Darrell Berkheimer: The allure of RVs and nature

Two years ago, when selling the small RoadTrek motorhome we had, I figured my RV days were over — after traveling in 11 different RVs during the previous 55 years.

We had both turned 78, and Mary had become less active with some mobility issues.

I love camping, being in nature, kayaking, walking through the forest, plus spotting and photographing wild animals in their natural habitats. And I want to keep doing some of that.

That’s why I had owned four trailers, two pickup campers and two motorhomes after traveling in three units owned by my parents.

So I outfitted my minivan with a bunk, two camp mattresses and other items necessary for a couple nights camping. That way a friend can join me on a camping trip to a lake or reservoir that’s too far for a day trip. And we could take a stroll through any adjoining woodland.

For a couple years I’ve been hoping to…