Skip to main content
Topic: Hanging up our keys .... (Read 1888 times) previous topic - next topic

Hanging up our keys ....

It is time .... and we have made the decision and are not looking back. We have decided that it is time to empty our girl and get it ready for the next owner. Physical challenges have made it clear during our last trip  ( a mere 750 miles) that we just cannot continue to enjoy this lifestyle on the road, and it is time to pursue other interests.

So ... after 5 years in this great coach ( and MANY coach bucks !!!) we will be listing our 2002 U320, single slide, tag, 40' beauty.

Sheesh ..... I was ALMOST done renovating!  All I had left was to re-do the dinette!

We will be posting the official list of particulars and (hopefully) photos as soon as we get done with the immediate need to pack up all the "stuff".    (sniff, gulp, choke)
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #1
How sad for all of us! We hope that you will continue to share on the forum because your wry sense of humor and engaging style of writing would be sorely missed otherwise.
Don & Tys
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #2
So ... after 5 years in this great coach ( and MANY coach bucks !!!) we will be listing our 2002 U320, single slide, tag, 40' beauty.

Sheesh ..... I was ALMOST done renovating!  All I had left was to re-do the dinette!

We will be posting the official list of particulars and (hopefully) photos as soon as we get done with the immediate need to pack up all the "stuff".    (sniff, gulp, choke)
Carol,
I know just the feeling.  We had Forrest for almost 14 years.  The prospect of new adventures will make the transition a bit better.  I know for Beth and I it will.

Good luck to you and Jeff in these new pursuits.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #3
Carol & Jeff

We've not met but I have enjoyed the many posts you've offered throughout the forum.  With some 18 months before retirement we've grown more excited to explore the forum, learn the history of the brand and drool over the wonderful job you and others have done restoring/renovating these special coaches.

It seems that just about the time we discovered FT, and the forum, that there have been a number of experienced FT owners who've decided to let their coaches move on to the next owner to enjoy.  Its been encouraging to see that these well cared for coaches do turn over....and frustrating that we've seen a couple of real beauties go quickly to new owners and we're so close....but not quite ready to buy.

Its also taken posts like yours to realize that time is precious...and waiting to retire to have more money....may leave less time to enjoy being retired.  I'd originally planned to work to 70 but have now decided to pull the plug at 66 in 2018.  Your Steve Jobs post says it well.

Good luck to you both.  I now your rig will have a new proud owner soon.

Randy in Sarasota
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #4
Wishing you and Jeff the very best. I appreciate all the special help you have given me and hope you will continue to write as everyone gains. My Dad's favorite saying,"getting old is Hell"is a truism. Wouldn't it be nice to retire at 20years old with the money one has when old; and work from 50 to death. I personally know I cannot do what I did at 55 years old so I am in a race to the end everyday.
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #5
Carol & Jeff,

Sorry to hear about your decision, but you two certainly know what you are doing, so it must be the right time.

You wrote us our very first PM, right after we introduced ourselves on the Forum, back in February of 2013.  I know the exact date, because I saved it for a souvenir.  Your kind message was a warm welcome to the Forum and to the lifestyle. and a offer to help us in any way you could.  Well, you have helped us many times with your knowledgeable posts, humorous insights, and pithy remarks.  Your wit and wisdom will be missed by all, I am sure.

No reason why you can't check in once in a while, and let us know what's happening.  Hope the next adventure is even better than this one!

Chuck and Jeannie Avery
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #6

Now, don't go away, Carol, stay with us!  You have been a bright light on this forum. We, who are "moving up the scale" have thought , many times, "when do we quit, or do we"? Making your own mind up, out front, is the adult decision. I wished I'd saved it: an article I read years ago (Trailer Life?) concerned a fellow who "was not done yet" and resisted suggestions that he'd had his fun.
It was a tear-jerking, poignant story where the son had to take the keys away from Dad. We love this lifestyle, but my niece has orders to "grab the keys". ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #7
Carol, you and mister wonderful will be dearly missed on this forum. Betty and I wish you the best in your future adventures.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #8
Wishing you and Jeff the very best. I appreciate all the special help you have given me and hope you will continue to write as everyone gains. My Dad's favorite saying,"getting old is Hell"is a truism. Wouldn't it be nice to retire at 20years old with the money one has when old; and work from 50 to death. I personally know I cannot do what I did at 55 years old so I am in a race to the end everyday.


Interesting post to us.

We consciously partially retired at 23/33 to enjoy our youth,  500 days dirt biking, 300 days jet skiing, another 300 days snow skiing.

Worked enough to support our fun.  Not the correct plan for most.

Worked out sort of.  I have a side biz and my DW has had her own biz for 19 years.

While not rich we would not trade the memories for the money ever. 

Still ended up with a cute small house near the beach in so cal and a Foretravel u320. 

But still need to work some which was the trade off for the freedom long ago.  Choices
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #9
We did something similar, leaving the work world in our early 30's to take off in our sail boat for a couple of years. 

Then retired in our late 40's to address our "bucket list". 

Yes, the budget is much more limited, but we are working our way through the list!

Carol and Jeff-- stay in touch.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #10
A very sad time, hope you hang around on the forums. your posts have always been of interest. We made the same decision last fall and just recently my I lost my DW, navigator and traveling companion so hanging up the keys was timely.
Best wishes for the next adventure in your travels.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #11
Gee .... Thanks, guys!  I certainly intend to hang around here. Firstly, because I am nosy ... and, secondly, because I always seem to have a lot to say.  We need to maintain our friendships with all here, as well!  This Forum has been an ongoing tutorial in many, many things ... not all of them Foretravel!  We gathered many friends here, by first meeting them and getting to know them electronically. It was sometimes months or years before we ever met in person! 

But ... we have learned that you should do things before you HAVE to , so you are not at the mercy of urgent circumstances. 

Jeff is having a hard time with the debilitating effects of A-fib, and trying to manage chronic back pain that has no surgical remedy. I CAN manage all the work of setting up, breaking down, hitching and un-hitching ... but I am never gonna love to drive the coach and I do not think I will ever change my mind. Therefore ... we are looking forward to alternate venues to explore and enjoy the planet. 
On to the next...!!!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #12
Carol and Jeff, sorry as others to see you go, we met o e time at the Q and had some. Good laughs around the fire ring. Good luck in your next adventure
Regards Andy & Eileen Wright  8)
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #13
Carol & Jeff

We've not met but I have enjoyed the many posts you've offered throughout the forum.  With some 18 months before retirement we've grown more excited to explore the forum, learn the history of the brand and drool over the wonderful job you and others have done restoring/renovating these special coaches.

It seems that just about the time we discovered FT, and the forum, that there have been a number of experienced FT owners who've decided to let their coaches move on to the next owner to enjoy.  Its been encouraging to see that these well cared for coaches do turn over....and frustrating that we've seen a couple of real beauties go quickly to new owners and we're so close....but not quite ready to buy.

Its also taken posts like yours to realize that time is precious...and waiting to retire to have more money....may leave less time to enjoy being retired.  I'd originally planned to work to 70 but have now decided to pull the plug at 66 in 2018.  Your Steve Jobs post says it well.

Good luck to you both.  I now your rig will have a new proud owner soon.

Randy in Sarasota
You can enjoy a coach before you retire. I will be 72 soon and even though I am still running the crane have enjoyed over 30 years of RVing and when I quit working can travel to places I couldn't

would miss Carol's posts if she stops. So don't
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #14
Carol -

I can remember when we first picked up our coach at FOT and you and Jeff were there, surely spending more coach bucks.  You came over, chatted and checked things out.  Having been on the forum for awhile I was privately wondering if that friendliness was representative of other Foretravelers and forum members.  I now know that you and Jeff are a genuine cut above. 

Like I've mentioned via email and wish to share with the forum  - thanks for all your words of traveling wisdom and humor.  Believe it or not your posts and Jeff's (reserved  ;D  input) of life on the road encourage us to keep exploring this country's wonderful byways. 

Please stick around and keep sharing.
The selected media item is not currently available.

Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #15
we are all time and health limited.  Unfortunately.

Had alot of conversations long ago with prospective  rv'ers and I always tried to hurry them up as the time is now.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #16
Carol,

Back when full-timing, we camp-hosted at various places.  After watching a fellow back his rig (expertly) between a couple of trees, I asked him the next day when would he know that it was time to quit.  He had just told me he was over 80-years old.  "When it is no longer fun."  I have often thought that that is the correct answer.

You may not recall, for it has been several years, that I and Carolyn met you and Jeff in a Taos RV park.  We finished the evening drinking wine in your RV along with another couple traveling in a FT parked next to yours.  Have always enjoyed your wit and whimsy offered on this forum.

Andy1
Carolyn and Lewis (Andy1) Anderson
1996 U270 36'

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #17
I feel the pain, and know, at 73, I'll not be far behind. Life, as good as it has been, this getting old ain't for the weak.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #18
Arrrgh!  Carol and Jeff, we are sorry this has come to pass but other good things await. You will be dearly missed, the Turbo Turd saga is a classic.  We will be in Tucson this winter and hope to see you, maybe at the Club House, maybe somewhere else. 
Roger and Susan.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #19
Sad to see y'all go good luck on your future endeavor's sad to see you go. 
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #20
Carol, we wish you the best. I make it a point to read whatever you post. I have learned a bunch that way.

We always hoped we'd get to meet you and Jeff on the road.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #21
Carol,
Like everyone else, I've always enjoyed your posts and always hoped to meet up with you and Jeff.

After just missing you at Q  a couple of times, it was so enjoyable to sit around the campfire with you and Jeff and all the other folks in Tucson 2 Februarys ago. You sure had us all laughing. Great memories!



2003 GV320 4010

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #22
Carol & Jeff, a little birdie told me a week or so that you had made this decision so it was not a shock. There are lots of issues that affect every one of us and we will all hit that mark one day and have to hang up the keys. Physical limitations are what will get me to do it due to all my operations but hope I have a couple of years left yet. At close to 73 I still feel active but by the end of day a nice lay down feels good. Keep in touch and we send our hugs to you both.
JohnH and Ruth x
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #23
Have any of your doctors talked about a spinal cord stimulator or a pain pump for Jeff?
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Hanging up our keys ....

Reply #24
I have really enjoyed your input and humor, and know it is hard to let go, you will be missed, but hope you keep in touch with the forum
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins