FEATURE
While Carlton Lafferty said he is happy to see other people enjoying his pastime , the hobby is nothing new for him .
The 65-year-old Meridian native said he got interested in RV travel in part because his wife enjoyed tent camping , and he decidedly didn ’ t .
“ I didn ’ t grow up camping in a tent and it ’ s just not something I enjoy ,” he said , laughing . “ I prefer this because it feels more like you get to take your home on the road with you . You get to sleep in a bed that is familiar , and you get to have things with you that are important to you . We have our pets with us and we even have family pictures . It ’ s really a second home and so it feels comfortable to us .”
To add to the convenience , the couple actually keeps clothes and toiletries in the camper year-round . That means they do not even have to pack a bag when they travel by RV .
The couple sometimes travels with one or more of their 10 grandchildren . Other times , they might set up at a campground at the beach and the children and grandchildren might come for a day or two to enjoy the experience , eat some good food , enjoy the beach and compete in a few games of cornhole with their parents and grandparents .
“ We really enjoy our family and this is a great way for us to just be together ,” Lafferty said . “ It ’ s time that usually isn ’ t rushed . We don ’ t even have to leave the campground if we don ’ t want to .”
Recently , the couple traveled from their home in the Martin community to Natchez Trace State Park campground in Tennessee . They got to see snow along the way , and then the temperatures warmed up enough for them to comfortably ride bikes and hike .
Gas prices have become a bit of a stressor for the couple and other RVers , he said . Some people are changing plans and taking shorter trips to reduce travel expenses , he said . Others are cutting corners on the cost of food or the length of their trips .
“ We definitely keep an eye on the gas prices ,” the insurance agent said . “ But when I think about how much it would cost to stay in a hotel , there ’ s a big expense there . It seems like almost anything is going to cost you money , you just have to decide how you will react and what you want to do and want to pay for .”
He said that if prices get high enough , he will still camp , but he might be hitting a campground in the same state or county , instead of going away .
Lafferty said his favorite trips are to the Gulf Shores , Alabama , area . The couple spends time on the beach , cooking together and having bonfires . They also play board games and card games , swim or fish .
Last year , the couple took a trip to seven states , and they especially enjoyed their time in Hillman Ferry Campground in
20 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN