RVing and Afraid
TL;DR: Jenell's mild summer in the Pacific Northwest made her forget the brutal heat of a California desert. After nearly succumbing to heat exhaustion in 111°F temps, she survived by adapting their RV setup and relying heavily on ACs. Six days of intense heat created a newfound appreciation for air conditioner maintenance and a promise to keep up with it in the future.
Just a few months ago, in June and July, I was happily bundled in long-sleeve t-shirts and light jackets, soaking up the mild, dreamy weather of the Pacific Northwest. I wasn’t even thinking about summer heat or humidity—let alone cranking the AC to full blast. I had somehow convinced myself that all summers were 70-degree days with crisp, 50-degree nights, completely forgetting the sweaty reality of my 20 years in Florida. Oh, how quickly we forget!
Despite this or maybe because of this as I made my way down the California 101 enjoying the incredible scenery, I didn't really pay attention to the increasing daily temperatures.
I reached my destination, a beautiful Harvest Hosts resort. I have visited the Fountain of Youth a few times and I love the place. I look forward to my visits. True, I have not been in September and I quickly discovered why. As I checked in I noticed the place was very quiet-like no one around quiet.
Danger Zone: I’m Gonna Die
I got parked and started on the chores that come with setting up the RV. I quickly realized I was very heated but I was drinking water so I kept going- only a few more things to do and I would be finished. I hate having half finished projects so I pushed through. At about the same time I noticed the RV was blurred and wavering, I got dizzy all of the sudden. Time to go inside for some relief.
WIth both air conditioners running the temperature inside read 99. I knew if I didn't take some quick action I was going to pass out and I felt tunnel vision, like I couldn't see around me. I walked into the shower with my clothes on and turned on the water only to discover there was absolutely no cold water, in fact it was very hot.
So to recap for the reader, I am dehydrated, have onset heat exhaustion, I have a confused feeling, I'm about to pass out and have hot water running over me. I stripped my clothes and poured the cold water from the fridge pitcher directly over me. That did provide a little relief. I am not one to panic but I could feel it rising in me. I literally did not know what to do. I suddenly remembered the news reports of people dying because of the heat. It occurred to me I could actually die here. I layed on my bed with cold towels on my body with ice cubes melting on them. And a portable fan sitting a foot from me.