Just saying hi!

Hi all! I have lived in Florida for many years in a senior community so I could be near my elderly mother as she became dependent on help. It happened quickly, and as a retired paramedic, it's been a trip. It's turned into 7 years, and wanting to respect her desire to die at home, I am still here doing my thing. I have researched many options for my next adventure, because let me tell you, I will definitely need one! I have always been active and 'outside the box' type person. My youngest daughter and her partner did the whole skoolie thing themselves and hmmm, that sure looked great. I have contemplated tiny homes, intentional communities etc. But van life is looking pretty good. I have no idea when I can actually start, but it's never too early to dream and research. So you may see me around here asking questions and posting. Thanks everyone!

Amy

Welcome to the Van Living Forum Amy You are one of a growing number of people looking after their elderly and in the meanwhile trying to find ways to insulate their minds and emotions from the stress of it all. You really pay for your childhood when you become an eldercare giver.

I was talking to a young woman at a Harbor Freight earlier today and she was trying to decide between a Van and what she called a "Barndominium". (one of those prefab storage buildings people are building into a tiny houses. Ideal would be to have both and "snow bird".

If you were in the south in the winter and the weather went bad, you could always head north or back home using your Van as a "Bug Out Car" to reach safety.

If you want a book to read to take your mind away from your situation for awhile about Van travels, check out "Divine Rights Trip" by Gurney Norman. You may find this online where you can read it on your computer monitor.


Good luck and all the best !

Thanks so much for this information. I had definitely thought about having a home and van for traveling, but honestly, I don't love it here. I moved mostly to help mom. I would love to travel around to see other places that I might do that though. For a while I may simply be itchy to move around because life has been extremely boring and sedentary here. The one thing that I did like was the diversity of people, cultures and religions. I grew up in NYC and do love humans even though I am basically an introvert.

Here is hoping you find what you are looking for. Life is certainly full of transitions which bring opportunities for a change in lifestyles.

Hi! I am hopeful that I will. I believe much of the fun is in the looking and dreaming. We can do anything that we want if we really believe it. I heard today about the "fresh start effect" on a podcast. These times occur at any point in our lives where there is a new beginning: a birthday, divorce, new job, retirement, new year, birth death... I thought this was a true concept for sure. Thanks for checking in!

Welcome Amy

HI Amy, I recently lost my mother and am settling her estate. It's not a big one but it has some significands. I will be out on the road in 3 to 4 years and am looking for a road family I can hook up with in Nevada. Family is the best way to go when you are in Van Life. I can go solo and I will with no problem but would rather be part of a road family. I'm here to learn and find people on the road who have experience that will help me in 3 years. I came to the conclusion that my solar panels will be built within a roof rack with the thinnish flexible solar panels made. I don't want those thick bulky solar panels. I want to be solo in the city and the thin flexible solar panels will do the trick. These things are what you learn though others that have experience in van life. Hope to be apart of your experience . Thanks!

Carla618 said:

Welcome Amy

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Hi. Thanks so much!!! Looking forward to all the information.

Jim D said:

HI Amy, I recently lost my mother and am settling her estate. It's not a big one but it has some significands. I will be out on the road in 3 to 4 years and am looking for a road family I can hook up with in Nevada. Family is the best way to go when you are in Van Life. I can go solo and I will with no problem but would rather be part of a road family. I'm here to learn and find people on the road who have experience that will help me in 3 years. I came to the conclusion that my solar panels will be built within a roof rack with the thinnish flexible solar panels made. I don't want those thick bulky solar panels. I want to be solo in the city and the thin flexible solar panels will do the trick. These things are what you learn though others that have experience in van life. Hope to be apart of your experience . Thanks!

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Exactly! Plan ahead!! That's my plan too. I hope to travel around. I haven't done that since I was 18 traveling in a Chevy we converted. Good luck!!