Learning to Live Small A major watchword for full-time RVers is “storage.” In an RV, space is at a premium. Whether it’s a bumper-pull trailer, fifth wheel, or Greyhound Bus-size motorhome, you quickly learn your 2,500-square-foot sticks-n-bricks house just isn't going to fit into your 250-square-foot RV. As Roger and I set out on our first full-time journey, a well-meaning friend gave us cute pictures to brighten our living space. Another friend, just as thoughtful, gifted u

Hope Springs Eternal (Even When Slightly Unrealistic) You can’t help but hope you’ll be the one to beat the odds. Whether it’s winning the lottery or finding miraculous healing, most of us dream of being the recipient of a miracle. And some of us even buy a lottery ticket or two. So when Roger and I read the sign, “Over 33,623 found by visitors since becoming a state park in 1972,” we couldn’t help hoping we’d be the ones to score a selfie holding up the 33,624 th diamond fo

Second Time Around—And Still Learning As We Go We’ve done it before; we can do it again—but better this time. I think. Everything we learned from 15 months on the road in our first 5 th wheel will come into play: what to pack, what to leave behind, and what we’ll never buy again no matter how many YouTubers recommend it. First time around, we devoured YouTube videos of full-time RVers, bought a bunch of gear—some of which turned out to be vital and some of which was just too

A not-so-expert guide to safety, humor, and faith. Who’s Writing These Lists, Anyway? Google “RV essentials” and you’ll find a plethora...

…and what we really used. Ever fall in love with an idea? And then discover—but don’t want to admit—the idea was way better than the reality? Before setting out on our 15-month RV odyssey, we did all the prerequisite Google searches, like: “Everything You Need to Enjoy RV Life” “Essential Upgrades for Your Rig” Then we hit up YouTube and full-time RV blogs that listed all the things we needed and even included helpful links. Oh, and we burned up the road to Camping World—sure

Dinghy Debacle On TV, they just push the boat out and leap in. The waves are never too big, the outboard motor doesn’t drag, and they don’t mind getting their feet wet. Looks simple, right? So how hard could it be to push our inflatable dinghy off the shore? Out on Santa Cruz Island near Scorpion Anchorage, the water was calm, my pants were rolled up, and Roger was sitting ready with the paddle. We’d brought the dinghy ashore to explore a bit and now it was time to head back