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.