Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 20:54:20 -0800
Reply-To: Doran Nugent <doranosaurus@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doran Nugent <doranosaurus@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Road weary
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Daisy, I lived out of my 1978 campervan for 18 months.
It was my home and base of operations while I trapsed
around doing various things aimlessly as a good
twenty-something should.
It was pleasant over all and here are a few things
that made it so;
Variety--Much of the time was spent in the Utah and
other western states where public (free unrestricted
camping) land is vast, plentiful and beautiful. This
allowed me to camp, or live or whatever you want to
call it, in breathtakingly gorgeous places without
another soul around for free (federal income tax
notwithstanding). I only scratched the surface of the
literally thousands of places to stay and see and
commune with nature or whatever.
Access to facilities--I worked in one town for several
months where I got a membership to a health club. I
would shower, swim, wash my clothes etc. While on the
road, I was able to find motels that would sell
showers or YMCAs that would give you a day pass for a
few dollars.
Appropriate physical and mental traits-- I have a
relatively small body, I'm 5'5" and trim, this helps.
If I were a very tall or wide person, I may well have
exploded as you suggest! The van was an aftermarket
conversion which had the advantage of more headroom
than the Westfalia. I was able to stand fully upright
inside the van which makes it more comfortable for
cooking on rainy days and psychologically less
cramped. By mental traits I mean, obviously not
claustrophobic but also inventive in use of space and
equipment. And conservative (I mean like aware of
using resources efficiently, not like Pat Buchanan).
Breaks--I was not living in the van day in and day
out. For example, I spent 3 months with "Outward
Bound" where I was away from the van entirely. I would
spend a week here and there with friends and
relatives. Although I was actually more comfortable
sleeping in the van than in the various guest rooms.
In a way it was the most comfortable place I ever
slept. I had, within arms reach while lying in bed,
food, water, clothes, entertainment, and a beautiful
view out the window.
Eventually I became afraid I was becoming something I
didn't want to be, so I went back to college yada,
yada, yada. I'm more than happy to elaborate for you
and give you specific details based on your interests.
Doran.
--- D Welch <jtdjtd@TIAC.NET> wrote:
> How long can you live in a camper before you blow up
> ?
> My plan is to carefully acquire the right one, fix
> it up, and then take
> off for a US tour, mooching from friend to relative
> etc.
>
> What's the longest trip ? I've been tent camping for
> years, sometimes as
> long as a month...
>
> Lets hear it
> Daisy
>
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