Roughin’ It With the Locals
The friendly people are on the other side of the creek. There is a group of campers who stay here year round. As in all year. Did I mention?
This is OHIO.
It gets SNOW.
I couldn’t find the grey water dump. I happened across two people sitting outside, and they both got up, walked me to the dump station, then walked across the bridge to my side of the campground and proceeded to find a closer place to dump for me.
They stay here all year round, have for about five years. They want to head to Arizona in two years, but they were unsure where to go. I was thinking, “Hello, Internet? Google?” but I got the feeling that wasn’t in their vocabulary.
I told them about my dream to get to Slab City, but I explained I’d have to add a few things to my supplies. Slab City is dry camping (no hook-ups), which means I need solar power, batteries, and a water pump (to get water from the tank to the faucet). I can do without the last bit, actually.
I’m just about the smallest (but cutest!) camper here. Today, a $500,000 motorhome pulled in. I felt really tiny. There are a few more popups, but no one is inhabiting them at the moment. Some tent campers.
I also have not bought a “blue tank” yet. The small ones 
are $72. People are always rolling them down the street (behind their golf carts) to the dumping station.
Instead, I bought a blue pail for $1.92. It doesn’t hold much, though, so I have to empty it every time I do the dishes. Which is fine. I don’t really use much water, other than that and brushing my teeth. I go to the restroom for the rest.
I’ve got a stove and a refrigerator, so this isn’t really my definition of roughing it, LOL. This is easy-peasy. I could cook every meal over a campfire and be cool with it. Anyway, here is an AWESOME video of Slab City, where I’m dying to go this winter. It won’t embed, I’m sorry!
Did you watch it? Please? Every second is worth it, I promise!
You watched? Okay, isn’t that the COOLEST? Squee! I’m so excited!
If you were to take off in an RV, where would you most like to go?
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
Aw. I can’t see videos very well on my dial-up but I read the article. Fascinating.
I think you’re roughing it. Your place is smaller than mine and has less plumbing.
If I could take off in an RV I’d mostly likely go right off the road because I’m a lousy driver. If someone else were driving I’d head somewhere without snow or people.
Now to me? Dial-up is the ULTIMATE roughing it, Eric! I’m not sure I could do that, LOL!
This will be my first year ever without snow! THAT will be SO COOL!
I got up to the part of Salvation Mountain. It’s not my belief, and to have it so big and colorful hanging over me would feel weird. But I do like the FREE part.
And, like you, I’d go to a warmer place in summer. What are those people thinking?
Yeah, it’s not my belief either, Edie, so I’m actually interested to see how I’m going to like or hate it, LOL.
I know! I’m so excited to see a winter with no snow!
Well, I’m certain the southwest has it’s beauties, etc… but I like four seasons. I like green plants all around me and leaves in the fall and being snowed in, even though shoveling can be a bitch.
If I took off in an RV… I think I’d go to Yellowstone first. Then maybe Montana. I think I could spend a whole summer or more exploring the Adirondacks in NY. Oh, and then fall in Vermont.
Being snowed in, if you have a fireplace, is the BEST! I just might miss it, Elizabeth! Plus there’s the hope that you’ll have a snow day, even though one never really gets them as an adult, you know?
I want to see Yellowstone and Montana! New York has such beauty, and I’ve always wanted to see fall in Vermont! Gosh, this RV thing is going to take me YEARS!
I first heard about Slab City in the early 90s when I was toying with living the RV life. (I decided against it because I am totally incable of auto repair and figured it would happen eventually.) Slab City and Burning Man were two things on the Bucket List that I still hope to accomplish. However, my quasi-goal (more a hope or mild itch) is to convert a diesel panel van to a camper and drive once I retire. I’ll strap a moped on the back for emergencies, lol.
Sounds like there’s a lot to what you are doing. Lots of small things you wouldn’t normally think about.
And I’ve camped (tent camping) in the snow. Not something I’d care to try again at my age.
Burning Man? Wow, I just looked it up, Writtenwyrrd! That is SO cool! I want to go! Oh man, I’ll have to go next year when Glenn is gone, ’cause I think he’d hate it. Wow! It sounds like such fun!
I’ve heard of people tent camping in the snow. I’ve always been curious, but no way brave enough, LOL!
I don’t camp. But, I do love the great outdoors, preferring a nice cabin in the woods, perhaps the Adirondacks where at night I could pick out every constellation.
Seeing the stars rocks, Kath. I love falling asleep while looking at the stars!
Desert seems too desolate for me. I think I’d be like Kath. Adirondacks . . . .
Or the Sierra Nevadas. I saw my first shooting star there with a coyote howling in the background. Sigh.
Oh wow, Erica! That’s a great combination! I just told Kath, falling asleep looking at the stars is my favorite thing! I accidentally saw the meteor showers the other night!
I love New York state. So beautiful!
Very very weird. We watched “Into the Wild” last night, where the character spends time at “Slab city.” What a weird world we live in.
Oh wow! I want to see that movie, Charles! I Netflixed it on Friday night, LOL!
Slab City is beautiful, but so barren. I think I’d be seeking shade within a day and ONE black widow spider would be enough to send me running.
Hmm, anywhere I want in an RV? I think I’d do the mountains in the summer, then when the weather got cooler I’d head for Arizona or New Mexico or maybe along the coast so I could take in the ocean…….I want an RV!
Lainey, I’m curious how I’ll love or hate it.
About the black widow spider, I thought he said they only came out in the summer. DEAR GOD I HOPE SO!!!!
I want to see the coast! It’s been over a decade since I’ve seen the ocean. Two, since I’ve been in it!
Not to change the subject, but any news on the kitty yet?
No.
Someone’s eating the food I leave out, though. 
I don’t know what to do. I’m hoping it’s Caesar coming by every night, but I can’t catch him eating the food.
*sigh* One of these nights! I still have hope!
I hope this isn’t too personal a question, but, what about showers? Is there a communal shower place at the campground? Do you have to dump the bucket over your head?
I’m freaked out by the idea of a 500,000 dollar camper. Are these people who want to have a mobile house they can put wherever they want? It seems to go against the whole “free spirit” thing. I’m intrigued and repulsed at the same time.
I’m so sorry about Caesar.
I would go to New Mexico. I love the Santa Fe area. Or the Florida Keys and be a beach bum.
Of course it’s not, Robin! There’s a shower house. Lots of people have in-camper showers, but I’m not that fancy. I do have a outside shower tent sort of thing I could put up, but given that there’s a shower with hot water just up the way, I go there.
Oh, Robin. There are fifth wheels and RVs that are more luxurious than mansions. You truly get a wide spectrum on the road.
Okay, I only made it through about a minute of that video. It looks miserable to me. I LOVE green and water and scenery — I would be miserable in anything like a “slab”. But lucky for you I’m not going with you, lol.
If that’s what you want I’m thrilled for you that you get to do it!
LOL, Melanie! I hear you about green and water and scenery. But it’s where I’ve lived my whole life, so I’m up for a change.
I love the heat of the desert. 120 degrees? No prob! 
I’m most excited to meet the people there!
Disney World. Yeah, I know that’s somewhat of a copout, but I’ve been dying to stay here http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/ ever since I found out Disney even had a campground. Not to mention we’re Mickey fanatics, so it makes sense.
Oh, and make sure those year-rounders aren’t on te FBI’s Most Wanted list.
LOL, Marcia, definitely!
I want to go to Disney World, too! I think it would be so cool to camp there. I’m hoping we can afford it next Christmas or something.