I've been on here for a little while but don't think I made an intro. I'm Patti from IL. I'm currently visiting my elderly parents in S CA with one of my dogs, Springer Spaniel, Dougal. I'm married with several grown children having homeschooled for 27 years and living out in the country raising kids, gardens and animals. Now, I mostly do gardening, sewing, working with the dogs and downsizing as much as possible. Last December, I wanted to visit my family in CA and didn't want to leave my puppy during a critical training window so I fixed up my minivan into a camper and drove out, sleeping at rest areas and truck stops. Learned several things I wanted to change after that trip and encouraged by Bob's videos, was motivated to do it again. My van is more comfortable this trip 
I also have a vintage 15 ft travel trailer I've been fixing up and learning to handle. My husband was downsized out of his last two professional positions during the economic downturn and retired early. Now we live on social security and a part time job. I know if I outlive him, I wouldn't be able to keep our little farmette so I'm planning on being a nomad if I can. My husband isn't interested in doing this but doesn't mind staying home to care for the dogs and chickens.
This life isn't foreign to me. I grew up camping in CA all my childhood in everything from tents to travel trailers. Grandparents on both sides full timed after they retired as did several aunts and uncles. They were boondocking in travel trailers and motor homes out at Slab City and Death Valley in the winters back around 1980. It was nicer then. Some of them went to OR in the summers. I have some wonderful memories of my family's adventures. Now I have cousins and a brother who are traveling and full timing. We are so lucky to have the internet and cell phone communication these days.
Later this week I plan to leave S CA and plan to spend a day or two out in Ehrenberg. Coming out I spent the night at the Ehrenberg rest area but didn't go explore the BLM camp because I was anxious to get to my parents' house. Looking forward to experiencing "real" boondocking if only for a night or two.
I also have a vintage 15 ft travel trailer I've been fixing up and learning to handle. My husband was downsized out of his last two professional positions during the economic downturn and retired early. Now we live on social security and a part time job. I know if I outlive him, I wouldn't be able to keep our little farmette so I'm planning on being a nomad if I can. My husband isn't interested in doing this but doesn't mind staying home to care for the dogs and chickens.
This life isn't foreign to me. I grew up camping in CA all my childhood in everything from tents to travel trailers. Grandparents on both sides full timed after they retired as did several aunts and uncles. They were boondocking in travel trailers and motor homes out at Slab City and Death Valley in the winters back around 1980. It was nicer then. Some of them went to OR in the summers. I have some wonderful memories of my family's adventures. Now I have cousins and a brother who are traveling and full timing. We are so lucky to have the internet and cell phone communication these days.
Later this week I plan to leave S CA and plan to spend a day or two out in Ehrenberg. Coming out I spent the night at the Ehrenberg rest area but didn't go explore the BLM camp because I was anxious to get to my parents' house. Looking forward to experiencing "real" boondocking if only for a night or two.
