I had an absolute treat when my Virginia cousins visited us in Chippokes State Park. I haven’t seen David in at least 5 years.

Dave always makes me think of Uncle Dick because he looks so much like him. I remember coming to Virginia as a kid. We went to Busch Gardens, and I rode the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster. I was so scared, and Dad was holding me down in the seat. I can’t remember how old I was. Since Busch Gardens added the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster in 1978, I had to be at least 7 years old.

One of our discussions was determining who is youngest cousin. Jonathon won the award as the youngest cousin. Then Jenny and finally myself. Steve and Timothy were both born the same year, and they are a year younger than me.

We talked quite a bit about the ins and outs of camping. Plus what to consider when buying.

I think we turned Sylvia off buying a camper. We provided too many details on don’t forget this or that when they don’t plan on living in the trailer.

This is what they should consider.

Campers are great for

• A weekend get away or 1 week and 2 week trips within a few hundred miles. Reason: If you keep the trailer always prepped with cloths, dishes, toiletries, etc. The only thing you need to do is turn on the refrigerator a day early. Once the fridge cools, add the food and off you go. When you get home, stick the dishes in the dishwasher and wash your cloths. Then stick everything back in the trailer for the next trip.
• Green space (parks) significantly improve mental health.
• Connect with family / friends and disconnect from technology.
• Because it is less hassle you are more likely to use it.

Campers will not be (based on our experience)

• less expensive than taking 2 to 3 week long trips renting a vacation house over 10 years.
• preventative maintenance free. Things such as caulking seams, winterizing water lines to prevent water pipes from freezing, inflating tires, lubricating slides, etc. need to be done periodically.
• free of unexpected repairs. No matter how much routine maintenance you do things will happen that will need repairs. For example, the water pump on our 1st short getaway trailer stopped working. John did a temporary fix while camping and then replaced the pump when we got back home.

It took John 2 years to convince me to spend the money on a truck and camper. So taking time and finding just the right trailer for you is no different than for us.

Our first trailer was a 23 foot travel trailer pulled with a Ford F150 truck.

The Jayco x213 travel trailer was perfect for us because it was small, could be pulled with F150 and had enough room/storage for us and the cats. And it only cost about $20K. The truck was also on the less expensive side at around $25K.

I am hoping that Dave and Sylvia read the blog, and I hope we did not totally turn them off from the idea of getting a camper.

While we were talking, Cleopetra (Cleo) my scaredy cat actually came out to smell Dave and Sylvia. Dave was able to pet Cleo. I was soo proud of Cleo.

Just before they left, John took a group picture.