Most who hop into the RV and visit this wonderful country hope for sunny days and fair weather. However, sometimes you'll end up with a rainy day. Never fear, there are always ways for you to turn the raindrops into lemon drops and gumdrops.
The Freedom Rolling hosts are no strangers to precipitation. As we first started to travel in just the lowly SUV, nearly every trip, major or minor as it may be, seemed to have some sort of rain or snow with it. Even in Las Vegas, known for its desert climate, the rain had followed us. Ironically enough, one of the destinations where we didn't see rain was around Seattle, known for its nearly consistent amounts of precipitation. That wasn't to say we didn't experience it at all during that cross-country road trip, as the hailstorm in western South Dakota along the way was quite interesting. We've certainly had our shares of not-so-nice weather, including seeing a tornado form a couple miles outside the passenger window along the interstate in Illinois, as well as a tropical storm on the beaches of Florida.
So what's a full time RVing family to do when the weather isn't so nice? After all, many of our activities are outdoors. For those in the middle of a longer-term workamping stay, it isn't that bad of a day to have to take care of that, as you're not going to have too many customers. Some may use this as a time to "catch up" on things inside the RV, or even plan the next moves. You may have brought some indoor entertainment with you, but who really wants to stay cooped up in this life? Why not take some time to drive around. Explore the nearby city and its architecture. If you really need a destination, museums may be a good choice. The sidewalks may not be as bustling, but if you're not into crowds, that's usually the best time to look over everything.
So the next time the weather isn't so nice, don't let the internal compass just flood. Turn the raindrops into lemon drops and gumdrops, and oh, what a rain it will be.
For some, whether with or without the home along for the ride, the journey itself is the most gratifying part of a road trip. Sure, the destination can be a focal point, but why miss what you could otherwise see along the way? Enter one of the most famous drives in the country.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is an over 450-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains. Spanning through West Central Virginia and Western North Carolina, this road is maintained by the National Park Service, yet remains one of the properties that does not charge a fee to travel. Those towing a rig are permitted to travel this parkway, although caution is advised along this windy road with breathtaking views. If you wish to travel the entire length, give yourself a couple days to really soak it all in.
Those starting from the northeast can hop off Interstate 64 around Waynesboro, just a bit west of Charlottesville, and past the southern edge of Shenandoah National Park. Start heading south, and once you get used to the tight curves and lack of significant guard rails, a number of overlooks allow for views of incredible valleys and expansive wilderness. It's an easy going road, so take your time and soak it all in. If a break is ever needed from the parkway, the road visits the outside of Roanoke, or you could hop off just a little before that onto the US 501 and visit Lynchburg, the home of Liberty University. Campgrounds such as Otter Creek and Rocky Knob are found along the parkway in Virginia.
Mile marker 217 is reached, just past the Chestnut Creek Bridges, and a welcome to the Tar Heel State of North Carolina. Continue along the parkway seeing the peaks of Fodder Stack, Meditation Mountain, and Tomkins Knob. The campgrounds of Doughton Park, Julian Price, and Linville Falls will give you a chance to take a rest in North Carolina. A bit further down the way, make a stop in Asheville, made famous by the author Thomas Wolfe. Those continuing to travel to the southwestern end will eventually make it just outside Cherokee and US 441, at the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If your internal compass tells you to be literally on the road, never fear in following it. The Blue Ridge Parkway may just be one of the options for you.
One year has passed since first writing about RV essentials in the kitchen. What has worked? What didn't? Did we need to add or subtract anything? Let's find out as we begin a new series on Freedom Rolling, "Did It Work?" This is where we look back at our predictions and see what's actually worked, and what sort of adjustments we needed to make along the way.
First and foremost, there were a list of appliances we intended to bring. The combination slow cooker, pressure cooker, and maker of quite a few other things, has been one of the main staples of the kitchen. This is used several times a week, doesn't take up very much counter space, and packs very well in the equipment cupboard. The immersion blender, not so much. The food processor attachment is a "nice to have", however the whisk has proved to be a bit too powerful and ends up making a mess. The induction cooktop has been a great thing, but sadly was a bit old, and has since stopped working properly. We'll think about getting another, as it does help to save on propane, which we'd rather use for grilling and boondocking. Our combination blender/chopper is on its last legs as it's seven years old, but we have been finding great use for it, so this was a good choice.
One thing briefly touched a year ago was the cookware and tools. We ended up not taking cast iron pans with us, and probably for the better, given their weight and bulkiness. In speaking of bulkiness, one of the not-so-good choices we had made was our large induction frying pan with lid. The whole contraption is very difficult to fit in the equipment cupboard with the long handle sticking out, and is a pain to pack. We also have a griddle pan with cumbersome handle, but thankfully it is flat, making equipment easier to pack. A cookware set that has been fabulous, though, is a chef-endorsed eight-piece induction-friendly cookware set with removable handle that packs in a very surprisingly compact manner. The carrying bag didn't survive long, but the pots and pan certainly have, and is one of the best small kitchen essentials. Our butcher block knife set, along with a mandolin, have served us well. too.
There are always things you wish you had brought but didn't, and kitchen gadgets is no exception. While on the road, one of the staples we ended up finding was a small air fryer. Although it doesn't get as much use as the slow cooker, it has been a boon for our travels. With a traditional coffee maker not surviving very long, a single cup coffee maker has been quite the help. This accepts the pods that are placed in fancy machines, or the regular grounds, with a travel mug fitting well beneath the machine. Although we've only used it while parked, one item that will serve us well is a miniature waffle maker. We brought a larger model with us that has seen rare use, and who knows what will happen with this smaller item, but at least they don't take up too much space.
Following your Internal Compass always seems like a great idea, but it's always a good idea to learn from the past when doing so. Here's to kitchen needs being in a better spot for the future.
For some, it's a summer pastime. For others, it's Sunday parking lot fun. For the full-time RVer, it's a year-round way of life. That's right, it's time to hit the grill and get cooking!
Selecting the right grill for you really depends on what your family's needs are. If you're the weekend camping type, just a small stove with disposable propane canisters may do. Maybe you're still stationary, and have one of those large backyard patio or deck grills. If you travel, you might be lucky enough to have a grill attached to your rig! If you're like us at the time this is written, you may have one of those small folding camping grills. Fuels also come with several options. Propane is one of the easiest and most popular. Charcoal is also an option. Perhaps a special type of wood for flavoring is your cup of tea, or even just a few logs from the forest. On top of all of this, there is several different surfaces. You might want the iron bars, maybe a flat-top griddle plate, or there could be a burner to the side for a saucepan. The possibilities are endless!
Once you have your grill, the most important thing is to get comfortable with the appliance. You're not going to be Bobby Flay the first time you throw a piece of meat on the iron; even he needed thousands of hours of practice to become a master chef. Also remember that every grill is different. Some are hotter than others, some require more time and/or fuel, even the weather outside could play a factor, and the time you find in the recipe book isn't necessarily going to be all that accurate. This is where grilling becomes less of a science, and more of an art. Get some practice on the cheap cuts first, figure out how it cooks, try some different techniques, and eventually you'll be making great food.
You don't have to go into making some good food on the grill completely blind, though; try out these tips. First thing is to use that cover to your advantage. Once that goes down, the grill turns into an oven, and will allow the middle of the food to cook. Obviously keep the proper air flow in there, as oxygen is needed to keep the flame going. Next, for some of your food, if you want those nice crossing grill marks, prepare to cook twice on both sides, one in each direction to line up the bars. You could even just do a quick sear the second time around to get the marks. Lastly, to make sure your food is properly cooked, know how to "feel" your meat. There's a soft, cushy part of the outside of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. When you feel that part with your hand open, that's rare. Curl in those fingers, and that's medium. Now clench those fingers to make a fist, and you're at well done. The side of the tongs will show you a similar sort of "bounce" on your meat, and will tell you your temp. Remember that letting the meat rest brings it up a little more, so plan ahead.
So while you're following your internal compass, get out that grill and start cooking. In no time, you and your friends may start thinking you're a pro.
Hey, fishermen! Get your bait ready, and head to the Natural State, as do we have quite the location for you.
Running throughout Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri is the major tributary, the White River. Starting at the Boston Mountains, the White River twists and turns through the area, forming several lakes along the way thanks to the work of the Army Corps of Engineers (CoE), before finally emptying into the Mississippi River after over 700 miles of flow. The White River has many tributaries off from it, including, as part of the National Park system and one of its few free-to-visit sites, the Buffalo National River.
Many anglers will find their way to Cotter AR, colloquially known as "Trout Capital USA". People from all over the south and midwest flock to Big Spring Park in the heart of the town and set off in their motorboats, kayaks, and other water vessels to explore this wonderful area and try their hand and catch-and-release trout fishing. Even those wishing to stay on land have plenty of options at this park, such as seeing the tribute to the now defunct Missouri Pacific Railroad, including a caboose donated by the rail company. Even if it's a nature trail walk along the bluff overlooking the river, or on the island in the middle of the river, this place has something for everyone.
The White River is known for having several settled lakes along its path as a result of the flood control efforts of the Army CoE. Just east of Bentonville lies Beaver Lake, known for its limestone bluffs. Further down near the city of Branson, lies Lake Taneycomo. This lake is unique in that, although it is officially a lake, it has the look and feel of a river. While in downtown Branson, take a walk along the lakeside with the commercial plaza just to the other side. Further downstream lies Bull Shoals Lake, another fine boating location for recreationers. Although flooding is still of concern in the early parts of the year as you head further downstream, the river is allowed to flow naturally through the National Wildlife Refuge of southeastern Arkansas before emptying into the mighty Mississippi.
So the next time your internal compass tells you to go to the water, consider the White River. It may just be the place for you.
When we did the original questions and answers, we were asked questions along the lines of where we'll get our mail, what state we'd live in, and things like that. The beauty with full-time RVing is that you can make it whatever you want to be. Here's what we ended up doing, and as always this isn't legal advice, so do your own research.
The first thing is to choose a place to "live". You'll have a domicile that serves as your "on paper" address in case any legal things come up. There are a few things that you'll want to take into account. Income taxes is a big one, and you'll more than likely want to pick a place without a state income tax. Obviously where you workamp may mean you'll have to file in that state, but cross that bridge when you get there. Auto and RV registration and insurance are also a big thing. Some states won't insure a full-time RVer, so be ready for that. If you have, or plan to have, children with you, then the homeschooling requirements need to be considered, assuming you aren't sending them to some form of boarding school. Health coverage is also something to keep in mind, and as much as there are national plans available, they don't do business in every state. You may also be able to use where you are working to your advantage.
So you've finally figured out your plan, and it's time to head to that state and make it happen. Driver's license switch over is usually your best "date of record" for changing residency, as the state ID is usually a top indicator of where your domicile is. Make sure to do some research, and set up appointment times to get the paperwork done. Look ahead to make sure you have all the necessary forms and proofs. Then comes vehicle registrations. Remember it may be county based instead of state based. Be sure you kept receipts when you purchased the vehicle and RV. Whether you choose to register and insure in that state or another, that's up to you, but as always, make sure you can do it, it's the right price, and whether you want to deal with hassles of state inspections; some states require them, while others do not. Be sure to also establish some local credit union accounts, primary doctors, pet licenses if you have a fur baby, voter registrations, and so on.
As with any sort of move, there are always some downsides. First is that a number of regulatory agencies seem to insist that every person must have a base physical residential address. How strictly this is followed depends on who you work with and what you're doing, but don't be thrown for a loop if you're all of a sudden denied a product or service because the address on your driver's license is a private mailbox, or it happens to be "a business". Even getting a mailbox requires a "physical address", but they are more respondent to living in your RV; just work with your mail service. Secondly, separate yourself as much as you can from your old location. There was a story about a couple who went full-time RVing, moved from one state to another, established the aforementioned, never returned for several years, but the old state seemed to believe the couple never left because they weren't stationary in their new state, and then hit the couple for large amounts of back taxes, upheld by the courts. Finally, at least in terms of federal taxes, any workamping you do is going to be as an independent contractor, so get familiar with schedules C and SE, and be ready to pay social security and medicare taxes, which are in addition to the income tax minus standard deduction. You may also have to do estimated tax payments, so try to plan ahead, and figure out where you're going to be.
You end up going through a lot to Follow your Internal Compass, but once you get everything established, you're ready to see this beautiful country.
As of the day this is published, we celebrate yet another birthday. However, which host is it?
Miles the Chug Terrier has completed one full revolution of the sun on this earth! For the uninitiated, "Chug Terrier" is a portmanteau of his mix of breeds: Chihuahua, Pug, and Rat Terrier. He became a part of the Freedom Rolling family in June of 2021, just after completing Trip 1. Our other fur baby at the time, Maggie, was feeling a bit depressed and lonely, needing a friend in her life. When we first acquired Miles, he was all of two pounds, and you could hold him in the palm of your hand. Watching him hop around the front yard brought joy to our lives as he trained himself up for our upcoming adventure. Maggie was a great teacher to Miles, as he was able to learn life skills, including the service which he continues to provide our hosts to this day.
Miles' first adventure came in the form of Trip 2, the only trip involving all four of us. Although still a little small to be able to get in and out of the trailer on his own, it was his first encounter of what "home" would be. By now, he was able to be collared and leashed, with everyone enjoying walks on the grounds. As he grew, he started to become a sensation on Freedom Rolling's Social Media pages. Many flocked to our sites to see the Chug Terrier in action. He really became a TikTok star! More training and growing, and with finally being able to get up our old porch on his own, he was now ready to be on the road! Even the first time we went "home" for good, the start of Trip 3, he made it up and down those trailer steps.
One year after being born, and he is the bona fide star of Freedom Rolling! He is coveted in person by people in at least eight states, and potentially more with his online following. He's absolutely in love with playing in the water, whether it be the streams at Franconia Notch in New Hampshire, the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, or his own personal play pool we got him in Missouri. Just seeing his joy when using the hose at our workamping job in Arkansas is such a happy moment. He has since grown to 15 pounds, and we are blessed to have a healthy fur baby with us on this adventure. He gets plenty of opportunity to interact with other pups, whether it's customers stopping by at the workamp, or at the dog park in town. This playful little boy has a great life, and he seems to be very much enjoying it himself.
So happy birthday, Miles the Chug Terrier. You help to orient our Internal Compass just as much as the natural world around us, and here's to many more years of joy and happiness.
Another anniversary is upon us. No, it's not a celebration of 247 days on the road as of the day this is published, although the slightly quixotic nature one can develop in this life may make you think of that, since we do experience this 24/7.
No, it was actually one year ago that we started giving full-time RVing serious consideration. The idea of full-time RVing hasn't been a foreign idea to us. Ever since we first met, we've spent our lives on the road. Sure, we had a couple home bases, but always wanted to be out there exploring the country. Even during our corporate days, preliminary talks of all-remote work gave us a chance to think this lifestyle could be a possibility, though the idea was quickly nixed by the corporate board, so we were stuck. We did our best to make do with what we had, building a life as best we could while curtailing outside pressures. However, with the further suffocating nature of the location to where we were tied at the time, coupled with the accurately perceived closing of corporate chapters in our lives, along with the collapse of depreciating possessions around us, it was definitely time to figure out a new path.
Full-time RVing, as is documented by many in the life including us, isn't exactly something into which you can just jump at the snap of a finger. Have a plan going in, even if it all goes haywire once you're on the road and have to make a few adjustments. Assuming you're not of retirement age, unless you're taking a corporate life with you, which is becoming less likely due to their demands of you being stationary yet citing "service reliability", you're going to be self-employed. Have a "rock" on which to base yourself, and then expand from there. We can still remember driving towards a nature preserve thinking about what the name of our travel brand would be. Miles of word association happened before we finally clamored upon what you see today, "Freedom Rolling". We start with a website and a blog, expand to social media, and who knows what sort of other ventures we'll try.
Looking back at the actual transition, it really hearkens unto us why we chose the name "Freedom Rolling" in the first place. The "Rolling" part is somewhat obvious, since we're living on the road, we'd be "rolling" across the country. However, the "Freedom" part is really the interesting one. Our original plan was to try this out for two months, see if we like it, and then make it a permanent choice. However, when you own a house, especially in a location that has a zoning board enforcing insane ordinances that basically prohibit you from traveling for more than a week in the summer, two months became two one-week spans. Take the time to take stock in your current situation. How "free" do you want to be, and how does that fit with where you are now? For us, if we're not tied to a location, that's our freedom. It does come with its own sacrifices, just as any life does, but you figure it out as you go forward.
Take some time and listen to that internal compass. One year ago, the opportunity arose for us to follow it, and it may soon do the same for you.
Calling all aspiring spelunkers! Time to grab your head lamps and head to Southwestern Missouri for a unique experience and opportunity.
Just north of Springfield, Missouri lies Crystal Cave. Like many of these natural wonders, these caves have been developed for thousands of years. Situated on property owned by the Mann family, Crystal Cave became one of the oldest caves to be a tourist destination in Missouri, dating all the way back to 1893. A fun family outing for many years, and after generations of ownership including both family and trusted friends, as well as varying levels of commitment to upkeep, Crystal Cave was recently purchased and rehabilitated to once again become a place to experience.
While at Crystal Cave, take one of the hourly guided tours of the inside of the cave. Pass through some of the locally repurposed fencing and gates before entering the awe-inspiring first room. While inside, be sure to visit many marvels such as the Upside-Down Well, the Cathedral Chamber, and one of the most exciting, Jacob's Room. See a number of Helictite features within these caves, which are similar in location to stalactites, but come in a formation similar to a corkscrew, believed to be a result of the soil above. Although the cave is not easily accessible to those with limited mobility, features have been added by the present ownership to make the chambers easy to traverse for even the largest sized of guests.
If some of those in your party are claustrophobic, or you're waiting for your tour of the cave to begin, never fear, because the Crystal Cave property has plenty more to go around. Take a ride on a small train through the grounds, learning about the area. Step inside the gift shop and play a nine-hole round of mini-golf. Experience some of the nostalgic game machines found in the penny arcade. Perhaps pan for some gems and fossils as you sift through the dirt to find these treasures. Or just view and read about the history of Crystal Cave and the surrounding area. Plenty of choices await you when you visit.
So the next time your internal compass takes you underground, follow it into Crystal Cave. Nature will be your teacher as you re-charge yourself through exploration.
Is your internal compass telling you to go west? Want a lovely mix of scenic and urban life? Perhaps the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia River Valley, is for you.
Serving as the border for much of the states of Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River is one of the largest tributaries west of the Rocky Mountains. Take a drive along Interstate 84 east of Portland on the Oregon side, and you'll pass through the towns of Cascade Locks, Hood River, and the Dalles. Hop off the highway around the area of the Columbia River Gorge and visit the numerous waterfalls. Take Scenic US Route 30 and head through the hills to find even more breathtaking views. If wineries are your thing, not only does Oregon have dozens of locations to offer, but head across the river along State Route 14, the Lewis and Clark Highway, in Washington for several more. The "Bridge of the gods" in Cascade Locks is one of the options to cross the river, along with a couple free options to the east.
Perhaps the amazing mountains of Washington are what you seek. Head north as the river bends in that direction, and bring yourself to Castle Rock, Washington. Castle Rock is the town standing at the foothills of Mount St. Helens, famous for its volcanic eruption in 1980. Drive along State Route 504, and you'll be able to see the forests and how they we re affected by the lava flow, on your way of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Several stops along the way give a chance to view history of the area, both before and after that fateful eruption. While on that "mountainous" crawl, check out Mt. Adams to the east, as well as the over 14,000-foot behemoth to the north, Mount Rainier. Visit the National Park for the largest mountain of the state, or drive around to see this glorious peak from all angles.
Heading back to the river, time to head further west to the river's mouth, and the Pacific Ocean. US Route 101 spans the river not too far off the coast. To the Oregon side, Astoria awaits, home to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. On the Washington side, head towards the town of Ilwaco and Cape Disappointment. If you're not into something too rocky, then just a little north won't be too much of a disappointment, as plenty of beaches lie along this peninsula to be able to enjoy the ocean. If the animals call out to you, visit the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, where migratory birds call home for part of the year.
If your internal compass tells you to head northwest, then the Columbia River Valley is not one to miss. You may just find it to be one of the best places you have ever visited.
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