When I first got the idea of becoming a fulltime RV’er I read everything I could get my hands on. I also had many DVD’s as well.  One of the main themes that I got from all the books, blogs and DVD’s was that you will meet many new friends on the road.  As much as I love to travel, I think I enjoy meeting new friends along my way even better.

Almost every campground you stop at you meet people from all over the world.  Each person usually has a wonderful story to relate on how they became RV’ers, where they have been, recommendations on where to travel and which campgrounds they like. It is also interesting how many times that you meet up with them down the road.

To further explain what I mean, I was staying at Rockhound State Park in New Mexico.  I have stayed here twice.  The first time was back in Oct. 2010.  On that occasion, once I settled in I called my friend Jack, who I had met while he was camp hosting in Columbus, NM about 30 miles from here.  I called him up and he met me up here the following day.  We had a great time hiking.  Here is a pic of Jack with his dog.

On another day, still at Rockhound I was hiking on my own when I heard someone shouting to me from the top of his travel trailer.  It was a very windy day.  I went over to see what this guy wanted.  As it turned out he had gotten on top of his roof to check something and the wind had blown his ladder down.  I propped the ladder up and that was the beginning of my friendship with John.

Since then I have visited with John many times and we have gone on some great hikes together.  I have seen him at City of Rocks, Pancho Villa and now have made a full circle back to Rockhound.  Here is a pic of my good friend John.

I met my friends Jim and Gayle at the 2010 Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM.  Since then we also have met up at Quartzsite, AZ this past January and when they suggested I meet them at Rockhound last week I jumped at the chance to see them again.  This is a pic of them while hiking this week.

I also got to meet a person who I greatly admire and look up to for much advice.  I have followed Andy Baird’s travels since he purchased “Gerty”.  We all met at Jim and Gayle’s rig where he showed us his IPad.  Now I have another item on my “Wish List”.  Andy also offered to come over to my rig to help me with a connection problem I had with Netflix.  This is a pic of Andy, Jim and Gayle in my rig.  I feel so privileged knowing such wonderful people.  Thanks Andy for all the help.

After hiking with Jim and Gayle, we were all back at their campsite when all of a sudden this guy pulls us, gets out and says to me “you must be Jim Melvin”.  Yes I responded and he went on to tell me that he was Barney from Old Fat Man Adventures.  What a trip!!  I have been following Barney’s blog for at least three years now, long before I even began  RV’ing.

He sat down with us and we had a great chat about campgrounds in Texas, the weather, getting stuck in the sand, etc., etc., etc.  What a wonderful time.  I have written several comments in his blog especially after he came into New Mexico.  But in know way would I have ever know he knew who I was, let alone ask for me by name.  The pic is not real great since my camera battery needed charging and had to take it with my Droid Incredible.

These are just the friends I met up with while staying at the Rockhound SP.  It does not include the many friends I have met elsewhere including the 2010 Balloon Fiesta, SW Lazy Daze Rally in Benson, AZ, Quartzsite, AZ, etc. etc. etc.

As you can see it is really fun meeting friends on the road, but is even more fun running into them later on down the road.  Can’t you tell I really LOVE this lifestyle.