Going It Alone

[treemakr]

I would be interested in hearing from any women out there who are traveling alone. I lost my husband this past August, and have been full-timing alone ever since. I am only 53 years old, and I figure financially I can "roam" for about 18 months. Am I crazy?:rolleyes:

[dres7]

I'm sooo sorry for your lost. But I am proud of you for still going on & traveling, and you are not crazy. Sometimes I THINK we're all a little crazy atleast every now & then. :o After Hurricane Katrina, my mom was in the hospital when it hit waitn to have surgery & she died a few days later in ICU & I walked out of that hospital with all the destruction, our business out, and the lost of my mom, I wanted soooo much to go off to be alone but on top of having a family at home & lots of work to do, I had a house 'full' of people from the hurricane & to this day I don't think I've ever had any 'alone time' to really grieve (my dad had past away 1 year earlier) so I find myself in a middle of a grocery store & something will remind me of my mom or dad and I will start crying right there, walking around a store with people everywhere looking at me while I'm crying & getting my groceries.. ha!:) There's a saying 'what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger' so please Just Have Faith & Pray thats what gets me through everything. I have a wonderful uncle & cousin who always says... 'the best is yet to be'. Take care.

[suesodyssey]

I am sorry for the loss of your husband, and no, I don't think you are crazy! I think it is wonderful. I know several women that RV alone. As long as you take proper precautions for safety, just get out and have fun. And forget about a time frame. Just go until YOU decide you want to stop. This life style is wonderful. It isn't for everyone, but for the ones that love it, it is heaven on hearth.

Sue

[gogranny]

Tread: I'm also single and just purcashed a used 1999 Winnebago on e-bay. I have camp since the 1970's, but never alone. So I decided to try it out alone. I drove the motorhome from Atlanta to New Orleans for the first time. I plan to hit the road this summer and head to Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Michigan. Let me know if you have any suggestions for staying safe.
Go Granny

[suesodyssey]

Go Granny...I would suggest you get a dog...not a little yappy one, but one at least 50 to 60 pounds that has a good stout bark. Even if a dog doesn't scare someone, the barking will alert people, and someone breaking in or trying to doesn't want people to know they are there. My dog is my protector, and I feel perfectly safe with her. If you are not afraid of a gun, get training and know how to use it if necessary. Always make sure you are around people. I wouldn't advise any single woman to boondock. make sure you have a good emergency road assistance company. Of course, a cell phone and a CB are necessary.

Sue

[dres7]

After reading your posts I remembered there was this club called Loners On Wheels, and I went and looked up their site at www.lonersonwheels.com and I just wanted to share that website with you too incase you wanted to check it out. I saw on the site where they even own a campground too. It's a real sincere genuine RV club it appears from its website and not one of those 'dating clubs or anything like that'. :o (I don't really know that much about it at all) It just seems like it had lots of information about rving alone and its where they gather for potlucks and camping and things like that. I browsed around on there website before I mentioned it, so you can check it out yourselves and see. Take care & happy trails to all.

[suesodyssey]

Check out Escapees RV Club. I am not sure, but they used to have a singles group. Also check out any Good Sam groups in your area, and check with the manufacturer of your RV to see if there is a travel club. Joining in with folks that have like interests is always fun. Our travel club has 3 major rallies each year, and the state chapters have campouts in the summer (for the northern folks) and winter for the snow bird areas.

The most important thing is get out there and get involved. Being single again is scary, but good things happen when you get out. I was single again for almost 3 years and met a wonderful man (through our travel club) and we have been married 3 years. He retires tomorrow and we will be on the road full time.

Good Luck

Sue

[jbmarks]

I would be interested in hearing from any women out there who are traveling alone. I lost my husband this past August, and have been full-timing alone ever since. I am only 53 years old, and I figure financially I can "roam" for about 18 months. Am I crazy?:rolleyes:
CRAZY ???? Maybe.
But I think there are clubs for women travelling alone. One I believe is called "WOW"(women on wheels)
Might check out their site.

[rcracer05]

so sorry to hear about your husband.
I hope you have a wonderful trip and stay safe!
lisa - rcracer05

[winnie95]

I would love to do it . You can always do workamping to keep you going.
I keep telling my husband that I can do it alone if he doesn't want to go with me.
I didn't buy ours just to sit in the yard, I bought it to live the rest of my life in. By the end of the year I just maybe.

So, enjoy. Cheaper to live in the Rv, than it is to rent an apartment or a house and your scenery changes all the time.

[treemakr]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I towed the 5th wheel from San Diego to the Seattle area last October. I'm now getting ready to move it to Michigan. I want to take my time and see some sights along the way. It was so nice to find this website, and hear from some e-friends :)

[treemakr]

Thanks for the link to Loners....via their website, I found this book

RV Traveling Tales: Women's Journeys on the Open Road. 52 women answer the question: What it is like to be a female nomad on the open road, leaving family, community, and possessions to head into the unknown in an RV?

I ordered it and will let you all know if it's any good. Treemakr

[rcracer05]

hi
I live in east china twp. michigan between marine city and st. clair. I was wondering what part of michigan are you going to? Have a safe trip!

Lisa - rcracer05

[dres7]

Your message made me smile when you said..."and your scenery changes all the time" I've never heard it put that way before but how true it is in an RV. : ) I like that...I think all of us could use a change of scenery every now & then.

[heather]

I'm with ya in spirit! I'll be taking off next mnth with my 2 dogs. I think the dog suggestion id a great idea! They are great companions! You go girl!

[treemakr]

I will be in south west Michigan near Kalamazoo. My sister livesin Three Rivers. While I'm there I want to visit Nova Scotia.

[lou0403]

The suggestion regarding Loners on Wheels LoWs is good. I belong to them and you meet a lot of very nice single people. They have chapter campouts and rallies. I plan to join RVing Women in the future. I have seen the newsletter they put out and it's worth the price of joining. All their articles and tips are coached in language women can understand!

[hickbran]

Join the Escapees Club. They have a great support system and all the members I have met are really nice. Also they have a list of campgrounds for members only and at a discount. I wouldn't hesitate to camp at any of the Escapee's parks. Sherry

[trvlnthrds]

Go and do it. I was widowed 3 years ago in Florida. Came out west and found the most wonderful group. WINs They are in the east also. Check out their website. www.rvsingles.org

It is a young, under 70's group that is very active. Dancing, hiking, 4 wheeling, kayaking. They have circuits where you can travel almost year round with them. This summer we are doing all the national parks in CA up to and including Crater Lake in OR. Starting the end of May at Joshua Tree.

We mostly boondock and we are notoriously cheap. They are most helpful if you need minor repairs or just support. It has been a godsend.

[sandi]

Your post hits home. I'm divorced and recently retired. I bought a travel trailer and plan to "go it alone' with my golden retriever. I'm really looking forward to the adventure with few fears and aprehensions. At first I was afraid I couldn't back the travel trailer, but I've mastered (well... become better) at getting it where I want without smashing into a tree. I've had a blast just planning and stocking for my first trip. Hopefully, this summer I'll be on my way out west for two to three months of exploring, sightseeing, and experencing the freedom of the road.

Sandi

[gretchen]

Sorry for your loss. We began camping shortly after we met, ended up getting engaged and married the following summer and are on 2nd winter in same campground. Because some women tend to form clicks, I find I am often out of the group here even though I know most folks and sit down with meals with them. So, we have decided to move on next fall, perhaps head to TX, and limit out stay to a month unless something very interesting comes up. Hubby used this method with his travels during first marriage, and now has convinced me to do it too.

[mistresssarah]

Been doing it now for 5 years! I take my caregiver along so "SHE" can drive the 28ft motorhome! sence I can't drive!and "WE" love it!

[loveoutdoors]

I too am so sorry about your loss - God be ever present with you.

Someone once said, "Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead."

I am an older single and have camped by myself. You go girl - you can always connect with other people. Of course, when I get real lonely, I just connect with the Lord.

Hope to see you on the road. You are a brave person.

[anioki]

I have been single rv'ing past 8 yrs, having started at age 53, and love it. There are lots of us out there, and lots of "support". The group I belong to is via internet, Freeroaders, a Yahoo group, who gather up reguarlary around the US for camptogethers. Also WINS, via rvsingles.org..Good TravelsTo U

[vickiestanley]

Hi Everyone,
I am going to buy an RV after the sale of my house. I am 51 years old with two half grown kids traveling with me. My daughter is 21 and my son is 15.
I also have a 120 lb. Rotti named Bruin who will be traveling with me as well.

I have faced death; waited for a kidney transplant for 6 years and finally had my transplant and my life back.

Any advice as to what kind of RV has the best performance and least amount of problems? I have been looking at JAYCO brand, the feather weights and the Eagle/Fifth Wheels.

This will be a life style change for the rest of my life. My daughter will travel to California where she will be going to school to be an actress. I am going to be her "MOMager" and manage her career. My son is also in theater.

I know were are taking big risks and I could end up homeless after I sell my house. Tell me that Full time RVing is possible on a pension! Pleeese...

[treemakr]

I got rid of my house and most of the stuff when we moved into our 5th wheel. I don't consider full-timing as being homeless. Just the opposite! My home is wherever I decide to park it. This lifestyle is much cheaper than living on a fixed spot of land. When I decide I need a change of location, there is no boxing things, just pull in the slides, hook up and go!

Enjoy!

[stampgirl]

Sorry for your loss. I think it is GREAT that you wish to continue. Best wishes and God Speed.

[carole293]

You go girl. I would be full timing if I wasn't married with kids. I go off by myself all the time. I also belong to Sisters on the Fly (www.sistersonthefly.com), a group of ladies that go all over the country in little vintage campers. There are about 800 women all over the country who will meet you for a campout. Sometimes I just go out to my trailer and sew or sleep out there and wish I was on the road. Enjoy!

[ryegal]

Go girl, So sorry about your loss yes go for it , maybe in18 mo. you'll be able to settle down and maybe not I travel alone and with a couple of clubs. the wonderfull thing about traveling alone is you can have company when you want it. I love it when I come to a crossroads and I can go anyway I want!! I still work as I have 3 yrs yet! then I'm fulltime.

[polly]

I am getting ready to go full timing alone and can hardly wait! I've been getting ready for two years now. My daughter moved out and I put my house up for sell, but not selling so my daughter is moving back in so I can hit the road. I have found so much information on the internet.
There is an RVing Womens club info at WWW.RVingwomen.com. Chapters in every state and lots of get-togethers, and you can join in several. Many very experienced women who have been rving for many years and everyone friendly and very willing to share information and experiences.
I have a small Toyota Dolphin that I just love, very econimical and plenty big enough for just me!
I also subscribe to workampers (www.workampers.com) and there are many, many jobs out there. Pick a state, park, resort, campground and there is a job close by.
I also belong to Escapees. Big conference in Stockton, CA this coming week. Lots of information and people who love to share what they have learned. What I like about Escapees is they have a lot of groups within the club BOF's they call them (Birds of a Feather). What ever you are interested in there is a club for it; fishing, crafting, dancing, singles, singing, quilting, rock-hounding, computers, full-timing, if there is not a club for your interest, you can start one!
I enjoy boon-docking (Escapees had a club for that) and have always felt safe. I don't feel safe about a gun, so my weapon of choice is a hammer under my pillow. It may not really do me any good, but psycologicaly I feel safe! I also have a sound alarm attached to my door that I turn on as I go to bed that screams when the door is open. I haven't been able to commit to a dog yet.
Sorry, this is rambling on, but I am excited about traveling and full-timing and there is tons of information and help out there, and I can hardly wait!!!

[km105]

[QUOTE=gogranny;327]Tread: I'm also single and just purcashed a used 1999 Winnebago on e-bay.

GoGranny, we own a 1999 Winnebago also and love it. There are several clubs avaliable to Winnebago owners only, there is one for singles and one on the internet, too. If you would like more information about the clubs you can e-mail me at lm105@charter.net

[km105]

[QUOTE=gogranny;327]Tread: I'm also single and just purcashed a used 1999 Winnebago on e-bay.

GoGranny, we own a 1999 Winnebago also and love it. There are several clubs avaliable to Winnebago owners only, there is one for singles and one on the internet, too. If you would like more information about the clubs you can e-mail me at lm105@charter.net

[sunny]

I've read all the wonderful comments from RVing women and can identify with many. I did lots of Rving in my "past life" (ex-husband). Now, I'm in a sort of in-between situation. I live in Florida and love it here. I am retired so have plenty of time to RV, but my brand new live-in guy still works and doesn't have much time off. Sooooo, what do I do. We have a nice TT that I think I can manage so I'm thinking... why can't I still go ahead with my love of RVing by myself even when Richard can't come along. He does love RVing (real newbie, but good sport) and would love to do weekends as much as possible. Anyway, I still plan to do a bit of camping here in Florida and want to hook up with a group of women who share same interests. Judith

[dedcapri]

Hi there, Just joined the myRVspace website and saw your posting. I am a 59-year old widow, retired in Florida for 9 years now. Just bought a small motorhome and have taken just 3 weekend trips to "get my feet wet". So thought I'd say hello and meet a new friend.

[elainefaith]

Looks like a lot of us gals here in fl. rvingwomen is great, but this is free. lets keep a gals diagolue going here......e

[gtrpknmama]

So nice to find RVspace.com & Hat's of to us GearJamminTrailerHaulinToolToatinAdventurousGals!! !! ;)
You Go Girl, Keep on keepin on~~~~
I'm still getting used to the 84 Pace Arrow I just bought & will soon be able to get it out of the yard.... lol "I'm giving it a thorough go over for safety & mechanical checkup, so I'm sure to be back with many questions before hitting the road ;)

Many Blessings, Peace & Balance
Lady Dove

[velvetwolf5]

I've been rving for 3 yrs. what an experience it has been.I am 64 yrs. old and single,have a R-Vision TT,with a popup roof,and popout tent beds,it's 18 ft. closed ,21ft. fully open,2200 pounds.I pull it with a Chevy Sliverado,1500.Gone out on my own,no clubs.I started out with a cat an a dog,now, have a cat that was dumped in a park added to my little family. I say, you go girl.I carry a wooden baseball bat,and a stun gun,which I've never had to use.Trust your female instincts they don't fail you.Ask to walk the park before you check in,if you feel uncomfortable don't do it.If something makes you uncomfortable when staying in a park speakup,you have a right to protect yourself. When on the road don't set yourself up,do what you have to do at a stop,and leave.Have emergency info at a hands reach,use AAA,or some other trusted form of road help.Always do your road checks,tires etc.every time you leave.Keep your doors locked at night.I could go on,an on.Just be aware at all times.Most important don't let fear stop you,enjoy it's quite an adventure.I have not had any problems other than normal things that occur for everyone.Do it,an have fun!!!

[murfette]

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I admire u for wanting to complete the journey the two of u stared and I wish u all the best. Being new to myrvspace.com, in such a short time I've learned alot from fellow rver's and enjoy talking to them (some on a daily basis). Best of luck to u..Take care

[hickbran]

It's great we can travel on our own and be the captain of our lives. Maybe you could work kamp to continue your lifestyle. It is a wonderful way to make some extra money. God be with you.

[pcthomas]

Sorry for your loss, much sympathies to you.
I admire you for going and doing what you want to do. Its an awesome adventure with or without someone to go with.

My husband and I recently started our adventure and we have met two women who are alone and full timers. They are amazing women.

Be safe out there, hopefully we will run into at a campground or rv park somewhere. Until happy travels.

Cherrell

[oma37]

I agree with all the suggestions about the Escapees. Everything they say about the club is true. Husband and I belonged to it for years and then got settled in FL. He died 3 months ago so just bought a 24ft used 2006 motor home which is plenty big enough for me and my standard poodle. I don't think you have to get a dog, just be smart and you will have great time in the outdoors.

[sayersaa]

this is my first year out alone. I was widowed in 05, retired this year and got a GMC pick up and fifth wheel and hit the road. Learn to be safe. Watch where you are parking. If you can't see out the front door with a light to see who is there make it where you can. I put Lexan (a clear plastic, all most impossible to break, gotten at any glass company) in to replace my frosted front window. I stop at truck stops while traveling from place to place and if I go in to eat, when I come back out I carry two drinks. I don't parade around to give anyone the impresson I am alone. I don't care for a dog. You are tied to it 24/7. I don't carry a gun. Not afraid of them just don't think I could pull the trigger. So I do have to learn to rely on my own instincts. If I don't feel safe I leave. DON"T STAY OVER NIGHT IN A REST AREA. THE most dangerous place at night on the highway. I am 65 years old and I travel where every I want to go but I have learned to be safe. Enough preaching. Be safe out there girls. Not everyone is your friend.

[harlygl94]

I would be interested in hearing from any women out there who are traveling alone. I lost my husband this past August, and have been full-timing alone ever since. I am only 53 years old, and I figure financially I can "roam" for about 18 months. Am I crazy?:rolleyes:

Hello, I am from Mass and I am thinking about going to Georgia for the winter months. I am 50 years old female and I wish I could find someone to go with. Where are you from? Sooner or later I will, I hope. Do you have friends at the campgrounds? Hope to hear from you

[karyljm]

No I don't think you are crazy. It may just be what you need in this time of loss. Sorry about your husband.

Also there are ways to make it financially while you are full-timing. Maybe people can give you ideas of things to sell to others that you are going to be meeting on the open road.

God Bless

[momshobbies05]

Seems to me after working in a COE park as a park atttendant for 2 years, I see a good deal of us women traveling alone. Good for us I say, I think it is great and I enjoy the stories they have to tell of there travels . I would love to head out when my contract is done here and plan to do some work in Montana , Idaho, and Wyom ing in the future. Our gut will tell us when something just dont feel right we will just have to learn to listen to it abit more intently when we are on our own. Happy travels hope to meet some of you down the road.

[pugmom]

I lost my husband 10 years ago, and 5 years after his death I bought my first RV. I found it was too small for myself and all my pets, so I bought a bigger one 2 years ago. I travel alone, and I know I couldn't do it without all my animals that keep me company. I think it's great that you are going out there and doing what you want. Keep it up!!

[sirslink]

Well ladies I think you are doing a great thing for yourselfs. I lost my bride in 95 but found another wonderful woman in 02. We are both over 60 and still each ride motorcycles which we haul in the 5r. I can appreciate your desire for travel and camping and wish all of you happy and safe trails
Slink:D

[murffdog]

Back in late March, I met a lady in Venice FL driving a 40' coach with a toad. She lost her husband last year and is still on the road. She has never had a problem and loves the freedom. Go girls!

[dxsmac]

I RV solo. Never had a husband, don't want one. They just get in the way.:o

I love the freedom! I also love the fact that no guys are there to "tell you the 'right' way to do things" (when your way is different than what a guy would do....)

JJ

[vtchris]

I am 63 and have been camping and traveling alone for three years. I say go for it! The closing on my stix-n-brix house is next week and then I will be a true full timer! Lots of support for single women traveling alone as you can see from responces here. I just went to my first camping get together of Open Road Singles and they are a great group of people, not a dating service, no fees to join, very informal. And when going to an "event" where most everyone is couples, I always offer to volunteer, that helps to fit in (and makes you popular :D ). Good luck and hope to see you sometime!

[imnotlost2008]

Hi tree...I am so happy to have read your post and those from the other solo girls. I often think I'm crazy for thinking about taking off fulltime on my own as do my grown children! I am 56, survived a painful divorce 2 yrs ago and figure I can travel for about 18 months-2 years and then I should think about getting a "job". There is always Workamping, but jobs on the road for singles are not as plentiful as those for couples. I have taken a short trip by myself but have a dog and a loaded gun so I usually felt pretty safe. There are a couple of great RV Clubs I've been looking into Rving Women and W.I.N.:D

[joni71]

Hope you have been enjoying travelling alone. I am 71 and just now starting
out from Florida on a trip to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Have no idea where I'll be staying or visiting, but just anxious for the
experience.

[spiritwomyn]

Well I am on my own...sort of still have an eleven year old at home. We have a very small travel trailer. But it feels like I am alone. Whatever the loss life deals us, it takes some getting used to the shift in our life. Getting out on the road will be therapy and help get you intouch with the new "life" you have been thrown into. When my older children left home it was like the rug got pulled, suddenly everything was out of balance. But Rving is a way to meet so many new people. I have yet to meet any bad people and everyone I have met is so wonderful. But do get out and meet them as lonliness can set in all to easily.