Preparation/Planning

As a member of the Escapees “Class of 2012” I have been reading with great interest (and envy) the detailed reports of those who are preceding us in throwing it all away and hitting the open road.  Their experience seems to match ours pretty closely so far – great anticipation, lots of planning and huge … Continue reading »

The last few weeks have been very busy and a lot has been accomplished.  We bought a truck and completed the purchase of the RV.  We got insurance for both.  We sent off a check to pay for our summer campsite in NH. I finished the planning for the trip west. New carpets in two … Continue reading »

We completed the purchase of the Open Range fifth wheel today, along with the used hitch.  I did the walk-through, learned how to install the hitch in the bed of the truck and actually hooked the truck up to the RV!  I wish I had taken a picture of that – the first coupling of … Continue reading »

I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking about next winter.  Specifically: where to be and what to do?  We plan on staying in one place January to March next year.  Possibly until April.  During that time we both want to work.  Well, “want” may be too strong, but our budget demands that … Continue reading »

I have to go to the bank today to get a cashier’s check that is needed to complete the purchase of the fifth wheel.  The insurance guy finally called me back and is all set to issue the binder.  And the seller has agreed to sell me his hitch.  All of which means that it … Continue reading »

We are expecting to complete the purchase of the 399 next week.  The two things that are needed to close are financing and insurance.  I have commitments for both.  But the financing requires an inspection and the insurance comes in the form of a binder.  We had a tentative agreement to get the inspection done … Continue reading »

A lot of stuff is happening this week.  The main event is getting the fifth wheel inspected (required for financing), but we are also getting the truck inspected (make sure it is sound while still under warranty), getting a couple of contractors in to give estimates for construction of a second bath (not likely, but … Continue reading »

I have now driven the GMC 3500 about 10 miles.  Yes, I am easing into it.  It will take some time to get used to driving it after 7 years behind the wheel of a compact car.  This is very much NOT a compact car.  Compact whale maybe.  More like driving the Enterprise, really.  Every … Continue reading »

We have a tow vehicle.  We didn’t expect to get one this early, but we saw one we liked and we jumped.  It is a 2005 GMC Sierra HD3500 dually, cranberry red, with 76,000 miles on its 6.6L 300hp diesel engine.  It is bigger than I would have liked as it has an 8-foot bed, … Continue reading »

Yes, we are back from Cozumel.  The temperature in Boston when we arrived was 24 and both Jett and I now seem to be coming down with another cold.  It just isn’t fair.  San Diego next winter is sounding better and better. I am pushing hard to get the old office repainted.  Jett is going … Continue reading »