Ingrid's Corner

Preparation…

by Ingrid

In preparation for our extended trip to the desert southwest, Al and I review past RV trips and ask each other a series of questions.  What did we like?  What didn’t we like?  Did the RV fit our needs and work well for us?  What equipment, if any, were we missing?  Would we make any changes?

After considerable discussion, we decide on a slight RV remodel and the addition of some new equipment.  We only need seating in the RV for the twothree of us; Al, me, and Bear.  Thus, we remove one of the chairs and replace it with a desk.  That leaves us with a loveseat and chair….perfect for our needs.

Al decides he’d like to build a custom desk to my specifications.  Ah, ain’t that sweet?  I had already shopped for options at numerous stores to no avail.  So Al and I head off to Home Depot in search of lumber choices.  AND their she sat…..sitting near the entrance of the Home Depot just waiting for me.  I whip out my trusty tape measure, carefully checking the dimensions not once, but twice.  She’ll fit perfect.

RVAl responds, “Are you sure you like the finish?  It doesn’t match the rest of the cabinetry in the RV, you know”.  After a moment of contemplation, I comment, “Love it.  Matchy, matchy is so 80’s”.  I remind him of the mix of finishes in our sticks n bricks home.  So it’s home she goes!

Next on the list….    Last March, while my dad, in the Chicago area, was enjoying unusual warm and balmy temps, Al and I were camped on the east side of Phoenix watching snow fall on the beautiful Superstition Mountain.  I’m bundled up in winter attire in Phoenix and my dad is wearing shorts in Chicago….this was sooo wrong.  The forced air heat in an RV is an energy drainer and not efficient when dry camping – i.e. no hook ups.  Thus, Mr. Heater is my new “Buddy” for cold nights in the desert.RVing

There were a couple other purchases made as well, which I will share in upcoming posts, but right now I gotta finish packing…..we’re hitting the road asap!

15 thoughts on “Preparation…”

  2. An RV office… but of course! What part of Illinois are you originally from? I was raised in Brookfield, yes, right next to the brookfield zoo. ha ha

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    1. Love the Brookfield Zoo…who doesn’t. Grew up in Bartlett then newly married lived in Hinsdale. Pilot and Flight Attendant for Midway Airlines in the 80’s.

      Looking forward to meeting up. Somehow I don’t think we’ll be at a loss of things to talk about 🙂

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  5. Love the desk idea. As I’m typing this I’m sitting at the dining room table. Life has not been the same (in a good way) when dry-camping since we bought our Mr. Buddy. 🙂

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    1. Since Al and I BOTH use laptops, he usually is set up at the dinnette. I’ll still sit in the chair occassionally with computer on lap, but love the desk. It’s working out great. Yep, Mr. Buddy worked great at Lake Powell.

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  6. Love the desk idea…We have never boondocked, but do have a generator on board..Our first fiver was a 28′ Keystone Cougar, but the bedroom had no slide and McGyver couldn’t stand up in the bedroom ..his feet hung off the bed, so we upgraded to a 30′, 3 slide HitchHiker…I envy you leaving for the warmth..It is too darn cold here in Illinois..WHY ARE WE STILL HERE???

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    1. We love the combo boondock for awhile then RV Park for a few days to clean up…us and the rig. Our budget stretchs alot further but more importantly our views are stunning.
      Don’t envy you sitting in IL. Definitely do NOT miss those IL winters. We’ve got a spot saved for ya, so come on down 🙂
      (due to internet problems, I’m behind on blogging. We’re currently in Cottonwood AZ and Monday heading to Phx…70 and sunny)

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  7. Hi Ingrid! We are camped at Superstition Mountain and I am glad it hasn’t snowed here! What a beautiful place. Wishing you safe travels. Maureen

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    1. Great Gravatar! Lost Dutchman SP is one of my all time fav spots. You can read all about our adventures last yr under my category “Arizona”. Have you been to Tortilla Flats yet? Fun place to have lunch. Canyon Lake is really pretty. If you’re up for an adventure, take the drive from Tortilla Flats to Roosevelt Lake. Read my post on it first though so you know what you’re in for. We’re heading to Lake Pleasant Monday. $10 a night you can camp at the water’s edge….boondock. Safe travels, Ingrid

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      1. Thanks Ingrid. We will check out Tortilla Flats tomorrow. (But first I’ll read your post:) We have enjoyed Lake Pleasant. There are some great campsites along the water’s edge and I’ll bet it won’t be too crowded! Take care, Maureen

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