RV Westwood Sign

Zumba, Shuffleboard, Board Games, Cards, Bingo, Golf, Billiards, Ceramics, Lapidary, Yoga, Line Dancing, Swimming, Water Aerobics, Pickelball, Block parties, BBQs, Corn hole, Bocce Ball, Horseshoes, concerts, weekly dances…. the list goes on and on.

If you have ever been to an All-Inclusive Resort or on a cruise you might assume I’m reading the daily activities list; I would.  However, this time, I’m not.  I’m actually reading the list of activities at an RV Park in Yuma, Arizona with my business partner Cheryl and her husband Bill!

They are travelling the US for 6 months in their RV.  Cheryl and I needed to get some time sensitive work done so I asked her if I could join them so we could work together.

Giggling Cheryl said “Sure, you are going to love it here.  How long are you staying?”  I replied “12 days”.  “Hmmmmm that might not be long enough if you are planning on sleeping!”  She said.  A little confused I booked my flight and away I went.

When I arrived, I was promptly given Cheryl’s weekly schedule and given an activities sheet so I could plan my time around what daily activities I wanted to participate in. From there, she said we would plan our work time. Looking at Cheryl’s schedule and with all the fun stuff I would like to do each day, my first question was, “How are we going to get any work done?”

I had heard throughout my life about people spending months in Arizona and other warmer places for the winter.  I thought it was just because of the sunshine.  I had no idea it was because of the lifestyle.  My first thoughts were, “I think I am going to love it here.  I could get used to living like this!”

After a few days, I was hooked.   I felt energized, happy, and well balanced for a work and play life.

What fun activities filled our days?

A game of pool anyone?

Biking

Friends that we met in the part took us Site Seeing

A swim or hot tub anyone?

Cheryl’s ready for a game of pickleball

Lots of fruit around the grounds to pick.  Yummy!

Bocce ball

Bocce Ball -  Cheryl is much better than I am

Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard – I’m playing against Cheryl and a friend from the park.  I think my team won.  🙂

Card Bingo – Every Monday.  Having lots of fun with the ladies.  I never won though!

Day trip to Los Algadones, Mexico with the neighbors   

Los Algadones is a little town just on the other side of the border in Mexico about a 20 minute drive from where we are staying.  It is known for it’s many dentists, optomitrists, and prescription medications.  1/4 of the prices in the US.   I got my teeth cleaned for $25 US!  I saw signs for prescription glasses for $40 US and Bifocals for $75 US.   The people we were with go down monthly for their prescriptions.  A $360 US perscription in the States, cost $45 in Mexico.  This little town depends so much on the Americans that they have a season opening party every year and offer free food and alcohol as a thank you.  We walked across the border and going back the line up was almost 1 hr to get across.  This little town has a great thing going on.

Day trip to Los Algadones, Mexico with the neighbors   

Los Algadones is a little town just on the other side of the border in Mexico about a 20 minute drive from where we are staying.  It is known for it’s many dentists, optomitrists, and prescription medications.  1/4 of the prices in the US.   I got my teeth cleaned for $25 US!  I saw signs for prescription glasses for $40 US and Bifocals for $75 US.   The people we were with go down monthly for their prescriptions.  A $360 US perscription in the States, cost $45 in Mexico.  This little town depends so much on the Americans that they have a season opening party every year and offer free food and alcohol as a thank you.  We walked across the border and going back the line up was almost 1 hr to get across.  This little town has a great thing going on.

 

I think this lifestyle is the biggest secret out there.   As I am a very social person who does enjoy my down time, this was the best of both worlds.   I could plan the activities for my day then spend time working in the RV or relaxing on my own.  Being able to walk everywhere and get 2-3 hours of exercise in a day, and having fun doing it! is exactly what I am looking for.  I would sell my home and move into one of these parks if I could.  I love the lifestyle.   Lots of exercise, friendly people, sunshine.  What’s not to love?  A plethora of things to do or not to do; whatever you choose.

This year there was a Snowbird Special. If you own your own RV, you could stay September through December for a total of $800 US plus water and hydro. WOW, what a deal!    Regular prices are $600 – 800 US per month plus water and hydro  (which I still think is pretty good) or you can rent a park mobile from $1200 – 1800 per month.  At this particular park, most of the activities start mid October when people begin arriving for the winter.  High season is January and continues till around the end of April.

Website:

https://www.westwindrvgolfresort.com/

Activities List:

https://www.westwindrvgolfresort.com/amenities/

Promo Video:

 https://vimeo.com/161108768

There are many many RV parks all over the US just like this one.  (as well as Canada and many other countries around the world)  It’s hard to believe some even have more activities than this such as hiking clubs, computer clubs, photography clubs.  I love that you never have to leave the park except for groceries.  And in Yuma, Frys is a great place to grocery shop!

Whether you can stay a week or a month, everyone should try it at least once!

This winter, I am hoping to go back to this park to enjoy the sunshine, the lifestyle, and catch up with all the wonderful people I met.  Why am I just “hoping” to go back and not booking a month or two there?  Because I can’t get in.  I’m not old enough!  At this particular park, one person must be at least 55 to rent a space or mobile.  That counts me out.  I never thought I’d be wishing to be older and especially for this reason.  Who knew?! My age was the youngest by many years, but in spirit, you couldn’t tell.  Especially on the pickleball courts! I met some great people that I would love to go back and see.  It’s like being on a vacation but having friends with you to enjoy your time. I don’t think life can get better than that!

Have you had the opportunity to experience this lifestyle?  What was your experience with it?   Did you even know that this lifestyle existed?

PS… and yes…Cheryl and I did manage to get all of our work done, but not before extending my stay one more week!