RVing A Relaxing, Enjoyable Pastime

Retirement often offers the opportunity to participate in leisure activities that people never find time to do while they remain in the work force, a fact that Ardean and Donna Skogen, Cartwright, discovered to their joy. After retiring, the couple purchased a thirty foot RV and have enjoyed camping, fishing, and related activities on a regular basis ever since.

The Skogens did purchase a small Corsair camper in 1978, but they used it as living quarters for a period of time rather than as a recreational vehicle. However, as they aged, they decided to purchase a larger trailer and take the time to enjoy it. "We never camped as kids, but since we retired, we've had the time and the inclination to camp," Donna remarks. "We go with family and friends and we have a wonderful time."

She laughs and continues, "The beds in the Corsair were hard, way too hard for old bodies, so we bought our new thirty foot trailer. We didn't plan very well, as after we purchased the new trailer, we discovered our Suburban had trouble pulling it, so we then had to make a new truck purchase. We bought a three quarter ton Dodge dually that pulls it with no problems."

The Skogens have camped at several different area locations. Although all camp grounds have positive aspects as well as less desirable features, they found they really liked Fort Peck for a variety of reasons. "We've been to Lewis and Clark state park, Pouch Point, and to New Town, as well as Fort Peck," Donna says. "We like Lewis and Clark, but you have to pay to stay there. At Lewis and Clark, however, an ice cream truck comes around every day about 4 p.m., playing music to draw the kids. It also drew the little old ladies as we would stand and wait for it so we could have ice cream bars for dessert."

She continues, "We usually go to Fort Peck because it is lots of fun and there is a lot to do. We enjoy the plays, and there is a new play every few weeks so we like to go there every two weeks and catch the new play on Friday night. They are well worth going for. Then we camp and rest on Saturday, we might fish, or we might shop in Glasgow, and then we come home on Sunday."

The Skogens generally camp with family and friends, and everyone helps out to make life easier for the camping party. "There are at least three couples, sometimes four or five different camping couples in our party," Donna comments. "Ardean's cousin usually brings the fill-in food, like salads and fruits. The daughter in law makes the eggs, our son does the bacon, and Ardean and I make the pancakes. We usually eat about 10 a.m. and then again at 4 p.m. We take lots of food and cook on the grill."

She adds, "We do a lot of fishing. We have a pedal boat, but the whole idea is to visit with extended family and friends."

Evenings at the campground prove restful. "We build a big bonfire in a fire pit, and we sit in chairs and look at the night sky," Donna remarks. "We watch the stars, the satellites, and look for planes. It's amazing how much you can see. We have glider chairs that sit back and don't hurt our necks. I am always amazed at how much is out at night."

She adds, "This is a way to enjoy life. It is relaxed, quality time with family and friends."

Camping has allowed the Skogens to come in contact with many interesting people. "We do meet a lot of people and we have exchanged a lot of ideas with them and have a good time," Donna says.

Donna admits they now have a small problem, again due to lack of planning ahead. The Skogens recently bought a pontoon boat, and with the RV, they are over the length limit for towing on Montana roadways. "Our pickup is big, we have a thirty foot camper plus hitch, and a twenty two foot pontoon boat plus hitch, so if we want to take the boat and the camper, we are too long for State law," Donna concludes. "We didn't plan very well. We'll either have to find a slip for the boat or else buy a cabin."

Whatever they decide, the Skogens will continue to enjoy the outdoors and the company of family and friends.