Relax RV Podcast: Recent Episodes
Paul Sebastian, RN
Ever get stressed while on the road in a RV? Well this podcast focuses on Stress Management while RVing. I retired in June 2018 as a Nurse. I have been a Stress Management Consultant since 2003. Trish and I have been planning on RVing for about 3 years, At that time, our knowledge base on RVing was zero.
For many years I had wanted to buy a pop-up camper after I retired, I took Trish to a RV show to show her my plans. Well ..... she looked at pop-ups and said she couldn't camp in that, it was too small for her. She then looked across the room, pointed at a Class A and said "but what are those over there?". I shook my head and when I saw the price tag, my whole body shook.
And 3 years later Me and Trish bought a 29' 2015 Thor ACE - Class A and we tow a 2015 Jeep behind us.
LET THE STRESS BEGIN !!!!!
How are you doing?
These are strange and trying times.
It seems that people who are “not essential” are experiencing new stressors at this time of change.
..lack of income
..frustrations of try to negotiate super inundated systems like unemployment
..kids and adults are stressed with isolation from their friends
..adults are dealing with working at home OR being an essential employee
..hard to get comfortable with the uncertainty of when their lives will go back to the routine they are comfortable with
..try to keep needed supplies in the household
“Essential ” people may be feeling overwhelmed because of being overworked or fearful because of possible exposure to the virus.
Either way These ARE trying times.
Signs and symptoms of stress overload:
Anxiety or panic attacks, A feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled and hurried, Irritability and moodiness, Stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain, Allergic reactions, such as eczema, Acne or asthma, Problems sleeping too much or too little, Over or under eating, Increased drinking, smoking or doing drugs, Sadness or depression, Feeling like you are losing control or need to take control, Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind, Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed, Low energy, headaches, Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea, Aches, pains, and tense muscles, Chest pain and rapid heartbeat, Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet, Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, Clenched jaw and grinding teeth, constant worrying, Racing thoughts, Forgetfulness and disorganization, Inability to focus, Poor judgment, Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side.
Things that will help you to relax:
..Find diversions
..start new or do old hobbies
..read
..jigsaw puzzles
..crafts
..clean
..paint
..fix or repair things that have been on the “honey do” list
..plan or explore options for your travel plans when the restrictions are lifted
..TALK on the phone
..play games with family or Solitaire
..work on the list of things broken in your rig or do modifications that you have wanting to do
Take 7 Minutes to Relax I recorded this many years ago, I hope it helps you to relax. Do NOT listen to it while driving or operating heavy equipment. Find a safe comfortable location. Use headphones or earbuds if available.
Progressive Relaxation I recorded this many years ago, I hope it helps you to relax. Do NOT listen to it while driving or operating heavy equipment. Find a safe comfortable location. Use headphones or earbuds if available.
An Introduction to Stress I recorded this many years ago, I hope it helps you to relax. Do NOT listen to it while driving or operating heavy equipment. Find a safe comfortable location. Use headphones or earbuds if available.
Episode 48 – Released 3/26/20 We visited Centralia Pa on our way to Bloomsburg Pennsylvania. Centralia is a town had an iron field under it and had caught in fire many years ago. We then arrived at our Boondockers Welcome host site, and met our hosts Scott and Amy.. They invited us to join them… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 48 – The last stop and then home
We visited Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. The next stop was in Hardy Va. We stayed at a BDW and visited the Booker T Washington National Monument. We then stayed at Devault Vineyard a part of Harvest Hosts. We then took a ride over to Lynchburg Virginia. We stopped in at a restaurant called Bootleggers.… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 47 – The last full week on the road and the Coronavirus abounds
On 3/10/20 this podcast celebrated it’s 2 year anniversary. Our Boondockers Welcome hosts in Brooks Georgia invited us in for ice cream. We sat with them for over an hour having a really nice conversation about a lot of different things. Then I met my buddy Rob at Nic & Norman’s in Senoia. This is… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 46 – We visit the Smoky Mountains and our generator DIED
Drove to Pearl River Louisiana. We wanted to hike but because of the flooding we had a hard time finding a place (see the photo for this episode). We drove a half hour to Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville Louisiana. And hiked for 2 and 1/2 hours. A nice park with boardwalks and small trails.… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 45 – Out of Louisiana into Georgia and a fixed slide again
We left New Orleans and I wanted to drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Why? Well according to the Guinness Book of World Records it is the longest continuous bridge passing over water in the USA (it was the longest in the world but now the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China is the longest). Arrived… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 44 – Mardi Gras …. Cajun Style
We arrived in Fairhope Alabama and learned Mardi Gras originated in Mobile in 1703. We went to a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile Alabama which was our 1st Mardi Gras Parade ever. What a blast. While the downtown is filled with bars, Mobile keeps their festivities kid friendly. While there we visited the Mobile Carnival… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 43 – Mardi Gras the big one and the original one too
So, I fixed our slide issue (knock wood) and here’s a link to the video on how I did it!!! We avoided a tornado and then met fantastic people in Defuniak Springs Florida. We had great times meeting Rose, Marie and George from Montreal, Dan and Jan (and their kids) from Colorado and our hosts… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 42 – Met new friends in Defuniak Springs visited a Fort a State Forest and a used book store
We revisited a Tiki Hut bar in St Petersburg. Then we picked Oranges on Dooley Groves in Ruskin. Stopped by Tarpon Springs and ate at Mamas Greek Cuisine and bought a sponge. In Inverness we saw live music at MC Wine Bar (Twysted Vyne). And finally found great hiking in Florida at O’Leno State Park… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 41 – We visited a Tiki Hut in St Petersburg, picked Oranges on a grove the Everglades, went to Tarpon Springs saw live music and finally found great hiking in Florida
Well, I learned I love Rt 27 in Fla, and dislike I-75 ! We had great cinnamon buns at Knaus Berry Farm then drove the northern end of the Florida Keys and found some great parks like Crocodile Lake NWR (which you can not explore) and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Pennekamp . The next… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 40 – We visited the Everglades, the Keys and South Beach and Little Havana in Miami
We visited the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa on the busiest day of the show, and let me tell you, WOW! But the real reason for visiting Clearwater was to visit my brother Mike and his wife Jen. This was a bitter-sweet yet very healing visit for me. We then had our 2nd one-night stop… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 39 – We went to the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, visited my brother Mike and his wife Jen and enjoyed time in the RV park
We spent a few days visiting the oldest city in the United States St. Augustine Florida. We learned (and share) a few things about this city. We saw the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, St John the Baptist Church , Flagler College (and went on a fantastic tour of it). The Shrine of Our Lady La Leche and Castillo… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 38 – We visit St Augustine Fla and then to Walt Disney World
We spent another day in Charleston and saw a Emancipation Celebration Parade. Then we visited a Tea Plantation, a huge Live Oak tree, a Distillery and a Winery near Charleston. Then off to Jekyll Island, St Simons island and Savannah Georgia. Here are links to the pictures of the Angel Oak Tree the Charleston Tea… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – Episode 37 – More time in and around Charleston SC then south to Savannah Georgia
Visited the beautiful and historic city of Wilmington North Carolina and the temp was 75 degrees fahrenheit !!! Saw a fantastic sunset on Holden Beach. Enjoyed time with 2 of my old coworkers and friends Kim and Kathy. Spent time in Myrtle Beach and Conway. Then headed south with the rig to Charleston South Carolina. Here’s… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – Episode 36 – We visited Wilmington, Conway and Myrtle Beach NC then into SC to spend time in Charleston
We left Assateague and stayed at a Harvest Host in Melfa Virginia. We then went south to the Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina, driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. While in OBX we visited Kitty Hawk, drove on a beach and ate some fantastic tuna. We stopped at the Jarvisburg Colored School. Then off to… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 35 – Heading south to Virginia and then to the Outer Banks NC
We finally left our stone and mortar home for our Southeast 2019 trip. We didn’t get out of our driveway before the problems started, Then our 1st night out … NO 110v in the rig !!!!! Ugh. This may be a trip ender. We stayed in Barnegat NJ, visited the “Christmas Vacation House in Mickleton… Continue reading Relax RV Podcast – episode 34 – On the road again, the start of our Southeast 2019 trip
House is set. Rig is packed. Might as well get the road and travel to warmer climes for the winter.
We arrived home from our 2019 Northeast trip. We were gone for 4 months and traveled 6,000 miles. In this episode I talk about how many nights we stayed at various types of places (Harvest Hosts, Campgrounds and Boondockers Welcome). Made some improvements to the rig.
We were pleasantly surprised with the service at Thor!!!
We then headed east to Ohio. Then onto Pennsylvania and upstate NY. We found some great towns, a casino, great beer and wineries.
This is the end of our Northeast 2019 trip. With over 6,000 miles of memories and problems, it was wonderful!!!!!
We climbed Sleeping Bear Dunes which were so much fun !!!! We then visited Frankfort, Manistee, Douglas and Saugatuck Michigan; all great towns. Douglas has an adaptive canoe/kayak launch, which was very cool.
Then we drove south to Indiana and for the 2nd time we got the rig fixed at Thor in Wakarusa Indiana.
We went through another border crossing, then discovered Erie Pennsylvania, Northern Ohio and visited a Christmas Story House and Museum-yep it does exist (https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/), visited a great butcher shop (http://www.gibbsbutcherblock.com/), spent time with our friends in Grayling Michigan (https://www.markspigroasting.com/), kayaked 13 miles on the AuSable River and learned about "The toughest spectator sport" that happens every year in Grayling. From there we visited Traverse City.
So, we fell in love with Montreal, paddled through a lock near Kingston Ont, enjoyed a sunset dinner cruise through the 1000 islands. And then re-visited Port Dalhousie and Niagara Falls.
And after 2 and a half months in Canada; visiting 5 provinces (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario) it is time to return to the US.
We developed a water leak and considered cutting the trip short.
We met wonderful people, ate phenomenal food and saw fantastic places in this episode. We found New France, warm waters and snuck in a breakfast with our friends Patty and Andrew before leaving Nova Scotia. We then traveled back into New Brunswick for a week or so before heading to Quebec.
And after 2+ months we left the Atlantic time zone.
We had a family emergency back in NY and needed to leave the rig in Nova Scotia for almost 2 weeks.
Then a few days after we returned to our home away from home, we got locked out of the rig when our lock failed. Which is pretty common.
We spent 10 nights visiting PEI, then head off to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.
Here is a link to my Facebook page where you see pics of the places I mention in this episode https://www.facebook.com/Relax-RV-277623782811787/
And then we got notified that my mom had passed away, so off to N.Y. :(
While near the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick we visit Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks and the Sea Cave. And then we have a leak on our way to P.E.I.
Stopped at Gloucester Mass, Schoodic peninsula, Acadia N.P. Mt Desert Island, Bar Harbor and Campobello Island Canada. During this leg of the trip, we found dead coach batteries one night and a dead furnace the next night, And we saw seals !!!! Loving this trip. Here's a link to my youtube video regarding our dead furnace: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzwH6GhSMBDJ7qKxsLng-TA?view_as=subscriber
Here's a link to the RV shop who correctly diagnosed our heating problem (when 2 others failed): https://webbsrv.com/
We finally hit the road for our 2019 Summer North East trip. We visited Mystic Seaport, Cape Cod, Salem and Boston. We drove on a beach, rode a train and killed the battery in the Jeep. Let the fun begin. :)
Links: Thule Hullavator https://amzn.to/2Ei3XLq
Jumpstart power pack Schumacher https://amzn.to/2HreExg
Spring is here. I did a break in trip and found I didn't winterize our rig correctly, ..... our water heater is shot, I made short videos on this mistake, here are the links to them https://youtu.be/p9M5_-HubvE https://youtu.be/fANJu5cqnRM , https://youtu.be/N1Sp-i7xZJU
And along with spring comes wild life. Bears are awake and hungry. Here's a link to Yellowstone's podcast "Telemetry", in episode 9 they talk with a family that were attacked with a bear less than 1 mile from their car. They had bear spray with them. As of 2018 we always hike with bear spray. Be careful taking selfies this season and always. Stay hydrated while driving. Our Summer 2019 Northeast Tripis starting next week (May 2019). We will be visiting Connecticut, Cape Cod, Salem, Boston in Massachusetts. Then New Brunswick Canada, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Then to Quebec City, Montreal, 1000 islands, Finger Lakes NY and possibly Pennsylvania.
Downsizing. How it can help lower your stress level. I also talk about the benefits of stress and our new Bedlift kit to ease the access to un the bed storage. Check out my blog post where there are links to the articles and the book I mention https://relaxrv.org/blog/ . And the bedlift kit at: https://relaxrv.org/things-that-help-me-relax-while-we-are-in-our-rv-or-not/?frame-nonce=aaea8b8780
Yep, RV = Relaxed Vehicle. In this episode I talk about finding your passion in life. I also talk about various places we stayed during our 4 month trip in 2018, BoonDockers Welcome, Harvest Hosts, Walmart, Cabelas and Cracker Barrel. And of course other stuff too.
The RV is back in the shop .... again. So, in the meantime we are planning our next trip in May 2019. Going up though the North-East; Connecticut, Cape Cod, Boston, Salem, Acadia National Park, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Then down through the 1000 islands and the Finger Lakes in NY. And I talk about fears.
Stress Management for RVers. Hiding from a Tornado and being pulled out of mud. Our travels and trials in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. Let's talk about why we cancelled our Good Sam Extended Service Plan.
Stress Management for RVers. Our trials and travels in Montana, Wyoming and now in Nebraska.
Visited Bannack state park, Virginia City, Jackson in the big hole and yes Yellowstone National Park. And we bought a new topper at Highway 93 RV shop. Visit them at https://www.highway93rv.com
Bear spray ! Visited Billings and then made new friends in White Sulphur Springs Montana. Visited Lewis and Clark National Forest. Then finally to Glacier National Park !!! And here's another GPS horror story.
Bats flying and a iron mine tour in the U.P. of Michigan. Then into Wisconsin. Then to Minnesota and yes the mall of America is huge !!!! Then to Sioux Falls South Dakota, and the BADlands national park. Visited Devils Tower, not impressed with the KOA there. How is the topper doing with a lot of tape? City driving is no fun in a rig. Ice trays on the road, nope.
Visiting the Finger Lakes, Robert Treman and Letchworth State Parks in NY. Then into Canada ! Port Dalhousie, St Catherine and Niagara On The Lake. Then back to the U.S. and into the Upper Peninsula (the UP) Michigan.