One of the things new or wannabe fulltime RVers sometimes worry about is making friends on the road. Then when they get out here, they’re surprised at how many friends they have! And unlike the so-called “friends” they had in their former life, who were sometimes friends of convenience because they worked together or bowled on the same league, RV friendships are often much deeper because you have a lot more in common.
It’s not a big deal for RV friends to drive 50 miles to meet up with somebody for lunch that they shared a campfire with someplace else. And when you have problems, there are no better friends than RV friends. If you have a breakdown, an illness, or some other calamity on the road they’ll come running from all directions if you need them.
New fulltimers are also surprised at how frequently they cross paths with friends they made months ago and hundreds of miles away. But it makes sense, if you think about it. If you like beachcombing, or kayaking, or bluegrass festivals, or just spending the winter in a certain part of the country, chances are good that people you meet will show up at similar places when you are there.
And then there’s kismet. I cannot begin to tell you how many times we have pulled into an RV fuel island and seen somebody we met long ago and far away. Or have been standing in line at a grocery store or having dinner at a restaurant when an RVer we know says hello to us.
Yesterday was a good example. We left the Long Beach Thousand Trails preserve and made a quick run to Gearhart, Oregon, about 30 miles away, to pick up a package that should have been delivered while we were staying at the Seaside Thousand Trails but had just arrived. On the way back we stopped at the Fred Meyer grocery store in Warrenton to pick up a few things, and bumped into Dave Bennett, an RVer who we last saw at the Escapees RV Club Escapade RV rally in Tucson back in March. We chatted for a few minutes before going our separate ways. Kismet.
Cell phones, e-mail, and Facebook have made it even easier for RVers to keep in touch with their mobile friends. We got an e-mail a few days ago from our RVing friends of many years,Bill Joyce and Diane Melde, who are staying at another RV park here on the Long Beach Peninsula. It’s been quite a while since we’ve crossed paths with them, so we made a date to have dinner yesterday at Chen’s Chinese restaurant. Terry and I have eaten there several times already, but it was the first time for Bill and Diane. I think they liked it as much as we do. At least they cleaned their plates.
We’ve got a cold front coming through, with rain predicted for much of this week. Sounds like a good time to spend writing and weaving, though we do have a couple of places we’re going to visit to get stories for the next issue of the Gypsy Journal. And, if we get a break in the weather and some good wind, who knows? I just might drag Miss Terry away from her looms and back down to the beach for some more kite flying!
Thought For The Day – Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship.
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!
I have to admit you’re right Nick. While traveling, I’ve actually seen my RV friends more than I’ve ever seen any “friends” at home.
Today’s blog was spot on. When we lived in our S&B, we lived in a “bedroom community” where most folks worked a great distance during the week and only said hi or waved in passing.
We have made many more friends while FTing, and yes, we have crossed paths many times the past few years. We consider our RVing friends to be “true” friends who would immediately jump in and ask to help us if needed.
Another great thing about the RV lifestyle is visiting long-time friends in far-flung locations. Facebook is a great way for us to stay connected. RVillage.com is another way to meet new RVing friends and stay in touch.
I meant to ask you yesterday how do you survive crossing the bridge it can be intimidating especially when they stop you on top for bridge work. safe travels
David, Terry drives. I’m getting better, I don’t panic, I just don’t like it.
I am no longer on the road and while I have been so fortunate to meet so many nice folks when I moved into my new place, I still miss the RV open door lifestyle and how much stronger the bonds become. I am so glad and so grateful that we had retired early enough to have 5 years on the road.