Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: BlueBlaze on April 22, 2020, 03:41:56 pm
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6 weeks into our national "2 weeks to flatten the curve", I'm about to say to heck with it and hit the road. This stupid thing already cost me an Alaska cruise. Now it's cutting into my RV time!
Is anyone else thinking that a one-in-10,000 chance of dying from the Wuhan Cold might be worth the opportunity to burn some of that $1.25 gas?
Anyone already out there? Are the campgrounds open?
Will this lunacy ever end?
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Cheap gas sure is tempting. On other forums lots of full time RV'ers worried about finding a place to park as they return from down south. Lots of campgrounds are closed or closing. Here in Washington all state campgrounds are closed. Private ones are hit & miss. Many are stating that they will accept only 30 day reservations or longer. I suppose that is regulated by the state though so it will be different in other places.
My daughter in law works in the hospital so I have some insight as to what is happening on the front lines. It is terrifying. She goes to work scared and comes home worse. They took over half the rooms in her department and have them set up as make-shift ICU's. Most are empty but they are preparing.
I think we can see the light at the end but my wife has history from the 1918 flu and lost several relatives then. They died during the third wave. This isn't just going to go away, as soon as things loosen up the second wave will start.............
2 weeks? Fantasy. 6 weeks? Just getting started. I'm hoping for some semblance of normal by fall. And even that might be optimistic. Our rig is parked and we are not moving this year. That's just a personal decision, to be honest I suspect one of the safest places to be would be at a campground.
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I think at this point it would be very hard to predict what would be open, what would be closed, what the experience might be like, and what the risk would be to yourself and others. We are staying home until at least late June (at which point we must head from MA to GA to care for my wife's elderly mother). My 24 y.o. daughter and her boyfriend have been on the road since November 2019 living the "van life"; they went down the East coast to Key West, across the South and into Mexico, then into the SW USA and then made their way tot he Pacific NW (where he will work starting May as a wildland firefighter). They have been stealth camping the entire time. Since mid-March their travels have NOT been normal. Many places and things are closed. In some states (or counties?) all camping is banned (e.g., Washington state has disallowed ANY use of ANY state land). Many stores, restaurants, etc., are closed. They have had to hustle to find places to stay. And they have found that as travelers they have at times definitely NOT felt welcomed when they arrive somewhere new; people are cautious and suspicious of people "from away" bringing in the virus. For now they are hunkered down on unattractive BLM recreation land, surrounded by ATV and dirt bikers (which is not their "back to nature" thing). Some areas of the country are not allowing "outsiders" even to enter. And all these situations are changing rapidly and unpredictably. So, IMO, this does not seem like the best time to go RV-ing if one has the choice.
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Arrived back in Indiana from Sarasota Florida on Saturday 4/18. Straight up I75 through DT Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Louisville and Indianapolis. Very little traffic, minor road construction and cheap gas. All gas stations were open and prices were $1.11-$1.59 a gallon. No problem at all finding open campgrounds in the $30-35 range. Travel and camping is possible but there's not much to do until the restrictions are lifted and things begin to get back to normal. Check this website for open campgrounds. https://blog.rvillage.com/rvillage-list-of-open-rv-parks/?_ga=2.267262537.655480405.1586028570-431606661.1542750185
Safe travels everyone!
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Back in February got all the fluids changed, serpentine belt changed, brakes and tires checked. I bought new lifeline AGM batteries. We were ready to go to Florida in March and .......nope.
In Michigan we are home bound probably through May. If we go anywhere in summer/fall it will be within a days drive from home. Only stay as long as food lasts. My fear is getting sick or hurt and being a long way from home in unknown areas. Won’t feel comfortable until there is a vaccine.
This will delay our travel plans for one year, at least. We are thankful our family is safe and surviving.
Hang in there!
Ron S.
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6 weeks into our national "2 weeks to flatten the curve", I'm about to say to heck with it and hit the road. This stupid thing already cost me an Alaska cruise. Now it's cutting into my RV time!
WOW. There are people that still want to go on cruises?!?! :beg We abandoned those floating petri dishes several years ago... and now?!? It would have to be a large payout to get me on one, much less PAY for one!!! roflol
I do think of the full timers in RV's. Must be insane. We do send a prayer up for their relief. But for those people that rely on campgrounds, and there being a shortage of same at the moment, it seems very self centered to leave a good house 'just for cheap gas and to do something interesting' while knowing others may be left without a spot to park.
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I think the height of selfishness is hiding behind your horded supply of TP, for fear of something that's killed fewer people than last year's flu -- just because you're so rich you can afford to.
Meanwhile, millions have lost everything.
I've got news folks -- nobody gets out of here alive. Life has a 100% death rate. There's a 1 in 500 chance you'll drop dead from a heart attack today, right in the middle of your Netflix binge. But as of this morning, the odds of dying from the latest bat disease is only about 1 in 10,000 (unless you live in that giant bat colony we call New York City).
If we ever want things to be normal again, somebody is going to have to be brave enough to start acting like it's normal again. At the rate we're going, there won't be any campgrounds to visit this time next year. Or motorhome companies, either, for that matter.
But I'm a selfish rich retiree, so I guess I'll just keep waiting for someone to call "all clear". Sorry I brought it up. I guess I'm a little grouchy after yesterday's "Breaking Bad" episode, where they crunched up that vintage 80's Bounder.
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We are full time and on the road. We were volunteering in South Texas until everything shut down. They shut down to reduce risk to their staff. Rangers and law enforcement have to enforce rules, restrictions and do search and rescues if people are on their land. Every contact puts them at risk.
The wildlife refuge let us stay in their campground after shut down but we left for several reasons: 1) our next gig is in North Cascades in Washington State which was 2500+ miles away. We want to be closer for when they do call us in -maybe maintenance instead of visitor services since VCs are high risk. 2) deep South Texas is running over 100 degrees. I almost passed out just sitting outside in the evening. Our AC couldn't keep up, their electric system couldn't handle the load of all the AC units & started tripping and started melting our power cord. 3) A fellow volunteer/solo full-timer, high risk person asked to travel north with us to her safe volunteer spot on the coast. She was afraid to travel alone in case she broke down or got sick. (We'd be on foster duty for her dog and cat and rig - not in our plans).
The companion has a 200 mile per day limit and needs a rest day after every four drive days so we are running much slower than we'd like. We've stayed at a Cracker Barrel, several Walmarts, several rest areas, one Harvest Host site and a couple of private campgrounds.
Texas was mixed. Outside San Antonio few wore masks to shop, some social chatting on sidewalks, lots of cars driving around and some restaurants open for dine in service. New Mexico was mixed. At least some private campgrounds open. Apparently had 25% occupancy limit for a bit but rescinded it. Navajo Nation closed to visitors. This is the ONLY area we saw nearly full compliance with masks, sanitizing, social distancing. Casino parking lots gated and barricaded. SE Utah closed to visitors. Rumor has it locals are running out people they find stealth camping and playing in the area (KOA owner in Green River told us). No one in SE Utah allowed to rent hotel room, campsite etc. to non-essential personnel. BLM land has big signs "no camping". KOA was on major highway and allowed to rent one nite only. $$$$ We took it.
Tried to get into campground or Harvest Host site along I-84 in Idaho but all say no so far (one giving lengthy lecture as bonus). I read their orders (highly recommend any travelers do same for states traveling through - know before you go.) Idaho restrictions specific to residents only. Travelers have to self-quarantine 14 days after entering the state OR for as long as they are there if less than 14 days. We'll be at Wal-Mart or rest area for our one night and plan to stay quarantined in our PC bubble. We have a sign for our rig window that says "Passing Through on way to volunteer job in North Cascades, Washington State. Isolating in rig."
Oregon pretty much all closed so another rest area there. Washington state included campgrounds as essential services on last stay-at-home order so we should be OK for that last leg. If we can't get into our volunteer spot we'll find a nearby campground and hunker down.
Safe Traveling - 1) our masks are at hand and go on before we exit the rig where other humans are. We have a spray bottle of Lysol that hits everything John needs to touch when getting gas. We can't wait the six minute cootie kill time so he uses a napkin (quickly soaked in Lysol) to grip with. He washes hands immediately when done. It's eating up his hands but we have lotion for recovery. 2) masks are washed with soap after exposure to other people and dried before reuse. We have bandanas and hair bands as backup masks (CDC website instructions). 3) we stocked up on food before departure to avoid shopping along the way 4) We pay over the phone when booking sites, pick up paperwork/receipt from box on way in, wash hands. Sanitize hookups before & after. Needed to do laundry at KOA so did the before and after sanitizing there also. We picked up a few fresh foods along the way - masks, distancing, washed hands 5) We try to walk about at rest areas & campgrounds but avoid people and wear masks. 6) We would have done a hard run for a much shorter trip if alone. Less nights, less stops, less risk.
We aren't paranoid but we are cautious. Self quarantine is great but the minute someone goes out for food, doctor appointments, laundry, etc. you're back to possible exposure and possible infection that will be shared with the household before you know you have it. That doesn't mean throw all caution to the wind and go for it. It just means take steps to limit exposure to yourself and others.
I agree it is not time for recreational travel.
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Blue, your on it, in California Stanford university did a study in Silicon Valley and found the people who had it 55 times what was originally thought. Of course the death rate had not changed showing this is on par with the flu at about one tenth of a percent death rate. Hospitals are going broke across the country because they had to cancel elective procedures and the hospitals sit empty. They tell us how we’ve been saved by social distancing but there’s no actual way to know how much it helps with no way of tracking it.
I’ve got friends that just had to go get tested and couldn’t seem to grasp it’s not predictive. Testing negative today tells you nothing of tomorrow. I heard the other day the common denominator of those dying in New York was obesity. If anyone has diabetes and gets the virus the virus is claimed as the sole reason. It’s always been that way however when it comes to playing with stats. When my Father had brain cancer and they told us he had a week, maybe two he caught pneumonia and on his death certificate the cause of death was pneumonia.
In the mean time unemployment’s at I’m guessing over 20 percent, we have 2 friends who’ve lost their business and will never reopen and I’m betting the list of places that don’t make it back will be staggering .
Some say we have to wait for a vaccine . Are they all nuts, we don’t have a cure for the common cold or any other form of flu but now we should destroy the greatest country while we wait.
And how the heck is that the Bill of rights is ignored. I wonder what rights were going to lose by the time they get done.
This is so Sad, so very Sad.
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For those needing to travel Campendium.com is attempting to track open/closed campgrounds (as well as RVillage listed above). You can click to exclude temporary closures. If nothing else, it is an interesting browse while staying home. Search in Oregon then turn on the excusion... All gone. A few rest areas and dump stations. We'll be at one of those "P" flags in two days. Not sure if Walmarts there are restricting.
Note: if traveling, check each state's DOT list of rest areas. Some are associated with state parks and are closed. Some in New Mexico are closed (funding?) One we planned to stay at showed open until I mapped it on my phone which flagged it permanently closed. No indication online or road until final sign that said closed. Entrance had been barricaded but, people being... people, some barrels had been moved and trucks, cars & rv's were up in there. We passed and stayed at Wal-Mart down the road. We have a plan b and plan c for each day's drive.
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This lock down is like prohibition, good on paper, horrible in reality. An estimated 88,000 people die every year from alcohol related incidents. We tried prohibition to lower that number and created a whole new industry....bootlegging and the lawlessness that came with it. It did not take that long to see what a failure it was.
Same with lock downs... Nice idea on paper... Horrendous idea in reity. All kinds of crime has increased including murders and suicides. Burglaries, fraud, thefts are all also up.
End of lecture, we are adults, we know how to stay away from others if we're sick. To be respectful of other people's fears.
The number one cause of death is being alive. I try to make the most of my alive time while being respectful of others.
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We live in suburb of Detroit. Detroit hit hard. That has spread to our communities. It is scary because hundred die every day in Michigan and 28 just yesterday in our county. We could not survive without a lockdown. Mayor of Detroit has done an outstanding job managing the infection/death rate. He did it through testing, treating and lockdown. Others in areas not hit as hard can open up at there own risk.
Listening to doctors and infection professionals is critical to get through this.
Ron S
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With the rain over and spring here I see little risk in going hiking in the forest . The CA state parks are all closed, but 2 of our favorite private campgrounds with easy access to the redwoods are still open. We don't have a toad, and I wouldn't use Uber now. But since everything's closed now anyway that wouldn't be a problem.
When we stay in parks with hookups I won't be connecting the slinky and keeping the gray water dump valve open like before.
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6 weeks into our national "2 weeks to flatten the curve", I'm about to say to heck with it and hit the road. This stupid thing already cost me an Alaska cruise. Now it's cutting into my RV time!
WOW. There are people that still want to go on cruises?!?! :beg We abandoned those floating petri dishes several years ago... and now?!? It would have to be a large payout to get me on one, much less PAY for one!!! roflol
I do think of the full timers in RV's. Must be insane. We do send a prayer up for their relief. But for those people that rely on campgrounds, and there being a shortage of same at the moment, it seems very self centered to leave a good house 'just for cheap gas and to do something interesting' while knowing others may be left without a spot to park.
As 28 year Escapees, we hurt for those stuck on the road trying to find semi permanent parking. We also understand those whose travel plans in their later years have been severely disrupted.
We don’t hear anyone addressing the obvious issue...why are masks not required to be worn by everyone? If their only purpose according to the CDC and the Surgeon General of the United States is to prevent spread of the Covid 19, and other countries mandate this as actual law...what the heck is going on in this country? We live just outside the Bay Area where five counties including San Mateo, Santa Clara and SanFrancisco have face mask mandates....yet most California counties don’t.
This whole scenario just doesn’t make sense...how serious is this problem if we’re not REQUIRED to wear masks when you leave your residence?
In addition, California Hospitals are laying off nurses and doctors and our Governor is sending ventilators and other nurses and doctors to New York to assist their medical professionals....all while we deal with this continued lockdown..hmmmm.
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Never thought I'd ever live to see the day when my hands soaked up more alcohol than my liver!
Be safe and healthy out there.
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This should all be helping us to be more creative, and enjoy some of the simplicity we once owned.
Today I literally watched the paint dry on the deck we replaced. My back needed the break from painting it yesterday.
Just sitting around I've found it hard to keep my hands away from my face even tho I wash them all the time. Then I thought of a sure-fire method to avoid the habit.
Have a beer in one hand and a whisky in the other.
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2lucky .. the simpler times were prob in there peak in the 50’s, 60’s. Not saying necessarily easier in many regards.
Nice job on the deck, great idea on the beer......
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6 weeks into our national "2 weeks to flatten the curve", I'm about to say to heck with it and hit the road. This stupid thing already cost me an Alaska cruise. Now it's cutting into my RV time!
WOW. There are people that still want to go on cruises?!?! :beg We abandoned those floating petri dishes several years ago... and now?!? It would have to be a large payout to get me on one, much less PAY for one!!! roflol
I do think of the full timers in RV's. Must be insane. We do send a prayer up for their relief. But for those people that rely on campgrounds, and there being a shortage of same at the moment, it seems very self centered to leave a good house 'just for cheap gas and to do something interesting' while knowing others may be left without a spot to park.
As 28 year Escapees, we hurt for those stuck on the road trying to find semi permanent parking. We also understand those whose travel plans in their later years have been severely disrupted.
We don’t hear anyone addressing the obvious issue...why are masks not required to be worn by everyone? If their only purpose according to the CDC and the Surgeon General of the United States is to prevent spread of the Covid 19, and other countries mandate this as actual law...what the heck is going on in this country? We live just outside the Bay Area where five counties including San Mateo, Santa Clara and SanFrancisco have face mask mandates....yet most California counties don’t.
This whole scenario just doesn’t make sense...how serious is this problem if we’re not REQUIRED to wear masks when you leave your residence?
In addition, California Hospitals are laying off nurses and doctors and our Governor is sending ventilators and other nurses and doctors to New York to assist their medical professionals....all while we deal with this continued lockdown..hmmmm.
Let me just answer that question about masks.
WE DON'T ALL LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO!
Here in Houston, my odds of dying from COVID-19, as of this morning's figures are 1 in 59,040.
That's lower than my risk of poisoning, overdose, homicide, car crash, suicide, and slipping in the bath tub.
That's 100 times less than my odds of dying from a heart attack (1 in 494).
But don't let that lead you to believe that sanity exists outside of San Francisco. If I'm caught outside my home without a mask in Harris County, as of this week, it's a $1,000 fine.
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This forum has been my last refuge from ideological and political discussions up to now (even Escapees forum has succumbed to tribe mentality) and I should ignore this and move on but I can't. All the bravado about being infected, not infected, death rates vs flu, personal liberty, etc are meaningless to me for a simple reason, I have a 2 1/2 year old grandson with respiratory problems, probably will prevent him from ever being a distance runner but otherwise not much impact. However, his pediatric specialist has informed us that if he becomes infected, he won't get sick but will die. My personal liberty says that anyone who acts in a way to place him at harm is a threat and should be treated as such. Period.
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Blue Blaze, I am so ready to blow this pop stand! We winterized Gopher in August as we had some medical and dental stuff coming up in the Fall. In Nov. I had to make an emergency trip to Canada. When I got home I got the worst cold I can remember with fevers for about three weeks. I was just catching up around the house and BOOM Covid hits and here we are, almost May. We've been playing by the rules but are anxiously waiting for things to open up so we have somewhere, anywhere to go...
Just some random observations:. I would be quite curious about the antibodies testing. I could've picked up something standing in a 2 hr. line in the international terminal (Customs) in Toronto or, most likely my very generous germ factories, I mean my grandkids sharing their "crud" with me.
My hat is off to all you Midwesterners, you are some really strong folks. I barely saw the sun shine between Nov. and Jan. Ontario re-opened their campgrounds to only the full-timers and snowbirds that were requested to return home, no doubt earlier than planned.
As for masks, it may be a day late and a dollar short now. I see it as a personal preference this late in the game. I find it absolutely stupid that they are threatening arrest or citations for not wearing one. I'm sure the police have more important things to do.
Speaking of masks, I made about 50 and got bored. An 89 year old lady in town, tapped out after making 300. I feel shame!
We've probably been buying too much stuff for the RV that we don't really need. Amazon is dangerous.
I have been cooking double meals so I can freeze the extra to be ready to hit the road soon. I've also been baking (and eating) too much...
Yes,.you can bake bread in a Crock-Pot. I used the small one we have in the RV and look forward to trying it in a campground.....Instant pot bread was a failure.
Doug, your deck looks great, nice view too! Shhhhh, don't tell Don, I'm going to get him a Pocket Fishing pole.
I got a toilet brush. Toilet paper works better. Sorry, I just had to throw a Grandpa joke in there.
Safe travels to all, hopefully soon.
Patti
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6 weeks into our national "2 weeks to flatten the curve", I'm about to say to heck with it and hit the road. This stupid thing already cost me an Alaska cruise. Now it's cutting into my RV time!
WOW. There are people that still want to go on cruises?!?! :beg We abandoned those floating petri dishes several years ago... and now?!? It would have to be a large payout to get me on one, much less PAY for one!!! roflol
I do think of the full timers in RV's. Must be insane. We do send a prayer up for their relief. But for those people that rely on campgrounds, and there being a shortage of same at the moment, it seems very self centered to leave a good house 'just for cheap gas and to do something interesting' while knowing others may be left without a spot to park.
As 28 year Escapees, we hurt for those stuck on the road trying to find semi permanent parking. We also understand those whose travel plans in their later years have been severely disrupted.
We don’t hear anyone addressing the obvious issue...why are masks not required to be worn by everyone? If their only purpose according to the CDC and the Surgeon General of the United States is to prevent spread of the Covid 19, and other countries mandate this as actual law...what the heck is going on in this country? We live just outside the Bay Area where five counties including San Mateo, Santa Clara and SanFrancisco have face mask mandates....yet most California counties don’t.
This whole scenario just doesn’t make sense...how serious is this problem if we’re not REQUIRED to wear masks when you leave your residence?
In addition, California Hospitals are laying off nurses and doctors and our Governor is sending ventilators and other nurses and doctors to New York to assist their medical professionals....all while we deal with this continued lockdown..hmmmm.
Let me just answer that question about masks.
WE DON'T ALL LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO!
Here in Houston, my odds of dying from COVID-19, as of this morning's figures are 1 in 59,040.
That's lower than my risk of poisoning, overdose, homicide, car crash, suicide, and slipping in the bath tub.
That's 100 times less than my odds of dying from a heart attack (1 in 494).
But don't let that lead you to believe that sanity exists outside of San Francisco. If I'm caught outside my home without a mask in Harris County, as of this week, it's a $1,000 fine.
There is little evidence that common masks prevent one from getting the virus (if fitted and worn properly surgical or N-95 masks do however reduce that risk to some extent). Therefore one wears a mask not to protect themselves, but to protect others. Others like Dogyard's grandson. You could have the virus yet not know it, as most people carrying the virus are asymptomatic, and you could give it to others who may become sick and possibly, especially if vulnerable, like his grandson, die. I personally have no fear of death, by corvid-19 or otherwise, yet I am using precautions (such as wearing a mask, social distancing etc.), as I believe that others may not feel the same way I do about dying and I have no right to challenge their beliefs by making them sick. In a society, personal liberty cannot be without limits. "My liberty to throw my fists ends where your nose begins"
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I get it if your grandkid would die you don’t want them to get it. I’ve been told with my underlying health it would most kill me as well. All that aside I know then to be careful and stay safe as I can. I do not however expect 20 +percent of the country to go with out a job to save my life. I do not feel my friends should lose their businesses just to attempt to keep me a bit safer. I feel it’s my responsibility to use common sense not one political side or the other... mine. Our economy is our life support. Killing our children’s and grand children’s future is stupid. Just plain stupid. If you live in a hot spot use your head. Why in the world should people living in states with no issues like North or South Dakota as an example suffer for New York or San Fran? They damn sure wouldn’t shut down their economy for those states if the tables were turned.
And repub or dem the feds shouldn’t bail out states that stay shut down . People work ,states get income. In the mean time California as an example is losing income by vast amounts but yet they’re going to give every illegal money to get thru the shut down. Give me a break, I don’t care what party your with why should the feds bail out a state that gives it away to people who are here illegally. Just plain stupid.
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So, to roll this string to a more positive focus...
We would once have celebrated weeks at home to catch up on chores, plan future adventures and generally laze about. But reality is different and everyone is going stir crazy. So, what to do?
- Google online volunteer opportunities. John worked for Project Guttenberg for years proofreading scanned books. - I don't know which site but there is a citizen science type thing with mapping that helps fix Google maps and such, lots of other citizen science opportunities also
- Check your local library site. Many have amazing downloadable books, movies, textbooks, business guides, magazines, etc. Play with your library's stuff or contact them to see where you can help.
- Check your church, offer to help
- If aren't afraid of catching the virus, are going stir crazy, need out... Volunteer at one of the organizations that is deemed essential. Many are helping the poor, doing support work for essential services (firemen, police, etc.) Many are short handed due to illness and at risk volunteers that can no longer help. You are allowed out of you are working essential services.
- If you have friends worried about their business, help them prep for reopening. Brainstorm ways to get customers back in the door.
- Travel online. Many National Parks, museums, aquariums and such are running virtual tours and programs (if you are a techie, volunteer to help someone create their virtual tour)
- If you have grandkids, use Zoom or face time of some such. Teach them a skill, tell them life stories, connect.
Anyone with links to good online volunteer or activity sites, please share!
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Man, it always has to be political! I would give anything if people could, for just once in this country, conduct themselves according to the facts, rather than which TV station they get their news from, or which of those two geriatric morons they plan to vote for next November.
But we're here, so here's my "politics":
None of us remember the Great Depression, but I grew up in dust bowl Oklahoma and heard the stories. Personally, I don't care to know what armadillos or tumbleweeds taste like. And I'd like to spare my grandkids the experience.
We survived 80,000 dead from Swine Flu just 11 years ago, by simply living though it. But we have no idea what happens when 4 million people lose their job in one week, or what happens when you print 6 trillion dollars and pass it out like candy. Call me a crazy daredevil, but when facing a major crises, I prefer to go with what worked last time.
By the way, I resent the implication that I'm somehow irresponsible because I'm more worried about what kind of world your grandkid will inherit, than whether he will catch it. If your child can't survive being exposed, then make sure he's not exposed. I just think it's dumb to shut down the entire world, just to make it easier to isolate your kid. By the way, I'm 65, overweight, with high blood pressure and asthma. So if your asthmatic grandson is at risk, I'm a dead man walking. Which is why I've been wearing a mask, since before it was the law. I even make them. If you need one, let me know.
Anyway, sorry for this. I was really just hoping to learn if the campgrounds were open, and I see that they aren't. Guess I'll go work that stupid 500-piece puzzle again for the third time.
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Guess I'll go work that stupid 500-piece puzzle again for the third time.
Or do what I did and buy a Saturn Sky (I named it Money-Pit) that ended up needing a whole lot more TLC than it was supposed to. This thing is consuming most of my time and way too much money....just ask Irene. But perfection comes at a price.
On our PC, I was hoping to change out the front springs to the next level softer and get new Alcoa wheels and tires. They will have to wait until Money-Pit is done.
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Things to do:
https://wnpf.org/field-trips/ western national parks fund virtual tours. Many National Park properties have videos and tours online. Go explore!
https://seaturtleinc.org videos and virtual tours on different parts of website, this page had dissection of a squid when I copied it. Haven't watched. Limited data and grandchild with us doing distance learning so that's priority use. Many aquariums, zoos and science centers have virtual tours.
https://www.gutenberg.org. Project Guttenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Category:Volunteering
https://www.si.edu/volunteer/citizenscience Smithsonian Institute
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/americaletsdolunch/faqs Meals on Wheels - this one gets you out but puts you in exposure zone so only for those ready for such things.
This last one is a service set up by and being performed by teens https://teenshelpingseniors.org - if you have service oriented grandkids maybe you can help them set up or join a chapter. If you are in one of their communities and don't want to go out, contact them. It's an awesome example of community and good will.
Contact tracing - some states are hiring (paid or volunteer) people to do contract tracing for Covid-19. They need thousands of people to make calls and track exposures. The quicker they get this up and running, the quicker they reopen things. Google the name of your state and the words contact tracing - see if you can help. Much of it is done via computer and phone.
So, pick one, pick three, find others and share! The four walls are closing in but you can push them back and do something useful- volunteer, learn new things, explore, and more!
Or buy a spiffy looking money pit and commiserate with Ron. :)
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Blue. I grew up in a small town in ND . 6 kids in my class in school. My parents went thru that depression, when they got married they worked for room and board on a farm for 2 years , no money, just food and a roof over their head. I used to sit and listen to the old timers at the gas station talking about the depression. Most had little before it even hit and beyond nothing when it did. Starvation was common. With all of us so accustomed to our current way of life can you imagine it going to that again! In the metro area people would be killing each other by the masses. I pray we don’t go there again... I fear if we don’t get our country back to work there’s a tipping point where we it may be too late. Can you imagine us doing it to ourselves?
If anyone wants some stress relief during this.... turn off All news .... all of it, no Papers, no local news, not so much as long enough to hear the weather report. Try it for 2 weeks. It’s awesome.
One of the things I loved about being on the road in the PC. We don’t listen to the radio and no news on tv... I hate the news, not for journalism but the media itself. It’s all agenda driven, worse than any scripted tv show.
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Blue, actually we do know what happens when a country tries to buy their way out by printing currency. But I think you were being rhetorical. Been several countries that tried it. Venezuela is going thru it now, Germany’s a prime example of a Gov trying to print currency to buy their way out. Zimbabwe is another and I think Hungary was a big one but I’d need to go back to the books to see if it was them or some other Eastern block I’ve forgotten. I’m betting there’s more but hey let’s not learn anything from history.
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Guess I'll go work that stupid 500-piece puzzle again for the third time.
Or do what I did and buy a Saturn Sky (I named it Money-Pit) that ended up needing a whole lot more TLC than it was supposed to. This thing is consuming most of my time and way too much money....just ask Irene. But perfection comes at a price.
On our PC, I was hoping to change out the front springs to the next level softer and get new Alcoa wheels and tires. They will have to wait until Money-Pit is done.
Yeah, but they sure look cool!
Wanna trade for my money pit?
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I have found it is always best to rely on yourself for most things, including not putting yourself (or your family, neighbors, friends, etc.) in harm's way if you can avoid it. If you are allergic to peanuts, look at and question what's in the food you are eating. Don't depend on someone else (especially people you don't know) decide if your food is free of peanuts.
If you are susceptible to a particular contagious disease, don't put yourself in a crowd of people who may or may not have that disease. Don't depend on them to protect you.
If you are sick, stay home, don't go to work, stay inside, if you have to go to a doctor, do everything you can to not pass whatever you have to others.
Summing it up... Be aware and stay aware, don't depend on others to shelter you from their issues... Whatever those issues may be.
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If anyone wants some stress relief during this.... turn off All news .... all of it, no Papers, no local news, not so much as long enough to hear the weather report. Try it for 2 weeks. It’s awesome.
One of the things I loved about being on the road in the PC. We don’t listen to the radio and no news on tv... I hate the news, not for journalism but the media itself. It’s all agenda driven, worse than any scripted tv show.
AMEN to that. Long story short, I video live music festivals. One last may (Orange Blossom Jamboree #10) had me there as the archivist. Well... I got all 57 acts. 12-13 hr days, Mrs V was by my side helping. Little did we know that the pandemic would come, and #11 would by 'postponed'.
The promoter had a dream of doing a live stream...and we are making it happen by re-broadcasting all the shows. Its getting big, as no one has dared( or had to...) do this.
SO... I have been glued to two computers for ~36 hrs this weekend. With work, did a 22 hr day friday. No news, we were 'proofing' sets on the TV.
OH MY GOODNESS it feels so good not to watch the news. You are so right. Gonna keep it up.
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Uh, BlueBlaze, I'm not a car person - more into function and reliability than form - but I looked up a picture of Ron's money pit and then compared to yours. Please don't take this wrong but... that's sad.
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Uh, BlueBlaze, I'm not a car person - more info function and reliability than form - but I looked up a picture of Ron's money pit and then compared to yours. Please don't take this wrong but... that's sad.
I hang my head in shame! Easy to tow, but embarrassing to drive. Not sure it's worth it.
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Blue, what year is your smart? I had a 2014 Bo concept edition. Around town it’s awesome, never an issue finding parking and it turns around in a tea cup. And like you said pretty easy to tow but for us after that it couldn’t meet our needs. We had so many places we wanted to explore that needed a vehicle with ground clearance and couldn’t go with our smart so I sold it.
We bought a Jeep Wrangler TJLJ Rubicon. I certainly didn’t need 4 wheel drive but for towing it fit the bill. I thought being a 2005 I probably paid too much but within a month I was offered 5 grand more than I paid so I at least feel comfortable with the deal now. No question it won’t tow as easily as the smart. My smart with a full tank after having the base plate installed weighed 1960 lbs. my Jeep with fuel weighs 4150.
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Getting back to the origin of this thread, here is some great non-political info and advice that would get the Country back and running and us all back on the road again.
I'm sure that we have all seen "Experts" tell us exactly what is coming next and what we must do to minimize exposure. My Expert opinion is that NOBODY KNOWS where we will be weeks or months from now. This article appears to be the most logical explanation I have seen on how to best cope with what's happening -
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/saving-your-health-one-mask-time-peter-tippett-md-phd
(It's not a link, copy and paste it to your search bar.) Worth your time.
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This article appears to be the most logical explanation I have seen on how to best cope with what's happening.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/saving-your-health-one-mask-time-peter-tippett-md-phd
Thanks for sharing that link 2 Lucky.
Irene and I have been practicing what that website states for the most part. It's not hard to follow.
Since Irene has Multiple Sclerosis, I am the one who goes out in the world. I wear a mask when leaving our car and use hand sanitizer after my purchases are in the trunk and I am about to get into the car. Once back home, I stage all non-perishables and mail downstairs for a minimum of two days. Perishables are handled differently, unfortunately not a perfect process. We do what we can with them without going crazy.
We are blessed to have a comfortable spacious home and have it placed in a rural setting with acreage. So we are well isolated at home and have a means to enjoy the outdoors without exposure to other people. The wildlife cuts through any potential boredom. If you have time on your hands, feel free to CLICK HERE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/37432012@N08/albums/72157714023826416), a link to 17 short video clips (25 seconds to 3 minutes each) our attempt at documenting a pair of Canadian geese nesting on our deck. Since they left, another pair moved in.
I heard it said to handle the virus as if it was a fine glitter. Fine glitter quickly gets on everything you handle.
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I guess we could just stay shut down for 18 months like many of the medical experts say needs to be done and see what’s left after that.
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Geez, Joseph - way to stir the pot. Let's ALL panic NOW! We're all gonna die... no we're all going to go broke... and maybe kill ourselves in despair... no, the world is going to end!!!!! Enough!
"It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine"
That's a song quote. Don't know what song. The world may change. People's awareness may change. We have to do our best and ride it out. Let's focus on the good in humanity, do what we can to help others, try not to totally unravel during our quarantine boredom, and ride it out.
2 Lucky - good link, thank you! Our masks are with us every time we step out of the rig. We go a step further with a little spray bottle of Lysol hanging on the console. Gas pumps, hook ups and laundry facilities are sanitized prior to and after use.
Ron D. - good analogy with the persistence of glitter. I ran a camp for young children years back and had to transport their glitter creations in my car. IT NEVER GOES AWAY! I'm sure that glitter was still there hiding in the cracks and crevices when I sold the car years later. You learn to live with it... (At least with glitter, you occasionally get a little extra sparkle in your life).
So, back to MY rant. Please take negative stuff somewhere else. I'm sure there are LOTS of more appropriate places you can vent on the internet. This forum focuses on Phoenix Cruisers and helping each other.
We're bored. So let's help each other find useful things to do to be less bored.
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Who’s stirring, I’m stating what’s being told to us by the experts. The experts claim with their models that we need to stay shut down for 18 months. Regarding what’s left I’m referring to the economy and this country at that point. Not one model has ever been remotely close to any resemblance of accuracy. The world isn’t coming to an end, who said that. But do you honestly believe if we continue this we will get back to where we were in our life time? In our children’s, grand children’s?
Our freedoms are being taken away. Or should I say have been taken away. Let’s start with the first amendment. Read it and tell me it’s not gone. And we the people simply roll over and ignore it. Might as well live in a communist country once we give up our country. Our cemeteries are full of men and women who died for our freedoms. And we sit back and act like it was for nothing, doesn’t matter? As a Vet, this sickens me to no end.
When this started I told my better half this won’t be 2 weeks, it will be 2 or 3 weeks at a time and that’s exactly what’s happening here in this communist state. It’s now been extended till June 19th. When our Gov was asked about people protesting he basically said I don’t care. And why should he, in a state with over 30 million people protests amount to 100 people here and there. Our state is nothing but sheep. It’s ok the feds will print more money and take care of everyone, no need for anyone to bother working.
Also I’m not saying we didn’t need to shut down for a period. I doubt we will ever know for positive if that was the right call or not. What I’m saying is we can not sustain this and in no way should congress regardless of party be able to simply ignore the constitution.
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When we are free to RV again most of us won’t even miss flying. I’m also thankful to have a compact E350 motorhome instead of a Sprinter or Transit without enough ground clearance to go where the pavement ends. A Quigly or Tiger 4x4 would be the ultimate social distancing machine.
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When we are free to RV again most of us won’t even miss flying. I’m also thankful to have a compact E350 motorhome instead of a Sprinter or Transit without enough ground clearance to go where the pavement ends. A Quigly or Tiger 4x4 would be the ultimate social distancing machine.
Not sure what PC is doing on the TRX, but a little known fact is the WBGO and several other large RV makers order the "economy suspension" package on their Transit and Sprinter chassis. Just enough to carry the U.V.W. at the factory. Just saving $$ :help
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Who’s stirring, I’m stating what’s being told to us by the experts. The experts claim with their models that we need to stay shut down for 18 months. Regarding what’s left I’m referring to the economy and this country at that point. Not one model has ever been remotely close to any resemblance of accuracy. The world isn’t coming to an end, who said that. But do you honestly believe if we continue this we will get back to where we were in our life time? In our children’s, grand children’s?
Our freedoms are being taken away. Or should I say have been taken away. Let’s start with the first amendment. Read it and tell me it’s not gone. And we the people simply roll over and ignore it. Might as well live in a communist country once we give up our country. Our cemeteries are full of men and women who died for our freedoms. And we sit back and act like it was for nothing, doesn’t matter? As a Vet, this sickens me to no end.
When this started I told my better half this won’t be 2 weeks, it will be 2 or 3 weeks at a time and that’s exactly what’s happening here in this communist state. It’s now been extended till June 19th. When our Gov was asked about people protesting he basically said I don’t care. And why should he, in a state with over 30 million people protests amount to 100 people here and there. Our state is nothing but sheep. It’s ok the feds will print more money and take care of everyone, no need for anyone to bother working.
Also I’m not saying we didn’t need to shut down for a period. I doubt we will ever know for positive if that was the right call or not. What I’m saying is we can not sustain this and in no way should congress regardless of party be able to simply ignore the constitution.
Yea, I know we're not supposed to discuss nonPC stuff here, but I fully agree with you sentiments.
For several generations now, public schools have taught that you can't be offended, everyone is 100% equal with everyone else, that feeling count more than facts or logic, that the "people in charge" will make everything perfect, that you need counseling for every event because you are not smart enough to handle everyday stress and life... But experts (counselors) are and they will make everything better and most of all... that historical figures must be judged on today's "enlightening" standards.
So... The government must protect us from ourselves. No one is responsible for their actions or life, it's always someone else's fault, etc.
The list goes on and on. It is indeed a sad time, not because of a new disease, but because how much freedom we have lost.
Sucks big time.
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Geez, Joseph - way to stir the pot. Let's ALL panic NOW! We're all gonna die... no we're all going to go broke... and maybe kill ourselves in despair... no, the world is going to end!!!!! Enough!
Agreed.
"It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine"
That's a song quote. Don't know what song. REM - End Of the world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY
Ron D. - good analogy with the persistence of glitter. I ran a camp for young children years back and had to transport their glitter creations in my car. IT NEVER GOES AWAY! I'm sure that glitter was still there hiding in the cracks and crevices when I sold the car years later. You learn to live with it... (At least with glitter, you occasionally get a little extra sparkle in your life).
[color=greenDITTO! As a festival go-er, glitter is always present after hugs. roflol[/color]
So, back to MY rant. Please take negative stuff somewhere else. I'm sure there are LOTS of more appropriate places you can vent on the internet. This forum focuses on Phoenix Cruisers and helping each other.
THIS ↑↑↑
Well, the whole thread started off as selfish bit**ing. Not a big wonder it went downhill.
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I have appreciated this thread, finding everyone's thoughts and opinions very interesting and sometimes entertaining. It is remotely connected to PC's in that we can't travel in them without controversy. I hope everyone here can respect the opinion of others. I would hate to see the moderator pull this thread.
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Social Distancing Modification
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=90UcAwstwik
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Ya know there’s also the ability to just not read someone’s post if it gathers your in a bunch. I certainly don’t read everything every one posts. I certainly wouldn’t be offended and you shouldn’t care if I did. Quite frankly I could care less. It’s still a freedom we enjoy.
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Ya know there’s also the ability to just not read someone’s post if it gathers your in a bunch. I certainly don’t read everything every one posts. I certainly wouldn’t be offended and you shouldn’t care if I did. Quite frankly I could care less. It’s still a freedom we enjoy.
Gotta agree with you on that Joseph
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During WW2 you had to turn in your empty toothpaste tube or you didn't get a new one, the metal was needed to fight the war. There was scrap metal drives. There was ceiling bids and minimum bids on farm machinery. Women who in those days were home makers volunteered to work in the factories. There were shortages of everything but people pulled together for the benefit of all and our country. Today America is the me country. It''s my rights, my constitution, my flag. There are so many who refuse to pull together as Americans, I wonder if Democracy will survive?
Sorry John and Holy, I just had to say it.
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Now I fear I'm 8 weeks into "Fattening" the curves :)(:
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Now that’s funny.
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To lighten this up, I especially enjoy all the emails with "quarantine humor" floating around ... anybody see the one about the guy who hit on his wife in the kitchen after a few drinks, and she gave him a phony phone number??
At least now we can grocery shop - we had 2 weeks of complete lock down when we returned to DE from FL, so life is good!!!
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Now I fear I'm 8 weeks into "Fattening" the curves :)(:
roflol roflol roflol roflol roflol roflol AWESOME!!!
(https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/quarantine-corona-jokes-2-5ec38db5167d7__700.jpg)
(https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5ec26ee9143e1_6MjdQtX__700.jpg)
(https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CAGffrVg47X-png__700.jpg)
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Well, another 4 weeks have passed, and I concur -- our curves have definitely been fattened!
But at least I can report that most of the RV parks in Texas now seem to be open. We're currently chilling on a beach In Freeport. We found a great public RV park at the San Luis Pass bridge -- it's a county park that's nicer than most Good Sam parks we've used. It's on its own little island, and all the sites have a picnic table and a concrete pad, with free wifi & great antenna TV reception. We have a beachfront spot near the showers for $45/night. The entrance was a little tricky. Ignore the GPS and just look for the sign. It's just beyond the curve where the GPS will send you into a dead end with a difficult turnaround, on the other side of the water from the park. And when you get to the gate, the office is there and open. You just have to get out and look for it, because there's no sign visible (and you need to stop to get the gate code).
And thanks to the Wuhan Panic, there's no crowds!
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https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-26/-covid-campers-rv-motor-home-and-travel-trailer-sales-shoot-up
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Now I fear I'm 8 weeks into "Fattening" the curves :)(:
Hey Doug,
We got out of GJ last week. We're in Iowa now but headed North. Campgrounds in the Midwest all seem to be open, no issues finding spots to stop including free city campgrounds (with elec and water) in Kansas.
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We cancelled our Alaska trip; Canadian border closed until late June (maybe longer?). Too much uncertainty. But, we are still hammer down come June 6. Estes Park, Gillette WY, Cody, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and points beyond. Covid be damned (I'm not a fool, a few precautions will be in place). We are gonna live our lives.
Cheers :)(:
Barry T
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Give me Liberty or give me a .02% chance of death!