Winter Thaw - #13

The month of March can go a couple of ways here in Massachusetts. We will either be bombarded with a shitload of snow clear through April or spring will attempt an early appearance, with warmer temps, bright sunshine and dotting of the landscape with little purple crocuses and bright green stems of daffodils.  Like any sane person, I prefer the latter.

As we yawn, stretch and awaken from months of cold - we peer out the window at our travel trailer - covered, winterized, waiting it out. Yes! It's time to get that camping muscle in motion! 

I always tell anyone considering the idea of RVing but who never has, this activity is not generally for those whose idea of getting away from it is to be pampered and served. It is work - but then there is so much reward. This is when being handy, organized and not particularly squeamish is kind of helpful, as well. 

Charlie and I have sort of a natural division of labor when it comes to RVing. He does everything outside and the driving - I do everything else.  But there definitely is a certain amount of teamwork. It impresses me every time he aligns the truck up with that small ball hitch perfectly, to hook up the travel trailer. I am in charge of checking to make sure our vehicle signal lights are coordinated before we hit the road. We both do a walk around to doublecheck everything is tucked in, secured and locked. A "pre-flight" check list wouldn't be a bad idea. Charlie can maneuver the trailer around trees, backing into some very tight spots. I try to assist by directing with waving hands. Once we get to a location, Charlie spends an annoyingly amount of time getting the TT level.  I'm always yelling "It's good enough, it's good enough!". I will help with setting up the campsite, hooking up the electric, etc... he always does the sewer - both hooking up and emptying. (He gets a lot of points for this!)  

Once we are settled in, stairs are lowered, the awning comes out and living room slide out is bumped out. Doesn't take long to feel like home! Setting up fully can take a bit but I find it relaxing.  I check every cabinet and drawer, adjusting for shifting after travel, lay out the rugs, set up chairs, clean and put tablecloth on the picnic table, decorative lights on the awning and then usually prepare a snack for us, put on some music - not necessarily in that order. As Mr. Rogers used to sing "I like to take my time..."

If you ask me what my most favorite part of camping is, my answer will probably surprise you.

It's when it rains.  I absolutely love the sound of the rain hitting the roof and the smell of the rain in the woods. It is perfect!