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I had an appointment with someone whose address was listed in the phone book as #3 The Spokane Building. I had no idea where The Spokane Building was so I looked it up. It wasn't listed. I called the office and spoke with a secretary. I told her I had an appointment and with whom. I confirmed that the address was #3 The Spokane Building.
She said it was. I asked, "Where is The Spokane Building?" She laughed and replied, "Oh, everybody knows where it is." I responded, "Well, I'm not everybody and I don't know where it is." She then gave me detailed directions.
I was traveling east from Moses Lake, Wash., and when I saw the Spokane skyline -- you guessed it -- there was a brick building clearly marked "Spokane Building" across the top floor. It was easy to find once I knew where it was.
I learned my lesson and I try not to assume. In fact, I'll include answers to some of the questions some readers may not have thought about asking about the RV lifestyle:
1. Use a checklist. Make your own or use an existing one.
2. When you fill your propane tank, turn off the engine on your vehicle. If your tank is portable, turn the valve off before disconnecting the tank and leave the valve off until you give the tank to the person who is filling it. That person will open the valve before filling and close the valve after filling the tank. Leave the valve off until you have securely reconnected the tank to the hose on your vehicle.
3. Drive with your propane off. Better safe than sorry.
4. When you fill the gas tank on your motorhome, turn off the engine, take your wallet and keys with you, and leave the vehicle. Do not re-enter your vehicle until you have filled your tank. After removing the nozzle and replacing the gas cap, you may enter your vehicle. Static electricity caused by entering and leaving the vehicle while pumping gas can cause the fumes to ignite.
5. When you make a pit stop, walk around your vehicle(s) and inspect it/them. I use a small baseball bat to thump the tires to be sure none of them are low. I also notice if anything is missing (like a gas cap or a piece of trim), or if something is smoking or leaking. This is also an ideal time to admire your RV.
6. Know your RV's dimensions -- how high, how wide, how long. Drive an 11-foot high vehicle under a tree branch 10.5 feet high and the tree wins. The same is true of freeway overpasses and railroad trestles. There are less expensive ways to install a skylight.
7. You can't have too many water hoses, sewer hoses, clamps, adapters, pressure regulators, flashlights, batteries, caulk or tools.
8. If you don't know where you are, stop until you do. Check your GPS coordinates, your map and your guidebook. Then check with an area resident. A local expert will give you the best directions. I usually start the conversation with "Help me, Obi-Wan. You're my only hope."
9. It's better to arrive before dark in an unfamiliar area. You have a better chance of finding a safe place if you can see it.
10. If you're saying, "I knew that," then this was a reminder. If you're saying, "I didn't know that," then this was a lesson. Either way, now you know.
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