Adios to the Full Time world

[patodonn]

Well, folks, we have ended 4 + years as “full timers” and are moving in to a non-rolling stick house near Klamath Falls, OR. Our wonderful Monty, our rolling home for these 4+ years, has just been sold and we are in the process of putting together our new home.

We had “downsized” by more than ½ back in ‘03. Even so, we still had a lot more “stuff” than either of us remembered. It will all fit, we think, but it is a challenge. In retrospect, and for the consideration of others who contemplate “full timer” life, we should have downsized even more. 4 years of paying storage costs would have bought a lot of new “stuff” instead of having old “stuff” in the new house. We did not store any appliances, bedroom sets or big ticket electronics. And, of course, when we started, it was going to be for “nine months to a year, possibly even a couple of months more”. You all know how THAT plan didn’t happen!! Way too much to see and do!!

Depreciation on the Monty appears to be about 45% from “new” over 4 years…not really far off of a car’s depreciation rate. We lived very well while on the road, and, all in all, the budget worked out to be similar to what we would have spent without the RV. We spent more for some things, less for others. In the final analysis, we had a heck of a great ride! Wouldn’t trade that time for anything else.

We may decide to rejoin the RV life-style in a more limited manner in the future, but it will be in a smaller rig. Really like the Monty product line and the support we have received, both from Keystone and the Forum community. Thanks to all!

As some other former “full timers” have done, we will still pop in on the Forum, now and then. We will retain the personal contacts we have made with several of the members. The Forum has been exceptional in the quantity and quality of information available and the helpfulness of the individual members…“Well Done” to the Administrators and Members.

Thanks again to All,

Pat and Nancy O‘Donnell

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Pat and Nancy,

We count you as some of our very dear MOC friends, and so enjoyed meeting you.

We wish you the very best, and if we ever get to travel the way you did, we just might happen up your way!

Please stay in touch!

[HamRad]

PJ and Nancy,

I am so happy you found what you were looking for. On the other hand we are sorry to learn of the "passing" of your Monty. We treasure our friendship and hope you will continue to visit when you are in our area.

Enjoy the beautiful area in which you have chosen to live.

Dennis and Mary Kay

[TheCoachPotatoes]

We will miss reading about your travels. Congratulations and best of luck with your new home.

[bsmeaton]

Those roadbound times will be something you will never forget nor could you ever replace them later. I think you did it the right way while you are young and with full health. Good luck to both of you!

[Longwell]

Best of luck to you.
If you can't come to us any more, we'll come to you. Oregon is one of our favorite places.
We hope to see you in the future.
Keep in touch.
Larry

[fulltimedreamer]

We've enjoyed traveling along with you on your adventure. Enjoy your new home and we hope to see you here on the MOC!! Best wishes on your new lifestyle.

[simonsrf]

Pat and Nancy,

Sorry, we never crossed paths.

We will miss your straight-forward and logical posts to problems and experiences.

Oregon is a beautiful place, our hope is that you will be happy, healthy and wise in your new location.

Best of luck to you in your new lifestyle.

[exav8tr]

Pat & Nancy, First, congrats on your decision to end the nomadic lifestyle. My sister did the same thing after 4 1/2 yrs on the road. She still travels though only not as long. I guess you could say she is a long timer now. She needed the stability and to be near family.

We started full timing in May of this year from Alaska and sold "almost everything". We sent some things to each of our sons, one in San Diego and one in Phoenix. We did send some things for storage to son in Phoenix which we will go through this winter and decide what to keep and what to sell or give away. We did not leave anything in Alaska, well maybe a tear or two, NOT!!!! We also looked at the expense of storing versus buying new again and without knowing when we would buy again the decision was made to sell, not store. We figured the cost savings from not storing would be enough to furnish a new place.

We have been in Oregon since before the Rally in Redmond in July, and I can honestly say we have put Oregon on our short list of places to retire to someday. We are presently in Medford and finally heading south to Ca Tomorrow, Crescent City, CA. We spent time on the coast, time in Bend, Crater Lake, La Pine, visited Klamath Falls for one day, Pendleton was nice little town. World of difference between East desert and West coast.

Good luck with your new home and enjoy it!!!!!

Phil & Cathy

[ragdoll]

PJ and Nan,

We are finally back home after 5 months and getting caught up on posts - glad our paths crossed and we wish you the very best on your decision. Oregon is a beautiful place - we will be back!

Good luck and God Bless,
Lorraine