Imbolc Valentine Moon
America. You know you’re in the land of the free and the home of the credit card when you pay to get into a place so you can convince yourself to buy something pretty expensive. That’s what Kate and I did today. We went to the Minnesota RV and Camper Show at the Minneapolis Coliseum.
(class A)
We’ve gone on several memorable RV trips, all earlier in our marriage and both enjoy the road. Kate in particular prefers modes of transportation that involve packing and unpacking least. RV’s and cruise ships match up well. Take the stuff out of the suitcases once, then pack it up to go home. Bliss, as far as Kate’s concerned. It’s not as important to me, but I see the advantage.
Our decision to keep multiple dogs has hampered our traveling by adding the cost of boarding. Otherwise, we might have set out on a third phase wanderjahr, cruising the blue highways.
(class C)
The show has row after of fifth wheel trailers with pull-down picnic decks, slide-outs and fireplaces. Yes, fireplaces. The class C motorhomes, the cabforward and bedroom, kitchen, living area immediately behind, used to be somewhat affordable. Now they’ve gone above $100,000, about what you would have paid for an A-class motorhome ten years ago. Unless you have a very ample wallet, the design and craftsmanship on the lower and mid-range vehicles veers from cheesy to tinny. $100,000 is a lot of money to pay for something with a door that flexes as you open it and stairs that wobble.
But Kate had seen something in the paper, something interesting. Not cheap exactly, but approaching affordable. The Vistabule teardrop trailer. Made here in Minnesota by a man whose commitment to good work is evident, these units intrigue me. A good way to see wilder places on the cheap without all the huffing and puffing of a pack.
Might be more on this later.