BurkeDroppings
New Member
Hello Fellow FWC Owners, former owners and wannabees,
I took possession of my new camper two days ago and am looking forward to a "shake-down" outing less than two weeks hence: a bluegrass music festival in the Sierra Nevada foothills (AKA the "Gold Country").
Some members here have said mean things about my model of choice, using language that implies the NCO is "not normal," overpriced, too small – and worse (click here to see). Well, time will tell.
Speaking of time, most of my fellow FWC brethren have their rigs parked out in the elements – month after month and year after year. Mine is tucked safely in my garage (door closed). When I'm ready (IF I ever am ready) to sell, I may enjoy a lower rate of depreciation than others. Incidentally, that goes for both my Cajita AND my truck. (Hmmmm)
For those who consider my cramped quarters to be a "step down" from more spacious (and costly, and higher-maintenance) rigs, consider that my nest is a huge "step up" from the tents I've used over the past 30 years or so.
My water-tight shelter will serve almost exclusively as bedroom and office. I expect to continue doing most of my "living" outside -- you know, in environments I've traveled distances to experience. Weather permitting, I'll do my cooking and eating and bathing, etc. outside my camper – in far less cramped quarters than the biggest and most elaborate (and costly) rigs around.
Oh, it will be great to be in out of the weather and to drop my lid and skedaddle in a matter of minutes; but I'm still going to be a camper. I wasn't looking for a portable house that I'd spend a lot of time inside, looking out at nature from. Out is where it's at; in is for sleeping and writing (I'm a writer, hence the need for an office).
I hope I don't sound defensive. I just read the Cajita thread referenced above and it sorta got my dander up. I'm actually quite impressed by those elaborate rigs and am even more impressed by folks who modify and adapt theirs to create the environment they desire. More power to them. For me, however, less is more. Stuff tends to get between me and that which I hold more dear. I'm with Thoreau who cried, "Simplify! Simplify!"
By the way, after spending time studying the huge motorhome and fifth-wheel crowd I did begin to wonder whether I could fit all that was needed into just 50 square feet. But then I took a look at the folks who travel by motorcycle or bicycle and those who are backpacking; and I realized that my ability to effortlessly haul hundreds of pounds of gear great distances at high speed (sometimes over rough terrain) and my ability to simply "stop and pop" whenever I need to rest or work, provided incredible luxury and convenience.
OK, I know have yet to spend a single night in my new nest and all I'm saying now is theory and speculation. Only time will tell whether I've underestimated my real needs. But, for now I'm betting on my little Cajita.
I promise to let you know how things work out. I will be truthful and forthcoming. I've been guilty of making many poor decisions during my life; and am not too proud to admit to them. So, stay tuned; I'll have some real camping experience to report before long.
I took possession of my new camper two days ago and am looking forward to a "shake-down" outing less than two weeks hence: a bluegrass music festival in the Sierra Nevada foothills (AKA the "Gold Country").
Some members here have said mean things about my model of choice, using language that implies the NCO is "not normal," overpriced, too small – and worse (click here to see). Well, time will tell.
Speaking of time, most of my fellow FWC brethren have their rigs parked out in the elements – month after month and year after year. Mine is tucked safely in my garage (door closed). When I'm ready (IF I ever am ready) to sell, I may enjoy a lower rate of depreciation than others. Incidentally, that goes for both my Cajita AND my truck. (Hmmmm)
For those who consider my cramped quarters to be a "step down" from more spacious (and costly, and higher-maintenance) rigs, consider that my nest is a huge "step up" from the tents I've used over the past 30 years or so.
My water-tight shelter will serve almost exclusively as bedroom and office. I expect to continue doing most of my "living" outside -- you know, in environments I've traveled distances to experience. Weather permitting, I'll do my cooking and eating and bathing, etc. outside my camper – in far less cramped quarters than the biggest and most elaborate (and costly) rigs around.
Oh, it will be great to be in out of the weather and to drop my lid and skedaddle in a matter of minutes; but I'm still going to be a camper. I wasn't looking for a portable house that I'd spend a lot of time inside, looking out at nature from. Out is where it's at; in is for sleeping and writing (I'm a writer, hence the need for an office).
I hope I don't sound defensive. I just read the Cajita thread referenced above and it sorta got my dander up. I'm actually quite impressed by those elaborate rigs and am even more impressed by folks who modify and adapt theirs to create the environment they desire. More power to them. For me, however, less is more. Stuff tends to get between me and that which I hold more dear. I'm with Thoreau who cried, "Simplify! Simplify!"
By the way, after spending time studying the huge motorhome and fifth-wheel crowd I did begin to wonder whether I could fit all that was needed into just 50 square feet. But then I took a look at the folks who travel by motorcycle or bicycle and those who are backpacking; and I realized that my ability to effortlessly haul hundreds of pounds of gear great distances at high speed (sometimes over rough terrain) and my ability to simply "stop and pop" whenever I need to rest or work, provided incredible luxury and convenience.
OK, I know have yet to spend a single night in my new nest and all I'm saying now is theory and speculation. Only time will tell whether I've underestimated my real needs. But, for now I'm betting on my little Cajita.
I promise to let you know how things work out. I will be truthful and forthcoming. I've been guilty of making many poor decisions during my life; and am not too proud to admit to them. So, stay tuned; I'll have some real camping experience to report before long.
