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
Comments: To: Rob Gunter <rgunter@SEC-TN.COM>
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)
> ***********************************************