How did you end up on the road, and why are you still here?

[wb8vyn]

I found myself feeling less alone when I was alone then with a toxic person! I have kids... I’m never alone!
I’m about to retire... no need to be stuck in one place to long.

There ya are! Darned if ya ain't. You know what they say? Everyone has to be somewhere.
I'm dragging stuff from one large trailer to the smaller one right now. No hurry but I keep thinking that I've forgotten something. Will it fit or do I really need this? Of course the answer is NO. But maybe.
Being alone is not so bad so long as you have memories of good times and I have lots of those. Some are only mine, never shared.
From what I hear, read and see, my times have been more great and good than others.
You see, I've had a "home place" from very early on, The place my kids still call home.
That will remain until they no longer want it or have made their own "home place".

From my experience thus far, Toxic people run in pairs or groups. Judgmental is one badge they wear. Mouth turned down, squint eyed, only one way, my way! In the end it's like two cats squalling and batting back and forth, both are injured with each encounter. No one "wins". Move on sooner rather than later.

In my case and should be yours, Leave it ALL behind, try again to find a sunrise that is beautiful, Not the beginning of another hot/cold day. Don't expect another person to make your day pleasing, won't happen, can't happen. That is yours to choose. Like a flat tire, not "oh crap" it's "now, I have something to do" that is worth while.

Ever heard the old saying "time heals all wounds" Fact is even if that is true, there will be scars. Do your best not to make a display of those scars with a turned down mouth and squinty eyes. Suspicious of everything and everyone. In so doing, you will attract others with turned down mouths and squinty eyes. Not a good plan of action.

A set of wheels will not take you away from yourself.

 

[user 29855]

There--- I just filled my water tank. Now have plenty to make coffee.
You should see all the stuff I've got. 4 packages of cookies, No make that 5, just found a bag of potatoes, now have two and some small pies, More frozen stuff that I was going to burn up, and more onions, cheese, I could feed an army. Found two more lists that I lost.
Bed needs to be made, what the heck, I'm just going to mess it up again, why bother.
In my head I had a list but lost that too.
I have a budget, Didn't use last months up but I'm gaining on it. Put on my shoes, but forgot my sox, Now have to start over. I really mean start over,.
I need a better chair with an attached table so there's a place for my coffee cup when outside.
Someone mentioned "work" Now there's an idea. A bad one!
Got a call from some trucking outfit that needs drivers. I told the guy that I was old and he replied that they did not "discriminate", I told him they should.
Speaking of chairs with a table, If I happen to run into you, I don't mean run into you literally, Just close, I'll need two chairs. And I'd have to burn food for two. That would be the end of us both.
My pickup has very near 300k on the meter so I may have to have a new motor installed unless I can find a tree with a branch, then I'd put one in myself. That will slow me down some. Also I don't speak a foreign language. All that metric stuff will slow me down even more. OH LAY. or is that OH LAH.
OH- also, Been thinkin' again, all these germs flying around. I'm supposed to get a shot I think but the news says that you get germs anyway, so far so good, If I got one, I'm too mean and just killed them all. I think that means I'm sterile. That's a doctor term.
Ya know what I think? It's all that dirt I played in when I was young, Got it on me and ate some and drank from a garden hose, fell off monkey bars, skinned my knees on pavement, got it kissed to make it all better and then did it all over again. That's why I'm Sterile, Bring it on. Iodine stings and it's red.
My brain cells are getting bruised up from bumping together, both of them. I need a nap or another cup of coffee. flirt away, Linda's sleeping, she's good at that, well so am I. Looking at her is fun and other stuff like waking her up. Do you sleep?View attachment 32047

And in all that mighty sweep of earth he saw no sign of man nor of the handiwork of man.....

 

[user 29855]

I found myself feeling less alone when I was alone then with a toxic person! I have kids... I’m never alone!
I’m about to retire... no need to be stuck in one place to long.

I can't agree with you more!! I spent nine lonely years with a lady who had a problem with alcohol. Let me rephrase that; she didn't have a problem with it at all, they got along quite well. It was everyone else that had the problem. When I left her, I started life in my van and have never felt lonely since.

 

[dawnann7]

I found myself feeling less alone when I was alone then with a toxic person!

I soooo get this! Besides, I like my own company best.

 

[wb8vyn]

No, I'm not really into that. I'm supposed to be over losing my kid so people just think I'm boring and want me to hurry up and die.

I'm not in the mood so I made some instant falafel mix and picked some of the fennel that was growing by the side of the road.

Solar is on the roof, laptop is tethered, but the world is broken. Even the ocean isn't the same.

Please don't go. I do postcards. I live at General Delivery and we could burn coffee someday. I'm a really lousy cook....

I've never spoken much about this here. Yesterday about 40 years ago I too am, and will be be in your shoes. She was 6, two days short of 7. fruit jars and Polly wogs and a pond.
I'm sure that two people live that moment for their whole lives but differently.
Alone.
Now, It's happened to me a second time. Propping my insides out so I don't fall into myself so I look like a human is not an easy thing and I'm not even sure I want to-- for what?
I suppose that there are other ways to deal with this but how? One size does not fit all.

Ok, enough- I cooked coffee and believe it or not I did a hamburger with chopped onion mixed in. I had bought two packages 1 pound each and did up one of them that was way, too much- but luckily another guy came by and inhaled half of it for me.
Made another pot of coffee and talked about coin collecting which I don't give a hoot about but it did pass the time. He came by last night and did not leave until midnight- whew!

I'm not leaving you even for a minute unless I bore you, then I'll just got outside for a while. Men don't cry in public. had to blow my nose anyway. Then I'll come back and bore you some more.

Ya know - Some times all we need is some one near by. Not talking and all that crap, just near by. I think there must be something that passes between two people that needs no words -- strange but natural. Comfortable.

I'm going to have to take a shower, mean while I'll just keep my arms down as I type. You will never know.
I re-learned something today - was walking in the grass and when i sat down in my chair, I felt a tickle on my leg - pulled up my pant leg and saw a little piece of dirt moving among the leg hairs , tiny little thing. I squished it with my finger but it didn't squish, tough little piece of dirt. So I got out my lighter and burnt it's little butt - It just jumped, so now I have no hair on my leg in that spot but it's kind of red and hurts but the little piece of dirt is not moving any more. I wonder if they call that animal cruelty? I have fleas, or maybe I am flea bitten. Serves me right! Learn me to walk in the grass.

Come to think of it- I might be able to learn you a thing or two-- Ya-- I'll learn ya, straighten up and fly right.

 

[wb8vyn]

I soooo get this! Besides, I like my own company best.

Look at them eyes. Wide open, I like that. No I'm just making an observation, I'm way old, and I do mean way way old. I do like being alive.
I heard that you should never look back cause you never know what might be gaining on you. Life is ahead of you, not behind.
What you need is shelter, cloths and air, well food gets in there somewhere, everything else is wants that you can get along without.
Did you ever hear about sticking you toe in the water first to see how hot it might be? You don't just jump right in. Don't give up, just be cautious.
Well, I'm going to go take a shower so I'll smell pretty for ya.. That's going to be a stretch but I have a good imagination.

 

[karleesto]

I so need to be out in the middle of nowhere reading this.

I have been trapped my whole life. Trying desperately now to be free.

 

[wb8vyn]

I so need to be out in the middle of nowhere reading this.

I have been trapped my whole life. Trying desperately now to be free.

All I have is words. People NEED more than words.
You said "trapped". Right now I've no idea what that means to you? Is there something missing for so long that you don't really know when it began? Probably so long ago that you don't really remember.
Some times you look out or "think" out, not seeing or understanding that part of the trap is your own, maybe habits, or ignoring things around you that you just except as inevitable when you know deep down that a different action or choice was possible but just too scary to take that chance.
It's ok to look for some one to take the lead in life's choices for a short time but there is only one life for you to live-- yours. Yours alone.
So, at some point, you have to become your own leader. Know in advance that each course change you make, each choice, big and small can be good or not so good, learning to except that you don't know the outcome, no sure thing guaranteed. Life is not a fairytale.
Let me assure you that every day is good - some gooder than others but no bad ones.
I'm a guy, though an old one, Us guys say there are no bad women, some just better than others. That's true of our days, some better than others.
Look forward to all of them and smile.
What you need is to know the difference between an acquaintance and a friend.
When you fall down, an acquaintance will say "I'm sorry to hear that" A friend will pick you up.
You will be lucky to have one or two friends in a life time, Acquaintances will be many.
So, as you go-- I have found that talking things over with yourself or with an attentive ear will help you make better choices and instead of moving away, move toward something and be surprised at the outcome. Be willing to change your mind often to be surprised again and again.

 

[karleesto]

I have had 1 real friend in my life and he is now dead. btw his name was Ken as well. All of my acquaintances are dead or dying as well.

Yep the trap is my own doing. Trying to live up to societies norm. No more

I am moving toward piece of mind and heart for the remainder of my time on this planet.

 

[wb8vyn]

I have had 1 real friend in my life and he is now dead. btw his name was Ken as well. All of my acquaintances are dead or dying as well.

Yep the trap is my own doing. Trying to live up to societies norm. No more

I am moving toward piece of mind and heart for the remainder of my time on this planet.

Societies basic norms work.
It's hard to say in what order they should be articulated.
Probably the first one would be Honesty. First: be honest with yourself before anyone else.
One truism that has to do with honesty would be "do unto others"
An example would be giving a "gift". When you give a gift, at the very bottom ask if the giving is the reward, is the good feeling the reward? Honestly, do you expect some sort of return? If you expect a return, then it was not a gift, it was a trade for some return "gift" at some future time or place with some value.
So: honesty is a core part of being, either you are or your not!
Being honest with your self give you the ability to be honest with others.
Honesty can hurt you and others, use it wisely
An example would be to walk up to some one is a store and saying "your fat"!
That would be honest but only hurtful, Better to keep some honesty to yourself.
--Oh crap-- I'm getting all wound up - better quit while I can.

 

[wb8vyn]

I have had 1 real friend in my life and he is now dead. btw his name was Ken as well. All of my acquaintances are dead or dying as well.

Yep the trap is my own doing. Trying to live up to societies norm. No more

I am moving toward piece of mind and heart for the remainder of my time on this planet.

I am the last one. 4 brothers and sisters, all younger, of course Mom and Dad.
Now my wife has died.
Because I was the oldest, sibling, When help was needed, I was the one they turned to.
When they needed me, I over joyed to be the one they turned to. As always, I was honored to be their rock.
Not only were they my family, The were friends. Later, my wife was my greatest friend.
Each had a part of me.
As each passed away, I was left with an empty place inside, Lots of memories but I still had my best friend, my wife.
Now She is gone and I have nothing left but emptiness and memories.
So-- There is no starting over. I'm too old and there is no time for that anyway.
I do have a Son but he has his own life to live, He has not given me any grand children and now is too old as well. (55). I am not going to weigh him down in my old age. I'm still a dad, not a child or his Burdon.
I've had to make a choice, right or wrong, I'm taking off alone. With me, I will take my experiences and knowledge and hopefully wisdom with me,
As I go along, in my travels, I'll share with strangers what I have and what I know and have learned. Maybe learn something new along the way.
Who knows, some day we might cross paths and share some memories.

 

[Sofisintown]

Ken, If you are headed south and want to stop in NE Arkansas, I have a biiig driveway, water , power and internet you can use.
Contact me by message here, and have a great trip

 

[wb8vyn]

Well -- here I am again.
To those who may not know me. I'm 83 years old and moving pretty slowly these days.
Carefully doing everything with lots of thinking along the way.
MY wife, Died two years ago without letting me know first, first thing that she did on her own without talking it over with me first in 60 years.
So -- anyway, my home is now just a house. The echoes of kids running and going in and out and the wife telling us all to behave our selves and quiet down, loud music and chores to take care of, things to fix, the smells of things cooking, later snuggling up to sleep -- well you know -- home---.
LInda and I had planned on a long, long vacation so we bought this big old trailer which sleeps 8 with full everything.. I was going to "retire" and then she and I would just --go-- just the two of us.
We had planned on re-living our 20's , you know, all the stuff we did when young and in love without having to pick a time or lock the doors or hide or sneak a kiss, and have the kids say EEWW.
Anyway -----Now none of that is going to be.
It took a while to just re-think everything-- So-- Now I have bought a smaller trailer with all the same stuff needed for more compact living, Sleeps 4.
After reading about how others are doing the same thing that I am planning, Boon Docking, Batteries, Solar panels, Controllers, Water both fresh and waste, food storage, Refrigeration, freezer and so on, then trying it all out.
I'm talking about on going things, like perking a pot of coffee, using the microwave.
Just perked my first pot of coffee using my just acquired 2500 watt pure sign wave inverter hooked to one battery. It worked. Although it did work, I now know that I need more battery, probably two more for a total of 3 deep cycles boat batteries. Priced the cost of 12 volt cables big enough to do that job. and $12.00 a foot. that woke me up.
So many things that I don't know and will have to find out the hard way - this is beginning to be an adventure which gets me up and about -- that's a good thing.
Regarding the house - I have not been in there for 3 months, Stops me in my tracks, too many memories that are hooked to plans that we made, and the smells and lack of sounds.
So, Onward - to the new stuff that I am discovering, challenges to concentrate on, and the days go by, one after the other.
I'm thinking again and again that the preparation will come to an end soon, The new challenges of moving often will present themselves, New places to hunker down and relax and sleep, and wonder when I will be kicked on down the road by rules that I know nothing about and shopping for things I know I'll need. What it will all cost and If I will have enough money to do it all. Take care of myself without being a Burdon on some one else.
Can I even provide real companionship should that happen, or even if I want to?
Lots of questions that have no clear cut, yes or no answers. Those type of things scare me the most.
Nuts and bolts things I can handle easily. Do I have anything to share with others of myself, A story or suggestion.
My plan was to be already gone a month ago, Turns out that I'm slow at everything I used to do quickly, Maybe two or three more weeks which should have been done yesterday.
The day will come when I have no excuses to delay any longer -- What then? Scary!
I've already had offers to stop by here and there by some really good people so I think I'm worried about nothing, but still worried about the unknown.
I know -- Get up off my butt and just do it. Still scary, strangers scare me. I'll have to get over it or deal with it.. Ya right------

 

[dawnann7]

The day will come when I have no excuses to delay any longer -- What then? Scary!
I've already had offers to stop by here and there by some really good people so I think I'm worried about nothing, but still worried about the unknown.
I know -- Get up off my butt and just do it. Still scary, strangers scare me. I'll have to get over it or deal with it.. Ya right------

Scary but just take it one step at a time. You've got this.

 

[wb8vyn]

Scary but just take it one step at a time. You've got this.

I know- I've made a move.
This I know, As always, I need to be self sufficient. So I've invested some money in the things I know I will need without stepping off the cliff without wings.
Some of the considerations, can't think of everything, are basic needs.
I am serious about this - Thinking short term or long term.
I am sure that I'll not be coming back to a "safe place". (home)
Neighbor guy who is living as a divorced man has been kicking me in the butt to just do it!
Little comments like "your never going to do it!) but at the same time helping me put the pieces together so I can.
It's hard to stop thinking like "us" instead of just "me" now.
A long time ago, I did do the "ME" life and got along fine although, living day to day was like a paper coat that felt normal until it was "us", then I started thinking and living an "us" life, where boards and concrete, long term choices were normal.
It has been a habit for so long that I've forgotten how.
Many things about day to day living are now just "what do "I" need.
Old habits die hard.
I'm sure now that I'm going to be faced with "woulda, coulda, shoulda and kick myself a lot and then have to deal with the things I am faced with. Unknow what they might be right now.
In addition, being an asset to others is running around in the back of my head. As I said, the "US" frame of mind Is stuck in old habits.
Anyway, finishing up some preparations, Little and and big is slowing me down more than I'd like.
And Then, how do I stay in touch with things that are unknown, Like how do I get unknown mechanical things like Mail and parts and how do I get cash when I run low, All those things are at my finger tips right now, I know where and how, but when I move off into the distance, what then?
Strangers are not going to want to take time out of their days to deal with my poor planning.
There you go - poor planning- and the days go by and nothing moves.
Others have done it, What's holding me back? More planning? Or lack there of?
Got things to do right now, At least one thing today.

 

[Random Painted Highway]

I know- I've made a move.
This I know, As always, I need to be self sufficient. So I've invested some money in the things I know I will need without stepping off the cliff without wings.
Some of the considerations, can't think of everything, are basic needs.
I am serious about this - Thinking short term or long term.
I am sure that I'll not be coming back to a "safe place". (home)
Neighbor guy who is living as a divorced man has been kicking me in the butt to just do it!
Little comments like "your never going to do it!) but at the same time helping me put the pieces together so I can.
It's hard to stop thinking like "us" instead of just "me" now.
A long time ago, I did do the "ME" life and got along fine although, living day to day was like a paper coat that felt normal until it was "us", then I started thinking and living an "us" life, where boards and concrete, long term choices were normal.
It has been a habit for so long that I've forgotten how.
Many things about day to day living are now just "what do "I" need.
Old habits die hard.
I'm sure now that I'm going to be faced with "woulda, coulda, shoulda and kick myself a lot and then have to deal with the things I am faced with. Unknow what they might be right now.
In addition, being an asset to others is running around in the back of my head. As I said, the "US" frame of mind Is stuck in old habits.
Anyway, finishing up some preparations, Little and and big is slowing me down more than I'd like.
And Then, how do I stay in touch with things that are unknown, Like how do I get unknown mechanical things like Mail and parts and how do I get cash when I run low, All those things are at my finger tips right now, I know where and how, but when I move off into the distance, what then?
Strangers are not going to want to take time out of their days to deal with my poor planning.
There you go - poor planning- and the days go by and nothing moves.
Others have done it, What's holding me back? More planning? Or lack there of?
Got things to do right now, At least one thing today.

Your moving forward, same with me. My wife died in January of this year and i also just have a house, not a home. I'll be leaving this fall, as ready as I can be. I'll have to figure things out like we all have to. Scared? You bet, but I won't let fear win. I know it's easier said than done. Best of luck and maybe I'll see you on the road

 

[wb8vyn]

Your moving forward, same with me. My wife died in January of this year and i also just have a house, not a home. I'll be leaving this fall, as ready as I can be. I'll have to figure things out like we all have to. Scared? You bet, but I won't let fear win. I know it's easier said than done. Best of luck and maybe I'll see you on the road

Ah Yes- Well I made another move today- Had that neighbor I've mentioned, drive me, Makes him feel useful. He's a klutz but it makes him feel good.
Stopped by a building supply store to get a tapered drill bit and some battery cable wire ends needed to make connections between batteries and run heavy wires inside to my new pure sign wave inverter needed to run a coffee pot and microwave and fridge/freezer, computer and so on.
Learned how to convert Watts to amp hours in preparation for buying solar panels and a controller.
Tomorrow, I'm going to do my best to install those parts in the new used trailer and maybe carry in some cloths and dishes and pots and pans.
Still have to make up my mind about when to install the solar stuff, which I have not even ordered yet. (I did look it up on Amazon though).
One thing I've been thinking about is day to day living sort of stuff, when in a new place.
I've made up my mind that I'm not going to be going to paid camp sights very often if at all. Time will tell about that.
My mind set is to just ride off into the sunset and take each day as it come wherever I find myself and be happy to wake up each day to Concore each obstacle as I find it.
Maybe I'll pull you out of a mud hole some day, or maybe we'll both be stuck.

 

[wb8vyn]

Your moving forward, same with me. My wife died in January of this year and i also just have a house, not a home. I'll be leaving this fall, as ready as I can be. I'll have to figure things out like we all have to. Scared? You bet, but I won't let fear win. I know it's easier said than done. Best of luck and maybe I'll see you on the road

OK, another day.
I've learned and now have more confidence. Just nuts and bolts now and a few more forgotten things from the building center, minor things.
I now know that I need to spend about $200 or so. Maybe a bit more, well within budget in any case.
Over did it on food. got too much of one thing and not enough of another.
I have the rest of July and August to move slowly, one step at a time.
I Guess I'll just tell you - I was worried about being able to keep a fridge powered up 24/7 while on the move. I've put that buggy man to bed. Two deep cycle batteries with 10 amps charging is working fine. Still have to test things out some beginning today, Since I have not bought the solar panels and controller yet I'm just using a 10 amp charger, On in the morning and off at sun down for a few days to see how it goes, then an over kill on solar and controller to be sure. In a day or two I'll have the info I need.
I x E =P in watts, Or Watts divided by volts will give me Amps., Then Watts used per hour will give me watt hours, IN and out.
I'm thinking too hard-- now have a head ache, coffee with fix that.
How you doing with your getting ready? Usual stuff would be my guess but still would like to hear what your doing to get ready for this fall?

 

[maki2]

You are not a prepper who is preparing for a holocaust, you are instead basically a tourist who is passing through populated areas to go on a camping trip. If you run low on food put the key in the ignition and head to a town for more groceries.

I personally do not understand why anyone thinks you have to recreate the kitchen you had in your home/house. You do not need a microwave or electric coffee maker. It is easy to heat up or cook food with a one burner camp stove. Traveling solo you can make do with a small 12v, energy efficient chest fridge-freezer. Mine is only 17 liters in size. I am not shopping for or feeding a family. Change your mind set about needing to recreate all those non essential former routines of how you do basic things.

 

[Random Painted Highway]

OK, another day.
I've learned and now have more confidence. Just nuts and bolts now and a few more forgotten things from the building center, minor things.
I now know that I need to spend about $200 or so. Maybe a bit more, well within budget in any case.
Over did it on food. got too much of one thing and not enough of another.
I have the rest of July and August to move slowly, one step at a time.
I Guess I'll just tell you - I was worried about being able to keep a fridge powered up 24/7 while on the move. I've put that buggy man to bed. Two deep cycle batteries with 10 amps charging is working fine. Still have to test things out some beginning today, Since I have not bought the solar panels and controller yet I'm just using a 10 amp charger, On in the morning and off at sun down for a few days to see how it goes, then an over kill on solar and controller to be sure. In a day or two I'll have the info I need.
I x E =P in watts, Or Watts divided by volts will give me Amps., Then Watts used per hour will give me watt hours, IN and out.
I'm thinking too hard-- now have a head ache, coffee with fix that.
How you doing with your getting ready? Usual stuff would be my guess but still would like to hear what your doing to get ready for this fall?

Sounds like you are doing good! I haven't picked out a solar generator yet, but I'm getting close in making a decision. I had a small 100w solar panel that topped off my batteries, but that got stolen along with some other camping things some time ago. I did get new tires put on the rv last week...really happy about that! Decided on a new exhaust fan for the bathroom...went with MaxxAir (?) basic exhaust only...plenty good enough ventilation for my small living area and with a window open...should be just fine. I'm contemplating other uses for the rear corner bed, since I like the cab over bed better. I need some coffee myself and then a walk...I usually have some revelations to problems I'm working through, not always for the best! I'm pretty good at breaking stuff. Oh well that is part of the adventure.