Once I realized how much I like to use the word adventure, I began to wonder if I was using the word correctly, which lead to a little Googling. Here’s a definition I came across that resonated with me.
- an undertaking usually involving unknown risks
- an exciting or remarkable experience
- engaging in an exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.
After absorbing this information, I feel I am indeed using the word adventure correctly. With that said, allow me to share part of this summers adventure – my exploration of unknown territory.
First we’ll need to backtrack….. When Al and I sold the house and moved into the RV full-time three years ago, it wasn’t a dream or something we’d given much thought to. There was no plan, no budget, and no bucket list of destinations. From what I’ve gathered, most folks embark on this lifestyle via a well prepared plan including goals, budget, and destinations in mind.
We on the other hand moved into the RV full-time on a whim. You see, life had not only thrown us one curve ball, it had thrown us a bunch of curve balls.
We were faced with several losses and challenges which drained us emotionally. Instead of sitting on the front porch feeling sorry for ourselves, we decided to throw caution to the wind, jump in the RV, and wing it.
It’s been an interesting ride and definitely an adventure, but every now and then, I have felt lost….. certainly not physically (well, except for last week when I got ‘turned around’ so badly, I actually admitted to being lost. Ah, but that’s a tale for another post). I’m not sure if that lost feeling is part of the grieving process or just part of normal life.
With that said, I started talking to Al about temporary work otherwise known as Workamping in the RVing community. There are all kinds of positions out there geared toward the RVer and temporary seasonal jobs.
The term “Workamping” is actually a blending of the words work and camping and is a registered trademark of Workamper News ; a great website matching up RVer’s with work assignments. Another popular website is CoolWorks, and then there’s word of mouth and forums.
Last winter when Al and I realized we had no summer travel plans in mind, we decided to look into Workamping opportunities. Although we did get called for a few locations, we chose the Idaho job. One – we’ve never been to south central Idaho and two – we were introduced to the RV Park owners at a social gathering in Phoenix. After a three-hour luncheon with the owners, it was determined this could be a win-win situation for both couples.
We now have a month under our belts working at the Mountain View RV Park in Arco, Idaho, and I can honestly say that up to this point, this has been the perfect scenario easing us into the Workamping experience. It has been a win-win for both couples.
Since Al and I ran our own business for fifteen years, we’re self-starters, and we’ve stayed at enough RV Parks to understand what needs to be taken care of. We asked the owners for a quick list of priorities, then jumped right in and started taking care of things.
What things, you ask……….
On a daily basis, Al and I will ride around the park in the golf cart making sure garbage is picked up, the bathrooms are clean, and campers are enjoying their stay. I’ve even waitressed in the restaurant a couple of times when they got short-handed. Do you know it has been over thirty years since I last waited on tables? I jumped right in and acted like I knew what I was doing and had so much fun that I volunteered to waitress regularly. I know, is that crazy? I enjoyed meeting and talking to the locals coming into the restaurant for a meal. They are all eager to share the beauty their home state has to offer, giving Al and me plenty of ideas to explore on our down time.
And there has been plenty of down time allowing us to explore the area…. Craters of the Moon National Monument, drive the old mining roads near Mackay, take a trip to Twin Falls to watch Base jumpers at the Perrine bridge and see the stunning sight of Shoshone Falls. With so much going on, where will I ever find the time to blog 😉
I’m not sure why Al and I are so enjoying the Workcamping gig, but we think it has something to do in knowing the position is temporary. We also realize we have the freedom to pack up and move on anytime we’re unhappy. That sense of freedom is liberating. After all, it’s not as if we’re trying to build our resumes 😆
For a few days next week, we’ll pack up the RV and take a vacation from our Workamping duties. Oh yes, this summer is definitely turning into a summer filled with exciting and new explorations….. adventure all around and in many different ways!
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences – Eleanor Roosevelt
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