Posted from Casa Grande,AZ
Well, since we just finished the first quarter of 2017, I decided that it was about time that I posted our summary for 2016.
We completed our 4th year of fulltime RV living at the end of 2016. Wow, where has the time gone! We spent our winter months again at Palm Creek Golf and RV in Casa Grande, AZ. This marks our fourth winter here and the time here flew by this year.
We decided to become annual lease holders before leaving in 2015 and signed a 2-year lease agreement for our site in the park. One of the "perks" of that initial agreement was that the park would construct a 10x12 foot shed complete with water and electric. We decided to improve the site a bit this season by adding some additional concrete and brick patio pavers to make the site a bit more "homey" feeling.
We chose to become "work campers" here at the park for the 2016-2017 winter season to help offset the costs of our improvements and to help pay for the annual lease costs. We both worked in "Special Events" here at Palm Creek. Let's just say that the job is physically demanding, but certainly we were involved in a variety of tasks throughout the season. Everything from setting up for dinners and dances to larger park-wide outdoor events.
Let me get back to reviewing the 2016 year. When we left Palm Creek in mid-April of 2016 we traveled for several weeks with our friends Paul and Laura and explored some new areas in Texas before they departed for their summer plans. We continued to the East Coast, had some work done at Red Bay, AL, saw family in Virginia, then meandered up into the northeast to attend the Escapees' National Rally in Vermont.
We had an accident with the motorhome in Burlington, VT (prior to the Escapade). After the Escapade we made a beeline back to Red Bay, AL (home of Tiffin Motorhomes) to have the coach repaired by an independent shop in that town.
Because most of our summer plans were squashed due to the accident, we hung out in Red Bay thru most of August and September visiting with different friends who happened to be there for either factory repairs or modifications being performed by third-party vendors in the area. (Hey, we actually do like Red Bay).
It just so happened that Paul and Laura showed up in September, so we started our journey back toward Arizona with them. We again split up just west of Dallas, TX and we arrived back in Casa Grande, AZ on October 3, 2016.
To view a map of our 2016 travels CLICK HERE.
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I've been keeping stats concerning our travel costs since we began fulltiming. If you're interested, please feel free to take a look at the chart below and leave a comment at the end of this blog if you have any questions.
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During 2016 we camped in a total of 13 states and spent an average of 10.74 days in one location.
Thank you to everyone who continues to visit our blog!
I enjoyed the blog very much.
ReplyDeleteI notice that the average miles per gallon, dropped each year slightly. Is there any correlation of change in driving speed or terrain that might be a factor? Anything you can determine why the drop in mpgs?
ReplyDeleteGreat question. I have tried to determine the reason for the changes as well. I know that on the MH we used our generator much more in the past 2 years. Because I cannot separate out the diesel used by the MH and by the generator this could account for the slight decrease in MPG. Driving speeds really have not changed. On large roads, we drive about 63 MPH.
DeleteI have no idea why the Fit's mileage has dropped off though.
Steve and Karen: I'm of course sad that you had an accident in your Phaeton, but I trust no one was injured on the positive side. Nancy and I have made several trips to Red Bay in order to keep our home looking as new as possible. I'm impressed with your fuel milage, ours has been a consistent 7.7 to 7.8 mpg over our 59,000 miles keeping the cruise set at a maximum of 62 mpg. What is your secret? We also use our 10k generator frequently and just surpassed 3000 hrs. We still tow our CR-V. Perhaps our difference is more driving in the mountainous West. What do you think? Any chance of your visiting here at Jojoba any time soon? Nancy and I would love to see you guys.
ReplyDeleteHi Orv. No, the accident was with an inanimate object and low speed. Just a lot of damage to repair.
DeleteYou probably have driven in more mountainous conditions than us and our Honda Fit is only 2500 lbs. Also, you have used the generator A LOT more than us, so that is probably contributing to your lower MPG.
Probably no CA this summer. Will be in the UT, CO, and NM areas.
You certainly made our stay in Red Bay pleasant. Always nice to see you both and we love reading your blog. We'll never forget the Tiffin presentation Karen made for RV. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marty. We really enjoy seeing you and Bob each time as well. When are you guys going to take a break from the east coast and head out to the big skies and clean air of the west? LOL
DeleteGreat job on the blog. Very helpful information to us as we prepare for the rv after full time sailing for 5 years.
ReplyDeleteDouglas glad I could be of some help. Obviously, the above is only a small part of the expenses associated with fulltime RVing. If you have any specific questions feel free to contact us at gonebyrv at gmail.com
DeleteThose must have been great events with you two working them. I know you put a lot of effort into them to make them successful. A+ personalities are like that. And to think you thought you'd slow down by going full time! :cD
ReplyDeleteHope to catch up to you on the road, we're planning a trip from SC to CA May and June.
Just read your latest blog about your change in travel plans. Completely understand the situation with your Dad. I know that you and Marti will be great care givers for him. Plans at this stage of our lives are certain to change.
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