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From the RV Bookstore
Film documents the lives of RVers who 'camp' in Wal-Mart parking lots. Available in both DVD and VHS home video By Chuck Woodbury I got very excited when I heard about this film "This Is Nowhere," about RVers who "camp" in Wal-Mart parking lots. I became skeptical, however, when I learned that the producer/director had virtually no knowledge of RVs and RVing before making the film. I thought the might make fun of his subjects. After viewing the film, now available on VHS home video and DVD, I realized he didn't. Each year tens of thousands of travelers steer their RVs into Wal-Mart parking lots to "camp" for a night or two. Not because they have to. Rather, because they want to. Just as they seek out national parks and historic sites, RV travelers have marked Wal-Mart stores as travel destinations. "This is Nowhere" documents RV travelers' interactions with landscape, technology, communities, and each other. By some estimates, several million Americans travel full-time in motor homes, trailers and other recreational vehicles. Millions more spend significant portions of each year wandering America. Taking advantage of the modern American landscape, tens of thousands of vacationers and full-time travelers steer their RVs into Wal-Mart parking lots each year to "camp" for a night or two. Unfortunately, the producers fell short of their mission, inserting unnecessary scenes as they tried to make the subject matter more meaningful to a general audience, but ended up just adding extra minutes to the production that aren't needed. Still, their interviews with the RVers — which make up most of the film — are fascinating, informative and even funny, and will likely delight most RVer viewers. Virtually all those interviewed are having the time of their lives. Some literally go from one Wal-Mart to another, using a Wal-Mart atlas to plot their course. Once at the store, they often interact with other RVers who park nearby. They all love Wal-Mart and as a way of showing their support most of the RVers shop at the stores where they stay. The filmmakers interviewed their subjects in Wal-Mart parking lots, mostly in their RVs, and in doing so, provide a glimpse at not only the lives of these RVers, but their living spaces as well. One woman gleefully explains how well she and her husband have gotten along in their small trailer on their current trip. "I take tranquilizers in the evening and he drinks beer," she says, laughing. Another RVer gives a tour of his motorhome, proudly pointing out all the amenities. The DVD includes two versions — the full-length documentary of 87 minutes and a shorter 56-minute version that was aired on Montana Public Television. The shorter version doesn't contain some of the extra footage that I believe doesn't add much of interest to RVers to the overall production. The interviews with the RVers are delightful, and their reasons for camping at Wal-Mart varied. As much as this is a documentary about "camping" at Wal-Mart it's also about full-time RVers and their lifestyle. As these nomads move about, one state rolls into another into another. "Where are we tonight?" one woman asks her husband. RVer James Hruska explains why he gave up his 3,000 square foot home to move into a motorhome and become a wanderer. "I have everything I need," he says. Despite its shortcomings, I enjoyed this documentary, and was reminded again of why RVers choose to travel full time and how much most of them enjoy it. And, although I am knowledgeable about camping at Wal-Mart , the film revealed a lot to me about the practice that I was simply unaware of. UPDATE: This DVD is no longer available from RVbookstore.com. May we suggest The Wal-Mart Locator, THE guide to locating Wal-Mart stores, most of which allow free overnight stays in RVs. OTHER RESOURCES VIDEO: RV Education 101: Motorhome edition. This home video takes viewers step by step through operating every system and device on a Class A motorhome. Motorhomes Made Easy. This is a little book packed with loads of tips about using a Class A motorhome. Only $8.95.
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