Tips, Tricks and Tales...

As I mentioned, the Dream did become a reality!  In fact, we are already planning our next journey😉

So, what did we learn?  

First and most importantly, we found that we can live in a small space and not grow frustrated (at least too often) with each other.  We absolutely loved traveling and staying in the van!  We did need to learn a "new routine" and where to store items to make them easily accessible at the right times.  

We found that the plastic bins that store hanging file folders were the perfect size for storage under the bed.  Three in the front and three in the back.  So, what goes where?  We initially put our towels and toiletries in the back with the thought that we would just get things out in the morning for showers.  Then we realized we didn’t have our toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.  When staying at the campgrounds, we didn’t want to disturb people to get out those items.  Readjust.  

We do have a portable toilet in the van so that made things easier at night!  Did you know that the full size cylinder of Quaker Oats will hold two rolls of toilet paper? 

We also learned to do what we used to do for our kids and get out our clothes, etc. for the next day and have them ready for morning instead of having to slide the containers in and out in the morning while trying to get to the bathroom, shower, etc.  

After a few nights, we got into a rhythm and had a pretty good system going.  

We were trying to do the trip as economically as possible.  So, we budgeted for just one meal out a day, at the most.  We packed yogurt for breakfast and I found a recipe for Banana Breakfast Cookies that I doctor up with dried fruit, coconut and various seeds, and we also took some homemade granola.  For lunch, we purchased some turkey and ham lunch meat, sliced and string cheese.  This worked out great!  We would stop for fuel and roll up the meat and cheese to eat on the road with some pretzels or granola.  For snacks, we had chocolate covered raisins and some other types of easy - not messy - items.  

If we were hungry, we would stop for dinner near wherever we were staying.  

We found that we enjoyed the out of the way places much more than the famous, touristy places.  One of our favorite finds was “The Big Well”.  It is the largest hand-dug well in the world!  An amazing find in Greensburg, Kansas!  At this site, we found a map for the 8 Wonders of Kansas.  A great way to explore Kansas!  We have a lot more to explore in Kansas!

We also learned that not all RV Parks or Campgrounds are created equal.  Some were AMAZING…Some were not.  The price also varies considerably. We paid as little as $18 and some were in the $50 range.  And the more money, doesn’t necessarily mean it is nicer!  Two of our favorites were the Mesa Verde RV Resort in Mesa Verde, Colorado and the other was USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico.  Both coming in around $20.    

Many sites are available to tour for little or no cost.  We did purchase the National Parks Pass and this paid for just about everywhere we went.  Extra excursions were the Sandia Peak Tramway, the Verde Canyon Railroad tour, The Big Well and the Boot Hill Museum.  The motorized experiences were a little spendy.  But the rest were very affordable.  

Now for all you number junkies, here’s how it broke down:

• 28 Days 
• 4,625 Miles
• 272 Gallons of gas
• Average fuel cost $2.63
• Average 17 mpg
• Locksmith $75 - Don’t leave your keys in the car!

I’m glad you were “with” us on this road trip and hope you enjoyed all the tales!