It’s all about relationships. When you’re on the road, you want your coexistence to be as harmonious as the juxtaposition of wheel to road. This month we asked FMC readers to help us out with the following question:
During a motorhome trip, how do you peacefully coexist with other occupants (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.)?
***
Since my wife and I have been happily married for the past 51 years, we do not have any problems with regard to peaceful coexistence while in the coach. We simply do those things we normally do “” talk, walk, read, visit with friends and neighbors, visit interesting sites in the area, and stay active in our outside interests.
Dan Couch, F290790
Blue Springs, Missouri
I coexist with three dogs (one Yorkie, Smokey, 4 pounds; one long-haired chihuahua, ChaCha, 5 pounds; and one chorkie “” 1/2 Yorkie, 1/2 chihuahua “” Terra (named after my motorhome), 3 pounds. Just the four of us “” no one else!
Martha Barnes, F3291
Merritt Island, Florida
We have been many miles in our motorhome, but until we took our three grandchildren, ages 13, 12, and 10, on a summer vacation, we never had to consider sharing our “space.” Everyone agreed to work together to make this trip possible. First day out, we gave each of the grandchildren $20 worth of quarters, the deal being they could use the money for snacks, postcards, etc. But any clothing or shoes left in the aisle would cost the perpetrator a fine of 25 cents. The little dears learned very quickly. Each grandchild helped walk the pups, helped with the laundry, and took turns with garbage detail. They quickly adapted to making their beds up at night as well as tearing them down in the morning. Each had their own books, music, and games to play. It turned out to be an amazing 8,000-mile trip covering 17 national parks and monuments. Lots of love and understanding made it possible.
Dick & Dian Miller, F258174
Sarasota, Florida
We took a giant leap of faith and went full-time in September 2006. Time waits for no one. We each have our own space in our 40-foot, four-slideout motorhome and have a pet, Mitzy. She keeps the humor going even in the most difficult situations. We have learned to accept our differences most of the time, and it has been a learning experience to get along in 400 square feet and be together 24/7. We treasure every moment we have spent together for the past 46 years and look forward to enjoying more traveling on our journey.
Marsha Lamp, F378555
Full-Time RVer
It’s easy. After 54 years of marriage, I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut. Janet likes to do crossword puzzles, cross-stitch, and read so that she doesn’t have to watch the road. I’ve learned to let her plan and tell me where to go. It used to be our goal was 400 miles or 4:00 p.m., whichever came first. Then it went to 300 miles or 3:00 p.m., and now it is 200 miles or 2:00 p.m. when we stop for the evening. She will start looking for a campground about two hours before we plan on stopping. I received a GPS as a gift for my work as Southeast Area senior vice president last year. I now can listen to “Gertrude” on the GPS, as we call her, and tell her what I think when she tells me to turn around, or when she is recalculating after I don’t follow her instructions. This seems to keep a lot of peace. Happy travels.
Doug & Janet Anderson, F146868
Roseland, Florida
Our answer would be: “Separate laptops!”
Glenn & Marcie Ronken, F351667
Johnstown, Ohio
Future questions:
1. What’s the best Italian restaurant you’ve discovered in your motorhome travels that you would recommend to other RVers?
2. What’s your favorite amusement park?
{loadpositionEndBlurbRearView}