RVing during the dog days of summer

Here it is again, the 4th of July weekend, and the RV Park has filled with working people who are taking a holiday with the kids. While I think it’s too hot to fire up the motorhome engine and head out on the road, people from Phoenix and Tucson are rushing to places exactly like where we’re staying to cool off. Funny how “feeling the heat” is relative depending on the individual’s perspective.

Owning an RV and being able to jump in it and hit the road for a weekend away is a fantastic choice, and it is less expensive for families than motels and eating out. I’m also reminded by all the rain and flooding in Texas that having an RV is convenient when you need to escape the ravages of nature—assuming you manage to get out before the floods hit. Those owning RVs in California have their own emergency preparedness kit on wheels, assuming it isn’t destroyed by the earthquake. Some people keep their RVs stocked with clothes, food and fresh water just for such an emergency. Since the RV is on wheels, it is less likely to suffer damage from the ground motion as long as everything is put away safely into cupboards or a tree doesn’t fall on it. And as long as escape routes remain open, owners only have to drive away until it’s safe to return home.

About those families who have come to stay for the holiday, once they arrive there’s swimming, fishing in what remains of the water in the river, hiking early in the morning before the sun gets too fierce, or lying out and relaxing under a shade tree or the RV’s awning. Sightseeing at Indian ruins (one actually has shade trees and a creek) and exploring funky little mining towns are within a few minutes drive from here. We have everything available that resorts nearby offer, only they charge $250-600 per night for the experience. I’ve stayed in one a few miles from here and it was nearly perfect, but believe me, it’s cheaper to stay here in our RV. I could have done a lot with the change left over from the $325 per night they charged for the “exclusivity” of sleeping in one of their lovely, but costly casitas.

The only bummer this weekend is that cooking outdoors on the grill is forbidden right now because of the dry conditions. However, it’s only a short trip into town if eating barbeque is important to the camping experience. Meals are even served in the clubhouse on some days here, especially on holiday weekends, and there are lots of activities for the kids.

The air conditioner is keeping us cool, but it’s only a short hop to Dairy Creme or Cold Stone Creamery if we need something cooler. Life doesn’t get any better than this!