Howdy!

[Nitrox]

Howdy everyone!

I've been a peripatetic nomad all my life, but was doing it within the "rules" of society.  Many careers with success, but got bored and needed a new adventure after each one.  Vandwelling will be my last great adventure I hope.  I'm in the early process of educating myself about all of this and I am so impressed with Bob and the tribe.  I can't wait to get started and get to meet you all.  Still need to work on settling all my affairs and get a van to build out.  Hopefully in about 6 months I can hit the road.  I've tried to Read all the posts and have watched hours of Youtube.  I'm still going to have questions and hope not too many are stupid, but I'll ask anyway    One main concern is my buddy Groot.  He's a Maine coon that I love as much as Bob loves Cody.  I'm still not sure how it would work having him in the van while I go hiking or work.  Anywho, thanks for having me and happy trails!

 

[travelaround]

Welcome to the forum!

I had to look up peripatetic on Google. I'll save others the trouble by giving the definition here: "traveling from place to place, in particular working or based in various places for relatively short periods."

I know there are people traveling with cats. Apparently cats can adjust to nomadic life when forced into it. I recently considered getting one of my daughter's kittens, and then I remembered cat boxes. So I came back to my senses and decided to remain cat-less.

I have no pets, but I have a prayer plant that I'm concerned about . . . that's the only other living thing in my apartment. I hope. It was a gift from a friend on a special day and I don't want to leave it behind. Giving it to someone else wouldn't feel right.

Anyhow, welcome . . .

 

[Wabbit]

Hi Nitrox and welcome!

 

[Nitrox]

Yeah, the litter box will definitely require a lot of space. Still torn though.

 

[travelaround]

If you have a long time relationship with the cat, it would be worth taking him along. Besides - he's a Maine Coon - what's not to love? He looks awesome.

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Nitrox! I'm excited for your newest adventure. Please, consider sharing your journey to help those who might learn from your experiences.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[RoamerRV428]

Howdy
6 months and ready to roll....cool.

your cat will be fine.

start right now doing leash training. All you need is to train your cat in a way that suits road life. MANY have cats in vans and all so don't think you can't bring your buddy along, you can. Adventure for you and your Coon!
Wonderful pic, pretty animal!!

worst troubles are always heat. High heat and ac or fan and all...pick locations to work that are temp good for the season. That way you aren't fighting weather, it works for you and your cat

best of luck and I know you can give your cat a fine life on the road!!

 

[Queen]

Welcome Nitrox, a fellow diver, I assume?

Your cat is really pretty, and does not look amused by the photo session. 

 

[Nitrox]

I guess I will have to get the leash out for him Roamer. He has a strong will, so it will definitely be interesting.

Yes Queen, definitely a diver! PADI instructor in Key Largo for 5 years. I miss it. How about you?

 

[Queen]

Started diving in ‘79, 1000’s of dives, SAR (for work), wreck, deep, a couple of caves, then segued into warmer water shallow as I aged. Ears won’t let me do much anymore, but man do I miss it.

 

[Nitrox]

Wow! I started in 1980 and got my Divemaster before going into the army. Stopped counting dives after 3000. Didn't see the point or effort. Where and what type of SAR work did you do Queen?

 

[Gypsy108]

Beautiful cat Nitrox ! ( I am also a cat lover). They will keep the mice away !!! You sound like a natural born nomad

 

[Queen]

Wow! I started in 1980 and got my Divemaster before going into the army. Stopped counting dives after 3000. Didn't see the point or effort. Where and what type of SAR work did you do Queen?

Same here, stopped logging in the late 80’s. My SAR work was primarily lake and borrow pit work. Cars sliding off roads into bodies of water (stupid common in the winter). A couple of private plane recovery’s, and a bunch of boat recovery’s.

Really loved diving but doing it for work takes the shine off a bit. It went back to being fun when I changed careers and started heading to the Caribbean!

 

[RoamerRV428]

yea get him used to the body harness etc.
just google how to 'train cats for leash' etc and the internet will tell ya all you need to know
your cat will enjoy life on the road with ya....I love seeing cats chilling out on people's dashes in their rigs, lol.
many times I seen campers bring their cats out on leashes and the critters walk just as good as dogs strolling along, they don't go far, a lot of times they just stay leashed to the rig and hang with the people chilling under their shade to relax. Cats don't require much outdoor run time exercise mostly like a dog, you can play with a toy and they can hunt and kill it and get good exercise but outdoor with the owner is nice time for them on a leash.

you got this!

 

[carestock]

"I've been a peripatetic nomad all my life". HI, and welcome to the tribe. I am planning out my launch to van life by taking short trips with my 4 dogs in a minivan. So far so good. Main Coon's are smart and can adapt. I have a senior cat that walks with a harness and leash very well and he does not use a litter box, he rings a bell hanging from the door when he wants to go outside. Preparing for your adventure is the best option.

 

[Nitrox]

Same here, stopped logging in the late 80’s. My SAR work was primarily lake and borrow pit work. Cars sliding off roads into bodies of water (stupid common in the winter). A couple of private plane recovery’s, and a bunch of boat recovery’s.

Really loved diving but doing it for work takes the shine off a bit. It went back to being fun when I changed careers and started heading to the Caribbean!

I understand it being work sometimes.  In Key Largo I would always get friends or friends of friends wanting me to certify them for free.  I did it a couple of times, but finally had to make a rule to just say no.  Real friends would understand.  Do you still get a chance to dive?  My last time was in Bermuda May 2015.

 

[Nitrox]

Roamer and Carestock....Thanks so much for the support and advice. My main concern is when I have to leave him in the van. I know I can make sure I stay in climates where a good ventilation setup or even a/c would work and that I can even monitor it via phone, but...still the thought of something happening weighs on my mind. I care more about him than I do myself sometimes.

 

[travelaround]

Is there such a thing as a kitty daycare center? Perhaps a friend in the area since you're still working?

 

[Nitrox]

Once I head out there won't be any friends or family close.  I have seen that there is a site that is like an airbnb for pets.  I'll probably leave him with my sister for the first few months while I work out all the many things I'm sure that I should have thought of.