The RV Experience

Motorhomes, campers and such don’t have much interest to me. I prefer any comfortable motel or hotel to a camper’s life, when traveling away from home. In fact, the thought of sleeping with nature brings visions of giant mosquitoes, noisy owls, and other loathsome creatures.

Just looking wouldn’t hurt, I decided. Might as well spend the lazy day walking through the sea of motorhomes. Grabbing my sunglasses and sliding on a pair of worn sandals, I joined Dick for the drive to the mall. This would be an up-close opportunity to observe a strange breed of “folks”….the RV crowd. I expected to see retired southern conservatives wearing psychedelic shirts. Their brazen attire would cover saggy abdomens protruding over denim shorts. The women would be following the men on sandals with three inch heels. Loud laughter from red lipsticked lips as if she belonged to a country bar. Conversations would be limited to bragging about the size of their “rigs”, or engines. Folks that travel in RV’s are certainly different. They probably come from the hills and are one-step above country illiterates. I was more interested in looking at the travel trailer folks, than viewing the vehicles.

The crowd was beginning to grow when we arrived and it was as I expected. Overgrown boys crowded around the gigantic motorhomes with space for all their toys – motorcycles, big screen plasma television sets, beer coolers and barbeque grills. Next to each guy was his “moll” dressed in a brightly colored, skin tight shirt that left no mystery about her body. Swarming around were fast talking salesmen neatly dressed without perspiration, despite the sweltering heat. It was as though their internal thermostat was set to withstand tremendous climate temperatures.

Row upon row of motorhomes, fifth wheel campers and trailers with features found in some of the most exclusive homes in this affluent country. Price tags to match didn’t seem to disturb the crowd of shoppers. Throbbing country music flowing from the loudspeakers seemed to excite the crowd. It was one of those hot, stale air days and sweat was dripping down my face. We followed loud, cigar smoking guys into some of the larger motorhomes and peeked inside some of the pop-up trailers. I noticed that the women shoppers had layers of make-up and a scent of heavy floral perfume wafted behind as they passed me by.

We started to wander down aisle after aisle. Just then, I saw her. Standing in the middle of the field and surrounded by giant motorhomes. She was smaller than her rivals, yet stood proudly as though challenging the giants for a place of her own. Her smooth lines and open doors invited me for a closer look. Slowly, I stepped into the cabin and the magic grew. The drone of the loudspeakers faded into memory and my shoulders relaxed. The smell of the leather on her sofas and the cool breeze blowing on my face. It was as though I had entered a dream world. My fingers tingled as I touched the counter surface. One of my favorite novels was laying open on the table.

It was a match made in heaven. I gently walked to the driver’s seat and sat down. Just as I expected, the seat fit me like a glove. With a space for my sunglasses, coffee cup and maps. There was soft classical music playing on the satellite radio. This was not just an RV but my friend.

Hearing Dick’s voice brought me out of the reverie. The price tag for this vehicle/camper? How can you place a price on happiness? A salesman approached with clipboard in hand and that knowing look, as though he had caught a fish and needed to “reel” me in. He began explaining features to Dick and I tried to listen. My mind continued to wander off, thinking of the places I would take my new motorhome – the Georgia mountains, the Carolina coast and even as far as the Maine seashore. She had everything that I needed and more.

Later, with brochures and business cards in hand, we left to return to our car for the drive home. Looking back for one more glimpse of the motorhome that captured my spirit, I found myself promising to return. It’s time to venture out on the open road, and this is the camper friend to make it a rewarding trip.