Hey Y'all

[Nomader]

Greetings from Tennessee! I’m a child of the 60’s who was filled with the free spirit from the beginning. That and the umpteen times I watched Alice in Wonderland led to an adult fascinated with the adventures of living in a van! The arrival of my three children distracted me for almost 30 years.  Now my youngest child has flown the coop, so I’m beginning to entertain thoughts of making that fantasy into a reality. Does this qualify as a mid-life crisis? I always thought it would be fun to have one of those! 
 
At this point, I’ve started thinning out the things that fill my house and begun filling my brain with the vast amount of information on the net. I may be a tad bit overwhelmed.  I’ve read the tricks and tips for starters and perused the articles.  I’m just getting started with reading the forums. Thank goodness I’m not in a crisis situation. I think it may take a year or two to read all the info y’all are offering (and make up my mind about a vehicle).
 
I am curious about the gathering (RTR) in January of each year. What are the dates for this? The introvert in me says ‘no way’, but I’m getting curiouser and curiouser about this community. I might have to take a week off from this life (work) to check out what y’all are doing.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Nomader! The RTR will be January 5-19, 2016. Taking a week off from work to check it out is a great idea. You can see what everyone is living in, how they've set up their homes and get ideas for yourself. Don't worry about being an introvert. You can camp way out away from the group and interact as much and little as you'd like. Hope to see you there!

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.

 

[WriterMs]

Welcome, Nomader!

I lived in Nashville for 10 years (the 80s) and then again for another few in the early part of this century. Last year in the fall I camped at some swell places not far from there -- a Natchez Trace free campground near Hohenwald and a few very cheap primitive sites in Land Between the Lakes.

You didn't say what part of TN, but if there are some nice spots close, perhaps by the fall you will be ready to try a few nights out.. even if it a tent-and-car adventure.

You have surely come to the right place to get answers (and lots of opinions) on any thing having to do with cheap mobile living.

 

[sillysal54]

Welcome. Seems to me that most of us on this site are introverts. To want to live alone in a vehicle and move around from place to place with no real roots sounds like the definition of an introvert to me. Good luck planning your new adventure.

 

[cherterr]

Welcome fellow 'child of the '60s'! You sound similar to me.. kids gone, big house, WT??, right?

Maybe you'd consider doing what I did if you're not quite ready to take the big leap. Two years ago I had a 'living estate sale' (cause I basically HATE moving packing, etc.) and rented out my house, bought a little country place, put my 5th wheel on it, and now thinking about finally hitting the road in another year. (After I pay up debts.)

I just found this forum yesterday and am finding lots of great info and friendly people. Enjoy!

 

[rvpopeye]

Ok , I was born in the 50s , never had kids or a house. I've lived out on the road since 1981. So I'll just say.....
"Nomader , Come on Down....It's your turn to play Live in your van , at night"!

Yeah , I know , I'm weird , but I'm a musician so I have an excuse...................

But seriously , I don't know why more people aren't doing this.
I love it ,we love it , you'll probably love it too.

Welcome to the forums and ask all the questions you want .

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!

 

[Nomader]

Good morning!

Thanks for the information, RVWandering. I'll add the dates to my calendar.
WriterMS, I live in Middle Tennessee and we do have some beautiful state parks here. I'm looking forward to some practice runs after I get a van.
SillySal, I'm glad to know I'm in good company. Always nice to find people who understand you. And Popeye, I definitely understand weird! It's so much more interesting than 'normal'.
Cherterr, I love that this is a life into which we can transition, rather than jump. I hope to sell the house by springtime and am excited about shirking the responsibility of a mortgage! I tossed out the clothes dryer, dish washer, and cable television some time ago. This year, I'm refraining from turning on the air conditioner. We'll see how long I last on that one. Not missing the other things at all! What other creature comforts did y'all have a difficult time living without when you moved into your vehicle?
Theadyn, I like your signature. I'm looking forward to many geography lessons.

 

[cherterr]

What other creature comforts did y'all have a difficult time living without when you moved into your vehicle?

Oh, that's just TOO Juicy to be left without it's own thread, Nomader.
*runs to find proper place to post this*..
I'm stealing it, and posting!