Starting this journey of full time RV living was like taking a leap off of a cliff only to find a ledge just a few feet below. I mean, it felt that dramatic. Leaving the family, the home, the jobs and going into the unknown with nothing other than a dream. Not knowing if we would even like it or even worse love it and fail. Failure however was not an option. We knew that we had to connect with a like minded community in order to thrive and that’s when we found Xscapers.

It took us one year to close up our old life and begin this new adventure of living full time on the road. We immersed ourselves in YouTube video after video learning about the lifestyle and all the nuances that go with it. We scrimped and saved and bought our class c RV with cash and hit the road with no debt. But no matter how much preparing that you do ahead of time it is the road that teaches you.

We spent our first three months invading each others space and learning how to be a team. This life on the road wasn’t as easy as it looked and our extreme budget made it even harder. We found ourselves arguing more in those three months than we had in the last 10 years. From water usage, to leveling, 24/7 companionship to tiny house politeness. The learning curve was huge and frustrating. But then the uncomfortableness wears off and the laser focus begins.

After three months we knew what needed to improve if this full time life was going to happen for us. Now we had the itch and did not want to stop but we also had to learn to be more efficient and self sufficient. So we went home, bought a tow car (Yes, Freedom!!), installed some solar, and joined the Xscapers.

Feeling ready to tackle this lifestyle now we drove the 500 miles to Quartzsite, Arizona and the Xscapers 3rd annual bash. This was both nerve wracking and exciting, as we are both shy at first meeting, but had to go with the feeling that this group had something that could improve our journey so we followed our instincts. That was the best move that we could have made at that point in the game. You see, in our first three months we thought that we had found out how much that we did not know, but the Xscapers showed us so much more.

That first week in Quartzsite was full of seminars, and workshops, outings, and parties. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed the socialization that I had in my working life. What an awesome opportunity to talk and laugh, discuss and learn, eat and play with people who desire freedom the way I do. We had such a great time that we followed the group to American Girl Mine. There we grew closer with the friends we met, learned even more about our RV, and the opportunities that the road has to offer.

It was a game changer. So much so that we planned our route to include future convergences. But the convergences were not the best part of what we got from joining the Xscapers, it’s the community. We now have friends from around the country. And via social media are able to share everything from boondocking sites to solar installation and all the stuff in between. The best part is the random hook ups along the way. Whether it’s an Xscaper we have met before or new friend made because of our matching Xscaper stickers this is a community whose arms are wide open.

Just yesterday we met a couple who are new to RVing and the Xscaper community. The woman expressed concern that due to her political views that she was afraid that she would not find her “people” out here. I explained that in my experience the people I have met all have different world views, however, we are all like minded in our desire to live life on our terms and that connection prevails above everything else. Conversations of dump tanks and water conservation rule in the world of RVing.

We love this group of open minded and giving people who want nothing more than to help each other have a better experience. Everyone is welcome here. So we have signed up for next years annual bash already and this time we look forward to reunions with friends whose adventures we have followed throughout the year and welcoming those who are new to this amazing lifestyle. Xscapers!