The Homogenization Of America

The Homogenization Of America

On the first of this month, Deb and I reached the sixth month point of living the full-time RV lifestyle. Over that time we have traveled through fifteen states and stayed in as many campgrounds - both public and private. Our travels have ranged from the starting point in S. Florida to as far North as Boston, then West to Indiana and finally back South to our current stop in Greenville, SC. Along the way we have seen vast and rugged natural wonders, become friends with local residents, enjoyed local cuisines and been blessed through being able to spend quality time with family. It's been a good journey so far and one that we want to continue as long as the fates allow.

But in looking back, there is one aspect of our travels that stands out in my mind: the homogenization of America's shopping corridors. No matter which state we have visited, all major population areas are dominated by the same fast food chains, big box retailers and almost clone-like shopping plazas. They all look and feel the same whether you're in the Deep South, New England or the Midwest. The local lay of the land may be different, but the overall view of this country along any major traffic route has become eerily similar.

This insight really came to light after our trip to the local WalMart a few days ago. Somehow, our conversation later turned to the various items we have purchased at WalMarts along the way. The surprising thing is that we both had to stop and think hard about which state we were in when we made the purchases. The sameness of the stores lay-outs and the sameness of the surrounding businesses blended into one big blur.

Before anyone chastises me about evils of corporate chains, understand that I am realistic enough to know they are now permanent fixtures of our society. They would not be as dominate throughout all portions of our country if they are not making big profits; and they are because the majority of our population chooses to spend money with them. Deb and I are no different. We shop at WalMart because of the prices, enjoy a hot cup of McDonald's coffee while on the road and purchase other supplies at major retailers. We know that in doing so the majority of our money will not stay in the local area, but at the same time these chains employee people, pay local taxes and provide necessary services to the community.

However, that being said, we have also made it a point along our journey to seek out the lesser known places to shop and eat - the Mom & Pop operations that are unique to an area. These have been the experiences we remember the most. We have created superb meals from purchases at Miller Meats in York, PA and Prevites Market in Weymouth, MA; we discovered the best bread-and-butter pickles since our Grandmothers made at a small fruit stand in Cave City, KY; we have enjoyed breakfasts at local, family-owned diners and devoured the best bar-b-que you will ever find at Bucky's right here in Greenville. They are all special and, at the core, the places that drive our economic engine.

We would encourage you to take the path less traveled and visit more of the lesser known places to eat and shop along the way. It makes life much richer and more directly supports people in the community.

copyright 2009 Lane A Geyer

photo by Jim Geyer

Boston Area

September 15, 2009

We left the Boston area yesterday morning after a wonderful 14 night stay at Wompatuck State Park located in the very historic, exclusive town of Hingham, MA. Except for heavy rains last Friday and Saturday, the weather was dry and comfortable; days in the 70's and nights in the mid-50's. We were there too early for the peak fall foliage, but some of the maple trees and sumac bushes began turning color over the past week. The park proved to be a very comfortable place to stay. Our site was surrounded by deep woods and the facilities were well maintained. There were some loud campers over Labor Day weekend, but the overall experience was positive. It is a credit to the state (officially a commonwealth) that they have been able to preserve such a natural area in the midst of some of the most expensive real estate in the country.

First, a word of thanks to Deb's son, Lee, for his time and services as chauffeur for trips to various locations during our visit. I was glad he had the time, because I have never in my life experienced worst drivers than around the greater Boston area. Deb warned me, but I had no idea how aggressive, unyielding or hazardous they can be. It doesn't help that major roads are narrow, poorly marked and curve in very confusing patterns. But add to this that everyone seems to be in rush to beat you through a light, be the last to allow you access onto major routes or just drive like they own the road and accidents are just begging to happen; especially in a 32 ft. long vehicle. Driving there was one of the most unpleasant experiences of our journey so far.

Now on to more pleasant topics.

Hands down, the highlight of this stop was the variety of great food; everything from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to prime Delmonico steaks to beautiful pastries to superb pizza. We ate very well throughout the entire stay.

On both the first and last night we feasted on New England seafood boils of lobsters, clams, corn, potatoes and onions. I have enjoyed a lot of great seafood in my life, but there is something unique to the taste of New England selections. And the prices can't be beat. We were able to purchase two, live pound and a half lobsters for $15 total. If for no other reason, it's worth a trip to the area just to indulge on the seafood.

Another great meal was enjoyed at the Lynwood Cafe (est. 1949) located in Randolph. From the exterior it looks like any other non-descript neighborhood tavern. The plain interior offers a small, full-service bar and seating for approximately 125 people at old booths or tables. Yet this place constantly has at least a two hour wait for seating on weekend nights and the best pizza you will find anywhere! Ranging in price from $7-$9, the pies are bar-size and can be ordered with a variety of crusts and toppings. The component that sets Lynwood's pizza apart from all others is quality of the crust. It has a flavor that is downright addictive. A huge recommendation is to order the laced crust which is charred on the edges with a torch before serving; crispy, flaky and a unique flavor.

One of our more pleasant afternoons was spent visiting downtown Boston. Deb, Lee and I rode the T commuter train from Wollaston Station to Park St. Station and spent about four hours enjoying the historical sites and North End neighborhood. We walked through Boston Common and along parts of the Freedom Trail passing the Old South Meeting House, Quincy Market and the graveyards of Paul Revere and Mother Goose. The most enjoyable walk was through the North End. Heavily populated by those of Italian heritage, the area is like a step back in time. The buildings still look like something out of a 1940's movie set and the streets are lined with small bakeries, old family restaurants, coffee houses and tailor shops. We enjoyed great pizza at the original Regina's location (est. 1929) while there and picked up delectable pastries at Modern Pastry on our way back to the train. It was a wonderful time in a beautifully clean and historically interesting city.

I almost forgot one final question. How many Dunkin Donuts can you fit into a one block area? In greater Boston the answer seems to be at least five. You can't go anywhere without turning around and seeing a Dunkin Donuts shop. In downtown Boston there are two, literally within fifty feet of each other. The original shop was founded in Quincy and the chain has definitely come to dominate the local market.

Once again, thanks to Lee for all his time and assistance. It was nice to share time together.

We are currently at a private campground in Thomaston, CT for a two night stay. We plan to be in IN by Sunday, so for the remainder of the week we will have short stops as we work our way through PA and OH. However, I may have to pry Deb out of this place because we have a cable TV connection with almost 70 channels - including the Food Network. It's a rarity for us, but an opportunity that is being enjoyed to the max.

Will update you later on our travels from somewhere down the road.

copyright 2009 by Lane A Geyer

Photos by Deb

The Berkshires

September 11, 2009

We are currently on the back end of a 14 night stay at a State Park in Hingham, MA just outside of Boston. Deb is originally from the area and her son, Lee, still lives here. It's been a pleasant stay with beautiful weather, great food and time with family. I will write more about the Boston area in my next post. For now, I want to share more of our visit to the Berkshire Mountains.

I can't say it more plainly. We are in love with the Berkshires! There is a gentle serenity to the area that captured our souls.

We left NY on I-90 and headed East into MA. The trip was smooth and light with traffic. We then picked up U.S. 20/8 and headed to the campground. Thinking we could find a grocery store for along the way, we actually drove almost twenty miles beyond our destination. It turned out that there were no major stores of any kind, but the drive was beautiful. The only place we found supplies was a small market in Chester that was surprisingly well-stocked and in the middle of a very beautiful neighborhood; old Victorian homes, a gas station that looked unchanged since the fifties and a town center reminiscent of a Frank Capra movie.

While Deb was shopping I struck a conversation with two locals. It turned out that the market was the only place for groceries within twenty miles. But more interesting was the amount of interest in our motor home. This has happened before in other areas we have stayed. For whatever reason, the rig always seems to evoke memories of an uncle who owned the same model, memories of childhood trips with parents or questions about gas mileage. It's fun to listen to their stories and comments.

We stayed at Bonnie Rigg campground for three nights in a beautifully wooded space. It is actually a private "camping club" open year-round. Most spaces are occupied by member residents who decorate their areas in very elaborate ways. The big focus seems to be on ATVs, which were numerous yet unobtrusive. I found it very humerous that the current issue under discussion by the Board of Directors was a vote on allowing golf carts into the grounds. I may not fully understand the full dynamics of the topic, but it seems to me that if ATVs are already allowed what possible difference can it make to allow golf carts? Another thing to boggle my mind.

Within fifty feet of our site was Walker Brook (pictured above) which provided a calming background sound for the entire stay. Running no more than two feet deep over a rock-covered bottom, it's gentle flow provided a beautifully contemplative atmosphere. It will be missed.

Our stay there also provided many firsts. It was the first place we were warned not to leave food or trash outside because of bears. It was our first time for using the space heater and our first location for turning leaves. We had no TV channels or cellphone connections, but still thoroughly enjoyed our time. It is a destination we would recommend to anyone.

Will update again as time and wifi connections allow. Until then, happy trail to everyone.

copyright 2009 by Lane A Geyer

photos by Deb

RV Realities

August 29, 2009
Becket, MA

Guess what folks, it's raining again! The clouds moved into this area about 4 p.m. yesterday and it has rained continually since with no relief in sight until tomorrow. As fate would have it, we chose to undertake our travels in the wettest season for the Northeast states in over 100 years. Thankfully, in contrast to past postings, there are no leaks in the unit. I have spent a great deal of time over the past month re-sealing the roof seams and, so far, it appears to have solved the problem. If nothing else, the constant rains have helped us better understand some of the realities of full-time RV living.

As with all things, perceptions are often much different than realities. One of the reasons we began this blog was to explain the realities of our full-time RV lifestyle; both for those who may be considering undertaking the same path and those we talk with who still seem confused about the concept. Almost a year before we bought our unit or hit the open road, both of us completed extensive research on motor homes and RV lifestyles. It is amazing how much solid information on these topics can be found on the Internet, ranging from those with over thirty years experience to those who, like us, are just beginners. Thank God, because there's nothing worse than discovering, after the fact, that where you ended up is not how the territory looked going in.

So, based upon both our research and other aspects we have learned along the way, here are a few thoughts on the matter.......

First and foremost, a full-time RV lifestyle is not suitable for everyone. This was a major topic discussed by all experts and has proven true from our experiences. It requires major shifts in how one perceives - and reacts to - concepts of time, space, shelter and relationships. It requires a "paradigm shift", as it were, in relating to what you were raised to think about a home and/or shelter and then residing in an entirely new way. It requires being open to constant changes in both your environment and within yourself. It requires giving up material things and adjusting to more basic necessities. It requires adapting to new patterns in living in a smaller space, and spending more time with your partner. It requires thinking things through in a new way.

Before this is mistaken as a means to discourage others from the lifestyle, let me make it clear that is not my intention. The full-time RV lifestyle can be both adventurous and rewarding. There are just some basic realities that should be considered before making a major lifestyle change. Ask yourself these questions; how much time each day do you actually spend one-on-one with your partner?; how many of your current possessions could you fit into an RV?; could you adjust to living with fewer, or no, TV channels for weeks at a time?; could you plan ahead enough to stock a food supply for seven days?; would you know where to stop for enough fuel to fill an 80 gallon tank? These are all realities that are important for determining not only if you are suitable to the lifestyle, but also important in determining which RV your purchase and how you plan your travels along the way. They are all realities that we have found to be core to our experiences so far.

A few other things we have learned....

Become a member of AAA Auto Club, Camping World and Passport America: AAA provides up to 100 miles in towing and roadside assistance for RVs. Camping World is an invaluable resource for supplies and maintenance. Passport America provides deep discounts for stays at private campgrounds throughout North America & Mexico. The small fees required for membership in all three will save you a tremendous amount of money over the long run.

Know basic mechanical skills: Over the past four months I have re-sealed the roof, repaired a leaky toilet valve, tightened exhaust couplings, repaired cabinets, completed routine maintenance on fluid levels and oil changes in both the engine and generator, changed lightbulbs, replaced bad fuses and learned all systems of our unit inside and out. There is nothing more important when you are miles from a major population than an ability to complete quick repairs and having the tools on hand for any task that may arise.

Learn to cook with smaller appliances: Even though we have a four-burner gas stove and oven, we have found it saves a tremendous amount to cook on as many electric appliances as possible; we are paying for the electric we use at each stop, so why have the added expense of using our LP for the same purpose? Appliances like a crock pot, toaster oven, electric skillet and a small electric burner have proven invaluable in keeping our expenses as low as possible.

Be wary of GPS directions: GPS systems are an essential item to have in an emergency on the open road, but can be very unreliable in the best routes for large RV units. Had the owner of the Beaver Springs Campground not warned us to take a different exit than GPS provided we would have faced a very steep incline along narrow, twisting mountain roads. For the same reason, purchase the National Geographics Road Atlas: RV & Camping Edition: it is an invaluable resource.

Be open to change: Part of the fun we have found in this lifestyle is being open to new experiences and learning quickly to adapt to unexpected changes that arise along the way. It's part of the adventure.

Hope you have enjoyed these thoughts and insights. Will update you later from somewhere down the road.

copyright 2009 Lane A Geyer