Around the Campfire

If you have a camping story to tell, suggestion or solution, or simply want to tell us about an outstanding outdoor experience, please send it in - keep it short, no more than 1000 words and no pictures. After your story is reviewed and if approved by our staff, it will be posted; sorry, we are unable to pay but you will be given credit. In the meantime, here are some of my contributions..

Random Thoughts
Crossing-training for a better RV adventure

The day was comfortably cool and the sky a bright blue - perfect hiking weather. After weeks of clouds and drizzle we were ready for a hike. What we didn't realize was that the weather had weakened a portion of the trail. What happened was one of those nightmares were everything happens in slow motion. Suddenly, the edge of the trail gave way and Fred, my husband, tumbled off the trail down the embankment. Down he went until a large square of cement brought him to an abrupt halt. When I reached him he was so pale. I was sure some damage had been done. "I'm fine. Just need to catch my breathe," Fred responded to my worried look.

Right!!! As it turned out he wasn't "fine." Although nothing was broken, Fred had seriously bruised ribs and was out of action of the next couple of weeks. This meant I would be setting-up and taking-down our rig. Although I knew how to perform the tasks, it was something I did not, nor do I enjoy, doing. The lesson we learned from Fred's fall was that there is need a for each of know each other's "jobs."

There are females who do not know how to drive their RV. I can't help but wonder what would they do if their male driver was not capable of doing this task. Yes, manipulating a big, bulky RV is scary. It could intimidate the most brave-hearted male but if he can do it, so can she. And the same goes for maneuvering around the gallery/kitchen to prepare dinner.

Women who hesitate to drive an RV should first take advantage of a big open road. Just trade seats and get the feel of driving your mobile home. Start out slowly and get going. Remember to turn on your hazard lights to warn others you are not going "full-speed-ahead". As you build confidence your speed will also increase, and pretty soon you'll be driving like a pro. Of course, the next step is driving on smaller roads with curves, narrow shoulders and greater traffic. Last, tackle backing up and parking. Learn this driving thing in stages, reminding your partner you need assistance not criticism, and it will be mastered in no time. (Just remember how long it took you to master baking an apple pie, and be patient with yourself.) Then, when the driver gets tired or isn't feeling well, you can take over.

Maybe it's attention to detail, but navigation seems to always fall on the female team member. According to an informal survey, while money might have been the root of most disagreements before life on the road, giving and taking directions are a primary cause of arguments while on the road. The sad truth is, no matter how much preparation, there will be misdirections. When the driver realizes maps do not tell you which lane to be in for a specific turn, that every state seems to have a "Centerville," road signs oftentimes do not list your intended destination, and "east" on the road sign does not mean the direction the sun rises, things will get better.

There are some people who have trouble with directions, even when they are facing the setting sun with a compass in their hand and a map spread out across their lap. Asking directions doesn't always help. I remember some direction we were given in a Southern state. They went something like: "Go down this away to the Floyd's red barn, turn left at the white fence, and it's across from the lightning struck elm tree." Now the only problem, who's Floyd.

In the West, directions are given in units of time plus landmarks. "Drive 20 minutes to the river and turn right after the bridge" works well if you remember to ask what speed should you be traveling. When to ask such questions is one of the skills that must be learned by the navigator.

Just as good navigating skills are learned, the same is true for successfully mastering the art of cooking in an RV's galley. Many males can prepare great meals on a grill, but there is a complexity of meal preparation in the confines of a galley that must be learned. I'm sure this is why pre-packaged, convenience foods served on paper plates with plastic silverware were invented. For this cross-training adventure, remember to take your vitamins, eat what you are served, and appreciate the cook's effort.

There was a campground hostess who couldn't understand why, when they dry camped, her husband complained bitterly about the number of dishes she washed. She didn't appreciate what a task it is to refill the fresh water tanks, and he didn't understand her that water conservation tricks only went so far. Then they caught a flu and did each other's jobs for a few days. Both soon learned the truth of the matter. Washing dishes and refilling the fresh water tank are necessary tasks, but neither is fun. Now they are both looking for ways to make the other's task easier.

Okay, there are difference between women and men. But if you are considering experiencing an RV lifestyle, blurring those differences will make for a more pleasant journey. Cross-training, reversing roles and learning to do the other's jobs will help to insure a safe and successful journey.

Random Thoughts Crossing-training for a better RV adventure

Random Thoughts
Crossing-training for a better RV adventure