Do I get lonely? ~ 4 comments
I get asked every once in a while by a family member or a stranger if I get lonely, and I think this is a perfectly normal question to ask. Since I travel alone and boondock on my own all of the time, without the close neighbors and general socializing that's so prevalent in commercial RV parks. The only time I'm around people is during the summer, when I'm often near my family. And since most folks who live in their RVs are a couple, I can understand why I would appear to be lonely traveling by myself. In fact, since I have so much free time in this lifestyle I have chosen, I spend some of that time asking myself the same question.
Fortunately for me, the answer to that question is no, I don't get lonely. In fact, in the eleven years I've been full-timing, I can't remember a single time I've felt lonely. I know that probably sounds weird, but I never would've chosen this full-time boondocking lifestyle if I were someone who felt lonely whenever other people aren't around.
Most RVers are very gregarious and socially active, even when boondocking. Quartzsite is full of RVers who park their RVs out in the desert in a circle reminiscent of a wagon train, build a rather large campfire in the middle, and spend their days and nights sharing their time and experiences with other members of the group. I even get invited to join these groups every once in a while, probably because I appear to be lonely, but I always thank them and beg off, much preferring to be by myself.
Is there a reason why I enjoy being alone? I imagine there is, but at this point, who cares? I was always this way, but to get along in school, the military, at a job, and being self-employed, I had to pretend to be otherwise just to get along in life. But now I'm able to revert to my preferred way of living, even though it's definitely not for everybody.
It worries my family when I'm out in the desert alone, and I understand why that would be the case. But I do enjoy living this way. I have no idea how long it will last living this life I love, even though to most folks I appear to be "lonely."
Theboondork
Sunrise over my boondocking area.
The Snorren Desert.
I took this picture of a sunset a while back, but didn't show it because to me it looked fake. The red clouds look like they were painted on with a paintbrush you would use to paint a house. But sometimes I get desperate for pictures and have to dig deep to come up with anything to put in my blog, especially after staying in one place as long as I have. But I think this picture does show one thing: it takes more than clouds to make an interesting sunset; it may also take some wind.