impressed at our bravery (stupidity) he invited us to spend the night "next to the fence".
The following morning it was such a relief to see the desert stretched out before us as we descended the last part of that mountain, to begin our visit to Quartzsite.

Alabama - Wal Mart

2007-01-25T20:13:00.000-06:00

We are pulled over at the Calera Alabama Wal Mart - exit 231. It is about 20 miles south of Birmingham on I-65. We came in about 6pm and are pleased to find a Cracker Barrel Restaurant on the west end of the lot. Despite signs saying no overnight Truck Parking there are several truckers parked here. We plan to leave early for Montgomery to do a show this weekend.

Last night we stayed at a Wal Mart in Forrest City, Arkansas. It was well off the interstate (I-40) and quiet except for the lot sweeper, my wife heard it briefly but I didn't hear a thing.

Today we stopped at a Walmart north of Birmingham and stocked up on groceries and show supplies. Found those apple cinnamon rolls that I like, so I guess in the morning I'll be a Happy Camper.

Quartzsite in Febuary

2006-12-26T11:24:00.000-06:00

Well we are already planning for 2007. First we are doing ashow in Montgomery Alabama for the last weekend in January at Garrett Coliseum January 27 & 28. After coming back home to drop the cargo trailer unload the basement and hook up the Jeep its going to be off to Quartzsite. My wifes sister and our brother-in-law are taking some time off so we are going to see as much as we can in Quartzsite. Our brother-in-law and myself are buyers and sellers so we want to make room for whatever treasures we find to pack back home, so by empting out the basement and the Jeep ( Grand Cherokee ) we will have room, but not so much as to cause us to go broke.

Kind of want to go to Lake Havasu and see London Bridge then maybe come back by Grand Canyon on the way back. We are thinking there won't be the crowd there in winter. Annyway a trip that doesn't include work sounds kind of nice to us.

A Complete RV Education

2006-12-22T09:30:00.000-06:00

Here is where you can find a small but useful collection of downloadable books for the RV enthusiast. Perfect for the person starting out, Fulltimers and Parttimers will both enjoy theses books. How to buy and what to look for, towing your Toad, practical tips and checklists.
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2006-12-15T18:15:00.000-06:00

What Everybody Should Know... About Buying A Used Rv
"Discover How YOU can Inspect a Used RV"
... just like the pro's do ...

If you think you know all there is to know about buying a used RV ... then you do not need to read any further. You will be wasting your time. Just go out and buy that RV. If you are looking for an expert opinion and some guidance, then this e-book is meant for you.
Get yourself "armed and dangerous".
With this guide you will learn exactly what to look for and especially what to look out for when shopping for a used RV.
The very best time to discover the faults of an RV is before you buy it!

* This RV Buyer's Manual shows you:
* The insider secrets of RV inspection
* The Truth About How To Buy A Used Rv
* Proven Tips, Tools and Tactics To Buy A Used Rv
* Step by step road map to the selection of a trouble free used RV.
* How to spot problems before you buy!
* What-to-look for and especially what to look-out for!

Here's how it goes ...
You've decided to buy an RV!
An exciting time, to be sure. Armed with the local classified ads, you head out to find your dream machine. You check out two or three and then ... there it is ... the perfect RV for you ... The right floor plan, the most attractive decor and it just feels right!
But ... before you plunk down your cash, check every item in this
RV Buyers Guide.
If the RV passes all tests and the price is right - CONGRATULATIONS - you have found a gem.

Wal Mart Humor

2006-07-28T09:09:00.000-05:00

An Old RV'er who had a Labrador retriever, was buying a large bag of Purina at Wal-Mart and was standing in line to check out.
A woman behind him asked if he had a dog.
On impulse, he told her that no, he was starting The Purina Diet again, although "I probably shouldn't because I ended up in the hospital last time, but I lost 50 pounds before I woke in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms."
He went on to tell her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry & that the food is nutritionally complete so he was going to try it again.
Now practically everyone in the line was enthralled with the story.
Horrified, she asked if he had been poisoned. "No" he said " I was sitting in the street licking my self and a car hit me."

Will Rogers the Cherokee Humorist

2006-07-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

ABOUT GROWING OLDER...
First ~ Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Second ~ the older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Third ~ some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

Fourth ~ think of Algebra when you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth.

Fifth ~ you know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

Sixth ~ I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

Tenth ~ Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf.

And finally ~ If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.

You might just be a Wallydocker if....

2006-04-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

You might just be a Wallydocker if....
1. You spend one night or more a month in a parking lot. 2. When you take out your trash the bag has a yellow smiley face.
3. When you have your morning coffee you watch shoppers going about their business.
4. When your three year old grandson wakes up, looks out the window at the lake and says "papa where's Wal-Mart?"
5. You take your morning walk around the parking lot.
6. On rainy days your morning walk is inside Wal-Mart on the outer perimeter aisle.
7. Your looking on your FMCA map to see where the nearest Wal-Mart or Flying J is located.
8. Anything over five bucks is to much to pay for a few hours parking.
9. You don't see it as unusual to spend the night in a parking lot.
10. Your low on toilet paper but you know you can pick-up some in the morning before you leave.
11. When your daughter traveling for the first time with you says "Gah! you guys must know where every Wal-Mart in America is!"
12. When you find yourself explaining to friends and/or relatives that Wal-Mart is quieter than and safer than Truckstops or Rest Areas.
13. You can step out the door and go in to buy your supplies.
14. When watching the kids from town, congregating in the parking lot at night is considered entertainment.
15. When you have to search for a grassy spot for the dog to potty.
16. When your having to search out a free dump station and place to fill your water tank.

We are looking for more You might just be a Wallydocker if....

Fuel Prices versus Work at Home

2006-04-20T18:18:00.000-05:00

Fuel prices are continuing to climb, up another twelve cents overnight. I guess I'll head down to the auto parts store and see if can find a locking gas cap for our Bounder. With a hundred gallon tank, stealing gas from a motor home could look pretty easy to some. But it would be Grand Larceny now instead of just petty theft.

That brings me back to harping at anyone that will listen about the virtues of having an online business. No commute, no traffic, no boss and now best of all no gasoline being burned on the way to work. Just get up make the coffee and putter down the hall to the computer. Affiliate marketing on the internet has been very lucrative for many, myself included. Just read what this lady has got to say. I did and it really made a difference in my online income.

Outsourcing

2006-04-13T14:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, so there I am standing in the line at the Post Office. A little old lady (older even than me) was behind me in the line. It's a small town and so everyone in the line is talking to each other or anyone that's listening. After a round house discussion of the gas prices and a touch on politics the little old lady recounted "You know" she says "I was talking to my daughter in Houston yesterday and she told me that she had been to McDonald with her kids. Well you wouldn't have ever guessed it but the speaker phone where you place the order. Well that speaker phone was hooked up to an operator in India, to take the order for the burgers to be delivered at the drive up window. Pretty sad when even the jobs for kids is being outsourced to India."

This a true story as I sit here today. If your job has been or is being or in jeopardy of being outsourced maybe you should check out a Home Based Business at Wallydocking.com

Winter Weight

2006-04-10T18:55:00.000-05:00

Losing that winter weight
OK, truth is I have put on a few extra pounds over this past winter. My wife hurt her foot and we have'nt been walking. Now I guess we're being faced with that dreaded four letter word diet. Yes, you read it right diet.Normally when we travel we are'nt faced with such a consequence. We have our oatmeal and juice or fruit at breakfast, usually about nine or nine-thirty in the morning. Lunch comes about one or two and we have soup or a sandwich. We buy small portion TV dinners for our evening meal with yogurt for a snack. So we don't have to worry much because are daily activities are enough to burn up any excess calories.But, we didn't travel this past winter, just eating at home and laying around watching TV. Now the pants don't fit as well as they used to and something got to give. Rather than going on a diet we normally walk a mile or so four or five times a week. But her foot is hurt and I totally lack the ambition to walk by myself. So I've been trying to come up with an alternative to diet, not an alternative diet.I mowed the grass an Saturday, took Sunday off, our four year old grandson came over on Monday, and I know that he was good for at least a few calories. I thought about cleaning the garage but to be honest I would almost rather diet. Guess I'll go piddle with the motorhome and maybe go fishing.

Fulltiming

2006-04-07T17:52:00.000-05:00

Fulltimers
Wallydocking: an RV term used to describe "urban stays outside of a RV park" and covers "stealth camping" "front yard camping" "Flying J / truckstops" "Wal-Mart / retail parking lots" and other similar situations.Julie watching for "Mom" across from Wal-Martat Clarion Pa.A page from Wallydocking.comWe are not fulltimers, we would probably fall under some kind of subheading like extended travel RVers (spending weeks or months traveling and then returning to a stick home). Full-timing is a state of mind. It happens when you start thinking of your motorhome or trailer as the place you live in for extended periods, as opposed to a week here or there. Fulltimers no longer own a “stick house” on a foundation. A Fulltimers house has wheels. This lifestyle is becoming more and more commonplace. It is probably not for everyone, but for the adventurous type it is the best lifestyle one could imagine. Fulltimers can choose their neighbors, weather, and surroundings at the drop of a hat.Full-Time RVing Author: Sharlene Minshall; Buy it: $14.95This is a 192-page 'How-to" book that lets you in on the mobile lifestyle that millions are enjoying. It covers what you need to consider before you make that big decision to go on the road full-time or for an extended time. It gives you ideas on what you need to take, and how to get rid of remainder of your "stuff." The author suggests ways to maintain relationships with church, family, and friends. She tells how you might find part-time work if you need to supplement your retirement income or how to go about volunteering to let your finances grow for a few months.The book discusses insurances, what to consider if you take up a new state residence, and how to deal

2006-04-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

RV Blogging Along the Highway
A Page from Wallydocking.com RV Jobs and Working on the RoadI am absolutely no expert on RV jobs or jobs in general for that matter. I had a real job in 1977, it only lasted a few months. I found that I'm just not cut out for long term employment. I have however worked my entire life from the age of eleven. My work experience has a very wide range - jockey, house painter, sign painter, advertising, artist and website development. Currently I am active in the last two.In addition to selling art around the country I maintain several websites marketing products on the internet. Fact is the BIG END of our income comes from online 75% in direct deposits. There are a number of programs available that pay based on performance.This ebook by a leading internet entrepreneur will put you on the road (no Pun intended) to earning a good income online while you enjoy your RV life.If you don't mind working from home (1 hour a day) you must take advantage of this Once in a Lifetime Opportunity! You will thank me for it. Guaranteed! NOTE: You will basically have to do no homework with this system because, the package is completely error free and the work has already been done.Or maybe a little more traditional view of working on the Road.How to Make a Living by Living Full-Time in a Recreational VehicleAUTHOR: Coleen SykoraPRICE: $12.95Through this guide, find out what it's really like to earn a living while living full-time in a recreational vehicle (RV). Experienced working RVers who earn their living while living the full-time RVing lifestyle share their lives with you. You’ll learn what kinds of jobs are available and where to find them.Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road "You will be amazed at what you already bring to the job market..." Author: Jaimie Hall; Buy New: $12.97Average Customer Review: