The Incredible Journey Begins with Retirement

So by now anyone following our personal journey knows of some of the obstacles we had to overcome to move into our motorhome. Whether you want to call us gypsies, vagabonds or First Timers (we concur with each of these) we are glad at the thought of getting into new surroundings.
Christmas was interesting and next year we will be much better prepared with decorating.

We did get to Disney World courtesy of Mike's mom last February. It was so much fun that she wants us to go with her in January, 2020 again! Here are a few shots from our trip.

6 months at one place is more than enough for us. We endured a lot here and we look forward to many more positive experiences elsewhere. Lida is locked and loaded, I am officially retired and Mike's last day of work is this weekend - until at least in fall when we plan to return to Henderson/Vegas once cooler weather hits.

We got a ding for another $450 when we had to have our waterlines - grey and black - repaired. There went more savings. Between that and previous repairs, we figure we've probably put $1200 or so into this little monster since  moving in but it's like that with any new home so you deal with it and - hopefully - roll on. Still some minor stuff to deal with before our travels begin for real at the end of the month. Finally.

Pluses with living in a motorhome as full-timers:

• Generally less expensive than apartments, especially with increasing costs in Henderson
• Less bills except for propane, power and personal costs (cell phone, satellite TV, loans, etc.)
• You can pack up and leave as soon as you can afford it and not look back. There are no long-term commitments unless that's what you want. We are no longer tied into a lease which is a real relief.
• You get to choose from a wider variety of places for your next site - especially after retirement. In my case that's now - Mike has a few years to go unfortunately. Now this does depend upon availability with all the snowbirds coming here every fall but we can beat them to it by returning from travels a bit earlier.
• When you go camping you go "glamping" with everything contained in your little home.
• We don't have to use public facilities. I like my own shower and toilet, TYVM and Mike does, too. 

Minuses:

• You have to deal with your own repairs which can get costly. No maintenance guy to bail you out. You have to find your own contractors to help you.
• Propane costs. We were lucky to find a good service that gave us premium prices. We will use them again upon our return.
• Space can get tight when both of us are up and around. We want another pup but are seriously thinking about it because of the time and space continuum. 
• We have had to get rid of lots of excess baggage and have to have a storage unit which adds somewhat into the monthly cost of the unit but still beats rental here in Henderson.

As you can see, as in any home there are things to consider. We are just excited at the prospect of getting out on the road and finally starting to see our favorite Nevada vantage points - or even new ones! If we can get the dang battery working and git 'er going, Amargosa, here we come!

Til then, take care, be well and the new post will hopefully be from our summer site!