Thanksgiving Top 10 List

We've learned so much since we started RVing less than one month ago.  Some of what we've learned is how to do things (attach the towing hitch, level the camper, dump the black water tank 😧) and some of it is about things that make life easier/better/smoother living the full-time dream.  This is a list of 10 things that have come into our life since we started RVing that I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving.

1.  Unlimited Data - We opted to upgrade to Beyond Unlimited with Verizon Wireless for our wireless access.  This has worked out very well so far.  We can get on our iPad, computer, Kindle and Roku using a wireless hotspot.  We use the Waze app daily for directions and so far have had plenty of data and plenty of connectivity.  Unlimited data makings blogging (and so much more) possible.

2.  Amazon Locker - This was a truly marvelous discovery.  While trying to figure out where to have an Amazon package shipped, I noticed a shipping option was Amazon Locker, so I clicked on it and found that you can select a locker to have your package shipped to in thousands of locations across the country.  You put in a zip code and it gives you a list of the nearest lockers.  When you ship to the locker, you are emailed an access code.  When you go to the locker, you enter the access code and the locker containing your package pops open.  Needless to say, being on the road having an address to get stuff shipped to is a challenge, so this was a great relief to discover!  This locker was located at a Quik Trip Convenience Store in Greenville, SC.

That package contains the next two things on my list.

3.  RV Hose Water Filter - We noticed at First Landing Campground another camper had a water filter on the hose bringing water into the RV.  I loved that idea.  We had used the campground water for washing dishes and brushing teeth, but I was reluctant to drink it.  Now that we have the filter, I'm comfortable drinking the water and it tastes much better.  This has cut down on buying 2.5 gallon jugs of water.  Reducing plastic consumption - SCORE!

4.  Refrigerator Shelf Guards - I had seen these before, but until I opened the fridge after traveling to have something inevitably fall out, I didn't realize how necessary they really are.  It's no problem when you are stationary, but once you start driving around with stuff in the fridge, it moves around - go figure :-) so this is a great solution.  Think mini-shower curtain tension rods that snap in place.  

5.  RV/Marine Toilet Paper - In case you didn't know (and I certainly didn't prior to this adventure) you can't use regular toilet paper in your RV toilet.  You need fast degrading toilet paper that will dissolve quickly so as not to clog up your tank and hose when dumping.  We bought a case of this stuff before we hit the road.  I DO NOT want to run out...

6.  Jack-it Bike Rack - This is a specialty bike rack designed to go over the trailer tongue on campers (like ours) with no bumper to attach a rack to.  It is very easy to adjust the cradles to try to get the just right placement for your bikes.  I'm grateful to have been able to bring our bikes on this trip.  It's a great way to explore and get some exercise.

7.  Store bought kindling - If you've ever bought firewood at a campground, you know that it often isn't very dry.  We have an axe and I tried to split some of it to make kindling, but still couldn't start a fire.  At a hardware store, we found a bundle of soft dry strips that make great kindling and make fire starting possible.  This was a very welcome discovery.

8.  Propane Tank Gauge - We use propane for heating, keeping the fridge cold while traveling, and cooking.  The "is there propane left in the tank" roulette was a little nerve-wracking.  So we went looking for and found a gauge to indicate the tank level.  Jury is still out on the accuracy, but I love the idea of being able to check this thing!

9.  Campendium - This is an awesome website (and app) listing campgrounds, public and private, featuring reviews, photos, website links and has been invaluable in finding and making reservations.  I had an unrealistic idea that we would just go and stay as long as we wished where ever we wanted.  In reality, most places have limited availability and reservations are kind of essential.  This has been a huge help in finding great places to camp.  Check it out at Campendium.com

10.  Kindness of Strangers - While this is not new to us since RVing, it is essential to our successful life on the road.  At our first dump station, there was another person dumping, when he heard us talking through the process before starting, he could tell we were newbies.  He came over and walked us through it all.  Much appreciated.  When we were hooking up to the water here, there was a second spout that water came out of when I lifted the handle to start the water flow.  The guy on the next site figured out that you had to pull down on the nozzle to stop the flow in the second spout.  Yesterday we were putting the bikes back up on the bike rack and a guy driving by stopped to offer to help.  There are so many other examples, and I know there will continue to be many more.  We are so very thankful to know we really aren't alone out here.  It's really nice to know that kindness surrounds us. 

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!