Trip 11 is a bit of an odd duck for us, as we're considering several locations within the same state for this one. However, what was originally going to be two locations is now three, and potentially more.
Needless to say, we have had some really terrible luck once again with a workamping job at a campground. There was another change in direct reporting almost immediately after we arrived, and although this time we tried to stick it out for a safe place in the winter, it just wasn't meant to be. We won't go into details about what happened in order to protect the innocent, but at least there weren't any dramatics required. However just like trip 7, or any future trip involving workamping for that matter, we won't mention nor review the specific location, not only to protect the interests of those who utilize our services, but for the fact that a good review would be conceited, while a bad review would mean we didn't do well at our jobs.
On the bright side, and this is probably why we'll continue to consider campground jobs in the future, there are many wonderful people we met during our relatively short time at this location. They were very friendly and welcoming to all three of us with the Freedom Rolling crew. This has always been a great reward for us not only at the campgrounds, but at the other long-term workamping job that we had during trip 9. There are too many to mention by name, both human and canine, but we do sincerely hope that they are well, and that they are continuing to follow us by either the blog or one of our several social media outlets.
In the meantime, we are trying to stick around the same area because of local arrangements, albeit at a different spot or spots. The internal compass definitely wants to be here, but we'll see how long it lasts because it is a popular destination. At least once the months begin to pass, options open up as to where else to go, and we're already planning for the summer location. We'll find out together what happens in the future.
Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Day!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?!
Def'nitely not here...
'Cause it's over sixty degrees,
Leaves are still on the trees,
And white stuff on the ground has disappeared....
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Lights are on the rigs...
And the one thing you clearly smell,
As the barbecue grills swell,
Are products of pigs!
An hour to run at the beach is something they beseech,
As it is a great time to play;
Getting a broom and cleaning the rec room,
Is what truly fills out the day.
And people planning their next trip when it gets hot in May....
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?!
Def'nitely not here...
With the campers all in the pool,
Frozen drinks keep them cool,
While staffers drive some golf carts that they steer....
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?!
Not a good benchmark;
But there isn't a need to strife,
For it is a way of life,
At the RV Park!
As full-time RVers living on the road, we can't move around and stay at gas stations all the time; eventually we must find somewhere to park. However, as we pull into an area, the debate begins: Do we go public, or private?
Public campgrounds are usually a great choice for the short-term stay. These usually come in the forms of state parks, county parks, and sometimes municipal or national parks. The prices are usually going to be a bit lower because these departments run by their respective government are non-profit organizations. However, they do come with some drawbacks. Usually you won't find all the site amenities a private park may have, and the park amenities may be limited. For example, if you receive mail from a service, you likely won't be able to have it delivered to you. Furthermore, they're typically limited to a short-term stay, with maximums anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month. These are great for the in-between.
Private campgrounds are another beast in and of themselves. They may have more amenities, but the prices will be slightly higher owing to the need to make a living. You have to be careful about the "fine print" when reserving, as some of the owners may be unscrupulous and seek to nickel-and-dime you. Most private campgrounds are very receptive to the full-time RVer, though. They'll be willing to let you stay for a month or two at a time provided you pay for electric, and they'll also have instructions on how to get your mail. Price isn't always bad, either, as they will partner with discount houses geared towards the RVer.
When it comes time for workamping, going public or private is also a question. With public, you're almost guaranteed to be working for site only, but the terms aren't always as long. Salaries are more likely, but are not always available, at private grounds. Sometimes, you may not even be staying in a campground at all. Some salaried positions will have you doing odd yet interesting jobs, such as managing a storage facility or selling Christmas trees. The possibilities are endless, and can also bring potential investment ideas to not give yourself passive income, but to give a chance for other prospective full-time RVers to live this life.
So whether it's public or private, both have their advantages and should be considered as you Follow your Internal Compass.
Trip eleven saw yet another campground visit. About an hour north of Houston just outside the city of Livingston lies Rainbow's End Park, a sponsored private campground where a four-night stay was had.
Grounds: Rainbow's End is a few miles outside the city of Livingston as a rural community. The term "community" is used because, along with the campsites, there are a number of privately owned "deeded lots" interspersed across the grounds that look to be owned by RVers and are part of a homeowner's association of sorts. If you're looking to use a boat, Lake Livingston is about 15-20 minutes away.
Sites: The park has over 175 sites able to be rented by travelers to the area. Online reservations were found to be difficult, and we had to call in the reservation. The majority of the sites are back-in, though there are some that are pull-thru. Nearly all of the sites have full hook-up, varying between 30 or 50 amp maximum electric depending on the site, with a couple of "dry" spots. The pads are sand and fine pebbles, while being reasonably level when dry. Our site was located in the wooded area, though there are some that are more open. The sites in this part of the campground are tightly packed without much room outside.
Staff: Of the staff seen, most were fairly friendly, although the check-in person seemed a bit hurried. Some of the signage they placed around the park bordered between being comical and being over the top. We had no issues that needed to be rectified, so no information on maintenance quality.
Amenities: Rainbow's End is unique for its amenities in that not only are they shared between campers and homeowners, but in that most are geared towards the park's sponsor, whose national headquarters is at this place. The bath houses have squeegees inside the showers with expectations for the women (but not the men) to "squeezee" the walls, however the laundry facilities nearby have some of the cheapest prices ever. The pool was closed during our visit despite warm temperatures, but the dog parks are spacious and well kept.
Atmosphere: The other campers were relatively friendly for the most part. The park is geared towards an older clientele, with amenities and activities planned in accordance. Hardly any families were seen, and no playgrounds exist.
Overall, Rainbow's End Park receives a 7 rating out of a possible 10. The price paid is dependent on membership, and although it is competitive with parks in other parts of the country, it isn't the best value for the young full-time RVer. If you're a member of the sponsoring club, this is a great spot for a couple nights, if only just to take care of administrative business.
On today's adventure through Texas, we take you to... ...a convenience store chain. However this place isn't your run-of-the-mill off-the-highway gas station.
Welcome to Buc-ee's, one of the most beloved brands in Texas. Bu-cee's first started by Arch Aplin in 1982 as a modest convenience store in Lake Jackson, about an hour south of Houston. Since the turn of the century, the company has seen a significant growth increase, both in terms of locations and physical size of the stores. It is not uncommon today to see a Buc-ee's with dozens, or even hundreds, of gas pumps, as they also boast of having the cleanest restrooms, according to a Cintas study. As of the time this was written, the chain holds two world records: Largest convenience store at its New Braunfels location, and Longest car wash at its Katy location. Locations today are found not only in Texas, but other places in the south and midwest.
As you walk into Buc-ee's with its beaver logo, you see a massive amount of retail space with rows upon rows of product. Alongside the traditional offerings you'd see on the shelves of a convenience store, be on the lookout for the wall of jerky. Dozens of flavors adorn both the wall and the display islands around the store, ensuring everyone has something they enjoy. As you head towards the coffee and prepared foods stations, you may hear the staffers yelling, "Brisket on the board!" The center station has several workers preparing fresh barbecue brisket sandwiches for you to enjoy. Be sure to grab a bag of "Beaver Chips" on the side. In fact, you'll see several "Beaver" products in the store, as a tribute to the founder's childhood nickname, "Beaver".
As with any pit stop, a restroom break may be needed. As you walk towards these facilities, check out the legitimate artwork on the wall from local artists. As everything seems to be bigger at Buc-ee's, the restroom is large with individualized stalls. Once out, you'll find that Buc-ee's is much more than a convenience store, as they have all sorts of different odds and ends, from camping and grilling supplies, to branded home decor merchandise. Who knows? Maybe you'll be able to upgrade your small camp stove to a portable wood smoker.
So the next time you're driving around Texas, Follow your Internal Compass right on over to Buc-ee's.
Day number 478 of Freedom Rolling's permanent adventure is upon us. Although the trip count has significantly slowed, and there isn't a parodic tome to bestow, there still is much for which to be thankful.
First, we are thankful for all those who have contributed to Freedom Rolling. Whether it's been T-shirts, care packages, gift cards, changing oil on the truck, fixing something in the rig... Even to those who are simply reading along or watching us on various social media forums, we are eternally grateful. Second, we are thankful for health and well being while on the road, even though we've had a few rough shots along the way. Third, we are thankful for all those, past and present, who have given us the opportunity to workamp at their locations and the hospitality they have provided. Fourth, a big thank you to everyone we've met along the way, whether or not they continue to follow us. Finally, we are thankful for not only each other, but the one who has kept us somewhat sane on this whole adventure, and that's Miles the Chug Terrier. If it weren't for him, one of us may be in Bull Shoals Lake at this point.
Thank you to all who have helped us to Follow our Internal Compass, as we hope each and every one of you are able to follow yours.
Once again, everything has been packed up, and we are on the road. Where, you might ask? Fans of a particular genre may have figured it out by the title of the trip, and those looking at a calendar will have narrowed it down. However in this case, our previous location has been left behind, and we are embarking on a multi-leg trip. There are a few lessons learned.
First, we've figured out, for the most part, what we materialistically do and don't need. As is typical with just about anything in life, it comes with practice. We had received a tip about this from another full-time RVing couple that didn't take enough with them when they started. However, we went to almost the complete polar opposite and took too much with us. Looking around at the time this is being written, which is near the beginning of this trip, there's still quite a bit, but much of it being consumable and should be able to be whittled down easily.
Large amounts of consumables brings us to the second lesson learned: the torment of the terrace. Yes, during trip 9, we must admit it: We cheated a bit and stayed in a stationary fixture. It was offered as part of the workamping deal, so it's not like an apartment was rented. However, some of those habits started to return, such as buying in bulk and using amenities that aren't exactly portable. Some packing nightmares may have returned, but we weren't in as much of a mess as when we started this whole thing. Not to mention, their next crew has been set up for success, at least as much in terms of what we were able to offer them.
The third, but probably the most important lesson learned, was figuring out what's important to us. Anyone who seeks to enjoy this lifestyle should know that the only way you're ever getting rich is if someone who recognizes you from social media happens to buy you a winning lottery ticket. Full hook up and salary isn't worth it if you're going to end up with the same problems that drove you to start doing this in the first place. Obviously you'll need some income flowing if you're young full-timers with many remote work outlets requiring stationary living to suit their "reliable internet" needs, though answering a want ad with seasonal work for wage, despite all the signs everywhere, is more complex because you're then beholden to that particular state's tax situation, and there's only seven in the lower 48 at the time of writing this that don't charge state income taxes (there is an 8th that charges it on unearned income, which you'll probably have). At the end of the day, things should work out.
With all of those lessons learned, we're now better prepared to Follow our Internal Compass to the next land.
For those of us who are living on the road, remaining healthy really isn't all that much less important than those who are stationary. We have our own challenges to face, and the process for what happens when ill or injured is different because we're moving around, but here are some tips from our experience to help you stay healthy.
First, considering wearing closed toed shoes on travel days. Nothing will be worse for your health than dropping a sway bar on your toe. Broken toes are absolutely no fun whatsoever, and make many tasks difficult, as mobility is a must. This isn't limited to the outside of the rig, either. Nothing puts a damper on the day like dropping a dog food can on your foot. So do yourself a favor and wear protection.
Second, when doing your regular inspections, check the rig for wasps and stinging insects. It becomes an absolute joy breaker when the wasps infesting your workamping location decide to build a nest on your hot water tank. Even more so when someone in your party is allergic, and that bug survives a thousand mile journey. No fear, as a diluted peppermint oil spray will help to prevent most infestations, and is a natural solution that's safe for your fur baby.
Finally, pay close attention to the quality of your resources. No advantageous experience is worth having to put up with moldy city water. Not only do the filters not always remove that contagion, but it will ruin your hose faster than your next paycheck hits the bank. If the water gets bad enough to the point where you can't even use it, remember that your house is on wheels. Find something a little better for yourself.
So the next time you Follow your Internal Compass, remember that staying healthy is important, and these tips along with other considerations will help.
If you've ever driven the highways of South Dakota, even so much at the point of barely crossing the border, there's one place you'll see advertised time and time again.
Welcome to Wall Drug, an iconic oasis in the middle of South Dakota. Situated along US 14 and Interstate 90, this place has become a popular stopping point for motorists going between Rapid City and either Pierre or Sioux Falls. Wall Drug began as a simple drug store founded by Ted Hustead in the 1930's. With a simple drug store in a fledgling town suffering from the depression, and Mrs. Hustead unable to sleep from all the tourists driving by, she decided to try something different to help the business. Why not offer them free ice water so long as they stopped at Wall Drug in the hopes of purchasing something else? To help, she made several roadway signs spelling out a "jingle" to attract the drivers. The rest, they say, is history.
Today, Wall Drug is still very much an icon of pride for the city of Wall, the state of South Dakota, and just about anyone seeking to travel this country by road. The drug store still exists, and the backyard is still offering free ice water, although it is now self-served. Several more merchants have brought their western-themed wares to turn Wall Drug into a bustling plaza attracting thousands of tourists daily from all across the country. Perhaps check out the large dinosaur as you enter the city from the east. Have a bite to eat in their restaurant. Check out the shops both within Wall Drug and across the car parking street. Let the children play for a bit in the Wall Drug Backyard at the center of the plaza. Perhaps stop at the chapel for a moment of prayer and reflection. Even if you're only filling up a jug with free ice water, there's something for everyone.
The City of Wall is approximately 50 miles east of Rapid City, 300 miles west of Sioux Falls, and 117 miles southwest of Pierre. As you drive that way, be sure to check out all the different hand painted billboards, from various offerings at the store to how they have been featured on national media. Even the international public have taken themselves to creating their own homemade signs showcasing the distance to Wall Drug, many of which can be found on the walls of the building near the Wall Drug Backyard. The city is so aptly named because of the "wall" seen to the south, otherwise known as Badlands National Park. The city does have an assortment of other amenities, although the drug store is what has placed Wall SD on the map.
So the next time you're Following your Internal Compass, don't despair if the road seems long. Make a stop at Wall Drug.
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