New full-timer, need route advice

[Leila]

I am new to RVing, started full-time May 2012. Currently in Bozeman, MT, headed for Kalispell. Will be there until 8/22/12. Then on to ID, WA and coast drive 101 into CA. Want to arrive CA by Nov. 1. Any advice on routes? Campgrounds? I am in Class C 32 ft. Just me an' my dog! Thanks! Lee

[adehaan86]

The beauty of being a fulltimer is to enjoy yourself and the country we live in. I am unsure if you are retired or working on the road. That being sad I would take the longest possible road to get to CA. That is of coarse if the budget allows.

[WheelingIt]

Can't comment too much on the northern route, but once you get to the coast I can definitely recommend taking 101 through Oregon all the way down. The OR coast is amazing and state park campgrounds here are great. The other bonus in OR is that the coast is 100% public and 100% paw-friendly (which is not the case in CA -> many beaches in CA are restricted to no dogs). We're currently spending 2 months on the OR coast with our doggie and you can check out my blog (in the signature) for pics. Enjoy the ride!

[Leila]

Thank you so much for your reply - and I have just spent an hour loving your blog! I wrote down many things you said and have a shortcut on my desktop now :>). I had planned to do 101 from the top of WA to Valencia, CA from Sept. to Nov. and I've learned a lot from your journey. I sold my home in NJ and everything in it and bought a Class C. The world feels so upside down to me, and as I turned 60 this year I decided all I want is my dog (goldendoodle) and experience. Friends, and have made many in the 3 months I've been traveling. My initial 'mission' was to find charity work everywhere I stopped, but that hasn't been easy. I decided there is so much need in the world that all I really have to do is keep my heart open and it will find me, I don't need to search so hard. I have MY POCKET OF PEACE on my home, hoping I find it and bring it with me. Thank you for your blog, I love it and will follow you. And I hope whatever troubles you were dealing with in May have found a peaceful place in your heart. Leila Hazell