I had decided a month ago to move to an RV park across from the marina. The park itself is not as nice as where I have been staying, but the location is awesome. I have a kayak that I store in the van, and, when the days warm up to the 50s, I will be able to kayak as often as I want! It is also a great place to walk Tango each day. The marina is a birding hotspot, featuring shorebirds and ducks. Need I say that I am excited about the move?

First thing on moving day, I put the RV interior in travel mode. Travel mode means securing everything so it doesn’t bounce around and/or break while I drive. The bathroom stuff goes into the tub. I disconnect the TV, sewing machine, and Instant Pot and then stow them on the floor. I put the coffee pot and other kitchen items in the sink. I also stow the wall clock and pictures. This whole process takes 30-45 minutes. I used to do this the night before leaving, but it is so routine and easy now. Why not get up in the morning on moving day, make coffee, read online just like any other day?

After securing the inside, it is time to work outside. I disconnect the electrical, water, and sewer connections. I lay out the hitch supplies near the jack (leveling bars, sway bar, connecting pins, etc). Next step, back up the van and hitch up One of the camp hosts directed me as I back in, so that part was easy this time. The last steps are to remove the tire chocks and walk around the RV to make sure windows and vents are closed. That whole process takes another 45 minutes, although I could do it faster if needed.

I settled up at the office and said goodbyes. I have become fond of the camp hosts, the owners, and my closest neighbors. Tango has his favorites, too. Attachments happen quickly, but the nomadic lifestyle demands that you learn to let go and move on to new people and fresh adventures.

The marina is only 3 miles away, but I had some errands planned first. Last week when they changed the oil in Alice, I had asked the mechanics at Walmart if I could bring the RV over on moving day and have them check the tires. After sitting for 4 months, I had expected the tires to be underinflated. However, they were fine, as were the van tires. I also stopped by an RV repair place to have them inspect the roof. I was worried about damage from the snow load that sat there over a week. No snow damage but the seal had started to wear thin in several locations. They were able to fix it up right then and there and, since the repairs took less than 10 minutes, they did not even charge me. Erics RV is quite popular and I can see why.

On the way to the park, I stopped at my favorite grocery store to pick up a small piece of local salmon and flowers.  Then, I pulled into my new park and set up, which is a reverse of the travel mode preparation. As far as the connections, something is always too short or otherwise not right for the current set up. In this case, my sewer line was too short. I left the tanks closed and went out later to buy a longer hose! Otherwise, set up was quick. By 1 PM that afternoon, Tango and I were settled in our new place! Later I had my special dinner and watched an amazing movie that I found at the library. “Painted Veil”, with Naomi Watts may be the best chick flick ever made.

I miss the other park, but I know I will adapt to my beautiful new setting. The Internet here is decent but not streaming quality. However, the park provides cable TV, so I do not need Hulu anymore, which saves $40 per month. Still, I loved Hulu, especially the “DVR” feature. Each week I watched all my pre-recorded Alaska shows and NCIS whenever I wanted. The park is also much larger, which means I will meet new people and maybe make some friends here.

I am snuggled near a bay, surrounded by low hills, which is affecting my local radio reception. However, I can get an NPR station out of Seattle which is good for now! Tango seemed more unsettled than usual on a moving day. He enjoys it less and less as he gets older. Otherwise, life is good!