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Walk Like the Wolf

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I've been reading from this site for a couple years now. Lots of nice information, so thanks everyone for sharing. :) I figured it was time to sign up and say hello.

About me. I'm a 26 year old from Boston with two 8 year old, 55ish pound dogs who likes to surround herself in nature. I currently get paid to hike with dogs, which is cool, and I recently went on a five month live-in-my-Honda-Fit cross country trip, where I stayed mostly in the south west and along the west coast and lived in national forests and free campsites. Occasionally with some other people either in their home (being in someone else's home is usually tolerable for maayyybe a week tops for me) or camping with others. Needless to say, living in the Honda with over 100 pounds of dog got a little cramped but it was a good test to see how I liked the lifestyle. Turns out this is exactly what my soul wants in life right now, so for the time being, I plan on upgrading to a van and seeing where life takes me (I've been looking at vans for a couple years now and have finally come to terms with the hit I'm taking on fuel economy...heh). I have the comfort of knowing I have a place to live here in MA, as well as a job that will welcome me short or long term. Extended stays here, however, leave me bored, restless, and claustrophobic. I'll probably make it through the holidays and then go back to AZ for a bit to spend the winter.

Anyway, so that's me and you all can probably look forward to the occasional question in the near future from someone looking to make a van a mini home. I have a brother who does carpentry and I'm pretty awesome at creative space use, so with some advice I think I could come up with something simple and comfortable. It should be a fun process...when it's not a slightly intimidating one. :) I am definitely most confused by anything electric, so that might be something for a pro. I'm currently in the process of getting a Dodge conversion van looked at by someone more mechanically inclined than I, and hopefully that'll be my starter...it if someone doesn't show up and steal it away. It's in good shape from what I know now, and with me being short it's even stand-able where the ceiling lights aren't in the way.

Have a great day everyone! :D
 
Welcome to the CRVL forums Wolf! It sounds like you lead a very interesting and exciting life! You'll be able to contribute a lot as well as learning from members who have made their own mini homes in vans. Have fun creating!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
 
Glad you introduced yourself! My hat is off to anyone who can live in a Honda Fit for any length of time!
Bob
 
Thanks guys. :D

Thanks for the tips, rvwandering!

Thanks, Bob! The Honda was mostly a great time...but definitely a bit frustrating. I don't think I'm imagining this, but I recall reading a post at some point where you mentioned a BLM handbook or something of that nature...?
 
I'm not sure I know what you mean by a BLM handbook. Are you wanting to locate BLM land? Tell me what you what to do and maybe I can help.

Bob
 
Ah...yes, that's what I'm looking for! I find it can be a little difficult to locate BLM land online, or maybe I haven't found a good resource. I thought a book was mentioned but I might be mistaken. :)
 
Here are good resources for finding BLM and all public land:

1) This is the best: http://publiclands.org/

2) I love US Public Lands App for smartphones! Tremendous help! If you have a smartphone, you must have it :)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twostepsbeyond.uspubliclands

3) Delorme Atlas and Gazeeter for the states you travel in (note; not all states have BLM land and so they don't all list all public lands) :
http://www.amazon.com/Arizona-Atlas-Gazetteer-Delorme/dp/0899333257

4) Benchmark Atlas same not as above
http://www.amazon.com/Arizona-Road-Recreation-Atlas-Benchmark/dp/0929591909/

Or you can go to blm.gov and then click on the state you want to go to. Then click to the specific area you wan to go to and gt the phone number of the Ranger office and cal them and ask specific questions.
Bob
 
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