Wednesday, February 21, 2018

What To Do In The RV When It Rains....And Rains...And Rains!

Pretty Dismal Out.
    It's been raining here in the Northeast for Days now. It's warmer than usual 60-70 degrees in February. Quite unusual. Hmmm.. Didn't Al Gore invent this thing called Global Warming? Never mind. It's really tough to find something to do outside when it's raining. Obviously, the typical maintenance tasks on the exterior, engine bay, storage compartments, house battery(ies) and the like will have to wait until nicer weather. Yes, there are MANY places that can be worked on and tidied up inside, but what if you really don't feel like doing any of that? How about just relaxing on the couch, watching out the windows and listening to the rain on the roof? Perhaps add a warm (or cold) beverage? Isn't this idea of shelter and comfort one of the main reasons we own RVs?

I'm well equipped for bad weather. I can amuse myself inside for hours and hours. First off, if there is internet access, I have the entire world to tour via the Web. Lots to read and investigate. Many of my projects begin just like that, with an idle tour online. What if there is no internet access? Well, you still have a computer...how about a game or some writing, maybe you have a movie stored on it? No? Well, what about a digital media device and USB hard drive or thumb drive? I know I have hundreds of hours of content ( maybe over a thousand now since I've been digitizing my DVD collection) that I can watch and enjoy.

Used With Or Without Amp Grabbing Heater.
I even have a warm and cozy fireplace I can place on my dashboard and really feel at home. Typically, I travel alone. When I don't and plans get rained out, there is always the extendable table and a deck of cards. I know, that won't use up that many hours, but usually the conversation in a comfortable atmosphere will!

Next up, cooking! When you are faced with a bunch of time and are stuck inside, why not try out some more complex recipes? Most of the cooking I do in the RV is of the one pan/skillet variety. Still quite tasty and "gourmet" but when I have some extra time, you can put all 4 burners to good use. if you have shore power or are going to run the generator, (and don't have a propane oven!) my convection microwave can make an excellent roast! Add some side dishes and some dessert and Voila! -- you have a feast.

Any and all of those ideas are great when watching the rain fall outside, all warm, dry and cozy inside. If it's a major storm, all the better! I know, I've been there!

Be Seeing You...Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"

www.thewanderman.com

7 comments:

  1. John and Victoria, Austin, TXFebruary 24, 2018 at 8:13 AM

    Our solution typically is that I don my sea worthy head to toe rain suit, hook up to the truck, consult my weather radar app, and we head for a dryer climate. The beauty of the flexibility of life on the road. We spent 8 weeks traveling the upper Midwest last summer and this happened twice. We just move on. :-)

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    1. John and Victoria,
      Well said! Dryer climates are always an option....I was thinking of a more lazy day though...

      Rich "The Wanderman"

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  2. We were in Valdez, AK in a 4 day downpour. It was cold. Our walls and windows were sweating. Everything was damp and soggy feeling inside. The furnace ran almost continuously but we never could get warm. It was not a cozy experience. We finally gave up and left. 50 miles up the road the sun was out and life was beautiful again. It still took several days to dry out though.

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    1. eeyore,
      Heat retention can be a factor many coaches and trailers. Too many manufacturers design for 3 seasons only...sometimes less than that! You can always add more insulation as I have to make the place as cozy as you like.

      Rich "The Wanderman"

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    2. Our walls and windows were sweating.

      Well worth the cost and space to buy a dehumidifier.

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    3. I notice you didn't mention the best rainy-day activity of all . . curling up with a good book!

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    4. However, Diane, if you read Chuck Woodbury's Random RV Thought near the bottom of this week's RV Travel Newsletter, it says: "It is sometimes hard to hear the television or stereo in your RV during a pounding rainstorm. But the sound of the storm is a very nice reminder that you are cozy and dry, which is pleasing. This is an excellent time to relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book." Oh, yeah! Sounds good to me! --Diane at RVtravel.com

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