Eastern America Nomad Network

hello, i’m so glad someone has interest in an Eastern group. I tried several times to get something started, but my health keeps getting in the way. Now it looks like I’m not gonna be anything but a maybe part timer. I’m waiting to hear back about an Handicapped accessible apartment available here in Lancaster County PA. I’m not only wish I was on the road. I wish I had the time energy to help get something started here in East Coast.

seems what I was hoping to start met with a lot of opposition. Some people sounded like they were very upset about some things. It’s hard to motivate yourself when there’s people being negative. That’s one of the things Bob did, he start it out on his own before they were a lot of people, and he ignored the negative and kept going.

my vision for the East Coast was not quite like Bob’s. I don’t think there’s any sense in really doing all those how to videos over for East coaster, there done well, and everyone can use them no matter where they’re at. Bob has done a good job of teaching nomads how to **** in a bucket. and everything else that’s needed. That’s practical information can be used all over the country, actually all over the world. So trying to start something like Bob has would be a waste of effort in my opinion.

my vision for what I called EANN (Eastern American nomad network) Was more Like a “support group”. A way of making connections for camping, Caravaning, mentoring newbies, and keeping track of where our friends are in case someone needs help. I thought of several ways to do it, but I’m no Internet guru I still think there’s a way it could be done, but I have been knocked out of the full-time nomad circuits due to my health. Since the first of the year my health has been bad enough, not just a knock me out of the nomad lifestyle, but almost knocked me out of my life completely. As I settle down in the apartment, I’ll probably have time to do such things and could act as a helper. on the Internet from my apartment rather than from my van. I really don’t know yet. What’s in store for me. But keeping in touch with my friends and others, who are doing what I enjoy to do for so long, even if I’m stationary would be fun.

if anything is to be done towards uniting those of us east of the Mississippi I’m all for it. At this point, you might get my moral support and may be in the future more than that.

God bless the nomads, especially those on the East Coast, because we’re so much better than the others

nature lover said:

hello, i’m so glad someone has interest in an Eastern group.

my vision for what I called EANN (Eastern American nomad network) Was more Like a “support group”.

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nature lover said:

if anything is to be done towards uniting those of us east of the Mississippi I’m all for it. At this point, you might get my moral support and may be in the future more than that.

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Really appreciate your thoughts on this and sure hope you got/get that apartment!

For grins I looked up a couple COE camgrounds near me…
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232645
Uhh, 2 accessible campsites…. Thinking that was just a fluke, I checked a couple more places…. 2 accessible, 3 accessible… I dont mean all the others are booked, I mean that’s all they have.

That’s a bit uhh, low on numbers. Oh well, life here in the east.

I downloaded something called "Field Maps" that shows all of the TVA lands and lists which ones have dispersed (free) camping available. I also have looked up all the COE sites here in Kentucky and surrounding areas for free camping as well but do not recall if that was from using the US Public Lands app or Recreation dot Gov app. All the COE sites I have saved are free but, you have to check each listing as some are not. The good thing is the America the Beautiful pass (Interagency pass) works with the COE sites too for the ones that charge a fee. I have 9 apps that show free camping sites and, I am compiling lists in my area (KY, TN, etc) and comparing them. Eventually I will pare these down to just the few of the ones that work the best for me. I love the west and hope to be back out there one of these days but, for now at least, Heading out at the end of July I will be staying in this region of the country, at least for a while. Maybe even over into VA or NC as well but most likely east of the Mississippi. Possibly I may venture into MO to the Ozarks, I can't say for sure right now. A lot depends on how well (or not) my van runs after all the work I have done to it. I also checked and my tires, although they look good, are 11 years old and I may not be able to replace them until a month or so after I leave so I may not be putting a lot of miles on them if I can help it. Not smart, I know, but I spent a lot more on parts than I planned. Oh well, it will be fine.

Be sure to not over look boat ramps as many people fishing over night park there over night. Taking up fishing or carrying a canoe might be worth looking into!

bullfrog ! said:

Be sure to not over look boat ramps as many people fishing over night park there over night. Taking up fishing or carrying a canoe might be worth looking into!

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Yes, good point. Some of the free TVA and COE sites I have saved mentioned boat ramps. I wish states would honor fishing licences from other states like they do drivers licenses. I will have one for KY, but dont want to buy one for TN, NC, VA, etc.

I agree with ORANGE. When I first arrived here Bob and High Desert Ranger (and a few others) were the dominant voices and located in the west. So I felt the forum leaned west and as a newbie I didn't say anything that would rock the boat. As I've mentioned before, I have family in Texas and Colorado and know there is a difference with western attitudes and those of the east.

There are plenty of Nomads who have no interest in going west of the Mississippi. And I'm sure there are many of the west who would be more than supportive of their decision.

I lived a few years in an RV in Eastern Kentucky. There are lots of people using campgrounds in rural areas as pretty much permanent residences. We workamped and bought land as well as urban boondocked in places like YMCA parking lots and Cracker Barrel’s parking. It can be difficult especially in winter at least it was for us but doable.

bullfrog ! said:

I lived a few years in an RV in Eastern Kentucky. There are lots of people using campgrounds in rural areas as pretty much permanent residences. We workamped and bought land as well as urban boondocked in places like YMCA parking lots and Cracker Barrel’s parking. It can be difficult especially in winter at least it was for us but doable.

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Yes it certainly can be difficult yet done.
I spent a year in a 24’ travel trailer in Colorado decades ago. About R3 worth of insulated walls and ceiling, single pane windows, inefficient propane furnace (way before the days of catalytic propane heaters) etc certainly made it a cold winter.

I just discovered this thread that I started years ago. Of course like a lot of my ideas it “fizzled” I’m not even on the road anymore. So if anyone is looking at this thread and is interested here in East, you’re welcome to pick it up and run with it. I hope someone does.

Over the years as a long haul truck driver, I learned that different areas of the US and Canada became more or less "open" and sharing. Shall I say withdrawn of strangers, stand offish as a means of self protection. Living cheek by jowel with possible scammers and down right thieves has made the east coast population apear "closed", who speak in terms foreign to those from more western populations.
So this nature lover is speaking and acting like a person would who has lived his life among those who would take advantage of him as weak and vunerable if he showed an open, personality or his way of presenting an invitation to start a caraven of those with the same lifes experience and life style.
Remember in Texas, it is not unusal for men and women to run around with a fire arm strapped on but is unheard of in New York City.
So give the guy a break. he has already stepped out of his comfort zone by posting an invitation. Say somthing nice or just keep quiet.
Ken



canadC

I personally have an interest in what is contemplated by NL here (having just read the whole thread), being in SC at the moment. My focus is going to be on Florida if this turns out to be a cold winter (got some low 40s here recently). Of course, if i had heat in my RV, it'd be better. But the furnace is 20 years old and has an apparently irreplacable igniter. The mention of a catalytic propane heater sounds intriguing to me. My old furnace certainly wasn't very efficient. My problem (apropos of nothing) is that i have a cat as well as two chihuahas and the cat has changed the whole dynamic relative to how i used to do things (with only one dog). Have to find somewhere to let her out or she has no life at all. But people are becoming so intolerant of dogs being off-leash, even if by your side and well-trained. They want people to be on leashes, microchipped, jabbed, and they start with the animals. Anyway, if anyone knows whether this idea has gone anywhere in the last couple of years (which it seems not) i'd be interested in knowing what. I do like the idea of a helping network, but then i'm a hopelessly out-of-touch, impractical idealist.

Name here is Ken and I'm realy old. I like my living arrangment warm as well as afordable. I live in a 20 foot trailer because I like a little bigger space than a van or car and I like to stand up instead of crouch or crawl around.
My propane furnace is too expensve to run and repair.
Let me suggest a diesel heater which is cheap to buy on amazon at around $100 or less. Last one I bought for a friend was $88 bucks. Everthing needed is included. Get the 5000 BTU one. that one will heat a fairly large space but too large for a car or van.
You will need an extra 12 volt battery and charger to run the fan, fuel pump and start up ignighter. about 10 amps total.
Most any kid can install it with few tools and a little planning.
I live and travel in a cooler winter climate (Michigan, Wisconsin)
with once in a while trips to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
I use 2 100 watt solar pannels to charge the battery and power up the heater and a small 12 volt fridge plus a laptop computer. So far all is working trouble free for 3 years and counting.
One more thing, diesel fuel is smelly so plan on mounting the fuel tank ouside. It's included when you buy the heater.
Right now I am located in Norther Michigan out in state forest land for free, It's snowing but I'm as snug as a bug in a rug.
Oh, one other thing, I use a small gasoline generator when I use my microwave oven, coffee pot and toaster. last time I bought gas for it was 4 months ago. (8 bux) and still going with half remaining plus some.
Lots more to talk about but for now this will have to do. enjoy yourself. picture of my woods for the heck of it.
Ken

Hey kiddo's and kiddets, afraid to say men and women these days, you know how it is, only 26 letters in the alphabet the last I looked. I'm not child bearing equiped but I have been known to assist from time to time,
Here is the deal---I'm presently nomaded it the Northern Michigan woods, planning on a deeper penatration in a day or few. Oh for those who might be intrested, Summer time it's 14 days before you have to move but hunting (huntun) season through the winter it's ok to stay put for 21 days if you want.
Anyway, I think thats so the critter stalkers can spend more money and tell stories while deer drinking and tell about the one that got away. Maybe it's the dodett that got away or turned out to be the wrong letter, I get confused some times. Anyway I got two, one of each letter, took care of the woodsy stuff, then took em' to the butcher (Amish guys) who did the skining and cutting up and wrapping for me, $90 bux each, so I now have plenty of steaks and hambugler for a long time.
This is to tell Nature person (not sure what letter to use) that there is hope for us all, no matter what age. (I'll be 86 in less than 2 weeks). So fire up the beast and join us, no matter how slow you might feel. the squirls and chip monks need some one to chatter at and us old guys need some one to tell stories about the good old days, when there were only two letters in the alphabet----Y and X and we knew which one we were.
Ken

wb8vyn said:

Hey kiddo's and kiddets, afraid to say men and women these days, you know how it is, only 26 letters in the alphabet the last I looked. I'm not child bearing equiped but I have been known to assist from time to time,
Here is the deal---I'm presently nomaded it the Northern Michigan woods, planning on a deeper penatration in a day or few. Oh for those who might be intrested, Summer time it's 14 days before you have to move but hunting (huntun) season through the winter it's ok to stay put for 21 days if you want.
Anyway, I think thats so the critter stalkers can spend more money and tell stories while deer drinking and tell about the one that got away. Maybe it's the dodett that got away or turned out to be the wrong letter, I get confused some times. Anyway I got two, one of each letter, took care of the woodsy stuff, then took em' to the butcher (Amish guys) who did the skining and cutting up and wrapping for me, $90 bux each, so I now have plenty of steaks and hambugler for a long time.
This is to tell Nature person (not sure what letter to use) that there is hope for us all, no matter what age. (I'll be 86 in less than 2 weeks). So fire up the beast and join us, no matter how slow you might feel. the squirls and chip monks need some one to chatter at and us old guys need some one to tell stories about the good old days, when there were only two letters in the alphabet----Y and X and we knew which one we were.
Ken

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Ken you live far enough out apparently you don’t deal with many people, why would you care how many letters are in the alphabet? I deal with other people often and happily don’t care. There are lots of other more important things that affect my life than trying to figure out other people’s ideas about themselves. Life is better that way for everyone. I’ve stopped listening to people that just want make life miserable for themselves and everyone else. Fortunately I’ve gotten old enough keeping myself healthy and content is often more work than I feel like doing never the less a bunch of other people! Lol!!! $90 for processing is a real deal! Been years since I needed to rent a freezer from the place I used as I’ve got plenty of mouths to feed, do they still do that? My uncle who is long gone used to travel in a truck camper with a freezer and a generator. He migrated from Montana to Arizona following the hunting and fishing seasons. Sure miss his visits and his Rainbow trout!

wb8vyn said:

Name here is Ken and I'm realy old. I like my living arrangment warm as well as afordable. I live in a 20 foot trailer because I like a little bigger space than a van or car and I like to stand up instead of crouch or crawl around.
My propane furnace is too expensve to run and repair.
Let me suggest a diesel heater which is cheap to buy on amazon at around $100 or less. Last one I bought for a friend was $88 bucks. Everthing needed is included. Get the 5000 BTU one. that one will heat a fairly large space but too large for a car or van.
You will need an extra 12 volt battery and charger to run the fan, fuel pump and start up ignighter. about 10 amps total.
Most any kid can install it with few tools and a little planning.
I live and travel in a cooler winter climate (Michigan, Wisconsin)
with once in a while trips to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
I use 2 100 watt solar pannels to charge the battery and power up the heater and a small 12 volt fridge plus a laptop computer. So far all is working trouble free for 3 years and counting.
One more thing, diesel fuel is smelly so plan on mounting the fuel tank ouside. It's included when you buy the heater.
Right now I am located in Norther Michigan out in state forest land for free, It's snowing but I'm as snug as a bug in a rug.
Oh, one other thing, I use a small gasoline generator when I use my microwave oven, coffee pot and toaster. last time I bought gas for it was 4 months ago. (8 bux) and still going with half remaining plus some.
Lots more to talk about but for now this will have to do. enjoy yourself. picture of my woods for the heck of it.
Ken

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A 20' trailer is a lot bigger than my <22ft Rialta but... your situation sounds quite nice to me right now. I'd love to be out in the snowy woods... but my vehicle has only a small propane tank (and a heater that, finally, just got fixed). How much space does the heater take up inside? I doubt i have room to install such a thing in my vehicle. What's the benefit of your setup? Diesel isn't all that much cheaper than propane, is it? Maybe i should get a "basket" (can't think what you call it) onto the trailer hitch on the back and a big propane tank. My last vehicle, i installed a thingie to the propane tank to allow a separate tank to be plugged in. Anyway, i think you've got the right idea/way to avoid the crowds and boondock peacefully and undisturbed. Kudos to you.

Hey Curs, Ken here again,
Diesel heater size. aproximate size 6 inches wide, 7 inches high and about 18 inches long,not counting ductwork (included) for heat distribution-no extra space needed on sides, top or length, but bottem needs clear space for intake air and exhaust tubes, about 5 or 6 inches to outside. I made my opening using a drill and hand held hack saw to cut the hole and took me all day to select the spot cut the hole, line it with tin can metal and stuff some fiberglass around the exhaust and intake tubes for extra insulation.
One thing that I had to change was the fuel line from the tank to the heater was the fuel line which was too short for my plan since the heater was designed for a semi truck which is much smaller and more compact than my trailer, might fit your needs with included fuel line and where you mount your diesel tank.
An important point, the fuel line from pump to heater is a special type so use the one that comes with the kit. It's a realy hard plastic whitch will not expand as the pressure from the pump to heater is required to make the burner and igniter work correctly. The supply line from tank to pump is not so important other than being suitable for diesel or gasoline.
Another point, Keep the battery charged, don't let the battery get low, (12 volt or above) Low voltage will cause improper burn thus causing poor fuel burn and the system to clog up with soot and ash, failure will take place which will require removal and internal cleaning of the unit. (a pain in the butt).
Fual pump must be mounted verticaly with output pointed upward and as close to the heater as practical.
Well, I have no idea what your issues and constraints might be, I've got my own to deal with, My left hand and arm are of little use and pills take care of blood pressure (sort of) plus I don't get hungry so I take a pill for that too, however I forget from day to day like old people do from time to time.
As for day to day stuff, I still have grand ideas to chase wild women and break the law by smoking some pot and as i've said before, jumping out of an air plane. So far those ideas are in the future, first I have to take a nap and when I get up? Well I'll get to all of that later, maybe tomorrow or the next few days or weeks. It;s cold out (28 degreas} nice and warm in here. (72 and holding) A little snow skiffle to coat things. Looks nice, a couple of deer just walked by. Take care and stop by when the mood moves you.
Ken

Actualy, I'm thinking, after reading your intro again, this forum is not for you, I think maybe an HOA type assosiation via internet might be a better fit for you. You could then choose who you personly like or dislike. If at some point, a "member" does not continue to adhear to your leadership and rules, you can just kick em' out. Keep the group small that way and managable.
Give each other a title or a badge or a special hat or hand shake.
As for me, personaly, I have lots of things I disagree with but as a whole, even if you are of a different "party" than me, there are many skills that can be of benifit to me and many others without being alike in speech and thought. Deeds and actions count, With words just painting a picture but do nothing.
You may be in need of a few "yes men and women" to fill your personal needs to feel content. personaly vetting those that are allowed to join and remain with your group/click. Sounds sort of juvenial to me. Guess that precludes me. Still in the woods all by myself and liking it
Ken

wb8vyn said:

…,,
This is to tell Nature person (not sure what letter to use) that there is hope for us all, no matter what age. (I'll be 86 in less than 2 weeks). So fire up the beast and join us, no matter how slow you might feel.
Ken

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Nature Lover still enjoys being surrounded by female nurses even though he does not enjoy his frequent stays in the hospital. He sold his van because he no longer travel in it and used the funds to purchase a mobility scooter. That was a very sad day for him. He still post in the forum from time to time in a different thread he started.

Oh Lord I thought I was a solitary old man who likes nurses around, well, anything that was or could be, a nurse, I would use the pickup line , nurse, nurse, I'm worse, I need my pillow fluffed and then, well I might feel a little chilly on one side and then the other, maybe both sides at once, which would of course require at least two nurses.
Just thinkking about it---I'm going to double up on my heart meds'. Nature lover is a lucky guy after all.
Ken

Red faced (embaraced) I had no idea that Nature lover was handicapped to the extent of selling his car/van and being required to be that close to care givers (nurse). For my part, I'd be happy to move his way and let him share my space and resorses. My trailer sleeps 6 so there is plenty of space for 2 guys to snore without bothering each other. Shower and bathroom facilities are cramped but usable. Presently camped out in the woods with about 1/2 tank of fresh water left after 16 days. So I think two guys could survive easily for 2 weeks.
Monday coming I'll be on the move again if the snow doesn't get too deep. I'll be stopping by the license plate place to get renewed for another year. and then off to where even the wind blows the least, maybe pensiltucky.
Ken