This is a stream-of-consciousness post, reflecting things worthy of noting about full-time life in an RV, after 10 months…

Railroads – there is apparently a zoning ordinance across North America that RV parks must be located near railroad tracks. Fortunately, both Kellyn and I love the cry of a train rollin’ ’round the bend, so this is just awesome.

Shooting ranges – true to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which consists of 27 words, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed“, it is evident that well-regulated militias abound in the properties surrounding RV parks in the US.

Downsizing – there are a lot of people who simply prefer smaller, more compact homes; the opposite of the “American Dream” of a 4000 sq ft McMansion with a 4-car garage and a built-in swimming pool in the back yard. True, many out here are unable to afford a house or even an apartment, and an RV is economical. But we see a lot of high-value rolling treasure, and while many are glamping on vacation, there are a sizable number of us who are full-time in their RV, living the ultimate downsize. We’ve had the big houses, and now we’re thrilled to be rid of them.

Dogs – while RV parks vary in how they welcome pets, from barely tolerant to exuberant celebration, we have yet to meet RV’ers who don’t love for pets. Even RV’ers without pets love pets. Some keep cats, but dogs of every size predominate. In Medford Oregon, we saw a class-A motorhome set up camp which included five huge outdoor kennels for mastiff-sized dogs, each with a 8×8 ft area and 4 ft high, enclosed in blue tarps. At first, I thought it was a trailer-load of fresh lumber unloaded behind the class A. For many their pets are why they’re doing all this in the first place, rather than traveling more conventionally in airplanes, hotels, and resorts. Dogs are the best of us, and people who love pets are best of people, and we’re grateful to be surrounded by such people.

Consideration – knock on wood, but we have not experienced any inconsiderate neighbors yet. When we would vacation in a tent or pop-up camper with the kids when they were younger, there was often a group in the campground who wanted to have a loud party all night long, and to hell with everyone else. Not so in RV parks. Maybe we’re all just old? Maybe TV’s and laptop computers are keeping us occupied?

Crazy people – we’ve seen a lot of extreme political views proudly displayed. From desecrated US flags (i.e. thin blue line, etc), to confederate flags promoting their owner’s flagrant racism…

The hate those flags represent contrasts jarringly with the love and acceptance the statue represents. The occupant is terribly confused, and I am deeply sorry for their neighbors.