Right Lane Living, especially when full-time RVing, requires
many essential skills. This week, the Polar Vortex, Cora, that swept down out
of the Arctic made two of these skills particularly important: adaptability and
planning. On Galveston Island, we did not get any of the freezing weather or
snow that blanketed most of the Central and Eastern US. However, we did have
temps that ranged from 34 F to 49 F for most of the last week. This was
accompanied by high winds from the East and North as the low pressure slipped
by to our North. In our house or apartment, this would have meant staying in,
watching TV, and hoping the power did not go out. But in Koko, our 32-foot
motorhome, it takes more creativity that relies on adapting to the situation
and planning ahead.
Fortunately, I live by the roller coaster rule. I dislike
carnival rides that go high at fast speeds with tight turns. (You are correct;
this rules out everything except the tea cups and bumper cars.) I survive
roller coasters by thinking, “It ain’t gonna’ last long!” as we approach the
top of the ride and exhale, thinking, "Wheee!" when we head down the
other side. During storms like Cora, I find whispering, "It ain't gonna
last long," helps me dampen my anxiety just enough to focus on doing what
needs to be done until I can exhale.
While our house had plenty of heat and insulation to keep us
warm, Koko has very little! Also, we have a 40 lb. propane tank onboard that
requires driving to a refilling station when the tank runs dry. This tank does
not last very long during a weeklong cold spell. This need for heat is
exacerbated by Koko's lack of seals and insulation. The floor, walls, and
ceiling are thin to maximize space and minimize weight. Our door does not seal
around the edges, allowing air to seep in. All our windows are on aluminum
frames and have single panes. Both of which invite the cold to come and stay a
while. Most RVs are designed for weekend warriors or vacationers who avoid
extreme weather. Therefore, RV manufacturers seldom offer weather protections,
although a few invest in labels that say, “Arctic Ready.” Koko requires that we
adapt to the weather to avoid checking into a hotel during a storm like Cora's.
Lastly, we have added ceiling fans to cool Koko in warm
weather. These fans draw heat out during the winter, even when not running. We
purchased inexpensive vent cushions to place in the vents to reduce this heat
loss. This is a simple but effective way to stay comfortable during a storm.
Many RVers use an electric blanket during their winter trips
and turn the furnace down. We have opted to turn the furnace down, add blankets
to the bed, and wear winter bedclothes. Everyone does RVing in their own way.
This is our preference.
These adaptations require adjusting to the situations that
present themselves during our travels. But every adaptation requires planning
and being as prepared as possible before the storm arrives. We have learned
these tricks and have incorporated some into our planning and travel routines. There
are more expensive ways of securing the rig for winter, but I do not intend to
be somewhere that cold long enough to need that level of protection. This
requires the second major skill, planning.
Right Lane Life planning requires that we foresee situations
as far in advance as possible while knowing that we cannot prepare for every
eventuality. We must also allow for the unexpected.
Many of these skills may apply to a more settled lifestyle,
but for us, the unique challenges of full timing had to be learned on the road.
Right Lane Living is all about learning, adapting, and planning. A week or two
of winter is all I want. It is also way more than I would ever need. But, with
our adaptations, we stayed above 65 F inside during Cora. And next year, we
plan on wintering a bit further South!
After two and a half years, the road has taught us much
about how to enjoy life in new ways. So far, this lifestyle suits us well. Do I
tire of constantly adapting, planning, adjusting, and trying again? To be
honest, yes, I do. But the road is worth it. I can see a time when the road
will lose its charm, and we will park Koko. Until then, we plan on enjoying all
the road offers, including blankets over doors and windows, extra propane
tanks, and all the other adaptions that keep us comfortable.
I hope you continue to ride along with us as we continue our
time on Galveston Island. With the improving weather, I want to get out and
about and see more of what the Island offers!
Travel well, my friends!
Bob
