Note: Our RV is a partnership -- but last week Leslie took it out solo for the first time. What’s that like? Take it away, LK.

People often ask me: “Do you ever drive the RV?” Yes, of course, but not as often as John. I’m not ashamed to admit that he’s just better behind the wheel, while I’m an excellent navigator, snack maker and DJ.

But the true division of labor goes beyond drive time, and when it comes to backing into tight spaces, hooking up and dumping black water, John is the go-to person, for which I’m deeply grateful. So, when I made plans to head to Leavenworth for a solo trip, he wondered whether I’d be able to pull off those tasks.

Don’t worry, I assured him -- but more on that later.

In the RV lifestyle, you’ll often see signs or bumper stickers with the message, “Home is where you park it.” That was absolutely true for me when I pulled into Leavenworth.

I spent a few years of my childhood in the Bavarian Village, and many family members still live there.

In summers past, we’ve camped along the Icicle River at Bridge Creek in a Forest Service campground, and spent time hiking into the nearby Enchantments. This time around, I checked into the outstanding Icicle River RV Resort, scoring a sweet spot with a gorgeous view. (Read a full review of the park at spokesman.com/blogs/going-mobile.)

Shortly after getting my site set up, my friend Linda arrived to spend the night. It was another first for the rig: A grown-up slumber party complete with her beautiful handmade pasta and Washington state wine. Fun!

The next evening, I hosted a potluck and our family feasted on pulled pork sandwiches, slaw, grilled bratwurst and local sauerkraut, marionberry pie and gooey brownies. The food was good, but the best part was watching the kids play with the youngest members of the clan, my grandnieces, Lucy and Blakely.

Afterwards, I fell into a peaceful sleep as the river rushed by my bedroom window. This is exactly why it’s cool to own an RV.

Then I hit a snag. When it was time to flush the dump tanks and disconnect the water, I couldn’t twist off the hose and the sewer cap.

Fortunately, the camp host was willing to lend a hand. He told me to disconnect the other end of the hose first, taking the pressure off. He got the cap to the holding tank loosened, and I did the rest, dumping and rinsing and rolling up the hose. I’m going to keep working on that skill -- promise.

I enjoyed my first solo adventure, but I did miss my partner in crime. We’re looking forward to our trip this week to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. You can follow our journey on instagram.com/ourgrandtour.

From Spokane to Alabama

It's always nice to connect with friends from the past who are living the RV dream today. Jerry Swayne, a former co-worker of ours, sent a photo of his camper and told us about his travel plans.

After selling their home last May, Swayne and his wife are now serving as campground hosts in Hunters. This winter, they plan to head to Alabama for an extended stay.

"We have friends in Montgomery to visit and have gone to Florida the past two years and really enjoyed it. I may look into camp host jobs," Swayne said.

Enjoy the travels!

This week’s Going Mobile question

What’s your favorite camping destination in British Columbia? Email us at goingmobile@spokesman.com and we’ll share your suggestions in the next column.

 

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