“Days of the Nu:” Meeting the NuRVers

We find ourselves, unexpectedly, members of a secret society, of sorts.  Okay, it’s not all that secret, but it’s fun to imagine that it is.  When we decided to take to the road full-time in our big old Dolphin, we knew that we were younger than the average RV travelers, and the raised eyebrows that we encountered at many parks were expected.

After a few months on the road, though, we began to wonder if there were ANY other fulltimers who weren’t retirees.  It’s not that we can’t get along with our neighbors at the campgrounds, of course.  We’re generally quiet and keep to ourselves, and keep our campsite clean.  And we’re friendly, though perhaps a bit funny-looking and prone to staying up far, far later than most campers do.  We put our clothesline out like anybody else…it’s just that there are fishnet skirts on it.

Anyway, those feelings of isolation were soothed when we came across the NuRVers website.  Populated mainly by pre-retirement age RVers, many of whom are also fulltimers, we suddenly found ourselves among like-minded individuals.  When we learned that the group’s annual “Days of the Nu” gathering was taking place a scant forty miles from our hookup near Bastrop, we required no arm-twisting to unhook and head down.

The gathering was small, with five couples descending upon the Lazy L&L Campground for a weekend of social drinking, get-to-know-you games, RV maintenance and shared meals.  It was like a holiday, and refreshing to see a diverse crowd that instantly clicked on multiple levels.  The NuRVers (ourselves included, now) come from a wide range of backgrounds, but we have a lot in common as well.

Rather than containing the usual party games and retiree-oriented activities, the Days of the Nu focused on a family-like atmosphere.  Morning and evening meals were shared, potluck affairs, with each household bringing a dish to contribute and XM satellite radio providing a soundtrack.  Recipes were shared, and margaritas were made.  Impromptu RV care and knitting seminars were held, and on the third day we had a “swap meet,” to which everyone was encouraged to bring accumulated unneccessaries for possible trade or sale to other NuRVers, using the “one man’s trash” theory.  We also toured one another’s coaches, admiring the little touches that turn an RV or trailer from a rolling assortment of appliances and furniture into a true home.

We were reluctant to leave on Sunday; it felt like leaving a vacation and going back to “real life.”  Though, looking around our surroundings, “real life” ain’t too bad, either.

If you’re interested in the NuRVers, there’s a link to the site on our main page.  Feel like you don’t fit in with the other RV people?  Join usss!