When starting this RV adventure, we knew it wasn't just going to be a happy couple. We were going to have a pup with us. With one year behind us, it's time to look at Traveling with your Fur Baby in this installment of "Did It Work?".
When we first began, we had a lovable American Staffordshire Terrier named Maggie. She was with us on the Shakedown and first two trips before losing her to health issues. Looking back to our travels, as much as it would seem selfish that our location abilities would have been limited by her, it is a sad and uncomfortable truth. We've been spending a great deal of time in an area that discriminates against certain dog breeds colloquially referred to as "pit bulls", and her well-being and safety from local bureaucrats would have very much been in jeopardy. The nature of this breed makes matters even more difficult if you think about starting an adventure like this, because the dog becomes very attached to its first recognized "owner". As much as a new owner would be very happy to have this companion, along with a reciprocal feeling possibly being mutual, the dog will always long for its first.
Fast forward a bit, and in comes Miles to the picture. The original strategy was to crate train so we could workamp. Needless to say, he grew a bit too large for the crate, and there isn't exactly a good spot for a larger one, so he now enjoys close company while respecting our needs. He's still a relatively small breed, which not only makes finding places to stay very easy given a 25-pound limit that seems to come up often, but also allows for a little more room for our living needs. The carrying of food and water transferred very well, as he enjoys a good national brand that keeps him healthy. Being on his own is starting to get better as the separation anxiety doesn't seem to manifest.
If there's one thing where we've found quite the swing, it's vet visits. Once we made it to the first workamping site, we found a terrific vet that was not only more concerned about the true health of the pup, but was much more reasonable in price. Fast forward to the next spot that has many ranches around, and the service is even better. We know we aren't going to get that lucky everywhere we go, but at least transferring his records from place to place is a breeze. Changing environments can be rough on the pup, though. This is where you have to really pay attention to what sort of things go around the area, from minor illnesses to allergies. Work with the locals, and try to stock up on the "essentials" before moving on to the next place.
When following your internal compass, remember to re-orient and adapt if necessary. That includes with the fur babies.
When first planning this adventure, internet connectivity was one of the big concerns, knowing we'd have to use it just about every day. Are we still using the same setups? Time to find out in this episode of "Did It Work?", as we look back on Internet Connectivity, including our electronics update.
After Trip 1, we figured out that we couldn't depend on campground internet whatsoever, so it was easy to choose to go to an unlimited data plan. The one point that worked for a little while, but has since not, was the wireless router. The only reason it didn't work out was cell phone compatibility, as instead of being able to use the router as the one connection, everything else connected to the router was seen as a separate connection. However, that didn't stop us, as we were able to use bluetooth for connectivity. Thankfully, the cell phone could accept multiple bluetooth internet connections despite only one for the wireless hotspot, so there's always a way around. Some things still have to use wireless, but those are few and far between, and we can get away with using only one at a time, so no harm done. Some connections are a little spotty so we have to travel a bit, but we can make do.
When it comes to devices, we ended up getting a small portable monitor for the wallet sized computer, because using the TV just wasn't working not only for position, but also shared use. The good news was that we found a monitor that runs on USB power, so plugging into the battery pack works wonders, not to mention it doesn't draw as much power as the traditional laptop. A little finagling in terms of screen size had to be done, but we make it work. It can also be used for saved media in a pinch. Laptops are still good to carry around and are put to good use, especially ones with ethernet ports to be able to set up a router when needed.
Always be ready to tweak when following your internal compass, even with electronics. Never fear, as once you figure it out, you're able to move forward with your great adventure.
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.
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