Comments on: Reflections from the Road: Month 1

By: livelightly2

livelightly2 — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:51:01 +0000

Debra…thanks so much for detailing how to clean out the fresh water tank. We don’t use any bleach at all in our household…so I would need to something a little more earth-friendly But that’s a great idea. I’ll look into it. We didn’t do anything to it when we got it. I’ve thought about just testing the water too…but it will change at every location. We’re still trying to decide what to do.

By: Debra Ward

Debra Ward — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:52:10 +0000

I am concerned about your fresh water tank. The black stuff could just be rubber from a hose connected to your tank or sediment (most fresh water contains sediment). Did you flush your tank and lines with bleach thoroughly when you got your RV? (If you use a disposable filter you will know it’s time to change the filter because your water pressure will be reduced.)

Start with a practically full fresh water tank. Turn the water heater off. Dilute 1/4 cup of bleach for each 15 gallons of water that your tank will hold in a gallon of water. Add the diluted solution to the fresh water tank. (Never pour straight bleach into it.) One faucet at a time, let the chlorinated water run through them for one or two minutes. You should be able to smell the chlorine. (Make sure you are using the water pump and not an external water supply.) Top off the fresh water tank and let stand for at least three hours or overnight. Completely drain the system by flushing the faucets for several minutes each. Open the fresh water tank drain valve to speed up emptying the tank. Open the hot water tank drain plug and drain until it is empty. Close all valves and faucets and drain plugs. Fill water tank with fresh water. Flush each faucet for several minutes each repeating until the tank is again empty. (Make sure you are using the water pump and not an external water supply.) Fill the tank again. The water should now be safe to drink but if the chlorine odor is too strong you can repeat the fresh water flush.

By: charmedbeing

charmedbeing — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:20:12 +0000

Simply…. Inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey.

By: Rene

Rene — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:12:05 +0000

Sara, have you tried getting an external water filter that can hook to the spigot end of a hose while you're filling your tank? They're about $22 on our storefront and they last about 4 months. We use them, and our water always tastes great, and is clean. We've never bought bottled water in the four months we've been on the road.

By: Nicky

Nicky — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:14:03 +0000

Wow! I love this blog and this update post especially. It answers a lot of questions I was going to ask. You are such an inspiration! I really want to follow in your foot-steps and go green and go rv-ing full-time. I think it might be harder to find free parking spaces in this country though (UK) as we have time limits on parking in supermarket carparks – if you stay too long they put a wheelclamp on you and tow you away! I would like to see them try towing away an RV though! He he!
What about the future? What are you going to do after your tour is over? Are you going to go back to living in a house? And what about Bella are you still going to be touring when it’s time for her to start school or will you be teaching her yourself? Keep the posts coming – you are wonderful and I can’t wait to read what happens next. I wish I could come over and share your journey with you. Thanks for being such a ray of light. Nicky xx

By: Ko-Shin

Ko-Shin — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 05:21:13 +0000

Thank you sooooooo much for taking the plunge, and going on your journey…..because….. I am a musician who is planning to do something similar – on my own!!! I’m totally scared, excited, curious, and anxious – and everything you share is helping me to live in my truth and travel along my own journey. What I have been realizing as I travel through the net with you on your journey is that by living our lives the way we feel called to – we inspire countless others – who aspire to live their most vibrant life. Most people dream yet never do. So for every person that lives their dreams – they serve others – in finding their way!
Yayyyyy!!!

ps – the part about being cold in the rv really scared me- what can be done about that – besides living in warm places in cold months?

AND –
how challenging is the veggie oil process? Do you think I can do it on my own. I am not a mechanic at all!

By: kesa

kesa — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 03:37:21 +0000

Wow, a month has gone fast. I just remember meeting you all at the co-op in Coralville (:
Sara thanks for sharing this adventure with all of us, it is so exciting and what is even more exciting is that you give glory to God. Keep on keepin’ on sister.

By: Link Round-Up, October 16

Link Round-Up, October 16 — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 03:18:56 +0000

[...] daily for clues to fraudulent use. The Live Lightly family has an amazing write-up about their first month on the road in their RV. I highly recommend subscribing to this feed if you are contemplating an extended RV adventure or [...]

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:49:38 +0000

I LOVE following you via your blog on this amazing journey. I am so sorry we missed seeing you in Rochester (hate being sick).
I know that at some point we will meet.
You inspire me & help re-appreciate small space living.
Your friend,
Sam @ Loving Green

By: 2hcreative

2hcreative — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:24:59 +0000

Great post! I’ve been following along and enjoying your posts as you travel. Has it really only been a month?? Enjoy your travels and we’ll see you next summer!