Hello

[Ella1]

Hi,
I started down this road several years ago. Conditions changed abruptly and I took the road most traveled instead. It may be time for a change though I have more baggage. I have stuff from then so haven't had to spend too much. (is bear spray that expired in 2009 still good? Or pound bottles of coleman fuel that has been stored probably longer than that, last 3-4 years in a hot metal shed?)   Part of that is regular vehicle maintenance, the rest a few items and food. I expect to have a new deep cell battery installed in the hopes of getting some use out of it this time.
The plan is to spend a few nights at a time "someplace else", and since summer is on it's way, probably at a higher elevation.  I've been lurking, and see a few ways to do things easier and safer.  
I expect the first voyage this time will be to Page and Sedona AZ to get a better handle on things.
Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Ella1

 

[WriterMs]

Hi, Ella,
I'm not an official greeter, but it seems I am the first to come and read your post so I didn't want to not say Hello!

I got in 6 months of solo boondocking last year and hope to to about that much this year, too. So I encourage your plan to do some trial runs. My "trial run" was to South Dakota to become a legal resident up there...and awoke to light snow in the campground in October. But that showed me I could make it just fine.

I'm sure the experts will jump in shortly and answer questions about stored items.
Carla

 

[Ella1]

Hi, Carla, and thanks for your warm welcome!
I hope to do some boondocking close to home soon. I'll pick up maps Mon or Tues for a few forests. News reports tonight included plauged fleas near Flagstaff and wildfires in southeast AZ, both areas I had hoped to be in, and both of which I'd like to avoid. What do you do all day, and esp in the hours between dark but too early to go to sleep and time to sleep?
Ella1

 

[my_vantasy]

Hi Ella1! Greetings from central Ohio. I know nothing about your stored items, either. I just want to welcome you. This is the right place to ask questions, so I'm sure someone here can give you good information (just not me...)

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Ella! As long as the propane bottles haven't rusted or leaked they should be fine to use. I don't know about the bear spray but if I were in a situation where I needed it I'd want to be holding a new bottle! :-D

Carla - everyone is an official greeter so keep up the good work!

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.

 

[ttpadilla]

Hi Ella1!!

First, welcome! Second, one of my twin granddaughters is named Ella. Third, I too, started to do this a few years ago, then a "road most traveled" option was presented and I took it. Now, I'm in more debt that I was before, and once again life is at a cross-roads. This time I'm making the right decision. I'm officially full-time on the road, in just 10 days, and it's a bit scary. But, also really exciting. I look forward to reading about your progress!

 

[gypsychic]

Hi Ella1. Welcome. The trial trip is a great learning experience. I spent 5 days last month camping with friends. I made lots of notes and a few changes for when I go fulltime based on that trip. It was fun too! Mostly it gave me peace of mind that I could do it and I really was OK with moving into my van and camping fulltime. I even brought my kitty along and he seemed fine with it too.

Somebody's signature line on this forum reads progress, not perfection. Its a saying I've tried to internalize myself over the years. Life pulls us in many directions. Your back here now. I look forward to hearing about your adventures.

 

[Ella1]

Hi, my_vantasy, I laughed when I saw your username. It's so appropriate!
It looks like I now have a vantasy, too! Thanks for your words of welcome.

rvwandering, thanks. I'm just scaredy cat enough, I'll donate them, or, ask someone to light them for me first while I stand back... Yes, I'll let them know  And I'll get a new bear spray!

Nana4Twins, Thanks!
TEN DAYS! Soon you'll be counting hours, not days! How exciting for you. I'm still making lists. Congratulations to you for making that life-changing decision, and best wishes to you. Scary for me,too.
I'll be thinking of you.  

gypsychic, Hello! Heck, just getting the van ready is an experience for me. This is such a challenge for me because at times I don't leave home for weeks. I hope I have nothing more to report besides meeting new friends, pleasant weather, and beautiful scenery. Thanks for your encouraging words.

Ella

 

[sisterearth]

Hi and welcome, I am new here too and sifting through all the great information and experiences on this site. wanted to say hello! Peace!

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!! Glad you had your some stuff already, that's a head start! Yeah, I'd want new bear spray facing down a grizzly myself. *note to self: get some bear spray!!* Best of luck!

 

[ttpadilla]

Bear spray... I had no idea how expensive it was! Still gotta get mine.

 

[WriterMs]

Hi, Carla, and thanks for your warm welcome!
I hope to do some boondocking close to home soon. I'll pick up maps Mon or Tues for a few forests. News reports tonight included plauged fleas near Flagstaff and wildfires in southeast AZ, both areas I had hoped to be in, and both of which I'd like to avoid. What do you do all day, and esp in the hours between dark but too early to go to sleep and time to sleep?
Ella1

Hi again, Ella,
I write novels for a living, so I work in spurts day and night -- and my work requires a lot of "daydream" time to envision what I am writing. I also read a lot..sometimes sizing up other novels in the new genres where my next book falls. For writing, I use my laptop so it is lit up requiring no reading lights. For reading, I use an iPad with the Kindle app on it. I always was a "book in hand" sort of person, but for vandwelling the Kindle books are divine. The iPad also is internally lit so no need for maneuvering a reading light, and I have hundreds of books all right there in my hand.

I use a small inverter off of a marine battery to keep both devices and my cell phone charged. No TV or such for my primitive rig, but I really did not miss it.

There is also stargazing, listening to the wind in the trees and, often, a chance to talk to friends via cell phone. At least half the places I camped last year were within range of a Verizon tower.

Carla

 

[Ella1]

Hi, sisterearth, thank you! It's nice to not be the only new kid, isn't it! The information and experiences here have made some of the planning easier for me, too. Even so, I'm still apprehensive...
I know we'll do well. Have you planned your first trip yet? I hope I can go.

Theadyn, I do have a lot of stuff. I'm a bit of a packrat, and a challenge here is going minimal. I found a few more things today: big dog toys, and a small airhorn that still has some honks in it after all this time. You're right, bear spray isn't cheap! I have a new small pepper spray, may get some bear spray, too. Someone suggested wasp spray since it shoots 20'. Good luck to you, too.

Hi, Carla, You're a WRITER! But you knew that! Sounds like you've been published. How exciting! Ha! I'm talking in exclamations! What kind of novels do you write? Writing is a lot of hard work, and you even cross genres. Which one(s) do you like best? What are some of your titles? I, too, prefer to hold a book, but you're probably right about the kindles being better for van life.
I am learning to pain, both studio and plein air, which is supposed to by quick and "simple", but I tend to detail...
I got a few forest service road use maps today, then sat in the parking lot and did a pencil sketch. I had paints with me, but started out late, so painting waits for Wednesday. I expect some evenings will be spent reading, others maybe using oil pastels or watercolor. Daytime will generally be oil paints. But after spending hours during the day painting, I rarely paint at night.
Thanks for explaining your evenings. I'm really at a loss about them.
What do some of you other folks do?
Ella1

 

[ttpadilla]

It will be interesting to see what I do with my evenings with no internet access. I just haven't figured out a way to get that where I'll be workamping. Fortunately, I love to read, so with more than 1000 books on my kindle, I will probably be alright. I am hoping to keep up a blog, and I'll do most of that writing at night. I'm looking forward to developing new interests and hobbies, that's for sure!

 

[Ella1]

Where are you workamping? Isn't that working as a campground host? Is this a new thing for you you or did you do it in a previous life? Best wishes with it.

Yes, new interests and hobbies. I'm open to suggestions as to what can be done inside a tiny space with low light! I don't expect to have either tv or internet access, either.
Ella1

 

[Ella1]

I now have a 60 watt bulb I can use in my space, so maybe it's won't be too dark after all. I'd like to get a second.

 

[Almost There]

I now have a 60 watt bulb I can use in my  space, so maybe it's won't be too dark after all. I'd like to get a second.

If you're running off a battery there are far better choices than a 60 watt light bulb.

Even W/M had some LED lights that will give you good lighting without the power draw of a regular light bulb.

Until I get all the wiring done in my van, I have a rechargeable LED camping lantern that puts out lots of light. I get 2 or 3 evening from it before it needs recharging and it can be plugged into either a 12 v cig plug in the van or into a 110 power source. It came from W/M camping section..around $20 IIRC.

 

[gypsychic]

Ella1 I've been thinking about your question regarding hobbies in low light. I've set my room up to be about the size of my van and I've stopped using 120v in my room. I'm doing these things to get used to living in a van. For me, I sleep a lot but I've also found without using artificial light I've come to follow the natural rythem of the day - up when it's light, sleeping when its dark. For others who sleep less than 12-14 hrs a day I'm sure that cycle would be tough in the winter but there are things you can do. Make your vehicle your home and do what you want to do for hobbies. Recently I've taken up hand sewing as well as crocheting cloth. Its a way to sew inexpensive scraps together to make a warm blanket or fun rug and something I can do that I enjoy and doesn't take a lot of energy or money. What you find fits into your life could be different. Experiment. But don't let lack of light stop you from doing hobbies. Add some light!

 

[Ella1]

If you're running off a battery there are far better choices than a 60 watt light bulb.

Even W/M had some LED lights that will give you good lighting without the power draw of a regular light bulb.

Until I get all the wiring done in my van, I have a rechargeable LED camping lantern that puts out lots of light. I get 2 or 3 evening from it before it needs recharging and it can be plugged into either a 12 v cig plug in the van or into a 110 power source. It came from W/M camping section..around $20 IIRC.

Thanks, AT, I did get a fluorescent bulb that uses 10.5 watts instead of 60. It goes into a trouble light, and plugs into the inverter. Is that good enough?
I have a brand new marine deep cell battery that I also have to run an air cleaner with, at least at times. It will also be plugged into the inverter.
I'll look for the LED camping lantern. That would be a good addition.
There's so much I don't know or understand yet, it's getting overwhelming.
Thanks for your input. I will watch for your reply.
Ella

 

[Almost There]

Thanks, AT, I did get a fluorescent bulb that uses 10.5 watts instead of 60. It goes into a trouble light, and plugs into the inverter.  Is that good enough?
I have a brand new marine deep cell battery that I also have to run an air cleaner with, at least at times. It will also be plugged into the inverter.
I'll look for the LED camping lantern. That would be a good addition.
There's so much I don't know or understand yet, it's getting overwhelming.  
Thanks for your input. I will watch for your reply.
Ella

The bulb you got is a whole lot better than the 60 w light bulb. I found the bulbs didn't last long in the service light for some reason. I was always breaking the darn things unless I bought the tough duty ones at a premium.

I dug out the lantern - it wasn't far, it's my emergency lighting here in the apartment when the power goes out. The sticker on the bottom shows it's 3.7 volts/2100mAh.

The reasons I like it are that it's portable, I can take it outside if I'm cooking after dark or doing anything else out there including hiking to the bushes or the pottie before I got a headlamp. It doesn't have to be plugged in when in use like the trouble light does so it will still work even if you can't or don't want to use the house battery power. It can be recharged from it if you need to but it can also be charged from the van/car when you're driving or you can plug it into an electric outlet when that's available. Multiple ways of charging it are wonderful - it means you have choices.

I took a look at W/M on line hoping to find it for you and I just found it....

It's an Ozark Mountain brand, there was no label on it and when I first went looking all I could find was replaceable battery ones and a Coleman that w/m wants $66 for - ouch, ouch.
Here's a link

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-20-LED-Rechargeable-Lantern-with-Lithium-Battery/20817848


The only thing I've had to do with it is add a pack of fuses for the 12 v charger because I blew one when I plugged the cord for the lamp into my inflatable air bed on a camping trip...they both looked identical but were different voltages..oops...   Radio shack had a pack of them, so the spares now travel in the charger section and I'll probably never, ever need them again....   I'll be happy to share the fuses at RTR...

I've learned to label all my power cords for camping the same as I've labeled all the various cords for my camera/e reader/other camera, etc. etc.