The Beginning
May 28, 2016 and it was our second RV trip ever. Only three weeks following our First RV Trip, just to make sure we ordered enough gear from Amazon and knew how to empty our tanks. We knew nothing! In fact, Trish didn’t even want to take a “practice trip” because she was afraid it would be a disaster and then the kids would protest leaving for 6 months. No joke.
30 minutes into the trip, POP! There was no question that we blew a tire, but it was in the worst possible spot along side the I-17 and miles before the next exit. The sales guy from Camping World said, call me if you have any questions, but I got senses no one ever takes him up on it, until now. He told me it was fine to drive on the tire (being a double axle trailer) to the next exit and find a safe place to change. One problem solved just before discovering the next problem. The lug nuts are different on the trailer than the truck and the new trailer didn’t come with a lug nut wrench. I would later learn how cruel people can be in YouTube comments and this was the start to a whole new education we were embarking on!
There are some things that you didn’t see in this episode. You may recall Nathan coming to the rescue with a four-way and floor jack, but you didn’t see Carson yell out the window “Nice car!” as he drove by. He left and we didn’t think anything about it, unless 10 minutes later he shows back up with everything we needed. We never asked. We never told him we had a problem. Many subscribers believe Nathan was a guardian angle and they’re probably right.
What else didn’t you see from day 1? How about the fact we almost ran out of gas. We’ve driven to Page, AZ a dozen times or more and it never occurred to me that I couldn’t get there on a single tank of gas, but this was before Ginger. We hear the low fuel chime and both Trish and I look at each other with panic. We ended up rolling into page (downhill) with 2 miles to spare.
But it wasn’t over, we still needed to figure out how to hook-up Ginger, make dinner… and then record a podcast!
Things got easier after Day 1 and I’m sure you’ve had your share of obstacles too when doing something new. We learned that memories are made when things don’t go as planned and our best stories come from our best memories. We learned to go with the flow and take each day as it comes.
Season 1 Route
We’re working as quickly as we can on the new website and completing a few of the essential blogs. Check back on this page soon as we’ll post each leg of Season 1 like we did for Season 3.
You and your family are fun to watch and so very genuine in sharing the ups, downs, and sideways, of RV travel. Thank you for inspiring me to accept what we have, and put it to use, and just do it!
BTW, sorry about those Jersey tolls! We all suffer them, too.
Pick your own path. Tolls are for everyone else. Try getting off the toll road and get out into the country, lots more interesting
I’d like to watch your adventure from Day 1 Season 1 thru to present time, but find no way of viewing your adventure in chronological order via your web page. Do you have your videos posted yo YouTube in such a way as to follow along chronologically?
Hey there Lora –
We have playlists that break them down into seasons. Hope that helps! Have a great day, Tricia
A lot of videos say you have info about a particular topic in descriptions – but where do I look ? Is that on You Tube or somewhere on your website?
Sorry for the delay in replying. On each video (on YouTube) you can click “show more” and a full description will appear. In the desc. I include links to the relevant things mentioned. Hope that helps!
Marc and Trish,
As a new RVer (Class C-30′) I have been more than excited about your you-tube videos. I probably have 30-40 behind me and love your work. We just had our first trip from home (Little River, near Mendocino, CA) along the Oregon Coast, Seattle, Cour de Alene, Glacier Park, Cascade, ID, Bend Oregon, Crescent City and home). I am most excited about your Alaska videos as both my wife and I LOVE Alaska and its unmatched, unspoiled beauty.
Your videos, and videography are superb, your family delightful.
A couple notes for near home: Do NOT drive an RV, particularly with any length beyond 25′, from Ft Bragg to Leggett on hiway 1. The last 10-15 miles has 10 mph hair pin turns that are NOT meant for RVS and virtually no turn outs. Hiway 20 (Ft Bragg to Willits):is 35 miles of curves, but lots of turn outs, or hiway 128 from Mendocino to Cloverdale is 64 miles, about 35 of it pretty curvy, with some turnouts, The first 12 miles out of Cloverdale is pretty tough, but the view of vineyards and Redwoods is worth it. I think you stayed at Handley Cellars, so you probably know that. BTW, Navarro is pronounced Na Var Oh, emphasis on Var. Just a nitpicky local that lives on our beautiful wild coast.
You guys are AWESOME. I’d love to see how you work with drones, ’cause your photography is amazing. Off to watch some more, just purchased the air compressor off your Amazon link. So how and where do you wash Ginger/Super Ginger….it always looks amazingly clean? Your newest ardent fan……off to see the world. Greg Schellhase
I just started watching and it’s hard to watch the episodes in order. So I have seen a bit of all of them. And I see you got a new dog Charlie, but what happened to Maddy
The playlists per season are the best way to watch because they are in order. Maddie passed during SN2 in Mexico 🙁 Charlie just turned 1 and is doing great!
Marc and Trish,
Good Morning! My wife and I are planning on selling almost everything we own and purchasing a new 34′ Grand Design Solitude 5th wheel. Having never owned an RV before, we were wondering what we needed and how to get started. We’ve watched a few of your videos and really like the way you present things. Our goal is to tour America before we “kick the bucket”. Thanks in advance!
Steve & Gayla
Hi Marc and Trish,
You both are so fun to watch. I am inspired to get my life in the position to get and RV and travel full time. I have the benefit of working from home so that helps. I know when you started your RV journey, your kids were a little older. My boyfriend are looking to buy a travel trailer in the next 2 years. We have a now 1 year old and he will be 3 we will go on the road. I am looking to get a bunk room that will be all for him. Even though it will take a while to get the RV, our plan is to sell our home and buy the RV and our land to build our dream home on. We are going to travel while the home is being built. Of course visit places on the weekend until we get the RV as locally as possible on the weekends. Do you have any advise for traveling with small children? Maybe seeing other people do it? I would love to get your opinion on it. Happy and safe travels!!
Thanks,
Esther (future Traveling Mama)