Why Bountiful Baskets Produce Works So Well for RV Full-Timers

 With the rising cost of everything, full-time RVers have had to get creative about how we live, shop, and stretch our dollars without sacrificing quality. When your home is on wheels, every decision matters—from fuel to food to storage space. That’s why, for us, co-ops aren’t just a nice idea… they’re a lifestyle choice.

One of the co-ops we’ve relied on for years is Bountiful Baskets.

For RV full-timers, Bountiful Baskets checks a lot of boxes: affordability, flexibility, quality, and community. It’s a volunteer-run produce co-op that allows you to purchase a weekly basket of fruits and vegetables at a fraction of grocery store prices—without contracts, memberships, or long-term commitments. You buy when it works for you, skip when it doesn’t, and pick up at designated locations across many states.

That flexibility alone makes it ideal for RV life.

Why Bountiful Baskets Works So Well for RV Full-Timers

When you live in an RV, grocery shopping isn’t always convenient. Prices vary wildly by location, tourist areas can be expensive, and produce quality can be hit or miss. Bountiful Baskets offers a consistent alternative.

Instead of paying premium prices for tired produce, we get:

• Fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables

• Large quantities for the price

• Better value than most chain grocery stores

• Predictable costs in an unpredictable economy

Because the baskets are pre-packed, there’s less impulse buying—something RVers know can quickly bust a budget when storage is limited. You get what’s in season, what’s fresh, and what’s available locally or regionally.

That means less waste and more intention.

Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality

Let’s be honest—RV living isn’t cheap anymore. Fuel, campground fees, repairs, insurance, and groceries all add up fast. Bountiful Baskets helps us keep one major expense under control.

Buying produce through a co-op cuts out many of the middlemen. That translates to lower prices for us and better margins for farmers. Over time, those savings add up—especially for couples or families eating fresh meals regularly.

And the quality? Noticeably better.

The produce we receive is often fresher, lasts longer, and tastes better than what we find in many stores. When fridge space is limited, that matters. Food that lasts longer means fewer grocery runs and less waste.

Supporting Local and Regional Farmers

One of the biggest reasons we continue to support Bountiful Baskets isn’t just the savings—it’s the impact.

Co-ops help support local and regional farmers by providing them with a reliable outlet for their produce. Instead of competing with massive corporate buyers that drive prices down, farmers are able to move product more efficiently and sustainably.

For us, that feels good.

As RVers, we travel through farming communities, rural towns, and small regions that depend on agriculture. Supporting systems that keep farmers in business helps strengthen the very places we love to explore.

It’s a win-win:

• Farmers get fairer distribution

• Communities stay stronger

• We get better food at better prices

A Community-Driven Model RVers Appreciate

Bountiful Baskets is volunteer-run, and that sense of community shows. Pickup days often feel less like a transaction and more like neighbors helping neighbors. For RVers who may feel transient or disconnected at times, that small sense of belonging goes a long way.

And because participation is optional week-to-week, it fits beautifully into the unpredictable rhythm of RV life. Staying put for a bit? Order a basket. On the move? Skip a week with no penalty.

Final Thoughts

In a world where prices keep climbing and quality often falls, co-ops like Bountiful Baskets remind us that there are smarter ways to live. For RV full-timers, it’s not about cutting corners—it’s about making intentional choices that support our lifestyle, our budget, and the communities we pass through.

We’ll continue doing co-ops wherever we can. Not just because it saves us money—but because it aligns with how we want to live: thoughtfully, sustainably, and connected.

If you’re an RV full-timer looking for better food, lower costs, and a more community-driven way to shop, Bountiful Baskets is absolutely worth exploring. ME GONE RVING ADVENTURES loves food and with the help of PRAIRIE COOKING IN THE RV we eat well. 

This is how we store our produce and at the end of the week, I take all vegetables and make a crockpot and blend them after they are cooked and freeze them - that way there is no waste.

Chasing Hidden Nuggets on the Back Roads RVing Style

 As full-time RVers, we don’t rush through life the way we once did. We’ve learned that some of the best moments aren’t found on interstates or in tourist brochures—they’re discovered on the quiet back roads, the ones most people pass by without a second thought.

Those roads are where we find the hidden nuggets of our world.

We love driving slowly, windows cracked, letting curiosity lead the way. When something catches our eye—a weathered barn, an unexpected overlook, an old fence line, a stretch of land that just feels different—we pull over. No hesitation. No schedule pressure. We park, step out, and walk toward it. Sometimes it’s just a better view. Sometimes it’s a deeper breath. And sometimes, it’s exactly what our souls needed without us even realizing it.

There’s something grounding about physically stopping and exploring. It’s not about how far we travel in a day—it’s about how deeply we experience the places we pass through. Those unplanned pauses often become the moments we remember most.

Back roads have a way of slowing everything down. They invite you to notice details you’d otherwise miss: the way the light hits the trees, the quiet hum of wind across open land, the smell of earth after rain. These small discoveries reconnect us to why we chose this lifestyle in the first place.

One unexpected benefit of this way of traveling has been the people we meet along the way.

Our truck proudly wears our RVing logos, and that alone has sparked countless conversations. Sometimes people slow down, give a wave, and move on. Other times, they stop completely—curious, friendly, and full of questions.

“Where are you from?”
“How long have you been on the road?”
“What’s it really like living in an RV?”

Those simple exchanges often turn into something more. A shared story. A recommendation for a road we’ve never driven. A coffee invitation. A new friend we never would have met if we’d stayed on the main highway.

The logos have become a quiet invitation—a signal that we’re approachable, open to conversation, and part of a community that understands life beyond the fast lane. It’s amazing how quickly walls come down when people realize you’re not just passing through—you’re experiencing.

These moments remind us that RVing isn’t just about places. It’s about connection. Connection to land, to people, and to ourselves. When we slow down enough to notice what’s around us, life opens up in surprising ways.

We’ve learned that the best views aren’t always marked on maps, and the best friendships aren’t always planned. They happen when you’re willing to pull over, step out, and say yes to curiosity.

So we’ll keep choosing the back roads.
We’ll keep stopping when something catches our eye.
And we’ll keep chasing those hidden nuggets that make this journey so rich.

Because sometimes, the greatest adventures aren’t the ones you set out to find—they’re the ones that find you. For us Me Gone RVing Adventures we live for these moments. 

For the PERFECT Horse Gift for the RVer who loves horses RV Friendly HORSE DECOR

RV Life With Pets: What Traveling With Cats Has Really Been Like

 When people imagine RV life, they usually picture open roads, changing views, campfires, and freedom. What they don’t always picture—at least not right away—is cats. Three of them. With opinions. And routines. And very specific food preferences.

But for us, RV life with pets isn’t an add-on or an inconvenience. It’s just… life. And traveling with cats—Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred—has taught us more than we ever expected about routine, flexibility, patience, and comfort on the road.

Our Cats Live Like They’re in a “Stick House”

Because we’re stationed in one spot for a while, our RV cats live much like they would in a traditional house. They play with toys, nap in sunbeams, stare dramatically out the windows, and cause just enough trouble in the middle of the night to remind us they’re fully in charge.

If you’re picturing chaos 24/7, it’s actually the opposite. Most days are calm, cozy, and predictable. The girls have their favorite sleeping spots, their favorite toys, and their favorite times to demand attention. RV life hasn’t made them restless—it’s made them adaptable.

Daily Routines (Yes, Cats Love Them)

If there’s one thing cats thrive on, it’s routine. And honestly, RV life has forced us into one whether we meant to or not.

Our biggest daily routines are simple:

• Feeding times

• Brushing

• Playtime (to avoid boredom and weight gain)

Miss Fred, especially, requires consistency. Because of the trauma and health issues she experienced before joining our family, food has always been a challenge. We’ve tried countless brands—dry, wet, expensive, budget, specialty—you name it. The only thing that doesn’t make her sick is Blue Buffalo dry and wet food.

And even then, there are rules.

Her wet food must be mixed with hot water and mushed into a very smooth puree. Room temperature will do in a pinch, but hot? That’s when she truly devours it. Spoiled? Absolutely. Necessary? Also yes. It’s the only way she keeps her meals down, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.

Game Nights, Toys, and Cat Chaos

Game night in an RV looks a little different when you have cats. Cards become toys. Boards become beds. Pieces mysteriously disappear. And when a game involves matching funny faces, well… the cats assume it’s about them.

Santa was very generous this Christmas and brought a lot of RV-friendly cat toys. We haven’t given them out yet, though. We’re saving them for after the new RV remodel. Once there’s more room to play, climb, and explore, those toys will feel brand new all over again.

You can get your own HERE

Sleeping Arrangements Change With the Seasons

Winter is our favorite season with the girls. All three sleep with us, every night. It’s warm, comforting, and honestly one of the best parts of cold weather RV living.

Summer is a different story. When it’s warm, only the two younger girls sleep with us. Ellie usually finds a cooler spot elsewhere. The tradeoff? More nighttime activity. More zoomies. More late-night cat conversations. Less sleep for us humans.

Would we trade it? Not a chance.

Exercise Matters (Especially for Indoor Cats)

RV cats are indoor cats, which means exercise is essential. Indoor cats can gain weight quickly, and we’re not shy about admitting that Ellie is our “fat hen.” She wears the title proudly.

We make a point to play with the girls daily—laser toys, chasing games, interactive toys—anything to keep them moving and engaged. It’s not just about weight; it’s about mental stimulation and happiness.

Planning Ahead: The Reality of Vet Costs on the Road

If there’s one tip we give to anyone considering RVing with pets, it’s this:

Have an emergency fund.

We recommend at least $2,000 per pet, set aside and untouched unless absolutely necessary. Vet care on the road is available, but it’s expensive, and emergencies don’t wait until you’re back home. That fund brings peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

Change Is Coming—and So Is Excitement

Right now, routines are a little off. We’re packing, planning, and preparing for a busy season ahead as we remodel the new RV. We’re even outsourcing help to speed things along so everyone—humans and cats—can get back to comfortable living sooner.

One of the biggest things we’re excited about is reimagining the windows. Our girls love windows. Bird-watching, people-watching, nap-taking—windows are prime real estate. Figuring out how that will look in the new RV is something we’re genuinely excited about.

Final Thoughts

RV life with cats isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening, adapting, and creating comfort wherever you park. Our cats don’t care if their home has wheels—they care that they’re safe, fed, loved, and included.

Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred have proven that with the right mindset, routines, and preparation, cats don’t just survive RV life—they thrive in it.

And honestly? We wouldn’t want to do this journey any other way.

Sunday in the RV: Faith, Football, Freezing Temps, and Full Hearts

 Sunday mornings in an RV look a little different than traditional house life—and honestly, we wouldn’t trade it for anything. After settling in with coffee and cozy blankets, we tuned in to our home church online, Real Life Ministries in Post Falls. RV life has taught us that church isn’t about a building—it’s about connection, intention, and community, no matter where you park your rig.

RV Life Quote: Home isn’t a place. It’s who you gather with—even on Wi-Fi.

Once service wrapped up, it was time to switch gears from worship to football. And not just any football day—a Patriots playoff game, where my husband’s team was heavily favored to lose. If you know anything about us, you know this creates a little extra spice in our RV… because I’m a New York Giants fan. Yes, we are proudly a house divided.

That said, one of our unspoken marriage rules—especially in RV life—is this:
If one of our teams makes it to the Super Bowl, we root for each other. No exceptions.

What followed was one of those games. The kind that has you standing up in a small RV, yelling at the TV, spilling snacks, and forgetting entirely that you live in 300 square feet on wheels. Against the odds, the Patriots pulled it off—and suddenly, they were headed to the Super Bowl.

And let’s pause for a moment to appreciate this milestone:
Happy 60th Birthday, Super Bowl.
You’re still causing chaos in living rooms, RVs, sports bars, and campgrounds everywhere.

RV Life Quote: Some RV days are about miles. Others are about memories.

What made the day even more special wasn’t just the win—it was the response. Messages started rolling in from RV campground guests at Willard Peak Campground, friends we hadn’t heard from in a while, and family checking in. That’s one of the unexpected gifts of workamping: the lines between coworkers, guests, and friends blur in the best way possible.

Even though it was a quiet day physically—no big outings, no long drives—the RV felt full. Full of laughter. Full of cheering. Full of community.

RV Life Quote: You don’t need a big house to have a big life.

As the sun dipped and the cheers died down, we shifted back into work mode. That’s the reality of workamping life—celebration and responsibility often live side by side. We wrapped up the day working at the Willard Bay Sauna, which I lovingly call the best boss situation ever.

By the time we finished around 10:45 PM, the temperature had dropped to a brisk 18 degrees. Ironically, that made the cold plunge feel more like a lukewarm bath—one of those RV life moments you’d never believe unless you experienced it yourself.

The cold air, the steam, and the stillness of Willard Bay created something magical. The stars were brilliant—unpolluted, uninterrupted, and humbling. We stood there soaking it all in, grateful for the quiet that only comes when most of the world has gone to sleep.

RV Life Quote: The road teaches you to slow down, look up, and breathe deeper.

This is the part of RV life people don’t always see on social media. It’s not always epic hikes or postcard sunsets. Sometimes it’s faith streamed over Wi-Fi, football watched from a dinette, friendships built in campgrounds, and working late nights in freezing temperatures—and loving every bit of it.

RV life is about choosing joy, even when your team is “supposed” to lose. It’s about finding peace in small spaces, community in unexpected places, and purpose wherever you’re parked.

And for us? It’s about ending the day exactly where we’re meant to be—together, grateful, and already looking forward to whatever adventure tomorrow brings.

RV Life Quote: The best journeys don’t always move—you just grow where you’re parked.

Workamping, Investments, and Preparing for the Ultimate RV Adventure

 Workamping has been a cornerstone of our RV lifestyle for years. For those who don’t know, workamping is the art of combining work and travel—living the RV life while taking on seasonal, part-time, or full-time positions at campgrounds, parks, or local businesses. For us at Me Gone RVing Adventures, it’s not just a way to keep traveling affordably; it’s a strategy to secure our financial future while still enjoying life on the road.

For the past 3 and a half years, we’ve been working at Willard Peak Campground, a role that has allowed us to build strong community connections, maintain consistent income, and enjoy the perks of working in a beautiful outdoor setting. But this year, we’ve decided to take our workamping lifestyle to the next level by adding a second job at Willard Bay Sauna.

Why Take a Second Job?

Adding a second position isn’t about working ourselves into exhaustion. It’s about strategic financial planning for the long-term. Every dollar earned from Willard Bay Sauna is being put 100% into investments designed to protect our RV lifestyle for years to come. Our goal is to ensure that as we transition into our “golden age,” we’ll have the financial stability and freedom to fully enjoy full-time RV travel without worrying about income interruptions, unexpected repairs, or other financial stressors.

Full-time RVing is a dream for many, but it comes with unpredictability. Campsites close, businesses shift, and travel expenses fluctuate. That’s why having investments specifically allocated to protect your RV lifestyle is essential. With this plan in place, Me Gone RVing Adventures can confidently continue exploring, boondocking, and visiting state parks while knowing that our future is safeguarded.

The New 5th Wheel: Remodeling for Adventure

March brings an exciting milestone: our new-but-older 5th wheel arrives, and we’ll be dedicating significant time to get her road-ready. This remodel is extensive. From removing the roof, installing a new membrane, to adding a solar system, every improvement is made with future adventure in mind.

Why such an investment? Because the minute we leave Willard Peak Campground, we plan to take a long break from staying at traditional RV parks. Our vision is to immerse ourselves in boondocking, state parks, and remote locations, truly embracing the freedom that comes with full-time RV living. A solid roof, reliable solar power, and a well-maintained rig mean fewer unexpected costs and more focus on the adventure itself.

Why Investments Matter for Full-Time RVers

It might seem counterintuitive—why focus on investing when you’re traveling full-time? But here’s the truth: financial security is freedom. Investments provide a cushion for slow months, unexpected repairs, medical emergencies, and future retirement. They allow RVers to travel longer, safer, and with peace of mind.

We personally use Roots Investing to manage our investments, ensuring that every dollar we put away continues to grow and compound. This strategy aligns perfectly with our full-time RV goals, allowing us to explore and enjoy life today while building a financial foundation for the future.

Balancing Work, Travel, and Adventure

Managing two jobs while preparing a 5th wheel for full-time adventure may sound overwhelming, but it’s all about balance and intentional planning. Workamping provides structure, community, and consistent income. Our remodeling project ensures our home-on-wheels is safe, reliable, and energy-efficient. Meanwhile, investments secure our future. Together, these strategies allow Me Gone RVing Adventures to maintain the perfect equilibrium of work, play, and financial security.

The beauty of self-employment, workamping, and smart financial planning is that we can set our own pace. We can work for a season, save aggressively, remodel our RV, and then take extended breaks to explore without worrying about income interruptions. This combination creates a flexible lifestyle that grows with us, protecting our travels and our golden years.

Looking Ahead

The new year is full of excitement for Me Gone RVing Adventures. With the 5th wheel remodel underway, a second income stream at Willard Bay Sauna, and strategic investments in place, the path ahead is clear: continue working and adventuring until we’re ready to fully embrace long-term RV freedom.

Investing in your future as a full-time RVer is not optional—it’s essential. Slow months will happen. Repairs will surprise you. Health expenses will arise. But with investments dedicated to protecting your travels, you can keep exploring, keep adventuring, and keep living the life you’ve dreamed of.

If you’re serious about protecting your RV lifestyle and building long-term security, consider starting your own investment journey today with Roots Investing. It’s never too early to create a financial cushion that lets your RV dreams flourish.

Me Gone RVing Adventures is proof that with strategic work, smart investing, and intentional planning, you can balance earning, saving, and exploring—turning the dream of full-time RV living into a sustainable, rewarding lifestyle.