Escapees May-June 2024

Lab Podcast series, in fact, I listened to 34 episodes on my return journey from Arizona to the Escapees headquarters in Texas. Many conversations resonated with the impor tance of building community on the road, a core part of Escapees’ mission. Research by Jeffrey A. Hall from the University of Kansas suggests it takes 40 to 60 hours to form a casual friendship, 80 to 100 hours for a regular friendship and over 200 hours to develop close bonds. This highlights the signi fi cance of time spent together, making activities at events like Hangouts crucial for fostering friendships within the RV community. Shared experiences help accumulate the hours to strengthen connections. Moreover, embracing “relational diversity” in your social interactions enhances wellbeing. This concept suggests bene fi ting from a mix of deep connections and more casual acquaintances. Such a diverse social network, including “weak ties,” is invaluable for accessing varied information, resources and support. These ties can bridge different social circles and provide practical support in emergencies or logistical challenges often seen in the RVing lifestyle. In essence, weak tie friendships are essential within the RVing community, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives and resources, making the nomadic lifestyle more enjoyable and sustainable. As Confucius also said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart,” emphasizing thebene fi ts of wholehearted engagement in building these relationships. We look forward to meeting you at a future Hangout! Sign up for Hangouts announcements so you don’t miss out on the opportunity of quality time with new and existing friends.

By KIRSTY HALLIDAY #115499, Hangouts Director

This year's Winter Blast Hangout in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, treated attendees to beautiful weather, perfect for a paddle boat trip on the Colorado River, a guided tour of London Bridge and spectacular pyrotechnic displays under clear skies. Excitingly, plans are already in place for another Winter Blast Hangout in 2025. Many attendees, including those new to Escapees, found the event an excellent opportunity to meet new people, with many fi nding new friends with whom they plan to keep in touch. This un derscores the value of taking the fi rst step in joining club community events. L ife on the road continues much as it does in a traditional home, echoing Confucius’s sentiment, “No matter where you go, there you are.” At the Xscapers Annual Bash, Lorri Weisen #147085 from “Natural Mental Health,” an Escapees commercial partner, offered insights on managing stress, anxiety and depression. Her talk inspired me to listen to NMH’s Joy

PHOTO BY ELLEN BATES #141920

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024