Boondocking,

We all love finding those free campsites. Thanks Jenn of freecampsites.net

Recently on her Facebook group of the same name, there was a photo posted and a discussion on trashed campsites.

We've all been there. You pull into pristine woods or a beautiful lake or breathtaking Vista of the scenic desert southwest. And what do we see...some jerk has left trash, cigarette butts, dirty diapers, shell casings, burnt stuff in a fire pit, or has in general left human's mark on mother nature.

Immediately we hear...there ought to be a law...there is.
Someone should publicly shame them by posting photos of them, their campsite, and make them pay...hmmm sounds like the stocks of the 1600s and dunce caps and all that mob mentality thing 

There should be damage deposits on mother nature...hmmm good way to force economic segregation. People like me wouldn't be able to afford it.

Who am I, I'm the old woman who comes in to boondock after them. As usual, grab trash bag, gloves, pick up stuff. Burn what can be burned...if safe. Find a dumpster, usually in town. Funny, word gets around a local area when you're seen cleaning up public land quietly. Never had anyone complain about me using their dumpster.

As a smoker, I strip my cigarettes butts and put them in the trash bag...not the fire pit. Usually I stick a can outside with a little sand or dirt in it as an ashtray.

I've even sometimes made some money cleaning up. Some areas charge a deposit on bottles and cans. Food cans, clean out, remove label, smash flat. Sell for scrap at any recycler. Aluminum scraps a little better. So even if the state doesn't charge deposit on cans and bottles, you can recycle it. You don't get rich, but you can generally recoup the amount you spent on bags, gas, and sometimes enjoy a meal.

I clean up public lands when I stay there. As a member of the public, I'm cleaning up my own land. This public lands belong to all of us.

So, instead of blaming, shaming, trying to pass laws restricting things...just grab a pair of gloves, a trash bag or two, and beautify the land by removing signs of human's trash. Oh...and scoop that poop on your dogs too.

See ya down the road
Lou

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No Time Clock

Last night was cold. It got down to 50 degrees. I've been down south so long my blood has thinned.

I was warm snuggled up in my blankets. Time to get out the chemical heater that Mark gave me. You add some water, put it in it's canvas case, wrap it up in a towel and put it in the bed.

Romeo snuggled in the blankets with me. Little dogs put out heat!

Woke up at about 11 am. Still brisk at 68 degrees. Grabbed leftover thick sliced turkey, diced some up for Romeo, got a few hunks for me. Some deserts and pastries will go nicely with it. Time to heat water and make coffee.

It's so nice and cold at night that I don't even have to put food in a cooler on ice.

No time clocks, no need to be up at a certain hour, I still get the same 24 hours in a day.

There are things I should do today but really it's a perfect day to just enjoy the fall weather...in the desert.

Tips to be warm
-Park facing due east, passive solar heat will warm the van.
-wear a hat and warm socks.
-leggings are nice and warm. They can be worn under a skirt or pants.
-Fingerless gloves...love them
-layers...dress in layers

See you down the road
Lou

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A Throwback To Simpler Times?

Someone once said to me...this isn't a hundred years ago...be more modern.

Ok, let's take a look at the difference in skill sets 100 years ago and now.

Then
-we had skilled craftsman
-things were made to last
-you saved up to buy things...giving you time to figure out if you really wanted it or needed it. Fewer impulse purchases.
-people pitched in to help each other out. Shared resources.
-family meals were a thing, backyards barbeques instead of big parties
-family time listening to stories on the radio
-things made from scratch
-people repaired stuff rather than throwing it out and buying new.

Now
-emphasis on whatyou can buy
-emphasis on instant gratification
-consumerist economy
-less time spent with others...rush...rush...rush
-microwave and instant meals

I Dunno...I think I'm a throw back. I'm good with that.

See ya on the road
Lou

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It's Really Important To Know Some Basic Van Repairs

There is absolutely nothing like the helpless feeling when your van won't open or won't run. I've been there a few times.

I know how to do many basic repairs. I carry tools and a Chilton Manual. I also carry a battery charger, jumper cables, tow strap, a good jack, and a big container designed for draining fluids.

Anyone who owns any vehicle should know a few basic things...checking fluids, opening hood,hinge jumpstart a battery, and how to change a tire. You need basic equipment to do this. Even if you're not physically able to change a tire, you really need to know how to do it.

You need to know how your hood latch mechanism works. They get bent or stuck. I just had a mechanic spot this on mine and he hammered and bent it until it was straight and true again. Now if we could only fix the back corner that's causing my rear doors hinge to be off kilter, life would be awesome (my clean clothes accessible only through rear door right now, that will change quickly).

Last night a tired man was driving the biggest uhaul truck general public can rent. Not wanting my van hit yet again, I got out and guided him to a safe parking spot. People get in over their heads with vehicles and take off and drive them with inadequate knowledge. Common problem.

A friend just had her water pump replaced. She was like a little girl at Christmas being able to actually look at her engine as it was being repaired, asking lots of questions and taking photos for later reference. We forgot to charge up the ac but she'll actually be able to do that for herself because she was up under there learning what was where and some simple repairs.

I used to be one of those helpless women. There was always a guy around to fix things or take care of minor stuff. Now I'm that Badass woman who can do most simple repairs.

Get a manual. Get some basic tools. Learn how to do some simple repairs yourself. Know how to check all the fluids and how to jump a battery.

You can do this

See you down the road
Lou

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Rain, Thunder, Flash Floods, Safety

Last night was a typical New Mexico rainstorm.
Thunder, lightening, strong winds and hard rain.

There are a few things you should know about safety in storms.

First of all...Stay parked and inside your vehicle. Don't try to drive through it and don't drive through water. It's not just the risk of flash floods.

I had someone throw water all up over my hood and roof. Shorted out my battery and my alternator.

Costs ...
Alternator $55 at junkyard
Oem alternator wiring $10
Battery $50
My time and labor...yeah

Turn off any inverters and house battery system.

Don't have anything out and touching ground. Bring in any steps.

Look to see that your windshield is in no danger from blowing tree branches.

Once you have battened down the hatches, all windows and doors closed, nothing open to let rain in, relax. Read a book. Stream videos. Go to bed. Listen to the rain beating on the roof.

See ya down the road
Lou

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Why Not Head South?

The most annoying thing when I was up in Michigan through two winters in a van is everyone said go south for the winter as the solution to every problem.

I had just bought an extended body cargo van and then I bought a vintage 18 ft Amerigo travel trailer.

Traveling South meant about 200 gallons of gas.  There would have been no benefit to me of traveling slowly. It wouldhave still been very cold.

I had winter gear and a buddy heater. I had covered all the windows with heavy quilts. The second year I wasn't hooked up to electric. I managed pretty well to stay comfy and cozy.

Not all vandwellers are retired. Some stay local for work, some because they have family members that are very ill. My father's health can be very precarious and having just lost my mother I wanted to spend time near him.

If a van is insulated, you have appropriate clothes for the weather, and some skills for making a warm sleeping nest, the frozen north can actually be very beautiful in the winter.

I'm seeing a trend in everyone saying do this, buy this, and go to the desert southwest. That's so what Vandwelling isn't about.

Vandwelling is about being an individual, not rebelling and conforming in your rebellion. It's about being free to decide what lifestyle you want and living it.

I know of a person who is actually basing his living on winter camping in Colorado. Not my first choice but I celebrate his spirit in following his dream. That is what Vandwelling is all about.

So...if you're new to Vandwelling...choose your own dream...Not someone else's. Me, I'm hanging in New Mexico. The beauty of the land, the delicious local foods, the friendliness and warm generous hearts of the locals combined with being able to choose urban Vandwelling or boondocking in nature all within a couple hours journey works for me. Have the courage to figure what works for you

See you down the road
Lou

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For The Want Of Changing A Thermostat

Today I'm watching one friend do a lot of work on another friend's van.

All because of a thermostat. A Thermostat is about a $20 part. It's not particularly difficult to learn to change.

What happens if your thermostat is stuck closed?

You over heat your engine. That can cause water pump to crack and water pump gaskets to fail.

That causes antifreeze to leak out. A bubble can form in the system not allowing you to add enough antifreeze.

If engine runs long enough without proper coolant...you're looking at cracked/warped heads. Heads and head gasket must be done in a shop. They have to check for cracks and warped. This can not be done with a visual inspection.

We're lucky. My friend is looking at a water pump, thermostat, and a bad airconditioning belt. They're off to the parts store to get the needed parts.

So the next time some one says maybe you should replace your thermostat...do it. Sometimes it's a cheap easy fix compared to what happens if thermostat fails.

See you down the road
Lou

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There Are Many Ways To Vandwell

There are so many different ways to van dwell.

You have what I call a van tourist...they have a list of places and things they just must go see. They like to travel, travel, travel.

There's the person who travels for work...like expediting.

There's the person who stays in one place, moving around that city or town. Often they stay in an area for work or for family. Some also have to stay in one area for medical attention.

Then there's the person who has a circuit, three or four places, they travel a little but usually because of weather.

Still another group of vandwellers park in a driveway or backyard of family or friends.

Some are full time vandwellers, some take a few trips, and some dwell part time in a van.

It's impossible to lump all into a category and there is no one size fits all type of vandweller.

Everyone has their own preferences. And that preference can change at any time.

See you down the road
Lou

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Living As A Nomad Changes You

Not only has my life changed, but me and my values have really changed due to living in a van.

I've lived in one vehicle or another for a couple of decades. I did take some breaks and live in an apartment, usually with someone else. Thelast time I had my own apartment (other than a couple of months this last year) was in 1999. Wow, that's 18 years ago. Time flies.

I've lived in a two room tent in the woods, a 26 foot travel trailer, a 30 foot class A motorhome, a 18 foot vintage travel trailer, a Pontiac sunfire, an extended body cargo van, a minivan, and currently a conversion van. My favorites were the cargo van and my current conversion van.

Each one of my homes on wheels has had their advantages and disadvantages.

Why do I prefer my van? Mobility...it's easy to move, easy to drive, I can park almost anywhere without drawing attention.

This van has wing windows and all the rear windows open at the bottom allowing fresh air and circulation.

I really need to remove the twocenter seats. I've added a tall 4 drawer dresser in the rear, a cabinet with shelves, an old hassack with interior storage and a top that can double as a table, and a small 3 drawer wicker cabinet. Wow, that's a lot.

I don't need any built in items. I'm happy with my portable stove. Water jugs suit me just fine, easy to fill and easy to use.

I did end up adding a board to the front of the shelves. I'm still cleaning up from the last shelf spill.

Several years ago, my definition of my van would have included built in shower, toilet, running water, regular electricity. It doesn't now.

I like using mainly 12v power. Jugs are easier to fill than using a freshwater tank. I've become much less wasteful of water and electricity.

My life is actually much simpler with fewer modern conveniences. That leaves more time for the things I really enjoy.

Even my cooking has changed. A big meal usually means hauling out my 6 quart pressure cooker. It night involve a whole hour preparing a meal. Usually though, it means about 15-20 minutes when I do decide to cook.

I've learned to dehydrate things naturally. I'm in the desert. It is really easy to dehydrate food. It retains its nutrients and flavor when you dehydrate.

I've rambled on long enough this morning. I'll revisit this topic another time.

See you down the road
Lou

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Let's Talk About Overnight Parking at Walmart

Wal-Mart has been kind in many places to offer free overnight parking. Not camping not boondocking, bit overnight parking.

Some of the worst offenders can be those in high dollar RVs.

You've seen them....
Stabalizer jacks down, several slide outs open, awning down, having cocktails in lawnchairs beside their rigs, and BBQ'ing.

Whiskey Foxtrot Delta? Seriously?

First of all, it is walmart, not a campground.

Second, the stabilizer jacks damage the asphalt.

A parking lot is actually private property, you're a guest.

No one wants to hear your generator run for hours.

It's also not a place to dump your gray water tanks. Gray water actually stinks to high heaven. I've watched the Wal-Mart in Colorado Springs near the Air Force Academy having to pressure wash the entire parking lot every night. I don't care how much you spend in the store, it doesn't justify nasty behavior practices.

So let's talk about how to park at Wal-Mart as a courteous guest.

Generally there will be an area to park far away from the doors. Usually it's over by the garden center.

Don't sit there like you're in a camp ground. All items stay inside your van. Don't pull out your chairs and grill. If you want to grill, go to a public park before you pull into Wal-Mart.

Put your windshield cover up. Pull your curtains.

Arrive late, leave early. Don't pull into a Wal-Mart to overnight before 5 pm and definitely leave early morning.

Don't leave any trash behind. As a matter of fact, if there's trash, I pick it up. Don't leave trash in shopping carts. Put your shopping cart away in the cart return.

Don't empty any liquids out at Wal-Mart. Plain clean water fine, but anything else, No.

This shouldn't have to be said, but I've seen it done...don't get out at night and pee next to your van.

I've seen two Wal-Mart's stop allowing overnight parking. It's a private parking Lot open to the public for limited purposes. Be polite, respectful, and grateful. Do shop in the store, even if it's only a pop.

Oh and park in between the lines.

See ya down the road
Lou

Dare To Be An Original

I was sitting here racking my brain for something I wanted to write about today.

As usual, I'm watching videos and playing on Facebook (instead of the billion things I really should do) when a meme pops up...in a world of Kardashians, be an Elvira.

That sums me up quickly. My grandmother said I was so stubborn that if I were water, I'd flow uphill. Really, I still don't see anything wrong with that.

I don't like a cookie cutter world where we all conform, or when being a non conformist that we all rebel in the same manner.

What's wrong with coloring outside the lines? Hmm let's ask Picasso.

We all know I've thrown away the suburban dream (nightmare) and prefer to be a little heathen traveling in my van.

There are so many YouTube channels that will tell you how to gut your van and turn it into a secretive RV. That's so not me. It's fine if it's you. It is your home, make it anyway you want.

But here is something to consider. What you want now, what your fantasy van home looks like....after a while in the van, You change. Your wants and needs and preferences may change.

I'd really suggest doing very little to the van until you've lived in it for six months to a year. You'll then know just what is important to you. What that deal breaker luxury you just can't live without.

You may think you want to do urban stealth and find out that boondocking in the desert or in a national forest makes your heart beat faster and your soul to sing.

You may plan on boondocking and find out you're not cut out for the isolation and quiet.

Give yourself a change to try several different things and several different ways. Find out what YOU really want.

All I'm really planning on doing to my conversion van is remove the two center seats. I'll move a few things in the van around a little. But that's what I like. It's my home.

See you down the road
Lou

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Modern Ways or Old School Methods

I must confess that other than a few easily powered devices, most of my lifestyle is based on old ways.

There's nothing wrong with modern ways, but the old ways leave less of a carbon footprint.

All of my devices can be powered or charged using a maximum of two 10 watt solar panels, my 3 small smartphone solar chargers, and the power socket in my van. I have 2 inverters, a 100 watt, and a 400 watt, but rarely even use my 100 watt. 

I recently bought a 2hp generator. I paid $35 for it used. Yes, I tested it before buying.

I bought things that run on solar or battery.

I make hot water for coffee using a 12v element heater. 

I have a buddy heater but I stored it in my travel trailer. Heat in the morning is passive solar...I park facing east and remove the Reflectix windshield cover. Within half an hour the van is nice and toasy warm. 

Cooling is just as easy. I have a usb fan that works on solar or plugged into my lighter socket. Open the rear windows of the van, pull the shades, and park in the shade of a tree or building. I park facing away from the sun. 

I still haven't removed any seats. This van is new to me, bought in March of this year. I do plan to remove the two center seats. Other than that...no real build or modifications needed. I have a tall 4 drawer dresser in the rear and a two shelf unit behind the driver's seat. My house battery sits on the passenger front floor.

It's still a work in progress, but it's also very livable.

It's perfectly fine to do a major build. It is also perfectly acceptable to not do a major build. After all, this is my home.

See you down the road

Lou

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Van Dweller? Nomad? Vehicle Dweller?

There are many popular terms for the way I live.
At first I embraced vandweller. But I've come to the conclusion there's no real accurate term currently in use.

Most people seem to connect vandweller with traveling...what I call a van tourist.

Nomad seems a little more accurate.

I don't travel massive long distances anymore. I've actually been in this one town for over a year. I tend to do what native American nomadic tribes did many many years ago. I've got a few places that I mainly rotate around.

People seem to understand the difference between a nomad and a vagrant or homeless person. I'm definitely not homeless. I own a van, a vintage 18 ft travel trailer, and I am buying a little over one acre in northeastern Arizona.

Vagrants have no purpose. I most definitely have a purpose and my days are too filled to leave time for trouble.

I make and sell good jewelry, affordable but not cheap goods. It is both my job and my hobby.

I write. To be a writer is to have this itch deep inside that must be scratched. I use words to create word pictures. The nicest thing someone said to me on the phone just yesterday is that she often feels as if she was right there next to me. Those words warmed my heart.

I have a little dog named Romeo. Romeo has the cutest Mohawk and expressions. He is fast becoming the face of a rescued dog. His photos just make others want to cuddle him. Romeo was owned by a homeless street woman. So being a nomad is a big step up for him.

Being a vandweller is now becoming trendy and mainstream. There are endless YouTube blogs and many people vie to be "the face" of Vandwelling. I know many old time vandwellers that don't have YouTube nor can you pigeonhole them into a category. They are true originals.

So if you find yourself at a campfire with a few of us old time style dwellers...sit, listen, learn. Usually we're more than happy to show you some tips and tricks.

And should there be a natural disaster where I am...ill be easy to find...I'll be the little old woman with coffee pot on the fire, pressure cooker and soup pot out. I'll be able to charge your phone... Try to show up with your own cup, bowl, and utensils. Or I will show you how to make and use a pair of chopsticks. Fingers and a pocket knife always work.

So...the next time you see someone and think they are incredibly poor...they may simply have different values.

I'm rich in all the ways that really matter. Today I have a roof over my head (my van), it has a bed to sleep in. I've always got something to eat.

See ya down the road
Lou

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Update On Van Repairs

It's been a hell of a month for van repairs.

The radiator was replaced. Hint...when replacing radiator, check all hoses, replace all clamps with new ones. ($200)

The coolant overflow reservoir was replaced. I've no idea why previous owner merely hot glued it on the seam. It's a $15 part and easily replaced.

The rear lights (tail, backup, brake, and turn signal) all blew. The body damage allowed water to creep into the lens. Body work has been done (related to the lens holes) and both lights now fit where they belong. I had an extra new passenger rear tail light lens. It's now on the vehicle. I've no explanation for why previous owner used liquid nails to glue in tail light bulbs. It made for fun changing them.

The rear bumper, passenger side, has been straightened out and no longer curls up under the body. (Old school method, tow strap, another vehicle, and really big hammers.)

The rear doors now close and open as they should. Pipe insulation was added to the top of the rear doors preventing any leaks. (Door frame buckles straightened out by really big hammers.)

The side small window (top part) has been replaced. Now I'll need to get tint and shade it to match the others. ($26 so far)

The van is much closer to show room condition. More cosmetic repairs to continue.

I'll update progress with photos as it takes place.

See ya down the road
Lou

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Van Life

Everyone loves a good fantasy or adventure story.

Now that Vans have hit mainstream, everyone is chasing that fantasy of margaritas on a beach and sunsets.

It's not all fantasies. Van Life is chock full of realities.

It's mechanical repairs, body repairs, being somewhat compliant with parking laws, insurance, hot days finding shade, cold mornings pitting pups and making coffee.

It's a good life but it's still not all the Instagram fantasy.

Those beach photos...sand in the van, salt water messing up the paint, wind flinging sand like sand blasting the van in a paint shop.

You have to be both a free spirit and one hell of a tough cookie or van life will beat you down.

Me, i still love it after all these years.

See ya down the road
LOU

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New Dog In My Van

I'm back to the 2PupCrew. I was at a soup kitchen and a girl walked up with a cute little dog trying to find it a home.

Actually I've seen 4 dogs given away in two days.
Since i now have two, I could only home one.

Meet Romeo the rescued dog. He's fit into my van like he was meant to be here. He's a little dog with a big personality.

Romeo is approximately 5 years old. He appears to be a wire haired terrier/Chihuahua mix. He's sweet as can be, house trained, but like any little dog, we've already had a couple of accidents

Started this blog entry a little while back. Updates: Mona died in my arms, more than likely of old age. She was buried native style. 

It feels funny only having one dog and there have been a few rough spots, but we're now a family unit.

Rest in Peace Mona. Forever loved. I kept my promise, I was your home until the day you died.

Musings And Thoughts From My Van

I see so many rushing...
-get the van perfect
-power, Lots of power

So many people that turn vans into tiny tiny houses. There's nothing wrong with having all the conveniences. There's also nothing wrong with "roughing it".

I like simple. Real simple. Throwback style.

We've had several really bad hurricanes hit my friends in various places. I'm so glad that I wasn't there.

But, the recent headlines from Florida and Puerto Rico really got my to thinking.

Between old school skills and being optional when it comes to modern life...I'd manage ok if a major disaster hit and the infrastructure went down for a bit.

I've got a small generator and some batteries. I know how to clean water with materials at hand.  I carry several natural fire starters and a grate or two. A couple cast iron skillets, my pressure cooker, and a stock pot. I dehydrate foods and store in jars. I already have bags of rice and freeze dried foods.

I've also got over 1000 books in my old school kindle. No internet required. My external hard drive is approximately 1TB of movies and shows.

So, if I found myself in a no power no services situation...I'd be reasonably comfortable. I think I'd just start running an old skills school and pass on the ways...the ways people lived before running water, inside bathrooms, and unlimited electric.

So...the next time you see an oldtimer who doesn't have thousands if watts of solar and all the bells and whistles...maybe they are not as backward as you think

See ya down the road
Lou and the 1 pup crew

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