Is our society too pampered and entitled? Do we expect high-end service and special treatment all the time? I would postulate that most of us would say that there are segments of the population that most certainly do. But we never tend to include ourselves into this category.
Now, do I expect daily white-glove service and fancy meals? No. Do I demand daily spa days and luxury travel? Definitely not, although occasionally, it would be appreciated.
But traveling around in the RV, one’s mind does wander to those thoughts now and then.
Is it too much to ask for working bathrooms when we get to a site? Is it too much to hope that there aren’t screaming and obnoxious, unsupervised children parked in the adjacent site, yelling at 8 am?
Am I being pampered when I look forward to being home so that I can wad up the toilet paper to my heart’s content?
Am I cheap because I like not having to count quarters to wash our laundry?
My thought is, emphatically, no. These are normal peoples hopes and dreams.
There are certainly lowered expectations when RVing, like less storage space, more frequent trips to get groceries, having to wait an entire week to do laundry, and swatting bugs more often.
So, what are the trade-offs for all these little inconveniences of life on the road?
Well, beyond the obvious, like traveling this beautiful country, meeting interesting people and exploring new landscapes, there is something empowering that happens when you step outside of your comfort zone, especially in your 60’s.
I feel empowered that I can hook the Jeep up almost entirely by myself – I still can’t figure out the brake thingy, and it really is easier with two people doing it. The same with emptying the tanks.
I know how to attach and detach all the sewer, water, and electrical hoses, but Gary usually does it with me assisting him. I like to think that if he wasn’t there that I could do it by myself. But why touch the gross sewer hose if I don’t have to, right.
I feel ready to tackle obstacles more, to allow myself to be uncomfortable for a night of boondocking in the middle of this hot summer weather. I feel more ready to go on longer bike excursions and to try harder 4-wheel trails.
Ask anyone and they will tell you that I am a big advocate of air conditioning. But if we must occasionally sleep without it, then I feel less like a pampered old lady and more like a capable, mature woman.
Could I have been a successful pioneer woman of the 1800’s? After watching the Yellowstone prequels, could I have survived all those hurdles, inconveniences, and near-death experiences?
I honestly don’t know, but I do know this.
I can exist four entire nights without AC. I can wait several hours until the park ranger cleaning man finishes fixing and/or cleans the bathrooms. I can cook any meal with simply one sauce pot, one frying pan, the Instapot, and one griddle. I can maintain my healthy eating diet for the most part while riding in the car for 8 hours. I can get all my prescriptions from any Walgreens, and there really is a Walgreens in most towns we visit. And, probably most important of all, I can co-exist with my husband in 320 square feet of space for two months and still think he is the kindest man I know.
Helen Miren’s got nothing on me!