Gerry and Donna Hutchins
When Jim learned that Gerry and Donna would be traveling out west the same time his family would be parking their Class C in Santa Fe, NM (see “A Grand Adventure”) Jim made Gerry an offer he couldn’t refuse. “Since you’re here in New Mexico and we’re all headed back to Florida, why don’t you sail the ‘Land Sloop’ home for us.”
Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde
“Yep,” said Jim, “We want our friends to experience RV travel. Besides, these coaches do none of us any good just sitting around. The RV is much happier when he’s on the road, and so are the people inside.”
The Hutchinses used to deliver sailboats with a Class B Roadtrek, and they missed the “on the road” lifestyle. This trip would help them decide if RVing was really for them, or if it was “just a romantic memory.”
THE SHAKEDOWN CRUISE
Gerry primarily builds small cruisers, “But even on 50’ yachts, an extended stay aboard a sailboat is a lot like camping.” And, after years of trailering large boats, Gerry did not find the prospect of piloting the 32’ Class C intimidating. He does admit to being “a little apprehensive” about the mountain roads in Mesa Verde. But that was only Day Two, and his comfort level eased with every mile driven.
Despite his ease behind the wheel, Gerry says the size of the RV did impact their stops along the way. Appreciative of the added elbowroom of the Class C, they missed the small town maneuverability of the more compact Class B’s…or, perhaps, Gerry concedes, they just missed their Roadtrek.
But even though they skipped those side trips, Gerry and Donna enjoyed an exciting tour of the west and precious time with family in Missouri before heading back to Florida.
THE LONG WAY HOME
The Hutchinses headed north out of Santa Fe to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Then they turned west, exploring National Parks and scenic points in Colorado, Arizona and Utah. They loved it all, including the valuable learning experiences.
Goulding RV Park
The ride over Vail Pass was beautiful and challenging, especially for the RV’s engine. Then there was the “horse incident” in Utah. “There were wild horses on both shoulders. One of the horses spooked and ran right for us. We held our breath, waiting for a thud, as he nearly missed the rear of the coach.” Gerry said it’s funny now…especially since he doesn’t have to explain to Jim why there’s a horse-shaped dent in the RV.
Donna likely speaks for all RVers when she asks parks to offer more visible signage. “Even with GPS it’s easy to miss a park sign, especially in the dark. And, because it can be difficult to impossible to turn around in some places, there were several times we had to keep on going. Wish they’d put their signs a little further down the road.”
Monument Valley seen from Goulding RV Park
REST STOPS
The customer service in Sky Mountain RV Resort (Chama, NM) was outstanding. “They were full, but called some numbers to see if anyone was going to be late.” The resort got an affirmative and, because of their exemplary service, Gerry and Donna got a site. Goulding RV Park, with its view of Monument Valley, was “awesome.” Then there was a night in a Wal Mart parking lot when a smoldering sunset made even the big box store beautiful.
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
After their whirlwind western tour, Gerry and Donna headed east to Missouri for their niece’s wedding. They enjoyed time with Mom and their kids and grandkids, and when it was time to head back to Florida, the empty nesters had a full crew. Their son, daughter, son-in-law and two grandkids all joined them for the home stretch.
Gerry shared the pilot seat with his son and son-in-law, so the family drove 18 hours straight through. When not behind the wheel they shared time relaxing or playing with the kids. Their 4-year-old grandson loved the “house on wheels.”
As the miles flew by the floor was increasingly strewn with toys and the cabin filled with the sounds of wonder and laughter.
Jackson enjoys the ride
VAST & BEAUTIFUL
By the time they returned home, Gary and Donna were already dreaming of their next RV excursion. “We want to see more of the west – Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Badlands, cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway, then up through the Pacific Northwest to Alaska.” They’re planning an east coast trip too. “Washington D.C., Boston, New England…and anywhere we can get to on a long weekend.”
“America is so vast and beautiful. Everyone ought to explore this great land. And RVing is the way to do it. You have the freedom to go wherever you want, stop whenever you want – and you take the comfort and convenience of home with you on the road.”
The Hutchinses are making their plans. Where will RVing take you?
Family gathered in St. Louis
Busch stadium from the arch in St. Louis