The Devil's in the Details

The Devil's in the Details, or so it is said.  We have been buried in details these last few weeks, as we  prepare for our departure, so are hoping our attentiveness is ousting the demons.  One of those detail topics is setting up computer apps, joining camping groups, and learning all we can about travel opportunities.

On our last trip we were gone a month and simply paid, with little question, the nightly camping fees.  Now, as we prepare to depart for a longer period, on a trip closely resembling our actual full-time adventure, we desire a more frugal approach.  How can we travel without paying high camping costs each night, becomes a driving question?  The average campground is about $30 a night, which adds up quickly.  Yet, stealth camping, worrying about being rousted out, doesn't sound too appealing either.  So I've been trying to find out what other budget-minded RVers do to minimize camping fees.

This past week I spent the better part of a day tracking down other travelers, especially those traveling in Sprinter Westfalias.  My breakthrough was, Travels with HaRVy.  The writer of Travels with HaRVy is Leslie, and we're now engaged in a delightful e-mail exchange.

HaRVy loaded and on the road.   Photo by Leslie.

Leslie and her husband, Al, are full-time Springer Westfalia travelers.    We're pleased to have found them and look forward to deepening our cyber friendship to an on-the-road friendship. 

Leslie has been a wealth of information.  She told us about Boondockers Welcome, a service to facilitate free driveway camping.  A little like Airbnb, but instead of a couch, room or apartment, it's a driveway.  They have made wonderful acquaintances using this service, Leslie reports.  An adjunct to Boondockers Welcome are the Frugal Shunpiker's Guides, written by the woman who formed Boondockers Welcome.

Shunpiker's Guides

Leslie also provided me with two additional resource choices for overnight stays.  First is Harvest Hosts offering free stays at wineries, farms and agri-tourism sites.  Given our love of food, wine and back roads, this seems like a perfect resource for us. The second, RVGolfClub, as the name implies, offers free stays at golf courses.  Ed was not intending to pack his clubs, but using this overnight option might challenge his resolve.

Then there are apps galore.  Apps for maps, campgrounds, motels, foreign languages and restaurants.  One I've already downloaded is AllStays RV and Camp App  and is designed to help RV travelers locate dump stations, propane, campgrounds, Walmart parking lot camping, showers, and more.  I've also downloaded the Ultimate Camp Ground App which provides public campground information. 

As we travel we will accumulate or toss apps, memberships and lists, depending on usefulness, but for now, all information is seen as an asset.   Nevertheless, like the items in our galley, they must prove their usefulness to stay on-board. 

~~~

"The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail."

~ Charles R. Swindoll