Owns: homes in Maine and Florida

Mary Matthews proves that strong women RV solo.


RV Homes: 1965 Airstream and 2007 Monaco RV (R-Vision Trail-Lite)
RVing Since: 2012
Philosophy: life is too valuable to waste; it is not a rehearsal, so live it to the fullest

Mary Matthews (that’s double “t” for double trouble) is a positive-thinking powerhouse, who radiates the kind of strength gained from overcoming life’s unexpected obstacles. Recently, Mary lost her center, her love — her husband, Tommy. One lost day she found herself thinking about their shared but unrealized dream of RVing and thought, “He died at 64, and I am 69. Life is not certain. You cannot sit around forever and think about things until you’ve thought yourself out, and you are not here to think about things anymore.”


At that point Mary said to herself, “I am doing this.” She grabbed her keys and purse (which, befitting this determined road warrior, is made out of seat belts) and drove. Undaunted by the prospect of traveling solo, she arrived at Lazydays ready to “do this” — to move into a new life with new experiences and new friendships. After browsing through some of the many RV homes on site, she found her perfect match. She then asked, “How do I drive it? I cannot take this thing off this property until I learn to drive it.” After a few Driver’s Confidence Course lessons, Mary was ready to hit the road in her new Monaco RV, happily proclaiming that she “had never spent so much money and had so much fun.”

When we asked Mary about her first destination, she replied, “I am going to go to Maine and roll up my pants and dig for mussels. Then I am going to come back to my Monaco RV and cook the best fresh seafood boil. After that, I’m going to the inlets to eat Maine lobster and clams, and visit friends.” Her view from the driver’s seat looks forward to all the journeys to come; and in her rear-view reflection, she sees that good can follow even the greatest loss. “I need to do this for self preservation. I am not one to stay down long.”

So if Mary pulls up next to your camper, share a few lobsters and travel tales with her. You are sure to walk away with a new friendship and a smile. Happy travels, Mary!

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