Vandwelling 101-Traveling With Dogs

Quite a few of us wouldn't dream of leaving beloved fur family behind.

I travel with two small dogs. They love it. All I have to do is say ROADTRIP! Mount up! And I've two happy eager quivering pups.

There are two parts to traveling with dogs:
Their comfort
Consideration of others.

I carry bottled water to avoid tummy upsets. We schedule frequent potty stops. I am able to keep fresh water and dry food always available for mine, even while going down the road.

The front passenger seat is known as Chihuahua Command Central. It's set up for comfy naps, a good 180+ degree view, and is their favorite spot.

On the floor is a crate with door removed for those private puppy times.

It's important when traveling with pets to make sure everything is secured so nothing falls while moving. I learned that the hard way...no problems except scaring da pups.

Leashes... I keep two sets handy, I retractable, and one standard length. I always put them each in their own places.

Shot records are kept clipped to the visor. Little bear nipped someone once nearly breaking skin. I promptly apologized and grabbed the shot records to reassure the individual that said pup was current.

I know many like to leave dogs off leash. I'm not one of them. I carry portable pen, leashes, and my dogs are not allowed to run free.

In the desert, you need to be alert for coyotes. Often that lone coyote is just a lure to get your dog back where their pack is waiting. You also have to watch for snakes and birds of prey.

Louisiana was gators, loggerhead turtles, snakes, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey. Keeping pet on leash and being vigilent means your beloved fur family continues to enjoy good health and travel with you.

Scoop that poop. Even in wild areas. Poop draws flies and bugs. Clean up after your pet. Also you don't want to step in it and bring it back in your van.

Walk pets away from the van to pee...or you'll have loads of flies.

Not all dogs are friendly. When traveling, be conscious and considerate of others also walking dogs. My tiny cute dogs will bite, are protective, and easily distracted.

Take good care of your pets.

See you on the road.

Vandwelling 101- Where To Park

The question of where to park comes up often.

There are several types of basic spots- daytime, places I can cook with my propane stove, evening, and sleeping spots

Let's state that I only advocate parking legally. That means public property or on private property with owner's permission.

The second point I'll bring up is stealth. You may think you're stealthy, but generally police and observant people know you're there. In my experience, as long as you are not drinking, doing drugs, running in and out, don't have people coming to your van, they generally don't worry about you. The goal is to blend in with out attracting lots of notice.

Let's clarify something...places like shopping mall parking lots or Walmart are actually private property. That means they have the absolute right to say whether or not overnight parking is allowed. Violating their policies can lead to tickets, a boot on your van, or towing. All of which cost unnecessary expenses.

While traveling, I generally overnight at a truck stop unless they have a posted policy of no overnight parking or limited time parking.  I will park overnight at some rest areas in the southwest, but I'm not a big fan of rest areas.

At night, I have a reflectix windshield cover that goes on my dash. I have strips of blankets that cover my front windows and my side door windows.

I never ever park overnight at city parks. Usually you'll see a sign saying they close at night, anywhere from dark-to close at 11. Police make a point of checking on any vehicle overnight next to a park.

I don't put anything outside. My van looks like any other vehicle parked.

Do not dump your trash or gray water on the street or at your parking spot. If you use any type of potty in your van, find a portapotty to dump your human waste in. Otherwise, look on national forest websites to understand how to safely handle human body wastes. It's not that complicated and it keeps us all safe.

I generally don't pay to stay in a rv park or other in-town camping spots.

I've found parking near industrial areas or businesses is good. I like some of the short dead end keyhole type streets that are industrial. I pull in, turn around facing out, and park.

In daylight hours I like to go to a public park, scenic attractions, or even a mall.

When I'm in a city, I don't park the same place every night.

I'm a big fan of national forest or blm camping. You can generally park for up to 2 weeks. Always refer to their website to see where camping is permitted.

https://www.fs.fed.us

https://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html

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Staying Warm

Park facing east. If you're boondocking, turn van so that you're facing sunrise in morning.

My usual routine when boondocking:

Get up and let my two pups out on leash attached to front passenger seat. They go out side barn doors.

Put coffee on. Warm hat on head, crocheted shawl over my lap.

Dogs inside, in their warm bed on front seat. Fleece blanket over them.

Coffee in hand, a quick hot meal in cast iron skillet. Think outside the box. Some canned meat, rice, and spices. Clear spot in skillet and scramble an egg if I have them on hand. Portion out hot breakfast in three portions, me and my two small dogs.

An after breakfast potty for them, then in their beds with fleece blanket over them. By ten am it's warm and toasty in van without using my buddy heater.

Now it's time to read, relax, watch videos, chat with friends.

Developing morning routine gives good start to the day. A van is mobile, you can turn it around to take advantage of the sun warming the interior.

Yes I know I'm in desert southwest, but I started doing this in Michigan snowy winters. :)

See you down the road

Eating Well with no on board fridge

Many newbies learn a hard lesson about keeping food on hand.

Even when dwelling in a small car or minivan I kept enough food on hand so that I could last at least two weeks.

The lists below detail sources and types of useful canned and dry goods that will give a newbie easily prepared meals under most circumstances.

Check out freeze dried foods at 

http://www.augasonfarms.com/Dairy-Meat

I use many of their products. A number 10 can of tvp lasts one person a month if eaten daily.

Some of my personal favorites are ham tvp, beef tvp, taco tvp, cheese powder, tomato powder, potato shreds, and bell pepper dices.

I also use lots of the small canned meats found at family dollar, dollar general, and almost any grocery store. To name a few, Spam, Treet, ham, chicken, sardines. I'm just not a big tuna fan.

I also carry many dry goods as staples. Rice, instant potatoes, dry milk powder, lentils, beans, split peas, various types of pasta. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it's a good start for being well stocked. 

I carry many spices, they take little room and add significant flavor to meals. 

I usually carry some canned goods. Pork n beans, vegetables, tomatoes, 

Then there are coffee, coffee creamer, sugar, vanilla, cocoa. 

This list should help almost anyone wanting to boondock but was worried about carrying enough food on board.

The HAT trick

Lots of us adore hats. I actually have a small bag of them. As well as 2 straw hats.

The desert gets cold at night and in the morning. You loose heat from your head.
So by having a hat on, you stay warmer and utilize less propane or wood for heat.

In daytime, when it's warm, that bright sun can really make it hard to see. As a woman, those big floppy sun hats (made of straw) both keep my head cool and shade my eyes. Add an inexpensive pair of sunglasses (designer name at flea markets $4) and not only am I comfortable, but I look a bit stylish.

Of course custom made hat bands on our straw hats allow us to express individuality.

It may seem silly to some, until you've boondocked out in desert or winter. Then you find your hat is one of your favorite items.

See you on the road
Lou

Vandwelling-heat and cooking little $

There are all these great stoves you can make out there, but really safe and simple is much easier.

Materials
#10 can (big restaurant sized)
Vienna sausage can
Napkin
Old top from stove burner (or metal grill at least 6 inches across.

No tools needed.
Put napkin in vienna sausage can
Fill half full with rubbing alcohol (70%-90%)
Set in #10 can. Light.
Put stove top on it.
Cook.

For heat, just don't put pan on it.

My YouTube videohttps://youtu.be/8p-iX7RUTJE

Vandwelling 101-3 I Want Hot Food & Coffee- Kitchen Gear

Cooking Gear

It's too expensive to always eat out & cheap fast food carries it's own health risks. So, what's the alternative?

I carry a two burner propane stove. I prefer the Ozark Trails one for several reasons.
*it has wind blocking panels
*it packs away smaller than most 2 burner stoves
*it's easy to clean
* lightweight and I can set it up in minutes

Cast Iron Skillet

I carry a medium cast iron skillet. Once properly seasoned, it's easily cleaned.
Cast iron offers even heat meaning meals properly cooked.

To clean, use spatula to get all food out, sprinkle coarse salt in it and use paper towel to scrub. Quick rinse with boiling water, wipe lard all around inside, store.

Stove Top Pressure Cooker

I have a 6 quart pressure cooker and I love it. I've cooked roasts, ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pork tenderloin roast on my camp stove or over an open fire.

In my opinion, it's extremely useful & has many uses.  Average cost about $25

Coffee Pot

One of my most used items is 6 cup aluminum coffee pot. It goes on camp stove or over an open fire. Not only is it useful for coffee but it's very handy to heat water for bucket bath!

Bucket

Yes I said bucket. Mine is muti-use
Washing dishes, wash hair, take bath, store kitchen items in, it's uses go on & on. Although mine is plastic, I'd like to get a galvanized one in the near future.

Saucepan
2 qt stainless steel with lid. So very handy.

This gives you more than enough to eat well

Vandwelling 101-2, I Need A Good Night's Sleep.

The first thing I plan is where is my bed and how big will it be.

I'm 5'4", slender, and I have two small dogs that are absolute bed hogs.

In my first vehicle, it was a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. There wasn't a lot of choice as far as bed layout and size. I merely laid out my bedding across the back seat and curled around my pups.

I was thrilled when I bought my 1997 Ford e250 extended body cargo van. My bed was very simple, a Coleman cot across the rear doors. It was not the most comfortable bed, but I added substantial padding underneath me & it worked. I was tickled to have a pillow and I could stretch out full length. Luxury!

I tried moving the bed in several different places but I found out that a rear bed from side to side worked for me.

When the Coleman cot bit the dust (losing springs and aluminum leg breaking), I replaced it with half inch plywood that I laid across 4 milk crates.
The milk crate base was great for storage but it was often awkward to access the storage. This type of bed, with 2 inch memory foam from a sewing store is definitely one of the easiest starter beds.

When you upgrade your bed at a later date, all elements of this starter bed can be used for other things. You can use the plywood for custom cabinet or a counter top or a table. The milk crates become stackable storage.

My current van is a 1999 Ford e150 conversion van. The bed is rear seat folds down. Mine is mechanical, rather than electrical. If I ever go back to a cargo van, I'd just use starter bed again until I find a futon of the size and style I want.

In Hawaii, my bed was a foam chair that folded out to the size of a twin mattress on the floor.

I guess what I'm saying more than anything is that you don't have to have everything perfect right from the start. I've always needed time and experience to figure out what suited me best. By being comfortable, but utilising simple solutions, it allowed me to enjoy myself more and to reduce my stress from the beginning.

It takes time and experience before you know exactly how you want your van.
For me, simple works better, and I always have to watch my budget.

See you down the road.

A Van Is NOT A House Vandwelling 101-1

One of the most important lessons is that while my van is my home, it is not a house. There is a learning curve and adjustment period when starting out.

I can almost see the puzzled looks and hear you thinking that I've lost my mind. I really haven't flipped my lid. Let's take a moment and explore this idea.

Usually a house has electric and you plug in or flip a switch. It has running water, a shower, and many things you think are necessities...but what if they aren't?

Living in my van is different from an apartment, a RV, or even camping. By discarding the ideas of making it a mobile house or a camper, we can approach the lifestyle from a completely new perspective rather than a pale imitation of sticks and bricks housing.

Let's make a list of what we really need. Everyone's list will be slightly different. I'm just going to go over some of the basics.

You need to be able to sleep comfortably. You need somewhere or way to store clothes.

You'll want to eat, cook, and stay clean.  Theres the matter of staying cool when it's hot or warm when its cold outside.

There's the matter of peeing and pooping.
These are everyday functions that we rarely think about how we accomplish them. Or we just try to adapt methods more suited to a fixed abode.

Looking at them in a fresh manner without preconceived ideas leads to an easier lifestyle.

You really don't need to wire your entire van like a house. In fact I rarely use the type of power used in a house. 12v dc (direct current) is much simpler, easier to learn and almost anyone can easily learn to safely do your own power system.

Sleeping. It's actually one of the easier parts of vandwelling to figure out and build your bed. Several types of comfortable beds don't require any actual building.

Your water system can vary from really simple to actual running water.

Storage for clothes, food, kitchen items can be modular or fancy custom builds.

Entertainment... Oh lots of variety and potential in this area. To TV or not to TV. How do I power my laptop? Where do I sit/lounge. Internet. Arggggh so many choices.

Showers and bathing...solar shower? Gym membership? Outside Showers?

How do I prepare meals? Do I want/need a fridge? How much power do I need?

Is your head spinning yet?

This lifestyle can be much simpler. You can actually start out with basics, and as you gain experience, your wants/needs will change.

A dear friend of mine had 4 batteries for power. She's now planning on selling two of them. Another person I know installed a 2000 watt inverter running off a second battery that was charged by her vehicle when running. We often buy more than we need when starting out.

Another person I know of is such a minimalist that she has 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 bowl.

There are so many variations in this lifestyle from one extreme to the other.

I'll show you how to start with basic comforts. That'll get you going, there is a learning curve to this lifestyle and many buy way more than they need and have so little room that finding what you want is more work than necessary.

As you actually start vandwelling and gain experience, you'll start to figure out what your personal priorities are and you'll make better decisions about how to customise your van and amenities so that it truly is your home and lifestyle based on what is important to you.

That being said, this lifestyle doesn't suit everyone. This way, you can try it without totally overwhelming yourself.

Hopefully this introduction has caused you to think and ask questions.

See you around, more to come in the future.

Coming Soon -- Especially for Newbies

In the past, I've blogged primarily when I had something I felt worth saying rather than a weekly or daily blogger.

I've always found writing easy for me but I've never really yearned to be a published author. Let me clarify one thing...I have the utmost respect for those who are published authors, it takes much more than most of us will ever begin to guess.

I'm an experienced vandweller and RV-er. Many of you know that I have a smaller van group on Facebook. Lately I've had friends suggest I do a book on vandwelling.

I've always shied away from presenting myself as a guru or voice of authority on vans or vandwelling. I've always been turned off or repelled by those who endlessly promote themselves with YouTube channels or websites and forums.

While I am neither a guru or the ultimate authority on vandwelling, I am experienced and love sharing what I've learned along the way.

A lot of my lessons came from
     a) making common mistakes and
     b) being on a really tight budget.

Having MS means fatigue factored in and I had to figure out easier ways to do things.

So, I thought I'd use this blog as a means of passing on things I learned from other even more experienced travelers, the lessons I learned the hard way, and my personal philosophy on how to live this lifestyle.

I'm currently temporarily in an apartment, but I'll be returning to full time vandwelling and traveling early January 2017.

So, watch this blog (I'll set it up soon for email subscription) and I'll go over many of the basics starting very soon.

Perhaps I'll see some of you on the road soon.

Easy Cheesy Skillet Breakfast

Cooking well in a van with no fridge requires a bit of imagination.

This skillet meal is tasty and healthy. It makes up in less than ten minutes in one cast iron skillet.

Start with some grease in cast iron skillet, I use lard.

Sauté the garlic,canned meat & green beans. Add cooked rice. Stir well. Add peppers. Stir well. Add chunks of pineapple.

Sauté for several minutes. Take off the fire. Top with some cheese slices. Fold cheese in and let set about 3 minutes.

Put in your camping plate and add some teriyaki sauce or soy sauces. This Hawaiian influenced breakfast will put some heart into you.

Van Essentials For Newbies

I've watched many newbies way over pack. So I created this list of what I consider essential for boondocking in a van or vehicle . This is not an exact science. This is just what I believe it takes to live comfortably.

-two burner propane stove (I use Ozark Trails, about $35)
-small can, bottle of isopropal alcohol, 2 bricks
-coffee pot (stove top or campfire)
-cast iron skillet
-6 qt pressure cooker
-coffee cup
-beverage glass (old small glass instant coffee jar works great)
-camping dish (old aluminum pie plate makes both a good plate and bowl)
-P-38 can opener
-1 fork, 1 teaspoon, 1 Big spoon, pocket knife, pkg of pocket lighters
-good flashlight (I use tactical flashlight from AutoZone. about $4)
-water jug (Aquatainer 7 gallon, Walmart $15)
-sleeping bag
-Mr Heater Buddy Heater
-propane adapter hose (use on both propane stove and buddy heater)
-20# propane tank
-crate of dried foods (rice, beans, split peas, lentils, and such)
-crate of canned goods
-deep cell battery
-USB/female DC plug unit
-jumper cables
-bungee cords
-ratchet tie down straps
-tow rope with hook ends
-cotton clothesline
-clothespins
-camp chair
-foldable TV tray
-one pair shoes, one pair sandals
-one bag (5 outfits)  clothes
-spray bottle
-apple cider vinegar
-ebook reader full of books
-tools including
     -12v compressor tire pump
     -set of screwdrivers
      -pliers
      -vice grips
       -ratchet and sockets
-at least 2 heavy duty tarps (shade and shelter from elements
-5 gallon bucket
-one jug laundry soap
-spade or camp shovel

This list is by no means the last word, but with these items you will be at least comfortable.

Traveling Slowly, Stopping Longer

I'm on no particular time table. There is no place I have to be at any certain time.

Learning to live this way has been incredibly freeing. Stress drops off. I no longer deal with traffic or bad weather. If it's windy or raining, I just find a safe place to park. I route my driving through busy cities at off peak times or find a base to park and explore that city.

Often I'll spend all day at a park. Pull out my propane stove, cook a simple meal. Watch the birds fly and the squirrels run around. Take time to just breathe and enjoy.

No television in my van. I can stream videos, watch "tv" on hulu or cbs.com i might watch ten hours of "tv" a week.

I love listening to audio books, or enjoying a real book.

Since I travel with two small dogs, I take walks. Rarely do I have time to be bored.

While my living space may seem small to some, in a sense the whole world outside becomes my front yard.

This lifestyle has improved my health, my disposition, and my attitude. It's also much more affordable than many cheap apartments. In a sense, I've come into my own, discovering both the world around me and who I've always been meant to be.

Travel is broadening.

The Perfect Van

Every newbie researches trying to find the perfect van. The van you currently have is the perfect van to start with.

There's a learning curve on vandwelling. No-one is exempt. Vans are highly individualistic and there really isn't any way other than living in one to decide which style is perfect for you.

Some prefer an extended cargo van all kitted out as if it's a RV with sink, shower, and toilet. Some prefer a camper van that comes with these features, others prefer to do their own.

Others want just a conversion van. You just throw some clothes and a camp stove in and take off on adventures.

Do you prefer boondocking in the desert? Or parked by a lake in the woods? The site freecampsites.net shows where you can park legally.

There is no one size fits all perfect van. It's truly about your preferences and your lifestyle. This is the chance to live how you like, rather than conforming to someone else's dream.

I've found the perfect van for me and my lifestyle. I hope you find yours.

See you on the road somewhere...

Digital Parking Meters

Today I used my first credit card parking meter. It's much easier than you think.

You simply put your credit or debit card in the meter, remove it quickly. The meter will tell you how long you can park and the cost. You hit ok, and the time goes on the meter.

The convenience of paying without hunting for change is amazing.

I can also see where logistically it would be much more cost effective. With digital pay, there is less need for someone to physically empty meters.

A Van Life...What To Wear

This particular post is directed mainly at women. As a woman, I may have opinions on men's wardrobe but no real experience.

Every single vandwelling woman almost always packs too many choices in clothes and footwear.

I've been traveling off and on for decades. I've been full-time in a van again for about 3 years, before that 2 years in a compact car.

So I've gained some experience and insights on clothing.

Tip #1
Get rid of that suitcase. They are awkward to pack in the vehicle. They also make you look homeless.

I currently use a plastic 3 drawer unit.

Tip #2
Roll your clothes.
I roll my clothes right after i wash and dry them. They have fewer wrinkles (there is a learning curve to rolling clothes), and take up much less space.

Generally I never have clothes hanging in my van. They are apt to fall in transit. I do hang one sweater and my coat.

Tip #3
Build a wardrobe around a concept and a few compatible colors. Definitely look at comfort and ease of care when selecting items.

Tip #3
Footwear.

Less is more. In Michigan winter I had one pair of boots, one pair of tennis shoes. I recommend pull on boots and tennis shoes with Velcro fastening. Zippers either break or become hard to close when they get wet or dirty.  Shoelaces in a wet snowy winter become a tangled nightmare.

In the warm southwest I wear either sandals or Crocs. Sandals should have a hard bottom. You learn that as soon as you step on thorny seeds or a rock.

I keep a pair of dark slingback heels in a drawer with a black cocktail dress but I've really never had an occasion to wear it.

I have about 5 skirts, 4 long jean sleeveless dresses i wear over a t-shirt, a couple long sleeve t shirts, several short sleeve t shirts, a few tank tops. I add leggings under the dresses or skirts in cooler weather.  Almost every piece can be worn with each other.

I currently have a wide plastic three drawer unit for my clothes. I'm really thinking of downsizing yet again.

See you on the road somewhere.