Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

Since I’ve arrived in Prescott I’ve been greeted by so many nice people.  Lots of enthused welcomes.  So, it’s all peaches and cream, right?

No, of course not.

About 5% of the folks I’ve met look concerned when I say I’m looking to be a resident of this wonderful town.  It’s pretty funny.  They get quiet for a moment, then list reasons why I should not live here (I swear, I usually look presentable).  Run him out on the rail ASAP gang!

The other week I visited with a really nice person.  As we talked in line at a store I mentioned I was thinking about calling this home.  Her face darkened, and she asked me very seriously, “Did you bring your own water?”  My response, “Yes, I did, in the fresh water tank of my Airstream.”  She got a chuckle out of that, and the conversation lightened a good bit (good work Airstream).

She did go on to list that the area was growing too large, there is a water issue here (very clear to me as well), and the housing prices are getting insane.  Umm, ever been to New England, California, or for that matter, any of the states I’ve traveled through this year?  It’s called a bubble folks, it’s everywhere, and it will take some time to deflate further.

An interesting aside before I continue.  With the Airstream I have several “advantages” not available to the average home owner.  Extremely efficient appliances, the opportunity to add solar easy, low water consumption (hit the little shut off on the shower head while soaping up, etc), a smaller footprint when it comes to impacting the environment, etc.  I do not have a lawn to water, no heating system with forced hot water, a small space to cool vs running Air-conditioning or a Swamp Cooler in a 2000 square foot space…..

Should I continue the list?

Often times people think that RVing is really resource intensive.  Low gas mileage, diesel, hundreds of miles every day.  The reality.  RVers stop places for long periods of time.  Their heating and cooling requirements are so much smaller than a moderate home.  Water consumption and power consumption are lower than a normal home.  RVers aren’t out on riding tractors 4 hours per week cutting back the lawn they water 8 hours a week.  So, some advantages I’d say. 

Now on to today’s “You don’t want to live here” moment.

This was a different perspective.  I visited with a person who isn’t “from here”, but has been here a while.  She’s moving in a few weeks.  Been here for a few years working an interesting job.  She relayed that the fire danger is beyond belief.  When the monsoon season starts the area is in real trouble (according to her).  So, she’s heading to Kentucky.  Safer there, and family nearby.

Apparently, the Chino Valley area also has tornadoes.  Not to mention the water issue here (yup, I’m pretty aware now).

As our conversation continued though, I found out about all the other things that are wrong.  Gas prices, humming birds, and condensation.  “The gas prices are crazy, and they’re only going to get worse.”  Alright gang, putting on the economist hat for a moment.  Duh!

Scarce resource being used = increasing costs.  Ok?  We’re not going to see $1.50 a gallon again in the near future (or ever).  Dimishing supply requires a higher price be paid, and honestly we’ve got it better than many other countries regarding fuel prices.  Overall, all prices will inflate until real alternates are identified and brought to market.  Sorry.

Now, on to the humming birds.  She used to feed them, but the wind knocked the feeders, spilling the sweet liquid.  That in turn attracted ants, and she was sick of the ants.  Horrible.

Finally, we got on to cooking with propane.  Apparently it makes way too much condensation, so electric would be better.  Too much moisture indoors in a place that is very dry.  Ah, yes, I could see that would be a huge drawback…..

Oh, and she also said allergens are horrible here, just wait, it’ll hit me bad!  Gee, thanks!

As our conversation continued it struck me, everything was wrong with everything.  But still, the worry about fires in this area is a real one.  It’s funny though, I’ve run across this type of stuff every place I’ve been.  Let’s do the list:

• “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes.”  What state am I talking about?  NH, ME, VT, MA, CT, RI, FL, VA, AZ, NM, CO, CA.  I’ve heard that expression used in all those states.  Everyone thinks it’s bad where they are.
• “Food prices are ridiculous.”  Honestly, the people in AK and HI have the market cornered on this one.  The rest of us….. some things cost more in New England and are cheaper in AZ.  Some things are cheaper in AZ and more expensive in NH.
• “Taxes here are outrageous!  You don’t want to live here.”  Ummm, I’ve heard that in every state, including NH regarding property taxes.  Know what, taxes are outrageous, we can just leave it at that.
•  ”Housing prices are insane here.”  Alright everyone, once again the word of the day is BUBBLE.  Believe me or don’t, but home sales are slacking because it’s a bubble, people used their houses as ATMs, and rates were so low that people could afford bigger mortgages and bid up places that should have a lower market value.  It will blow off.  Some places more than others. 

I talked with a friend this afternoon about my conversation.  And as I reworked the talk with the pleasant lady, I couldn’t remember a single thing she was positive about, even her pending move.  She listed off the issues with the state she was going to.  So, I’m betting she’s just not going to be happy.

Bottom line, I really like it here.  I’m concerned about the fire danger and water situation.  Two very serious issues for such a wonderful place.  However, given all the extremely green lawns I’ve seen around town, it’s an issue that hasn’t curbed aesthetic needs at the moment.  Not to pick, but there are plenty so I guess there are many who aren’t as concerned.  Still, I’ll continue watching my water usage close.  :)  And for now, I’m pretty darned happy about where I’m at, even with the 5% warning of issues in the area.  Worst case, the trailer can be hitched up in under 15 minutes! 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 6:32 pm and is filed under On the road.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.