Actually Traveling in the MH

We've made a couple trips to Ohio this summer. The first time, we rented a car and stayed with friends once we got there. We rented a car because our car is very small and wouldn't be comfortable for a long trip (500 miles each way). But, with the cost of the rental car and eating out, it was pricey.

For the second trip, we took the MH. We were going to be in Columbus, and didn't have any friends to stay with there so we took our house with us. We borrowed a tow dolly from one of our friends here, so we were able to take the car while both of us rode together in the MH. Ironically, this was the first time we've both ridden in the MH for more than a few miles.

What a great way to travel! Instead of me trailing behind in the car, I was up front with a view. Drinks and snacks readily available and a bathroom too. We stopped along the way and made our meals, so no new expenses there. We even took a nap.

In Columbus we stayed for free in a casino parking lot. We're able to do that because our MH is completely self-contained. We have a generator to run the lights and a/c, a water holding stank with enough water for several days, and all of our stuff right there with us.

We have decided that once we get these new jobs (see last post) we are going to buy a tow dolly and use the MH more for weekend trips just for fun. Imagine that!

A tow dolly, even a used one, costs about $1,000 which we weren't really interested in spending when we first started out. The car is small and gets good gas mileage, so we figured we'd have to drive it lots of miles before we'd as much on gas as the tow dolly would cost, but we hadn't considered the pleasure of both of us traveling together.

Go figure.

New Job Possibility

It's funny how things work out. We were in Statesville at the KOA there, not particularly thrilled with being there and not sure what to do next. We'd accepted a job at another KOA for the summer but then realized it wouldn't work for us, so we stayed put and waited for what was next.

A funny little man in a purple bus named Joel (the man, not sure if is bus had a name) was also at the Statesville, KOA. They didn't really have a job for him due to some physical limitations he had, but he'd been there before and the owner gave him a space. The job we had, working morning "security" would have been great for him, but we weren't ready to give it up. But, one day when Chris was talking to Joel, he learned about Carowinds and that's how we ended up here.

As you know, we'd planned to leave here and go to Amazon in September, but we've decided against that. Still not sure what we were going to do and we'd decided we'd stay here through next season if necessary. It wasn't in our plan to stay in one spot for 12-18 months, but we have been adopting the "stay put until it feels like it's time to leave" philosophy.

About a month ago, Chris was at work and saw a man driving a pick up truck that had some sort of special feature he (Chris) had been investigating. So, Chris struck up a conversation with the guy. Turns out, he and his wife are full time RVers who work for a company traveling the country inspecting gas meters. Who knew such a thing existed?

We arranged to have lunch with them a few days later, learned about their jobs and the company, filled out applications, have been screened for criminal violations and drugs and now we are waiting for official offers.

Keep your fingers crossed.

This could be exactly the sort of thing we've been hoping for. First, it pays well, unlike the other jobs we've had. Second, we could pick our campground. Third, (and very important for me) no customer service crap. We'd be moving about every 2-3 months, I think, and the job can't be done in the snow.

We're hoping to get the final word soon (we just did the urine tests a few days ago). We'll keep you posted. Please keep a good thought for us on this because it would be a game changer for us.

Getting Caught Up

Wow, sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything.

To be honest, this hasn't been a very fun summer. First, it's been unbelievably hot and humid, which makes me cranky. There's just nothing like the thrill of being covered with sweat before I even start my work day.

In addition, my job has not been much fun. I like (most of) my co-workers, but dealing with the public is not my strong suit. Well, that's not true. Dealing with the public when I have to be worried about what my manager and his manager will say about my actions or whether the guests will rant on Trip Advisor is not fun at all.

Although Chris and I have the same employer, we are working in different departments and working different shifts, so that's been a little chaotic. When you're living in a small space, it's difficult for one of us to sleep while the other showers or does anything, really.

But, we've survived the peak season. This week the park closes at 6 pm (vs 10 pm) during the week and 10 pm on the weekend and next week the park goes to weekends only. Fortunately Chris and I are both working jobs that are open when the park is closed.

We've decided not to go to Amazon. We made that decision several weeks ago for a variety of reasons.

• The campgrounds they had for us to choose from were dubious, at best. One place that was doing upgrades in anticipation of a crowd from Amazon announced that the work would not be done in time. 
• It's over 1000 miles to get there, which would cost us at least $500 in gas not to mention other travel expenses. 
• We weren't sure where we'd go after that. 
• If we stay here and get jobs in the area, and stay through next season, we'd be in the same, or better position, as if we went to Amazon. 

However, new things are happening in the job situation, but that's the next post.