Trading Wheels for Walls: A Holiday Weekend with Friends
Over the holiday weekend, we tucked our fifth-wheel along the curb of a cul-de-sac and settled into the comfort of our friends’ home. After almost a year of living full-time on the road, it felt both strange and luxurious to step into a sticks and bricks house again. Suddenly, we had room to spread out, hot showers that didn’t come with a mental calculation of tank levels, and a fenced in backyard for Kaia to run off leash. Did I mention grass, flowers, herbs, and two beautiful other pups to love on? All three of us enjoyed our new surroundings.
Walking in the door, we couldn’t help but notice the rooms. ROOMS — separate rooms with doors, and space to spread out — felt like a novelty after living in our fifth wheel where everything flows into everything else. Granted, in the camper, we have a pocket door for the bathroom and a door that stays permanently propped open for the bedroom. Let’s just say that our “home” tours usually take 5 minutes or less so walking into an actual house was quite the experience. In this new space every room told a story, with sentimental artifacts carefully placed to honor moments and memories. The rooms felt less like decorated spaces and more like chapters of a life beautifully lived.
Yes, we have stayed in other homes since our launch and we were equally amazed. I think this time it just hit me how different increased square footage looks and feels. After settling our things in the bedroom, I spread my arms wide and took three steps in both directions without hitting the bed or the wall. Space. Wow, I relished the fact of how easy it was going to be to make the bed.
All around the house I found the differences of how we have been living and how others may live. I will admit that I only tried the non-existent foot pedal on the toilet twice before remembering that there is a handle to flush. That is one design element from the RV I think they should include in all homes- a foot flush toilet. Brilliant!
The kitchen had counterspace to spread out on as well as a four-person table at which to sit. I ran my hand across the large oven and stove missing my ability to cook more than one dish at a time and actually having baked goods cook evenly. (Yes, I use a stone with inconsistent results.) When it comes down to it, it really is the simple things in life.
But the best part wasn’t about the house — it was about our wonderful hosts and experiences that filled the long weekend. Our friends are two amazing people who embody the spirit of welcomeness, love, patience, and giving. Oh sure, we’ve met some fantastic people along the way. And all too often those interactions are rather fleeting: a 10-minute talk at the dog park, or a five-minute visit along the path through the campground leaving us wanting more time with them. So many faces swirl before me with my genuine desire to get to know them better- and I hope we keep up with them or run into them again at another campground. When you are with friends, there is history and common interests that are supported by stories from time gone by. We have known these friends for years, primarily through other friends, so our history is a little lighter. These wonderful people invited us all in with gracious hospitality and we had the privilege of connecting with them at a deeper level growing our friendship. Our deck time was spent in great conversation, laughing, and reminiscing as well as learning more about each other. Conversation was punctuated by occasional dog kisses, belly rubs and watching a couple fun games of chase. (Yes, I’m still talking about the dogs.)
Our time out of our 5th wheel was also an opportunity to explore a city with locals who were not only willing, but excited to show us around. We later remarked that our preconceived notion of the town, from a former mission trip experience, had swung 180 degrees. Because of our friends, they showed us some remarkable attractions that don’t necessarily make the travel brochures. It was also a relief to be able to leave Kaia at the house and not worry about temperature, humidity, or someone breaking in to take her (good luck with that.) What a treat to be gone for hours exploring the city in places where dogs aren’t allowed and not worrying about her.
One afternoon, we headed to a restaurant perched right on the river. It is a spot we would have never found on our own. That is the gift of having local tour guides. As we ate, boats cruised past the windows — some gliding slowly, others buzzing with energy — adding a kind of living backdrop you just can’t replicate. In our RV, dinner is often set on tv trays or out on the picnic table. That day, the view came with wonderful companions and table service.
Another night took us on a culinary adventure at a Moroccan restaurant. This was our first time tasting this type of fare. Between the fragrant spices, warm colors, and rich flavors, we felt transported across the world — no travel days required. A belly dancer arrived to perform for the guests, and zeroed in on James as her first dancing partner. His moves, perfected in 1983, made our table proud. It reminded us how much easier it is to sample global cuisine when you’re in a city, compared to the creative “pantry concoctions” that often come together in the RV because we tend to stay in more remote locations.
Back at the house, we ended almost every night in the hot tub, the warm water cutting the evening chill. Sitting under the stars, steam curling into the night air, we laughed and shared stories with our friends. It struck us how rare it feels in RV life to have that kind of lingering, unhurried physical space — where you don’t worry about neighbors just a few feet away or whether the dog will bark at the sound of footsteps of those walking by your rig. In our quest to be good neighbors, anxiety is sometimes created in making sure the volume of everything at our site is respectable.
In the RV, we make do with camp chairs and maybe a fire pit- if there is not a burning ban, for a relaxing evening. Slipping into bubbling water under the stars, on a deck that is steps away from a shower was a whole different kind of relaxation. Rarely do I go in public hot tubs. Here, I didn’t worry about 100’s of people dipping in the same water and could relish in the gift of relaxation that our friends offered. And, a hot tub is another thing to add to the “when we get settled someday” wish list.
When the weekend wrapped up, we slid reluctantly back into our fifth wheel. It felt cozy and familiar, even a little smaller after days of wide hallways and extra rooms. And, sadly, quieter with two less friends and two less dogs. The simplicity of our space was comforting though — everything in reach, everything with a purpose. The house was a wonderful treat, yet the RV is our home.
That long weekend was a reminder that life on the road and life in a house both have their own kind of magic. Houses offer space, luxury, and convenience. Our RV offers freedom, flexibility, and the joy of carrying home wherever we go. And the best part was we got to enjoy a little of both.
