WORKAMPING

Part 1:


Yes, that's how it is spelled, "Workamping" a term fashioned by an organization called "Workamper News" which has pioneered the now burgeoning movement to live in ones RV and work while traveling.https://www.workamper.com/, Which I did since October 2017.
It's a long and disappointing story punctuated with many negative experiences. Highs and lows but mostly lows.

I Workamped in Mesa Arizona at an RV Resort.  It was nothing to write home about but the people were nice.
I made some friends and had a few laughs thank you Mr. Hilariousness, part of the terrific duo,  The funny one paired with his very gentle and sometimes candid British Ex-pat wife. had me in stitches most of the time.

The poor people of Mesa and perhaps Arizona, in general, have terrible air quality, the worst drivers in the world aside from Florida and the speed demons of Detroit and not to forget the careless Oregonian drivers.  Even when the wind is not blowing, there is this unseen dust in the air. It gets in your ears and I could feel myself breathe it in. It settled on my tongue and then my sinuses clogged up as it spread to my chest. I had a constant heaviness as my breath struggled to find a clear airway.
It was only after we made the Oregon State line on our return trip home, did I start to feel as if I could breathe again. I am to this day and it is February still a little clogged.
That was only one negative connected to living in the real "Wild West."  I won't say anymore so as not to tempt those sweet Arizonians to a better climate for their health.  SEATTLE!!! oops, didn't say that...

However, I must speak to you carnivores at this point in time, BEEF! cheap!! and delicious! I ate steak almost a couple times a week!  The beauty of the meat was amazing and inexpensive as well. 

What occurred was we made it to our lovely Workamper campsite, one day from what I realized was a monthly event: "A Patio Sale."   I was exhausted from the journey, a few days of breakneck traveling to be there for the deadline to begin working. As it turned out we needn't have traveled so fast as they did not put us to work for 2 weeks! My first bleary-eyed Saturday found me sitting in my new camp chair, gazing at a sea of Class A motorhomes across from us, beside us and behind us.  No sunshine, just gray overcast sky and the sounds of cars whizzing by on the highway behind us.  I fought my disappointment.  However, something was occurring.
 People in golf carts were slowly passing by loaded down with lamps, hoses, various treasures grasped as they drove one handed down the narrow lanes.  I noticed my neighbor whom I came to know as, "Pastor Bill," put out one thing.  A grill. I sat and contemplated this little grill; it wasn't a Hibachi, which I was in the market for.  It wasn't a junk kettle barbecue, which I had the non-junk version at home.  It Was a Weber, hmm... a known name for quality in the grilling business.  I was afraid to leave my chair for a closer look as I hadn't even met these people yet, and my hair was standing up: I knew this as I could feel the soft breezes whip at my strays.
 However, I was dressed and had shoes on. As I stood up the neighbor to the right, Mr. Hilariousness came over and said, "you need that. grill"  At that point in our relationship, I was not able to decipher whether he was serious or joking.  I thought, "yes I do." yet at the same time talking myself out of it.
My mind churning about money issues, not even knowing where my credit card charges were due to the journey and charging campsites and fuel.  Always hoping to catch up with my 'New job."(which never happened.) 

The man on site, was in front of one of the nicest "A class'" I'd ever seen. From here on known as "Pastor Bill, " came out immediately with his hand extended for a shake.  I sheepishly shook his hand being uncertain about myself and my place in this Snowbird world.  "I'm Bill from Colorado," he said. I should mention we all wore name tags, plastic dealies with our names and states on them.  (cautioned not to let anyone see us without it being employees, I immediately discarded mine, attaching it to my work shirt.  ) "Pastor Bill" began to explain the life of the grill and for some reason, I heard nothing.  I think it's my nature upon meeting people to see only what is apparent; mannerisms, appearance, gestures.  "Pastor Bill" was not unique in looks, his balding head glowed as did his smile which by the way was rare.  His handshake was firm and confident. After I wrote him a check for $25.00 which I sensed he was hesitant to take, (which I credit to my haggard appearance), he said,"if you need me to come by and show you how to operate it let me know, anytime."  His wife came out and handed me a grill mat to which the two of them conversed about whether I needed or not and if there was even one left in the package."Cindy"  replied that there was one in the package and even if there wasn't that I would probably like to know what they were.  I responded,"yeah Id like to use those." not knowing at all what they were talking about.  "Pastor Bill" carried the grill to my site placing it out of tripping range. 

Then Mr. Hilarious began hawking his wares, model airplane parts(the real ones that actually fly), I saw the Mrs, Ex-pat, put out some plates, glass plates.  Normal dining, not the red plastic, "Dollar Store," made in China plates that my food often slid off of onto the ground.  Then she looked at me and said with her confusing, British, Canadian, English,"Free." I rushed over.  "Keep the birds from Shi__ting on your roof," Mr. Hilarious called to the passing golf carts, showing off his plastic owl for $5.00.
I indicated I wanted the "free" China. "it would be so nice to eat on real plates," I said.  Thus began our daily check-ins with some of the kindest and gracious people I'd ever met. 

It wasn't until much later did I use the grill. Probably would not have used it at all had Mr. Hilariousnesst pushed me past my hesitation, becoming a go-between, Finally, Pastor Bill came over and said,"I heard you needed me to help you light the grill." Bewildered I stammered, "Oh sure, how about tomorrow evening?" he said,"Ok, just come and get me."  I later realized it was Mr. Hilariousness who initiated this.
Now I'm a pretty easy going person and therefore the manipulation didn't bother me so much. Pastor Bill became a familiar person to me, especially after I scorched him the first time we lit the grill.   
I made a special trip to Albertsons for steaks but came home with ribs and I still did not go and get the pastor to help me. The little grill sat on the ground beside the door, its black plastic cover stating it was a "WEBER" blaring at me each time I went in or came out.  Finally... I went over after I tried to light it.   My fear, unveiled as propane tank trepidation, plastic lighters, and fire,, vivid memories of a former life when I opened a grill and poof gone were my eyebrows! Besides I had someone to help me overcome my fears of fire and he was as close to God as they come being a Pastor.  How could I not get this done? 
I walked the 20 feet to the door of the big RV and knocked, the screen was shut but the door was open and I could see some feet in a recliner, as my eyes adjusted I saw Pastor Bill with his eyes closed in that recliner. His wife Cindy's feet appeared as she descended the few stairs to the door. I said quietly,"light the grill?"  She smiled and called to him, he quickly answered,"I'll be right over." 
He talked me through it, Of course, I heard nothing and he hit the electronic ignitor;  POOF!! he jumped back as the flame jumped high into the air sending the grill mat flying.  "Crap!" I said, apologizing profusely realizing the fire had scorched the hair on his arm.  Of course, I had stupidly fiddled with it all before I went for help and left the gas on.  He quickly denied any harm done and schooled me on lighting the damn thing and made a fast exit. 
My guilt plagued me, each day. I went out of my way to greet this man anytime I saw him at the Post Office where I worked or in passing.  I met Cindy, his wife, in the laundry mat and we spoke of her life and I poured out mine easily just because I knew it was her job to listen.  Hoping I could be some kind of a friend rather than just another needy church person searching for wisdom or prestige from a pastor's wife. 
(Having been the best friend of a pastors wife, therefore, I was privy to her unique position.)

Last night I watched a VLOG I follow called "Long ,Long, Honeymoon. "http://longlonghoneymoon.com/ and learned the value my Patio Sale treasure.   My $25.00 grill, "that I needed," has taken up residence off my deck in my side yard, on a plastic table. Its name "Weber" proudly announcing the many steaks and ribs and chicken grills we have enjoyed.  Each time it "poofs "sending its 3rd grill matt into the air slightly, I remember with reluctance the day I almost killed myself and a man of God... I pray that incident will be merely a vague memory of his if he ever remembers me at all. 

"Holy Grill" 

JUST ADD BEER

AND then there was Beer.. (Google Images, 2017)



It was my first party here at the resort.  The food was awful but I don't like smoke flavoring anyway (Brisket) , It wasn't as if the beef had been roasting for days or hours I am sure it had been flung together quickly and the flavoring poured over the top.   But who knows?? Who cares? just add beer.  The dinner was complementary to welcome the managers back for the season.  The beer was .25 a glass.  Pitchers of beer lined tables that had been taken since 1:00 PM while the party was still just being set up to begin at 3:00.  Jackets, purses, hats and strategically posted friends watched rows and tables of empty chairs ready to announce,"that's taken."  On one occasion I hovered too long around a table out of the sun, waiting on my mother to join me, as one of these watch dogs poised to attack, I saw the words on her lips, leaning forward on her chair, but I kept walking.  Found 4 nice seats at the bar, why not?  Padded comfortable, I laid out the sweater I had brought, then I sat down to watch over my "taken seats."  

GETTING SET UP

"So Here We Are" (Google Images 2017)

Its quiet, the wheels are chalked, the stabilizing jacks are down, the propane is on, the sewer is hooked up, the water is on, the patio rug is out, the awning is deployed, the dog is in her bed.  

We are planning dinner and trying to figure out if we are grilling or eating in and the ranger pulls up and asks us to change spots! 

Apparently, that one is reserved and he forgot to put a slip on the spot.  OMG!!! Count to ten, remain calm its just another error in a comedy of errors.  No need to get upset it happens more than not.  I have actually begun to expect mistakes.  My sandwiches are cold when they are ordered hot, my eggs are overcooked, my pizza was blackened, ?? what? the latest craze, burned food?  Dirty tables, inept sales persons, crazy drivers, and then camping to get away from it all and getting more of the same... 

We are in a resort now with several pools, a restaurant all kinds of activities, and we have been setting up for a week. The sun comes into our spot and shines all day on our patio despite the awning. Had to solve that.  No Internet as for some reason the parks is merely a hot spot and even though we are right close to the antennae we get nothing.  (Never had that happen before.)  

One must have a ticket to go to an event even if its not a performance for example, I have to have a ticket to make a bracelet aside from signing up...and if I don't have my name tag I am sol.  There's a card for doing laundry as one cannot pay cash due to something with Canadians.  However, there is a coin laundromat on premises but I cannot get quarters.  Went to Albertson's down the street and they had to sell me a complete roll.  Ate in the grill yesterday and was privy to a conversation about how the food service ends at 1:30 and no more orders could be taken because it was after 1:30 although the people had been seated around 1:15.  I heard them say, "We like people to sit near the bar and not out in the tables," Who knew?  So the waiter doesn't wait on them?  Then tells them they cannot get food.  Finally a manager comes out and tells them its OK and takes their order himself.  

They had a farmers market/craft sale yesterday and I had to park down the block as the vendors from outside the community park in the closest spots leaving none for the visitors who don't bike or golf cart in.    

I was swimming in the evening and parked my vehicle outside the gates where one is supposed to park.  While I was swimming someone came and locked me in.    I had to walk all the way around the building to get out and to my car.  Who knew?  

 Airplanes fly over at night as the flight plans change for some reason around 8 p.m.  Who knew? 

For the second time I tried to do my laundry and they are working on the water system and at the same time they have blocked off the roadway nearby. Who knew?  

Mom has the ability to go with the flow, for now, which is strange.  Usually she is the first to have a fit and complain. Therefore, I must accommodate whatever.  

However, next year I'm going to Yosemite.  

AMERICAN ROAD ADVENTURER

Google Images 2017

Hello beautiful friends and family... and possibly those of you who have stumbled upon my unique and interesting Blog.  

       It is no secret to you that I follow many blogs and Podcasts.  I also enjoy Vlogs on YouTube.  Depending on what I am into I try to gather as much information as I can to supplement my interests.  I am really enjoying a Vlog called Long, Long Honeymoon on YouTube.  The Vlog features a couple named Shaun and Christie Michael who have an Airstream RV and they travel all over the country.  http://longlonghoneymoon.com &  YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch? v=kzIET2FrnW4 and if you really enjoy the info (it’s awesome!) you can support them at: https://www.patreon.com/longlonghoneymoon

 I found this couple to be authentic and fun loving and Kristy doesn’t mind letting us see that she is also beautiful without her makeup.  (Inside Camping Joke), Shaun is able to cover the different aspects of the products they represent, and their travels, in a way that appeals to “we” analytical types, who need to know why?   “Loloho,” discusses a variety of topics from the best hats to sport, campgrounds for wildlife viewing, to equipment for your RV. I really appreciate how to do this and that (skills) and loved the "Top 5" Favorite Places to RV Camp in the USA.

I have learned how to “Swoop” (a RV parking maneuver), how to hook up RV to FHU and where I can get Blueberry Beer. Having hauled horses around for many years in a fully-loaded, 4-horse steel Tallboy, towing with an F150, 4x4, and earlier camping experiences with a StarCraft pop-up tent camper towing with a Chevy Astrovan, I do have some experience.  However, as of late I have developed a little more caution due to having matured and realized that there is much more involved than jumping in and “gettin er done.” Those of you who know me understand this aspect of my personality. 

Adding my mother to the quotient, who feels she has to giving her 2 cents to everything; driving an RV has changed its dynamics for me.

Also, she being reactionary there are often sounds, such as: sighing, moaning and that sucking in noise that one never gets used to, what’s that called? Alarm, Silent Screaming? Or Muffled agony?

Google Images, 2017

We are currently working on the walkie-talkie parking thing.  The dialogue follows this route:  Me head out window, “mom, mom, MOM! Push in the button on the side, then talk.” I say.  “Ok, I understand now,” she says.  The radio crackles in the cab of the RV, and then it goes silent.  Sticking my head out again, I say, “mom hold the button in while talking. “Ok “ I hear the radio crackle to life again and hear her mumble, “So bossy that kid.”

“Go really slow,” has taken on a new meaning for me (Loloho, expression). 

 I love my mom.  Before I moved in with her to help after my stepfather passed away. I was under the illusion I had great patience.  The key word there is “Illusion”

When I was doing the daily grind before I was forced into early retirement by a bad knee and a back injury I lived in another part of the country from my mom raising a family. Therefore, our time was limited to visits. She and my Stepdad would come to me in their Monaco Dynasty towing a Ford explorer.  Before hand negotiating a parking spot for them to park with my  with a neighbor.

On one occasion I was standing out in front, waiting for them on the cell phone, I saw them coming up the street. Mom said, “I see you”.  Expecting them to slow down and stop at least, they zipped right on by.

Now I kid you not, when that 45’ of RV towing the Explorer went by me he was doing about 35 and not slowing down, the wind action not only sucked me in but made my clothing and hair fly like I was in a tornado! I had to feel myself afterwards to see if I was still alive.  

Google Images 2017

The RV came to an abrupt halt at the corner and I heard my mom yelling at my stepdad, “you passed her!” This incident became a humorous story in our family that It was embellished differently at each telling. 

RV’S, probably enhance our lives beyond our own understanding.  Everyone camps now. Driving around town I can count at least 10 RVs at any given time of the year.  Every other house has an RV parked in the yard.  My latest travel aspiration is to go to Arizona.

The State we know as Arizona, comes from the Aztec word "Arizuma," this means Silver bearing. Therefore, Arizona is not only worth its weight in Silver (one of most precious metals in the world, second only to Gold). Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State and is one of the most popular destinations for RVer’s on the West Coast. 

Why do I single out Arizona?  Having driven through many times on my way elsewhere, this will be my next vacation destination, so I am studying up.  A Video Coffee Table Book Arizona - State of Wonder was a good start; this 1 ½ hr. video depicts the state with beautiful images taken in some of the most unique parks in Arizona.  Including the Grand Canyon. Put out by Digital Video Destinations in 2009 it can be seen or purchased at Amazon.com.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QHUTRO,

I hear the sunrises and sunsets are legendary, and the Saguaro is alive and well living in a National Park, a forest of Cacti! (Momentary silence please while we absorb that concept).  AND, the Arizona Cardinals practice football, not politics.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr6eA4wO8k 

Be Happy and keep coming back to Homeontheweekends.com for updates. 

https://www.50states.com/facts/arizona.htm Cited: 10/24/2017. (2017)

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