Vandwelling 101- Expectations versus Reality

omg- we've bought a van ...follow our adventures on [insert favorite social media platform ]

So starts the hashtags and dreams of many a newbie. Some will actually learn to love and appreciate this lifestyle. Many will mourn the modern conveniences they've given up without really thinking what this lifestyle entails.

It's not all beach sunsets and margaritas. Some days it's hot, dusty, sticky, dirty dishes, omg where and how to do laundry.

Most days (to me) are actually good. A lazy morning parked under a shade tree enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls.

Then there are days that a black hole in the van swallowed glasses, phone, tablet, or even your favorite coffee cup. Who knew vans had so many nooks and crannies to swallow stuff up. Finding a black phone under the driver's seat...an exercise in frustration. Tip: any florescent tape or bright colors electrical tape...make an X across back of phone case. Phones also slide up into the front of the dash...

I'm currently chasing turquoise heishi around the van...it's here somewhere...and i needed it yesterday.

Things spill on floor...no matter how careful you are. Get a runner rug or floor mats. You'll be so grateful you did.

Stealth parking...with a small dog???   hahaha

Omg...van won't start...left radio or lights on way too long. Got distracted, was jamming to some tunes....it happens. Haul out your jumper cables, connect to your house battery and starter battery. Wait about ten minutes and jump yourself. Leave cables connected for about 20 minutes while vehicle runs so you charge your starter battery back up..

I could go on...but here's what I'm telling you...even if it's not the picture perfect life instagram led you to believe it is...you're not doing it wrong.

Even in a van Life Happens

see ya down the road,
Lou

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Vandwelling 101- enjoying a lazy morning

Good morning.
it's a lazy day in the van this morning.

I put jewelry making totes back on my bed. Next I grab my Ozark Trails 2 burner propane stove, set it on top of my cooler and make coffee.

Mona has already been walked and is enjoying her morning nap.

I happen to prefer instant coffee with cream and sugar so i grab my coffee basket. While the water heats, i prepare my cup.

Stove goes up to cook, stowed when not. It takes about 90 seconds to get ready to use it and about the same to stow it.

For safety and ventilation, i open my wing windows. very very important!

Coffee in hand, cinnamon rolls breakfast, parked under a Mesquite tree.

This lifestyle is as easy as you want to make it.

see ya down the road

Lou

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Vandwelling 101 - More Free/Cheap entertainment

I'll bet you have an old smartphone or two around that's no longer activated but it still works.

Most people don't realize that is basically on MP4 player.  Why pay for an expensive iPod or video player when you can use that old phone that you're not using to download videos and to download audiobooks.

I do that on free Wi-Fi at Starbucks or McDonald's or Walmart.

It's pretty simple. I used the tubemate.net app

I go to Walmart and McDonalds Starbucks grab a coffee or Coke and sit there and download. it's really easy to download audio books. In about two hours I've got more than enough entertainment for 2 to 3 weeks

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