First Night!

[Corvus]

Greetings All,

I spent my first night in the van last night.  To quote Teddy Roosevelt, it was "Dee-lightful!"

I parked in a well-lit parking lot near some other cars so that I didn't look too suspicious.  I rolled down some light-blocking Redi-Shades that I purchased for $6 from Home Depot which worked really great.  If anybody needs a quick fix, I would highly recommend these.  They're cheap, very effective, and you couldn't even see them looking in from outside of the van!

I didn't realize this when I parked, but I ended up parking pretty close to the adjacent building's outdoor HVAC unit.  At first I thought it might be too loud and keep me up, but I was pleasantly surprised that the noise made for a nice low-level white noise that drowned out other less pleasant sounds like car horns, alarms, and sirens.

I haven't had the chance to build-out my van setup yet, so at the moment, I am sleeping on a yoga mat on the floor of the van.  Not the most comfortable setup ever, but definitely much better than I expected.  I'm taking next week to do the build-out, so looking forward to having things like a bed, running water, and electricity.



Stay well, everyone!

C.

 

[rvwandering]

Congratulations! It sounds like your first night went wonderfully. It will be even better when you get the van set up the way that you want it.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard the forums Corvus!
If you enjoyed your first night in an empty van in a parking lot surrounded by noise ,,,,
Imagine how much you'll like it after you build the inside of the van and are staying someplace like where Bob is camping ..................yeah, right?

 

[Richard]

Greetings All,

I spent my first night in the van last night.  ... I haven't had the chance to build-out my van setup yet....

Hi, Corvus. Congratulations on your first night out! Tonight is my last night in my apartment so my first night will be tomorrow night. I'm so excited!

My van's not built-out yet, either. It'll likely be a few months before I can start that part but until then, just the freedom to be out and about exhilarates me. Here's to new beginnings!

 

[Yogidog]

Congrats on first night that is exciting. I thought maybe I was weird but I feel oddly calm and peaceful in big box parking lots I like them, glad it went well for u, good idea with the background noise! I will get those shades. have fun!

 

[speedhighway46]

I have overnighted at scores of Walmarts over the past 17 years. I always feel secure, contented and relaxed. I have NEVER had a bad experience. Most Walmarts now are open 24/7 so I always have a restroom available. Always do my grocery shopping in the morning before pull out.

My Motorhome can easily be mistaken for a large semi rig, so I park over by the big trucks and blend right in.

I don't know what boondocking in Walmart parking lots would be called, but I really enjoy it. I usually stay only one night; never more than two.

If you feel safe at the big box stores, that's great . . . I certainly do!

 

[Corvus]

Hi, Corvus. Congratulations on your first night out! Tonight is my last night in my apartment so my first night will be tomorrow night. I'm so excited!

My van's not built-out yet, either. It'll likely be a few months before I can start that part but until then, just the freedom to be out and about exhilarates me. Here's to new beginnings!

Hi Richard,

How did your first night go?

 

[Corvus]

Welcome aboard the forums Corvus!
If you enjoyed your first night in an empty van in a parking lot surrounded by noise ,,,,
Imagine how much you'll like it after you build the inside of the van and are staying someplace like where Bob is camping ..................yeah, right?

Every time I see one of Bob's blog posts or some of his pictures my cup runeth over with jealousy    Someday I hope to camp and travel the way he does.