Knight Park - Salmon River Estuary
This summer it is becoming obvious that Jeanette and I are developing a new RV lifestyle, that is new to us. I'm sure there are lots of RVers out there already using their RV in this way. With the purchase of our smaller Leisure Travel Van this spring we are using it in a different manner than past motor homes. The lifestyle that I speak of is one that is not so much tethered to a campground or RV park, but rather has the flexibility to enjoy our day in scenic areas of choice, and then at the end of the day seek out a place to just park for the night.
Wapiti RV Park & Campground
This week's trip to the Oregon Coast Thursday thru Sunday, to escape the heat of the inland valleys, provided a graphic example of this new lifestyle. We had booked a campsite for three nights at Wapiti RV Park, but on the second day a wedding party of 250 started pouring into the park for their 2-day event. We got a refund and were out of there. We drove to a shady parking-lot for a snack and considered our options. As luck would have it earlier we had come upon a free parking spot at a harbor during our morning birding excursion, so that would became our nights destination and we spent the remaining afternoon and dinner at a scenic location.
undisclosed harbor parking spot
The next day we choose to spend at Yaquina Head Outstanding Nature Area, a BLM managed area north of Newport. There we hiked and birded, lunched, napped, and ejoyed the scenery. When the fog moved in late afternoon we journeyed on to the Walmart parking lot. Dinner, free WiFi, and reading filled out the evening.
Yaquina Head Outstanding Nature Area
With all the conveninces of life on board the van, with no need for hook-ups for water and electricity for several days, and only the need of a parking space, we are free to roam and enjoy. To quote traveler extrodinaire Ed Seajack - "take joy in your day".
Jim and Jeanette, including Buster their guard dog, have life covered. You guys are great role models on how to live life right.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee, we do consider our selves very fortunate.
DeleteSounds like you are discovering Tioga George's concept of "day camps and night camps". If you've never seen his blog, you might find it interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I just found his site, will spend some time checking it out.
DeleteI know well that freedom. We calculated we spent about 1000 nights in our first van, and most of it was in absolutely wonderful locations.
ReplyDeleteYes I imagine you do know it well. I think only the people that have had a van understand that freedom of location.
DeleteI have been continually looking at these vehicles. I want to become a traveling nurse and think these would be perfect. I could just pull into my place of employment and stay there. Then, I would have the freedom to explore the area without having to tow another vehicle. I think it is the perfect solution!
ReplyDelete