Snowed In but Still Remodeling: Winter Delays & Big Plans for Our 5th Wheel

 Winter finally remembered the state of UTAH… and wow, did it make an entrance. ❄️ After weeks of feeling like the season forgot about us, a recent snowstorm has officially put our 5th wheel remodel plans on pause. The flakes are falling, the temps have dropped, and while the outside world looks like a snow globe, progress on the RV has come to a temporary standstill.

But if you know me, you know I don’t stay still for long.

While it’s yucky out there, I’ve turned my attention to planning mode. That means cozying up inside and doing what every remodeler does best during a snowstorm — online shopping. Amazon has honestly been such a blessing during this process. Instead of running to a million different stores in slippery conditions, I can compare faucets, shower sprayers, and cabinet trim right from the couch. My card is on file, delivery comes straight to the RV, and the boxes feel like little presents showing up at the door.

Lately, I’ve been eyeing new faucets and a sleek shower sprayer upgrade, plus some fresh trim for the bedroom cabinets. The remodel is really starting to take shape in my mind. One of the biggest surprises through all of this? The storage. I still can’t get over how much space we actually have. Once everything has a proper place, we won’t feel so cluttered. We’ll finally be able to tuck things away instead of stacking and shuffling them around. 

Click here for the price and link to the faucets we picked out

The windows are now covered, which makes it feel like we’re in full renovation mode. The bedroom is next on the list for demo and prep. No painting will happen until the entire 5th wheel is taped, protected, and ready. I’ve learned that rushing the prep work only leads to regret later — and we want this done right.

We used the paper that Amazon stuff's the box and
magazine paper to save us some money.

I’m still going back and forth on kitchen colors. Do we go light and airy? Warm and cozy? Modern and bold? The good news is, with this weather delay, I have time to think it through. Sometimes the snow forces you to slow down in the best way.

Our goal is to have everything completed by May 1st. That date means more than just finishing a remodel. It means we’ll be ready to donate our current little beast to the shelter. Yes, we could sell it. Yes, we could make a few extra dollars. But for us, helping someone in need matters more.

Me Gone RVing Adventures has always been about more than travel. It’s about giving back whenever we can. If this remodel can lead to blessing someone else, then every snowy delay and taped-up window will be worth it.

Spring can’t come soon enough — but until then, we’ll keep dreaming, planning, and clicking “add to cart.”

ME Gone RVing Adventures – Demo Day One: The Ugly Before the Beautiful

 There is something wildly satisfying about the first swing of a hammer.

Demo Day #1 has officially begun for ME Gone RVing Adventures, and I can honestly say it went faster  and better than we planned. When you start tearing into an RV, you never really know what you’re going to uncover. Hidden screws. Strange wiring choices. Mystery adhesives from 2006. But this time? Things moved.

Our goal was ambitious. We ripped out the couch, the dinette section, the entire three-bed bunkroom, and all of the old aged molding. On top of that, we removed outdated hardware, knobs, fan blades, basically anything that screamed “mid-2000s RV.”

And let me tell you… that couch was a BEAST.

It fought us every step of the way. Bolted. Wedged. Determined to stay. But once it finally came out, we stood there looking at each other like we had just conquered something big. Not only did the space instantly feel more open, but we also dropped some serious weight. When you’re planning long-term travel and solar upgrades, weight matters. Every pound we remove now gives us more flexibility later.

After demo, though, comes the reality check.

The RV looks… ugly.

There’s no sugarcoating it. It looks torn apart and tired. But strangely, I love that stage. Because the ugly stage means progress. It means I’m not just dreaming about transformation, I’m doing the work. Every exposed wall and missing trim piece is proof that we are building something intentional.

I’ll be taking a couple of days off before the next phase begins. Then it’s time for prep mode: plastic, taping, sealing, cleaning, getting ready to paint the entire RV.

White is the color for now.

I want a clean, bright, fresh canvas. White opens up a space and reflects light beautifully, especially in an RV where every inch counts. The cabinet color? I’m still deciding. I’m allowing myself time to dream before committing. This isn’t a rush job. This is our long-term home on wheels. Every decision needs to feel right.

One upgrade I’m especially excited about is adding butcher block to all of the counters. There’s something warm and grounding about real wood. Paired with white walls, I think it’s going to create that cozy-modern feel I’m envisioning, practical for full-time living but still inviting.

Now, let’s talk about the wish list.

Our NEW Shower Head

I wish we could replace the stove this year. I wish we could replace the refrigerator too. Both are big-ticket expenses, and while they’re absolutely part of the long-term plan, they’re not happening just yet. They’ll get done either at a later date or when extra cash flow shows up, whichever comes first. (We’re open to blessings and side hustles over here.)

This remodel isn’t about maxing out credit cards to get it done fast. It’s about doing it smart. We’re picking and choosing intentionally. We’re building slowly and wisely because this RV is not a flip. It’s not temporary. It’s our long-term travel home.

And speaking of long-term changes… our new mattress arrived.

We’ve always slept in a full-size bed. Always. We’re that kind of couple, we love being squished together. The queen mattress is going to feel huge. I joked that we might have to meet in the middle on purpose. But in all seriousness, better sleep on the road matters. If we’re going to travel and live this lifestyle fully, rest has to be part of the equation.

One of the most meaningful parts of this process for me is that my husband is letting me do the remodel myself. He trusts my vision. He trusts my work ethic. But I had to promise something important: if it gets too hard, I will ask for help or hire help.

And I will.

There’s strength in doing it yourself. But there’s also wisdom in knowing your limits. This project is too important to let pride get in the way of quality or safety.

Right now, the RV looks rough. Torn apart. Unfinished. But I’m grateful for that. Because every messy stage makes me appreciate the final product even more. Every hour of sanding, removing trim, scraping adhesive, and prepping walls builds a deeper connection to this space.

We aren’t just remodeling an RV.

We’re building the foundation for future miles.
For solar-powered living.
For adventures with our three cats.
For mornings with coffee at new trailheads.
For community on the road.
For a life lived intentionally.

The ugly stage is temporary.
The vision is permanent.

And this is only Demo Day One.

We Did It: The Next Chapter of Me Gone RVing Adventures Begins

 

We did it.

After planning, budgeting, dreaming, and more than a few “are we really doing this?” conversations, we officially purchased a 5th wheel RV — and not just any RV. She’s an Open Range 2006, 35 feet, an oldie by RV standards, but in very GREAT shape, and absolutely full of possibility.

There’s something special about older rigs that have been cared for. They come with stories, character, and a soul you just don’t get fresh off the lot. This one felt right from the start.

Buying Smart, Not Just Buying New

We went into this purchase with intention. We had a clear budget, and more importantly, we left ourselves a BIG chunk specifically set aside for remodeling. That was non-negotiable. We didn’t want to drain every dollar just to say we owned it — we wanted to make it ours.

This RV wasn’t about shiny and new.
It was about solid bones, smart money, and vision.

And that vision? Oh, it’s big.

The Game Plan: Demo First, Dreams Next

Tomorrow is demo day, and honestly, that’s where the fun really begins.

The first plan of action is bold and unapologetic:

• Removing the couch

• Removing the dinette

• Removing the three bunks in the second bedroom

• 
  
  

  
  

We’re clearing space to reimagine how this RV works for us, not how it worked for a family fifteen years ago. Once the demo is done, we’ll roll straight into about three solid days of taping and prepping — the unglamorous but crucial step before a full interior transformation.

Then comes the good stuff:

• Full paint job

• Wallpaper accents

• New lighting throughout

• Top-of-the-line solar

• Upgraded speakers

• New stove

• Possibly a new refrigerator

This won’t be a quick cosmetic flip. This is a thoughtful, layered remodel designed for real life, full-time living, and the next chapter of our adventures.

DIY Meets “Let’s Hire This Out”

To stay smart financially, some of this remodel we’ll be doing ourselves — and yes, that mostly means Evielynne leading the charge. Painting, wallpapering, prep work, design details — that’s where we can save real money and still get exactly what we want.

But we’re also realistic.

Some projects are worth hiring out:

• Because they’ll get done faster

• Because they require specialized skills

• Because time is money too

This balance lets us protect our budget and our sanity.

The Move That Made It All Happen

We officially got the 5th wheel moved on February 6th, and we can’t say enough good things about Victory Mobile Service and Repair.

📞 435-291-0061

For $150 (plus a very well-earned $50 tip) to move the RV 10 miles one way, it was absolutely worth every penny. Smooth, professional, stress-free — the kind of service that makes a big day feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

In the RV world, reliable help is gold. This was gold.

Passing the Torch: Todd’s Story Becomes Ours

One of the most meaningful parts of this entire experience wasn’t the paperwork or the price — it was Todd, the previous owner.

Todd worked with us through the process, and when the day came for the RV to leave, you could see it on his face. He was sad. Not regretful — just emotional. That RV held memories for him. It had been a part of his life.

And oddly enough, that brought us peace.

Knowing that this rig was loved, cared for, and connected to someone before us made it feel less like a transaction and more like a passing of the torch. That connection now becomes part of our story.

We’re incredibly grateful for that.

Gratitude Changes Everything

This whole experience has been humbling.

We’re grateful:

• For the opportunity

• For the timing

• For the people who helped

• For the fact that this dream didn’t stay a dream

Not everyone gets to say, “We bought the RV and still had room to build it the way we want.” That’s not lost on us. We’re walking into this chapter thankful, excited, and grounded.

Content Is Coming — A Lot of It

Make no mistake — there will be videos.
There will be pictures.
There will be messy demo shots, paint splatters, progress updates, and probably a few “what were we thinking?” moments.

And we can’t wait to share it all.

This isn’t just a remodel. It’s a story unfolding in real time.

Enjoy the Journey (Yes, Really)

We’ve always loved the quote from our famous RV friend Enjoy the Journey — and now it feels more fitting than ever.

Because this isn’t about rushing to the finished product.
It’s about the process.
The work.
The learning.
The mistakes.
The wins.

And yes — we will absolutely enjoy the journey.

Still Us. Still Rolling. Still Me Gone.

Through all of this, one thing stays the same.

We are still Me Gone RVing Adventures.

Because the ME has always stood for Mark and Evielynne.

Different rig.
New chapter.
Same hearts.
Same love for the road.

This Open Range may be a 2006, but for us, it’s brand new — and it’s about to become home.

Stay tuned.
Demo starts tomorrow.
The adventure continues.

CHECK OUT THE WALLPAPER WE BOUGHT FOR OUR BATHROOM

Side Work Hustle: Doing the Extra Now So the RVing Future Is Easier

 Side work. Hustle. Extra projects. Whatever you want to call it—we’re doing it.

Right now, we’re doing whatever we can to continue building our investments and protecting our future. Remodeling our fifth wheel alone is going to eat up a significant amount of funds, and we knew that going in. RV remodels are exciting, but they’re not cheap—especially when you’re doing it right and planning to stay in that rig long-term.

That said, we were very intentional about putting protective measures in place so that even while money is flowing out, we’re still consistently investing every single month. That part is non-negotiable for us. We are not far from what we lovingly call the “golden age,” and neither one of us wants to be forced into working full-time just to cover medical costs or basic living expenses later in life.

We’ve watched too many people reach retirement age only to realize they can’t afford to stop. That’s not the future we’re building.

So yes, we side hustle.

On this particular day, our hustle came in the form of sanding and staining chairs. Real work. Dust everywhere. Sore arms. And honestly? Deep satisfaction.

These chairs were done for Willard Bay Sauna, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Projects like this help us fund RV upgrades without pulling from our long-term plans. And they give us a chance to work with great local business owners who value craftsmanship.

SAUNA at Willard Bay State Park

This project included four basic wooden lawn chairs and two rocking chairs. Let me tell you—the rocking chairs were a beast. Curves, spindles, and years of wear make sanding those no joke. But once the stain went on and the wood came back to life, it was absolutely worth it.

We’d like to publicly thank Daniel, the owner of Willard Bay Sauna, for trusting us with this project. Daniel also owns Utah Lake Sauna in Provo and Wasatch Mountain Sauna, and it’s been a pleasure working with someone who clearly cares about quality and community.

These chairs will now be enjoyed by others, and there’s something special about knowing your hands played a part in that.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Side work like this does more than bring in extra income—it reinforces why we live the way we do. RV life has taught us to be flexible, resourceful, and willing to say yes to opportunities that don’t always fit inside a traditional job description. We’re not afraid to work hard now so that future versions of us can breathe easier.

We’re also incredibly grateful for the investment company we work with. The strategy and consistency we’ve built with them has been a complete game changer for us. It gives us peace of mind knowing that even while we’re sanding chairs or remodeling an RV, our long-term goals aren’t being ignored. If you want to know more about who we work with, just click the link, we’re always happy to share what’s worked for us. Me Gone RVing Adventures are not shy about working.

Here is the stain that we used for the wooden chairs: https://amzn.to/3MaHk1z

Looking ahead, we’re hopeful to do more furniture projects for other folks this summer. If you’re local to Willard, Utah and have wooden furniture that needs sanding and staining, give us a jingle. We take pride in doing the job right, and we treat every piece like it matters, because it does.

We’re grateful for these chairs. We’re grateful for the work. And we’re grateful for every opportunity that helps us move one step closer to a future where work is optional, not mandatory.

Took a long time to sand

This season of life is about building—one project, one investment, one chair at a time.

Slowing Down to Bloom: Our Visit to Thanksgiving Point’s Tulip Festival

 Spring has a way of waking something up inside you. After months of muted colors and colder days, stepping into Thanksgiving Point’s Tulip Festival feels like walking straight into joy. For six magical weeks, more than one million flowers burst into bloom across the 50-acre Ashton Gardens, creating a living canvas of color, fragrance, and design that’s almost impossible to fully take in all at once.

The gardens are thoughtfully curated with vibrant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, poppies, and so many other spring favorites layered into bold patterns and artistic displays. Everywhere you turn, there’s intention—color stories flowing from one garden bed to the next, floral décor woven into pathways, and whimsical topiary displays that add a sense of playfulness and wonder. It’s not just a garden walk; it’s an experience where art and nature truly meet.

Beyond the flowers themselves, the festival offers so much more. Live entertainment drifts through the gardens, interactive classes invite you to learn and engage, and guided garden tours help you see details you might otherwise miss. There are endless photo opportunities (seriously—charge your phone), along with family-friendly activities that make it just as enjoyable for kids as it is for adults who simply want to wander and breathe it all in.

When we visited, we opted for the hotel package, and while we won’t sugarcoat it—it was expensive—it was also absolutely worth it. Having accommodations bundled with the experience allowed us to relax and fully immerse ourselves without worrying about logistics or rushing back at the end of the day. It felt like a mini spring retreat, and honestly, those are the moments we value most.

One small disappointment? The pin. We were so bummed we never got ours. It’s a little thing, but those small keepsakes matter when you love collecting memories from places you’ve been. We’re hopeful that when we return for the 2026 festival, we’ll finally get our hands on one.

And yes—when we return. Because if there’s one thing this visit taught us, it’s that this is not an event meant to be rushed.

Looking back, I wish we had slowed our pace even more. The gardens deserve lingering. Sitting. Pausing. Taking it all in. The weather definitely played a role in how quickly we moved (spring likes to keep you guessing), but still—this is a place that rewards patience. Next time, we plan to move slower, stop more often, and let the gardens unfold naturally rather than trying to see everything at once.

We also learned a very practical lesson: charge the Fitbits. Poor Mark started the day at 12%, which is basically a cruel joke when you’re walking 50 acres of gardens. Between the winding paths, scenic overlooks, and constant stopping for photos, your steps add up fast. Consider it a workout wrapped in beauty.

The Tulip Festival isn’t just about flowers—it’s about renewal, presence, and letting yourself be part of the season. It reminds you that growth takes time, that beauty is layered, and that slowing down often makes the experience richer.

When we go back, we’ll be better prepared. Fully charged devices. A slower pace. Fewer expectations. More moments. And hopefully, that pin.

Until then, this visit will stay with us as one of those spring memories that lingers—bright, colorful, and full of life.

DID YOU KNOW AMAZON SELLS FRESH FLOWERS?