Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 10:07:34 -0400
Reply-To: lvb <lvb@ALLTEL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: lvb <lvb@ALLTEL.NET>
Subject: Re: Living in a van
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Interesting article. Only thing I would add would be about not rinsing dishes.
Might be ok with one drop of soap, but most would use more, and not rinsing is
a major cause of dysentery, not very comfortable in a Westy with no toilet.
Thanks. Larry
Rob Gunter wrote:
> I didn't live in a Westy, but I spent 18 months traveling in my Ford Van and
> can give some good tips.
>
> Cleaning dishes: Boil water and put into a deep dish plastic tray with a
> small drop of soap. Wash the dishes, dry and put away without rinsing.
>
> Pots and Pans: Have 2 pots (1 for boiling water), and a fry pan. 1 or 2
> plates extra. Good bowls. 2 sets of silver No more.
>
> If you have other than a propane fridge: give it up.
>
> Paying for camping: Don't do that!! When transiting stay at Safeway and
> Wal-Mart National Park. Master the art of Guerilla camping (free camping on
> the sly). National Forests are good too.
>
> Saving money: Stop moving
>
> Email: Libraries are free (usually).
>
> Laptops: Only if you REALLY need them. They will drain your batteries
> fast.
>
> Solar Cell: Good idea for a 5-10W.
>
> Propane: Gods Gas.
>
> Awning: EXCELLENT
>
> Folding lawn chair: Needed
>
> Outdoor lights: Use candles, less bugs. Sleep with the sun.
>
> Showers: Natl parks, community pools.
>
> Bicycles: Good if you will be visiting cities.
>
> Valuables: Don't take any with you or you will live in fear of losing
> (stolen) them.
>
> Fishing gear: Light tackle.
>
> Cash: Travelers checks in emergency stash, ATM otherwise.
>
> Dry goods: Lots of in bulk. Oat meal is amazingly good.
>
> Dry milk: Mix with a small amount of water to make a thin paste then add
> the rest.
>
> Flashlight: get an LED one.
>
> What to do with your time: Allow lots of free time to think.
>
> Mixing with locals: Do.
>
> Washing clothes: Keep a 5 gal bucket with a tight lid. Put clothes in with
> soap, drive, rinse, hang up.
>
> Type of clothes: Fast drying, nice looking, Salvation Army good.
>
> Anything else: Make sure it has more than one use. If you don't use it in
> 2 weeks, pitch it.
>
> Feather Comforter: Never leave home without it!!
>
> Good luck!
>
> Rob G.
>
> http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/PassportPl/gunter01/
>
> for a few months while travelling
>
> I'd be interested in hearing how folks fare on extended traveling trips
> in these vehicles.
>
> things like :
>
> Cooking and cleaning dishes with these tiny kitchens ?
> do you use supplemental equipment ?
>
> portable toilets ?
>
> Showers ? do you use a portable setup or stop someplace that has
> showers ?
>
> Cold... do you use some kind of portable heat or just dress warmly ?
>
> Sitting through storms with the top up... ? the canvas doesnt look
> water proof.. ? is it ?
>
> Tents, how many folks use tents along the side for this stuff ?
>
> any thing related to these issues would be appreciated.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 00:07:45 -0400
> From: "Russell, William" <william.russell@UW-INC.COM>
> Subject: Re: living in a westy or weekender for a few months while
> travelling
>
> I can tell you that I've sat through a viscous storm on the north shore
> of Lake Superior and was nice and dry. The wind was blowing so hard
> that I could barely face into it when I walked to the edge of the water.
> The vehicle felt more stable then I used to feel in my father's 1971
> Lionel Crank-Up Camper during a storm.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
> Of Clay Moore
> Sent: May 23, 2002 00:01
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: living in a westy or weekender for a few months while
> travelling
>
> I'd be interested in hearing how folks fare on extended traveling trips
> in these vehicles.
>
> things like :
>
> Cooking and cleaning dishes with these tiny kitchens ?
> do you use supplemental equipment ?
>
> portable toilets ?
>
> Showers ? do you use a portable setup or stop someplace that has
> showers ?
>
> Cold... do you use some kind of portable heat or just dress warmly ?
>
> Sitting through storms with the top up... ? the canvas doesnt look
> water proof.. ? is it ?
>
> Tents, how many folks use tents along the side for this stuff ?
>
> any thing related to these issues would be appreciated.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of vanagon Digest - 22 May 2002 (#2002-629)
> ***********************************************
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