Pt 9 The difference between Google time & RV time
Before we can venture out, there's still one more stop to make within the land of saguaro-studded deserts and understand Google and RV time first.
Last week, we wrapped up an incredible journey along the historic Apache Trail, Route 88—a thrilling ride that took us from rugged, historic dirt roads to a well-established highway. Now, the adventure continues as we hit the open road, following Highway 10 southeast on our way to New Mexico with one final stop in Arizona along the way.
Need to catch up?
We’re on our way to new and exciting
adventures beyond Arizona! But before we can venture out, there's still one more stop to make within the land of saguaro-studded deserts. And, before we dive into that, let's have a little chat about the difference between "Google time" and "RV time”.
When you're driving a 45-foot motorcoach with tires rated at 65 miles per hour, you quickly learn that you’re not exactly going to be setting any speed records. In fact, comparing the speed of an RV to that of a car is like comparing a tortoise to a hare—only the hare has a GPS and keeps recalculating the route!
I have to admit, I had no idea there was such a thing as a speed rating for tires. But apparently, it's a thing, and it explains why some transport trucks crawl along at what feels like the speed of molasses in January. So, if you ever find yourself stuck behind one, just remember: it’s not the driver’s fault; it’s the tires. They’re doing their best and give them the space they deserve; the driver, no the tires.
And speaking of tires, I’ve got to say, those big ol’ RV tires might be rated for 65 miles per hour, but that doesn’t mean I’m eager to push them to their limit. Safety first. Besides, cruising along at a slower pace gives me more time to enjoy the scenery, and let’s be honest, in an RV you have a giant front window to enjoy the scenery. Now do not get me wrong, I am still a speedster I just wait until I am in my car and make up for lost time-sometimes I become a beast!
We have a Garmin specifically designed for RVs—the Garmin RV 780 & Traffic. This handy device allows us to customize our route based on our weight, height, and whether or not we have propane on board. I had no idea that some state roads, bridges, tunnels, and even ferry crossings have restrictions on propane tanks. Having this Garmin navigate all this information in my mind is a game-changer.
I believe this particular model is no longer sold, but there are bigger and better ones out there now. Still, I'm quite happy with ours and I do not believe in chucking what is perfectly useful for something new and shiny! We use this GPS exclusively, though we sometimes turn to our phones for backup. Only once did it really steer us wrong, but in its defense, both our iPhone Maps and Google Maps also led us into a dead-end that required backing out for 2-3 miles. What happened to the road that was supposed to be there? Your guess is as good as mine!
Other than that, we've been pretty lucky—only the occasional driver error when we decide to ignore “Lolas” ten million demands to turn at a specific road. You know how it is—sometimes you just don’t feel like listening to her telling you what to do, only to regret it later! And regret includes getting out and unhooking the car to either back out or turn around and then re-hooking up! Lesson learned! And, I am sure there is a digital smirk somewhere on Lola.
When it comes to mapping our routes—by that, I mean a rough mapping—we use Google Maps to get a general estimate. We’ll plug in a destination to get a feel for how long it will take to get us there. We call this "Google Time." Google Time is what’s displayed for someone driving a regular vehicle, based on going the speed limits. Y’all know this I am sure.
Then we add on a couple of hours for what we call "Coach Time" or "RV Time." This adjustment is necessary for those of us piloting something larger—like a motorcoach over 30 feet. I’m not exactly sure how this applies to campers, toy haulers, and the like, but I imagine the bigger ones, close to 45 feet long, might need the same consideration. Although, judging by the way some of these haulers go barreling down the road at 80 mph, maybe not!
So, here’s what I mean by "RV Time." On average, we aim to drive about 4 hours a day. If Google Maps says it will take 36 hours to reach our destination, we divide that by our 4-hour driving days. That means 36 hours could take us 9 days! I know—terrible! But hey, we’re full-timers, so what’s the rush?
Sometimes, we do have to rush,
and on those days, we might push for 6-hour driving days. I didn’t fully grasp the concept of driver fatigue until I started driving this massive bus. Occasionally, I can manage 6 hours if we really have to make time. And if we both share the driving, we can sometimes push it to 8 hours. But let me tell you, that’s tough because both of us are way better in the morning than in the afternoon.
If I had known that one day my life would be nomadic and dependent on driving, I would have added a new criterion to my list of things I wanted in a mate—“Can you drive for long hours, even in the afternoon?”
The truth is, when you’re driving something that big, you are constantly "on." In a passenger car, it’s easy to slip into autopilot mode while you eat, shave, put on makeup, scroll through social media, or even read a book—I’ve seen it all! But in a coach, it’s both hands on the wheel at all times, and your eyes are practically super-glued to the road. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to channel my inner stunt driver to avoid hitting someone who apparently thinks this 45-foot behemoth can stop on a dime—newsflash, it’s more like stopping on a giant rug that keeps sliding!
If there’s one thing I can instill in all of you, especially if you’ve never driven a large vehicle (and believe me, I’m just as guilty before this experience), it’s that you really need to be considerate of the larger vehicles on the road.
Honestly, I think it would be fantastic if everyone had to attend a truck or bus driving school for a day before getting their license. I was lucky enough to take Cemex’s one-day safety training, which ended with me driving a concrete truck simulator around the block. I failed miserably! But it gave me a real feel for what it’s like for a truck driver, maneuvering something that big and heavy.
This applies to all large trucks and buses. Look, I get it—large vehicles are slow and can feel like the universe's way of testing our patience. I am right there with you. I’m am the most impatient person you’ll ever meet when it comes to driving. I am actually really patient in person. But sometimes, we just have to pull our noses out of our butthole, suck it up, and embrace a little adulting. It’s about learning the fine art of patience while driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Large trucks and buses need the length of up to two football fields to safely stop. This means passenger cars need to leave extra space when merging in front of large vehicles. We need to give them the stopping space they need to merge and pass safely.
Here’s what we can all do to help:
Put Your Signal On: This is a fantastic way to let the driver know you’re intending to move over into the lane. It’s like sending a polite RSVP to the road.
Check Your Space: Before you slide on over, make sure there’s ample room between you and the car in front of you in the other lane. Think of it as creating a cozy little bubble of safety.
Use Your Rearview Mirror: If the bus or truck is fully visible in your rearview mirror and there’s still room in front of you to merge completely into the lane, then go ahead—come on over and welcome! That truck, bus, or RV driver will love you for it! I’m sure if you had time to look, the driver would be blowing you a kiss of gratitude or like me a kiss and a peace sign.
Avoid Merging on a Downhill: If at all possible, avoid getting into the lane in front of a large vehicle when going down a mountain or hill. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make driving challenging, especially on slopes. Trucks and buses accelerate slower uphill and gain speed quickly downhill. Depending on the vehicle, you could have up to 80,000 pounds barreling down on you if you make a quick lane change and then don’t accelerate—or worse, hit the brakes. Trust me, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to mentally (and sometimes literally) change my underwear after some close calls!
Okay, I could go on and on, but I think I’ll wrap up my “Karen" educational rant here. Maybe I’ll add a chapter on road etiquette in general, because the way most people drive today is deplorable. Honestly, if we took all the cars off the road that weren’t fully paid off, and then removed all the drivers who think they own the road, it would be like driving during Covid—barren and wonderful! OK. Onward!
We decided to take Highway 10 southeast
out of Arizona, heading towards New Mexico. It would take “Google time” 3 hours and 22 minutes. In reality, it was more like 4.5 hours factoring in loo breaks and stretching our legs. We eventually rolled into Cattlerest RV Park and Saloon at 933 S Haskell Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643.
There’s not much to see as you drive through the high desert prairie of Southeast Arizona—just miles of open land stretching out in all directions. But catch it at golden hour, and the landscape transforms into something straight out of an old Western movie. The light casts long, dramatic shadows, and the sweeping clouds seem to stretch endlessly across the sky, painting a scene that feels both timeless and breathtaking.
If you’re lucky enough to witness a storm rolling in, you’re in for a real treat. The sky darkens, and the clouds gather like a thick, looming blanket, rumbling with the promise of rain. It’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss, so be sure to sit outside and soak it all in. There’s something about breathing in the clean mountain air at 4,200 feet that makes you feel alive and connected to the wild beauty around you.
The visibility here at the RV camp and the surrounding area is unlimited, with a sky so blue against the golden desert grassland, it almost hurts your eyes. It’s the kind of place where you can see for miles, the horizon blending into the vastness of the landscape. Whether you’re just stopping over for a night or planning to explore more, this place offers a perfect pause, a moment to just be and take in the raw, natural beauty that surrounds you.
As you pull up to the Cattlerest RV Park, you’ll likely spot the iconic southwestern terracotta-colored Cattle Ranch bar and a big framed poster of John Wayne standing tall as your beacon from the road, with maybe a few RVs parked out front. The RV park is tucked just behind the bar. At first glance, it might seem a little rough around the edges, but once you pass through the gate, you'll find it’s actually a well-kept gem.
Surrounded by the open desert, it captures that quintessential southeastern Arizona vibe. The ground is covered with iconic Arizona red gravel, giving the park a clean, polished look that contrasts beautifully with the rugged desert landscape. The sites are pretty level, making it easy to navigate and set up camp, and the back-in spots offer ample space between sites, giving you a bit of breathing room and privacy in this wide-open space. It’s a place that perfectly blends rustic charm with practical comfort, making it a great spot to settle in and enjoy the surroundings.
This small 20-site park is a great base camp for exploring. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles, but it does offer a clean unisex bathhouse and laundry facilities. There are back-in and pull-through sites, with some offering full hookups and a dump station.
You can also stay at Cattlerest RV Park and Saloon for a small fee if you’re a Harvest Hosts member. Boondock out front, and be sure to stop into the bar for some food and drink. If you’re in the UK or Ireland, guess what? You can sign up for BritStops, which is just like Harvest Hosts. Thought I would mention it since you might reading this from the UK or Ireland(👋).
The saloon is a true gathering place for the locals and welcomes the curious traveler with open arms. The staff are super friendly, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The food might be limited to what can be cooked in a microwave—at least at the smaller bar side with the pool tables—but the drinks flow freely, and the atmosphere more than makes up for it.
There’s also an attached roadhouse bar, complete with a classic wooden floor, but it wasn’t open when we were there. I could just imagine the place buzzing with Honky Tonk fun. They host bands, and I hear it can get quite hopping some nights, so keep an eye out for some line dancing lessons. Who knows? You might just find yourself two-stepping the night away with the locals!
Although it’s right off Highway 10, having the RV park tucked behind the bar creates a surprisingly effective sound barrier. If you really listen, you might catch the faint rumble of a train in the distance. At night, the place is wonderfully quiet—and as long as your neighbors have the courtesy to turn off their porch lights, you’ll be treated to an incredible array of stars. Seriously, I’m all for a bit of security, but does anyone really need a porch light bright enough to land a plane?
I was looking forward to a good night’s sleep in the peacefulness of Southeast Arizona. With just one day of adventuring planned for tomorrow, I decided to check out the Wilcox Playa Wildlife Area, a mere 14 minutes away in Cochise County. I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of the migratory birds, including the popular sandhill crane and the elegant white-faced ibis. And, just like that, I was asleep—oblivious to someone’s porch light seeping through my blinds!
A question for you, what is your
favourite place to just be in nature? I would love to read your answers - here is a special blue button to do so….
Next week, I’ll share my adventure to Wilcox Playa Wildlife Area with you all. Thank you and I appreciate you for reading this week’s post See you next week.
~Karen
P.s.
If you are enjoying my work and want to keep the creative engines running, consider buying me a coffee (well, I actually drink tea) or, a couple of gallons of diesel? After all, even creativity needs a bit of a fuel boost now and then! ☕️🚍 Whether it’s a tea to spark new ideas or diesel to power through the tough spots, your support means the world to me. Thanks for keeping me inspired and on the move!"