A Day in the Life of an Xscaper- Lana Carlene
Who is traveling with you?
My 2 rescue dogs: Ricky (10, chihuahua/Jack Russell terrier) and Skit (13, chihuahua/rat terrier). I’ve had Ricky the longest (since he was 2) and then adopted Skit as a “half-price senior special” when he was 7-1/2. Once Ricky figured out Skit wasn’t leaving, he decided not to like him. But Skit loves everyone, and keeps trying to convince Ricky to play. Not working so far. Ricky’s more of a fetch dog.
How long have you been on the road?
I picked up my trailer at the dealer May 1, 2018 and moved in that day! I stayed at RV parks for the next month while I finished clearing out my house before final closing.
Are you full or part-time?
Full time!
What kind of RV do you have?
2018 Grand Design Solitude 310 GK – it’s the shortest Solitude they make at 35’. I absolutely love the floorplan!
What got you interested in living the RV life?
I bought a Class C (“Escape Pod”) in 2015, and used it for weekend camping trips. My weekends got longer, and I found that I didn’t really want to go home. The possibility of living in one full-time seemed like a crazy idea at first, but quickly grew on me!
How do you fund you travels?
For my first year, I took a self-imposed sabbatical from work and left my employer in Jan 2018. So, I’ve funded my travels with savings and contract work income from software user experience design and graphic design projects. Now that I’m more comfortable with my system of nomad living, I’m working more.
What is your camping style?
I enjoy slow travel more: driving no more than a few hours to get to the next destination, then spending at least a week in one spot. My longest travel days are about 400 miles – when I need to get somewhere quickly! Since I don’t yet have a full solar system installed (which I’m looking to do this fall/winter), I mostly stay at RV parks or State parks (preferred). After the Annual Xscapers Bash last year, I spent 10 days straight boondocking in Quartzsite, and I loved it WAY more than I thought I would! So, looking to do more of that. The savings from park fees are amazing.
What do you seek out when traveling?
I love to stay where I can hike right from the campground; bonus if there’s a cool small town nearby with conveniences like groceries and laundry. I love checking out galleries with local artists, and often plan my travel around art workshops being offered. This past year, I took 2 unique classes: cast concrete in Texas, and stained glass at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. I also love to paint.
What has been your favorite experience so far?
My 28-day RV caravan tour down the entire Mexican Baja will be a highlight for many years to come! I did that in my Class C right before I sold it and got my current fifth wheel. But finding an amazing community of people like me at this year’s Annual Bash was something I never expected. I’m not an overly social person but I find I really want to hang out with this crowd! I think it’s the common bond of ditching the “cookie cutter” life for more unique experiences.
What has been the hardest aspect for you while traveling?
I’m not a particularly mechanically inclined/handy person, so I worry about what to do when things break. My porch light has been out for 6 months because I can’t get the cover off! But I’ve been getting up to speed on basic maintenance, and I’ll learn the other stuff as I go.
How many Xscapers convergences have you attended?
Just 2 so far: The Annual Bash and the New Mexico “caravan” in Taos/Santa Fe.
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Totally an introvert – but a learned extrovert. I can turn on the social side for a party (and there are many with Xscapers!) but then I need some quality alone time to recharge.
Tell us something weird or fun about yourself.
I’m a word nerd (spelling bee veteran), and not many people can beat me at Words With Friends or Scrabble.
Would you rather deal with a leaky sewer hose or a flat tire on the RV?
Leaky sewer hose – I have a HUGE roll of Gorilla tape and it’s also easy to just buy a new one. I really need to practice for a flat tire scenario! I know how to do a passenger car but I haven’t yet learned how to change my trailer tire.
Do you have any advice for others/what is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Take your time; there’s no rush; and there’s no one “right way” to do this.
Where can people find you online if they want to follow your travels?
You’d have to be my Facebook friend – that’s as close to a blog as I’m interested in at this point! I also have an Instagram account (LanaCar), but I don’t update it very often.
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Hey nice article on a fun person. I saw her in a fantastic game show at the bash?
Wow
You are now published, what a great experience and what courage to dis-connect from the mainstream.
What lovely places to live and no lawn to mow!
Your story will certainly inspire wanna be Xcapers like myself.
Cheers
Living la vida bonita! So proud of you, Lana.