Week 851-857 - Full Time Motorhome Travel - Part IV - The People - 12-11-2022
Full Time Motorhome Travel - Part IV - The People
It will be no Surprise to our faithful readers that the best part of full time travel is meeting people. Before we bought the MotherShip and for the 17 years since, we have met the most incredible folks.
During all of 2005 we did research to determine what RV to buy. We looked at everything from tear-drop trailers to million-dollar Prevost RV buses.
Before we visited any RV dealers, we did Internet research to learn. We spent 8 months on websites, mostly on RV.net, an RV forum. Through our research we determined we would buy a Monaco Diplomat diesel pusher Class A motorhome.
We "met" several RV.net people online who shared a vast amount of RV knowledge.
For 17 years we have hesitated to share personal stories as we cherish our privacy and don't want to violate the privacy of our friends. We have been careful when mentioning these people in our travelogues to never write anything that would allow anyone to "find" them. No last names, no addresses, phone numbers and sometimes not even a city name. As we share about these friends, it will not be their biography but experiences with them that have blessed our lives.
We set out to write about a few people that are a blessing to us and to give you a glimpse of what is waiting for you in the RV world. We ended up with 28 stories and that is because we cut off the list! We broke this up into four travelogues to avoid reader's cramp.
To learn their story use your mouse to hover over their names. On a touch screen, touch once to read, touch outside the story to close.
Charles
Charles was our first mentor. We met on RV.net when he complimented us on choosing the Monaco Diplomat. Charles lived 3 hours to the South. He suggested we meet to discuss motorhomes.He took the time to move his motorhome from his house to the Rincon Parkway beach. He opened up the slides and compartments to show us everything about our future MotherShip. We spent hours learning from him about the Monaco and about motorhome travel. This was a great first in-person education.
Our first "mentor" when researching motorhomes.
Dar and Cindy
We also met Dar and Cindy on RV.net. They lived just a few miles from us. Pete met with Dar for coffee and shared questions and answers for hours. Dar was focused on a Holiday Rambler, a Monaco product identical to the Diplomat.We met with Dar and Cindy at an RV show in Pleasanton, California. We both purchased our Monacos. Dar/Cindy off the lot. We ordered and waited 12 weeks for the MotherShip. As such Dar/Cindy got a head start on travel but we managed to catch up a few times. We miss them as they no longer travel full time.
Bought our motorhomes from the same dealer on the same day.
Ben and Sid
Ben and Sid were our California neighbors for 13 years. We had adjacent 4 acre lots and our houses were not close. It was difficult to see if the other was home. As such we only met occasionally when we spotted them outside. We guess (total guess) that we met annually and chatted for an hour.They also purchased a Monaco Diplomat motorhome like ours. So after meeting for 13 hours in 13 years, we have been together for 74 RV days. We have spent time together in Yuma AZ, Tucson AZ, Albuquerque NM, Wakarusa IN, Niagara Falls Canada, Blanchard ID, Vancouver Island BC, Harrisonburg OR, Avila Beach CA, Port Angeles WA, Surprise AZ, Casa Grande AZ, Lancaster CA, Pomona CA, Elkhart IN to mention a few! Great neighbors and better RV buddies.
Atascadero neighbors for 13 years, RV friends for 17 more.
Charlie and Cheryl
In May 2006 during our first few months of "shakedown" of the MotherShip, we spent a few days in Las Vegas. On a Saturday Pete came back at 10pm from a Basketball Coach Convention. We went to the spa to relax. Ellen tells Pete she met Charlie and Cheryl who travel in their high-end Monaco Signature Series MH.We returned to the MotherShip at 11 o'clock and a voice in the dark says "Ellen, is that you?" "Yes, Charlie". "Bring Pete over, we want to meet him". Charlie and Cheryl were leaving in the morning for Georgia. But, they stayed up with us until 2am. We learned so much about our Monaco and RV travel. In the morning, Cheryl came over to give us their Georgia phone and address so we could visit.
In May of 2007, we were in Georgia. Ellen was not feeling well. Pete called Cheryl to say we were close to them and would see them in a few days. Cheryl knew exactly where we were and told us "Come now! There is doctor where we could park the motorhome. Get a prescription, bring Ellen here and we'll nurse her back to health." We did, Ellen recovered in a couple of days and we spent 12 days with them. They showed us amazing hospitality. We have not seen them since, but will always be grateful for the friendship and hospitality.
Our first "mentors" after purchase and our first stay at friend's home.
Jerry and Judi
In our second month of full time travel we visited Zion National Park for seven days. We hiked throughout Zion Park including to the top of Angels Landing. Pete needed many hours a day to service our computer business clients. Ellen wanted to play when at times Pete needed to work.In ride Jerry and Judi to the rescue. They were the Zion RV Resort hosts, but also hiked everyday. They took Ellen with them everyday so Pete could pay for this life style. Win, win! We become good friends with J/J and have met them in Quartzite AZ, Mt. Rainier WA, their home in New Mexico and our home in Atascadero CA. We have not seen them in a while, but will be instant friends on our next visit.
Met them near Zion National Park and many places since.
Ed and Sheryl
In November 2006, we visited Motor Coach Country Club Resort in Indio CA. This 80 acre resort has 400 owner lots. The Privacy lots sold for $189,000 and the Waterfront lots were $339,000! Owners would enhance the lots with outdoor patios, kitchens, bars and landscaping. We received a free two-day stay to investigate.The MotherShip was just seven months old, looking new, no scratches, beautiful. The people we met were very nice. But, compared to the million-dollar Prevost buses were felt like trailer trash!
Then we met Sheryl at one of the many pool/spa areas. What a sweetheart! We became instant friends. Since then we met her and her friend Ed again in Indio, in Aquanga CA, Burien WA, Desert Hot Springs CA and our home area Avila Beach CA. We still stay in touch.
Friends from the world class Motor Coach Country Club Resort in Indio, California.
John and Gloria
John and Gloria were also investigating Motor Coach Country Club Resort. They were about four empty lots away on the waterway like we were. Pete walked over to introduce us. John was taken by the friendliness and responded down the road.In San Diego he and Gloria took us out for fine dinner. They purchased two lots at Pacific Shores Resort in Newport, Oregon. We visited them in 2007 and stayed on their second lot for two days.
In 2009 we called to visit again but they were in Florida. Yet they told us stay on their primary lot even though they were gone and stay as long as we wanted. Such generous people and a true blessing to those around them.
John, a Navy veteran and Gloria, his wife.
Hank and Ann
We spent 8 months in 2007 visiting the entire East Coast. At a stop in Carrabelle Beach RV Resort, Florida we met Hank and Ann. They just dropped in at our picnic table along with others. They had a Canadian Smart Car; we thought we might like a US Smart Car. Hank let Ellen drive it and we took it for a spin.Then they invited us to their house in Ontario, Canada. Did we go? Of course! "Don't give us your address unless you mean it." That was 3 months later and what hospitality. Ann made a very fine dinner. Hank makes home made wine and it was wonderful, especially the Ice Wine. Thank you, Hank and Ann, for being so hospitable.
Met them at a Florida RV park and stayed at their house in Canada.
Hank and Arlene
Pete's sister Donnalee gave us tickets to a tourist train in Clarksdale, Arizona. As we waited to board, a man (Hank) was trying to make phone call to a friend in town. He had no reception. Pete overheard and handed Hank his Verizon phone with coverage. Hank, called his friend and left a message.The train departed, Hank and Arlene were in the luxury car, we were in the cattle car. As the train arrived back to the station, Hank's friend called Pete's phone. We told him we would get a hold of Hank. But, alas, the luxury train unboarded first. We ran through the entire parking lot, but Hank and Arlene we gone.
Weeks later Hank called! We were in Texas headed East. He told us to visit in Evanson, Illinois. We did! We parked on his street at rush hour and knocked. Hank, delighted, asked if we would stay.
"Sure, but where?" "In the street." "No way on a narrow busy street". "In our driveway". "No, too short." "In our neighbor's driveway." "No, their tree is in the way." Hank, a 30-year retired police chief, said the house is for sale and vacant. He proceeded to cut half the tree down to make room. As a chief, he had "command" of the situation.
We backed in and as we settled, the son of the owner came home! Hank was not there, so we looked for him. He was in his back yard hiding the branches under a tarp! So much for the tough guy.
While there we had a great tour of Chicago.
Arizona tourist train visitors; stayed at their house near Chicago.
Leonard and Dreda
"Leave the stories to the professionals, don't try this at home." You don't get stories like this sitting at home. Pete met Leonard in the pool at Flamboro Family Camp, Ontario, Canada. They invited us for drinks in their trailer.Leonard is a farrier (horse shoer), Dreda grooms horses for the same owner. They shared a professional video made by a news station. Leonard's son is the owner, trainer and driver in harness racing. He was performing well in the current season, when he had an accident. Rounding the final leg, his cart got tangled and he went down. Broke ribs, broken collar bone and broken leg.
Leonard visited in the hospital. His son was sad that he could not finish the season. Leonard, a retired harness racer, offered to ride his horse. His son was so grateful so see if his horse could still finish at the top.
During the next race Leonard was rounding the final leg. His cart got tangled and went down. The ending of the film, showed Leonard in the some hospital room with his son. Same horse, same cart, same accident, same room and the same injuries. You can't make this stuff up. We saw the video, we have the proof, that's our story and we're sticking to it.
Met them horsing around at the pool in Canada. Leonard is a harness racer.
Mark and Larry
It was August 3, 2007, our 33rd anniversary. It was extremely hot and humid. We called the Cape Girardeau Elks to see if they had 50 amp service. "Yes, come on in." We arrived in minutes and were greeted by Mark, the PER, Previous Exalted Ruler.We left the large hilltop lodge and followed 1/4 mile through a card-keyed gate, across a dam to our RV spot. The 11-spot RV area had two with 50 amps. We were the only RV there. Mark plugged us in and invited us the lodge. We were on a 38 acre lake, hidden from the hilltop lodge. It was the "Garden of the Elks".
Pete went to pay $10 for the 1-day stay. Mark bought him a drink. Then another Elk member bought a drink and then a third. Pete said "You must stop, my wife is not here".
The park was so lovely, we stayed 5 days. Each morning Ellen went fishing in our kayak. Pete did his computer work in the coolness of the MotherShip. Mark told us to come to dinner as they had a 5-star chef. It was raining, we had no car, so we waited for the rain to stop. Before it stopped, Larry, another member, came in his car to get us. We went to the lodge, ate a wonderful meal that Larry bought and then brought us home.
Departing after 5 days, we received a phone call from Mark and Larry, every 3 months, asking when we might return! We did return in 2011 and will stop in whenever we are close. Truly, the Garden of the Elks.
Our incredible hosts at the "Garden of the Elks" in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Paul, Carra and Kevin
Ozarks Luxury RV Resort is beautiful. This is our favorite ownership resort as it is a natural setting on Table Rock Lake. We vised for four days in 2006 and if it were not in Arkansas we would own a lot.A second visit was in 2008. We rented a lakeside lot next to Kevin who we met in 2006. And we met Paul/Cara and others. On our fourth night Hurricane Ike came through, downgraded to a tropical storm. Foolishly, we had less that 1/4 tank of diesel. If we lost our power service, we couldn't use the generator. So, we bid our friends goodbye the next morning.
They were having none of it. They said "If the power goes out, we'll head to town and get diesel for you. And we'll pay for it!" We could not accept their generosity until they said. "How about tomorrow, we take a couple boat loads of folks on the lake to Branson for lunch?" They had us at "lunch". We stayed two more days, did not lose power, but lost amazing friends as we departed. All we can say is "Wow".
Lot owners and "givers" at Ozarks Luxury RV Resort on Table Rock Lake, Arkansas.
Diane and Dennis
Have you taken your own river trip, not a paid-for ride? You must drop off your kayaks upstream and leave your vehicle downstream. This can be tough. In August 2008 we kayaked the Snake River in Wyoming.Ellen stayed with the kayaks. Pete drove the MotherShip to the end. The plan was to unload the scooter and ride to the start; kayak down; drive the MotherShip to the start; load the scooter and done!
Ellen in place, Pete drives to the end. As he was unloading the scooter, he noticed a SUV full of women pulling a trailer with a raft. Behind was a lady in another car. As the lady got into the SUV it was obvious they were heading to the start. Pete asked if he could ride along? Of course! Thus he met Diane, a generous woman who peppered him with questions.
Diane asked where he and Ellen would park the MotherShip for the night. Pete said they would find a place in Jackson. "No you won't, not during the summer", replied Diane. But, you can stay on my property, seven acres bordering the Grand Tetons National Park.
Pete mentioned that if he informed Ellen, she would say "Diane did not mean that". Pete asked Diane to ask Ellen. She did, we did and we spent two days at Diane and Dennis's mansion! They had a dedicated RV site with power. And when we arrived in the evening, Diane told us breakfast would be in 9am!
We never embellish our stories, we don't have to!
You'll have to wait to hear how we were blessed by these folks.
Ed and Diane
In August 2008 we once again visited Motorcoach Country Club Resort in Las Vegas. We parked about 2pm and set off for one mile walk around the resort. We made it 20 feet and the three couples next door invited us to visit. The all know each other and none knew us. But by 10pm we knew each other well.The men "talked about the weather" and the women "talked about old men!" Truly, Pete and Ed and the other men shared. But, Ellen, Diane and her friends shared at the deepest level. This must have been an appointment from God as it was just what Ellen needed. (Note in 2008, there were issues with our children. Today, we are happy to report there are none. Praise the Lord.)
They interrupted our one mile walk after 20 feet to invite us in.
Lauren and Jeanette
We usually never travel after dark. But this day we had motorhome service in Frederick, Colorado. That night we pulled into the Westminster Elks to stay the night. The Elks RV host jumped out to help park us. In the morning we met Lauren and Jeanette. They weren't the hosts, they just wanted to help us; nice! We chatted in the morning and left.Eight days later we met them at the Colorado Springs Elks lodge. Then at Pueblo where they invited us to their home in Yuma, Arizona. We stayed two nights on their guest RV pad. Three years later they see our route on our weekly travelogue and let us know they are just 100 miles away in Kentucky.
We met again and again. Mostly when they contacted us and once when we just parked near them in Kelso-Longview, Washington. In all we have shared RV space with them 10 times. They are outgoing Christians who spent their time helping people and spreading the Gospel.
They reached out to lend a hand and we have seen them ten times across the nation.
John and Rosie
We joined SOWERS in 2008. It is a Christian ministry where you trade 72 hours of labor for a free month-long stay. Our first project was Indian Hills Camp in Jamul, California. SOWERS only work at locations that are dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Spending 30 minutes each morning in Biblical devotions brings you quickly to be life long friends, as they are.While they do perhaps 10 projects a year, we have served only 7 times in total. Four of those projects were with John and Rosie and they are the best. We are honored to call them friends and will see them again: here, there or in the air (rapture).
They bless the Lord with their SOWERS ministry and blessed us too!
Tom and Patty
Avila Beach was a favorite camping spot for us. Dry camping right on the San Luis Bay of the Pacific Ocean. We met Tom and Patty there January 2009. We gathered around the fire pit to share with each other. Quickly Patty left, went to store to bring back desserts for the group. We didn't ask, she is just a servant.We only met that one day but there was an immediate bond. Tom was in tire distribution business and saved us hundreds of dollars once when we were confronted with a tire dealer scam. Pete and Tom have remained in contact by email and phone as they had moved from California to Indiana. Still the bond is there and we hope to meet again.
Only met them once, but we stay in touch and hope to meet again.
Tim and Bobbie
Our first pickleball tournament was the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah in October 2010. We met hundreds of players, but none clicked as much as Bobbie and Tim.Bobbie took us under her wing and taught us the ins and outs of tournaments. While that first attempt was a bust, Ellen and Bobbie competed as a team several times. We thank them both for the mentorship and friendship and visit whenever we are in St. George.
Bobbie and Ellen bonded instantly and played together in pickleball tournaments.
Clint and Jackie
Clint contacted Pete in 2011 with an online search for pickleball team partners. Clint was a motorhome traveler in the past, now with a beautiful home in Rancho Mirage, California. We parked in front of their house and practiced before the First Mission Hills pickleball tournament. Pete and Clint beat Steve (see below) to win the Gold Medal in the 3.5 skill category. Since that day we have stayed at their house every year until 2018 when they sold.One week we stayed to take care of Jackie while Clint was in Washington. As it turned out Jackie took care of us! They are so generous with their hospitality. We miss staying with them each year but have visited their new home (by car, yuck!).
Clint and Pete, strangers, won their first pickleball Gold medal and no longer strangers but good friends.
Steve and Candy
Steve won all their matches until Clint/Pete beat him in the Finals. It was hot and we ran him until he was exhausted. The next day, rather than being upset by our punishment, Steve was good natured and congratulated us.Two months later Steve invited us to his Northern California vineyard to stay for a week. We spent many hours of social time but also created a website for their vineyard. We have not seen them since then, but have fond memories of their home and time with them.
Pete and Clint beat Steve in the Gold medal match. Steve and Candy still invited us to their house.
Gordon and Karen
When we met Gordon and Karen at the First Mission Hills tournament Gordon was rated 3.0. We met again at other tournaments and soon started playing together. Gordon moved up to 3.5 rating where Pete was. Pete/Gordon won Gold at the Second Mission Hills tournament. They both moved up the 4.0 level and played more tournaments.In October 2011 Pete/Ellen caravaned with Gordon/Karen to the Grand Canyon North Rim. Then on to Flagstaff and Surprise AZ and Yuma AZ. They introduced us to Algodones, Mexico for dental work.
It was a sad day for us when they sold their motorhome to move to a house in Santa Rosa. Still we visited there and played a little pickleball. We consider them life friends, never to be far away from our hearts.
Met them briefly at the Pete/Clint tournament and since become life friends.
Neal and Sherry
Neal and Sherry are a sweet couple. Neal wears his Christianity on his sleeve. He is also a proficient pickleball player. At 5 foot tall it seemed a shock to Pete (6'2") when Neal asked him to play in a tournament.Play we did; 32 teams; no lost matches; 14 games; start at 8am; finish after dark; Gold Medal! Pete calls Neal the "mouse" but he runs like a cheetah and rarely does a ball go by him.
Neal is Pete's favorite tournament partner of all time (out of 19). Sadly Neal has passed away, but Pete and Neal will be together again in Heaven.
Pete's 2nd Gold medal was with Neal who is fast like a cheetah.
Don and Pam
In 2011 we traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to have our diesel engine rebuilt. We landed at the Louisville Elks. They heard our story and retold it to every member who came into the lodge. Our repair would take 10 days during which we must stay out of the MotherShip. Don "Duck" walked into the lodge, heard our story and within minutes spoke to Ellen. He offered free accommodations on his 40 foot, 2-master bedroom motor yacht in the harbor on the Ohio River.Don picked Ellen up at the Cummins shop and drove 20 miles to the yacht. Pete rode the scooter. Don said he would come every few days to get us to the store or for any errands. We told Don the scooter would be sufficient. Don ignored that and came anyway to help us.
10 days on his yacht was fabulous. And he did all this in the week that his daughter was getting married. The Elks motto is Elks Care, Elks Share. Don's action totally exemplifies this; what a blessing!
Don "Duck" blew us away with his generosity.
Joe
We met Joe at Golden Village Palms in Hemet, California. We mentored Joe in pickleball. He learned quickly and went on to become a great competitor. Joe was always there to help. He taught pickleball to many newcomers to the sport.Joe is Navy veteran and we thank him for that. When Ellen had a knee replacement, the hospital was 60 miles away. Joe offered to take care of Mandy in our absence. Mandy has always had a warm spot for Joe and visa versa. Joe has now passed but he will remain in our hearts; a veteran, a friend and a giver. Miss you Joe!
A veteran, great friend and Mandy's pal.
Dean and Laurel
Dean and Laurel were some of the first pickleball players we met at Palm Creek RV Resort. We always had an enjoyable time with them. We learned together as we both advanced in our skills. In September 2011 we adopted Mandy in Missouri and Topeka, Kansas was in our path back home.Dean and Laurel hosted us at their home. We enjoyed our time; the meals; indoor pickleball and church. They would have us stay for a while, but had to go to a planned motorhome rally. We have seen Dean since, but unfortunately Laurel has passed away. We know that Dean's Christian faith has sustained him through that time.
Met them at Palm Creek RV Resort and they hosted us at their home in Kansas.
Dennis and Jean
Like Joe, we met Dennis and Jean in Hemet at Golden Village Palms. Pete and Ellen helped them along in pickleball. They were good players and we just shared some tips we learned from clinics and videos. When we left them in Hemet, we had a slight edge over them. But, not today! They have become equals and we never know who might win a game.In 2016 we had the joy of visiting their home in Washington. It is right on the shore of Pudget Sound. You might call it a mansion from its location and the surrounding beautiful lawn. It did not start that way. The original property had a mobile home. The neighbor traded a slice of property in exchange for giving them his house!
The house was moved over a hundred feet and they have since remodeled. It looks like a million dollars but that is just the result of decades of TLC.
They moved their winter stays from Golden Village Palms to Palm Creek RV Resort where we are now.
Fellow pickleball players who hosted us at their home in Washington.
Tim and Vikki
Another Golden Village Palms RV couple are Tim and Vikki. When we first met they were only traveling in the winter, living in their Southern California beach house during the summer.Not too long after, they began full time travel in their 37 foot Forest River gas Class A motorhome. We began seeing them a lot as our paths were crossing. They even visited our home area and came over to help remodel our house. In October 2017 we visited the huge Pomona CA Fairplex RV show to look at diesel motorhomes with them.
We continued to see them Red Bluff CA, Yuma AZ, at our home, Pomona CA, Indio CA, again in Yuma AZ, Hemet CA and Coburg OR. Always a joy to meet up, we are sure to get together again.
Full time motorhome "pal around" buddies.
Jim and LaRae
When we first started traveling, Ellen was very shy and it was hard to meet people. No more as demonstrated here! Jim and LaRae parked next to us at Far Horizons RV Resort in Tuscon in October 2021.Ellen walked over to meet them. By the time Pete got there a few minutes later Ellen and they were friends. Pete joined in and soon we all four were best friends. Jim and LaRae are just plain lovable; go figure!
Everything clicked. Jim loves pickleball like Pete and Ellen. LaRae likes line dancing like Pete and Jim Ellen. We all like cards, table games, corn hole toss and happy hours. Ellen taught LaRae pickleball and now we have more in common. We like everything together. If we need help they are there. If they need help, we are there. Instant friends, just add love.
Instant friends, just add
This group of folks are ones we have met "On the Road". It does not include relatives and others not mentioned.
Visiting people at their home in the MotherShip is great. You get to be next door and visit as much as you want, but still have your space. We always tell people "Don't invite us unless you mean it". Of this group we have stayed at eleven of their homes. Including relatives and other friends we have stayed at 49 homes in the last 17 years. Where do you live? "Don't tell us unless you mean it!".
With love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy
"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."" John 14:2-3
Photos from 2005 to 2019
The Full Time Motorhome Living Guide
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