Widow's Voice

Out of Character

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When was the last time you did something out of character?

For me, I’m doing something right now that’s out of character for me.

When I bought my tiny, teardrop trailer a couple years ago, I quickly found out that the particular brand had a following. The manufacturer, NuCamp, really leans into it and actually sponsors these trailer rally events hosted by two of their brand ambassadors.

So 6 months ago, when I saw they were doing one within a 4 hour drive of me, I decided to book it. Mind you, I really had no idea what the rally was all about other than loads of people with my brand of trailer all get together at an rv resort for 4 days.

My perfect idea of camping or going out with my trailer is being alone and spending a lot of time out in nature, recharging. I’m a classic introvert with big hermit tendencies.

I saw the schedule the event organizers released the day before I left. It was a mix of activities, but there were things sprinkled in there that I thought could be interesting or entertaining.

I did miss one of the things I did want to go to, which was solo campers meet up, but I couldn’t leave until around 4, so I didn’t get to the location until almost 8. Just getting here and backing my trailer into my spot were the big accomplishments. When I arrived they were having a cocktail making contest. I was so tired I didn’t do much mingling.

I’m writing this on a Thursday evening and today I watched a rep from NuCamp demonstrate how to change a tire on one of the trailers. He also gave helpful tips about tires and recommended tools. So that was useful.

I wasn’t really interested in the other stuff this afternoon so I took off on a 30 minute drive out past the big ski area that I have sometimes hit up in the winter months, Mt. Bachelor. A lady at the rv resort gave me the tip that there are a number of Alpine lakes just past the mountain that are perfect for kayaking.

It was a nice drive and I’ve never seen the mountain without any snow on it, so that was interesting to see. I ended up at the first lake, which was Devil’s Lake. Half the lake was a beautiful green color and I couldn’t resist it.

Devil’s Lake

So that was nice paddling around for about an hour.

When I got back to the resort, the next activity was a skewer competition where anyone who wanted to participate made food on skewers and then we all got to eat them and vote on who’s was the best. It was an impressive amount of food that filled up about 8 long tables. I honestly thought one of the vegetable ones was the best so that’s who I voted for.

After that I chatted with a few people about various things then headed back to my trailer to watch a bit of preseason football. At around 9pm, I walked back over to the large event tent where a ton of people were playing some sort of trivia game.

I decided to sit around one of the resort’s large gas fire pits. Then someone came by and pointed out there was a lunar eclipse going on. I moved a bit to the right and could see it perfectly through the trees.

Tomorrow, there’s a market place event where people who want to sell any trailer accessories they no long use can do so. Then there is some pizza and wine thing and then one of the things I’m most interest in – trailer show and tell. I do love to show off my trailer decor and give other people ideas on what they can do.

There’s a potluck dinner and costume party (apparently the theme is “jungle”) in the evening.

On Saturday, if I can actually manage to get up crazy early there is a group hike along the river walk in town. There’s a open forum with the trailer rep guy later in the morning where you can ask any questions (I really need to know what the trick is for changing the light bulb on my outdoor light). There’s more trailer show and tell, a catered dinner and a big raffle.

Sunday is a breakfast and then check out.

So far, I’m having a good time, even if I’m not participating much.

About Sherry Holub

I met my spouse, Mario, at UCLA School of Art in 1993. After graduating in 1995, I founded a small agency specializing in web and graphic design. Mario became my partner in the company in 1999. In 2002, we were married at the Costa Mesa, CA court house because neither of us wanted a big wedding ceremony (after already being together since 1995).

Mario was a highly talented artist, musician, illustrator and 3D Designer, but a tortured one. He was one of those gentle, creative souls who ended up burning twice as bright for half as long. Mario lost the battle with liver disease induced by alcoholism (almost exactly 6 months after he became sober) on 2/10/21.

I’m a long-time artist and writer with a background in photography who enjoys cooking, getting outdoors, staying young at heart, and sharing experiences to potentially help others. When it comes to writing, I’ve written both for fun and professionally over the years. Writing is also sometimes therapy for me and I don’t mind sharing my personal experiences with a wider audience.