The Maiden Voyage

From roof leaks to wifi troubleshooting, to beach days, the maiden voyage was a HUGE learning experience. I was invited to Walden Woods after purchasing my camper to do a free stay (and if I weren't leaving I'd strongly consider purchasing a membership). This was perfect because my parents have a membership there and could help me get set up and tear down for the first time. I was nervous and extremely excited to finally do a test run in my camper, but it was certainly daunting. I hadn't gotten to practice parking the camper recently and was very nervous about towing it through construction, but there's only one way to learn and I have a phenomenal teacher.

Upon arriving at the campground it took me about 30 minutes to back the trailer into a spot and another 30 or so to get everything set up. I said "let me look at my checklist!" every 2 minutes and added a few steps and specifications. You can view my full camper setup checklist here. Once everything was set up I went back home to get Hector, for the first journey I didn't want him in the vehicle with me while trying to park (with very little practice and a lot of help).

The first night there were thunderstorms right on top of us, it was beautiful to hear the thunder rolling and the rain pounding onto my roof. It was less beautiful to wake up with my phone and book sitting in water due to a leak in the roof. Duane and I made a plan on how to repair it but for now, duct tape was going to have to keep me safe from water. I climbed on the roof and put duct tape on the whole front corner just hoping it would stick and repel water for at least a week.

I checked in on a Sunday and would left the next Sunday so I worked my entire week from my camper. It was the most relaxing way to work, I could sit at my picnic table or inside with my AC. During the week I learned how finicky campground wifi can be (I don't have Starlink yet) and a great solution I found was to make calls from my phone using data and use the wifi to take notes, edit spreadsheets, and check my email. Hector was a guest in a few video meetings and looks forward to returning when we are on the road full-time.

By the time Friday came, I was ready to do absolutely nothing. I'd been busy all previous weekends preparing the camper and I was ready to finally enjoy it. I read for a good portion of my night and went to bed without an alarm for Saturday. Luckily I woke up in time to make it to a Crossfit class and when I returned I made lunch and took residence in my chair outside with my book. I sat there and read in blissful peace for 3 hours until it got too hot and I had to hit the beach. I hadn't used the wagon I got for Christmas yet and wanted to try it out so I loaded it up with a quilt, a towel, water, and of course... my book. The water felt great, I avoided sunburn, and I was feeling that my laziness should come to an end soon. I decided a campfire would certainly make me feel productive so I called my dad, invited him to tour the camper, and have a fire with me. I grew up having bonfires with my dad so it felt very fitting that we should have one as I entered this new journey in my life. When he left I went to bed feeling bittersweet knowing it was my last night camping until my next trip (coming to you soon).

Sunday morning I woke up bright and early to take Hector home and pick up Duane. He helped me pack everything up (this took about an hour) and yes, I was using another checklist! You can view that one here. Afterward, we drove around the campground so I could practice parking and eventually, I started using both of my mirrors and got the hang of it.