Dr. Seuss had a story about a turtle named Yertle. When I decided to buy a travel trailer to live in full time, my children and I discussed how the trailer life was like being a turtle in his shell; wherever I decided to go, I would be home! Since I have always named the vehicles in my life, it made sense to name the trailer. And what better name for a 'turtle' of a home than Yertle? So, the 5th wheel became Yertle, and I began to make it my home.
Yertle was 12 years old at the time a sweet widower living in a retirement community posted the unit for sale. He had owned it with the intent of traveling with his wife around the United States in their retired years and visiting family, National Parks, and the sights around North America. Not too long into their nomadic plans, his darling bride fell ill and their travels came to a halt. He took every care to tend to her needs and well being but she continued to deteriorate until she eventually passed away. Her distraught husband couldn't bring himself to sell the trailer they had made so many memories in and plans for until medical bills and other living expenses loomed so large there were no other options. So, after the camper had been with him for many years, he posted it for sale right at the time I had begun looking.
I had a small chunk of cash, just about what he was asking for it and I went to do a walk-through. The unit was filled with the couple's things still, but hadn't been used for quite some time. He talked me through all the ins and outs, the quirks and features, and we talked at length about the benefits and downsides of long term trailer living. Everything seemed like what I was looking for; a small, portable space to call my own. Among the pluses, a fully functional, albeit tiny, kitchen, relatively roomy shower, comfortable queen bed, hot water heater, sleeper sofa for overnight guests to crash on, dual propane tanks, moderate sized fridge, lots of storage nooks and crannies, efficient floor plan, furnished, updated flooring, a washing machine, clean. To top off the deal, the owner agreed to transport the unit to my location and help me set up for the first time. Without much hesitation or thought, we shook on it and the deal was done.
It didn't take much looking to find a space for Yertle with a very reasonable rent. Water, electric, trash all included for $500. Set on a desert hill with outstanding views of the sunrises and sunsets, as well as the night-time city lights, I was more than excited to settle in. So, within a few days, arrangements were made, all my belongings were packed into my crew cab truck, and I was standing at the top of the hill on the large property, watching down the dirt road for Yertle to arrive.
I had everything moved in before the night was over. I was so satisfied as I organized my handful of dishes and spices in the kitchen, my clothes in the closets and drawers, my small DVD collection into the cabinet under the TV, and the few childhood mementos I had were safely put away. I stood back and looked around at my new home. Life is rarely what you planned, expected, or hoped for...but in that moment, I was proud of myself and satisfied with the adventure I was started on. Mostly, I was looking forward to feeling like whatever was in store for me and Yertle, I was home.
