New Skooky

[Skooky]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. Not new new, but new to the forums. I came across the site a couple years ago as I was interested in a "wandering" lifestyle. Now however, I am looking to get me van and live in it full time. Hopefully within the next 4-6 weeks. I've enjoyed reading all the interesting and useful bits of information, tips and hints, how to's. etc. <br><br>Ive decided on the van life for awhile. I've done plenty of travelling cheap and easy. Bicycling w/trailer, hitch hiking, even plain old walking. Last year I walked over 300 miles in about 30 days from Ohio to Illinois. Some days I feel to old to keep that up so I figure why not a van.<br><br>I'm no stranger to camping out, living on the cheap, I already live a minimalist life. Kind of have to when most of what you need is in a back pack or in a bicycle trailer. I'm no stranger to living in the woods.<br><br>So I have been looking for an affordable van, which for me isaround $1500 US. or less. Mostly been looking on craigs list.<br><br>&nbsp;I know how to do stuff, make things, and be innovative. I love coming up with items that have multiple uses so save on space and expense. and coming up with smart ways to use other peoples throw away stuff, Giving new life to old things, kind of like me ! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> <br><br>I look forward to sharing many adventures and learning as I go..<br><br>~peace<br>~walk with heart<br>

 

[sl1966]

Welcome!<div><br></div>

 

[She]

Welcome. I think you'll be in great shape for living in a van!!

 

[Les H]

Hey Skooky, welcome to the forum. Glad to have ya with us. I've done a fair bit-o- walkin and biking with a backpack on too. Good luck with the van hunt!

 

[yesican]

<p>Welcome...After living out of a bicycle trailer, a van will feel like a mansion...even a minivan.&nbsp; Enjoy the life.&nbsp;&nbsp; Rae</p>

 

[Skooky]

Thank You all for the warm and encouraging Welcomes. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>I'm excited to learn all I can. And I definitely have ALOT to learn about electrical and batteries. Luckily I already have a small solar battery charger that works for my laptop, phone and sundry small electrical items. The electric thing will be a work in progress for me.<br><br>I'm planning a couple kind of short excursions to see how things will work out in a van. In Eastern Ohio there is the AEP Recreation Lands that have dispersed and free camping for 2 weeks at a time. That I am definetly going to check out. Serpent Mounds, Hocking Hills and all that good stuff. Then probably head southwest to Arkansas and Missouri then eventually ending up in Ca and seeing how it goes out there.<br><br>~Peace<br>~walk with heart<br><br>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Welcome Skooky.&nbsp; Will you keep a journel of the AEP rec lands etc. and give me some reviews?.<br><FONT color=#ff00ff><b>Dragonfly</b></FONT><br>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Hiya Skooky!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Sounds like you have lived a minimalist lifestyle in a number of ways.&nbsp; Vandwelling will be the most comfortable, I'm sure.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Good to have you with us.&nbsp; There is a lot of experience here and everyone is pretty friendly.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I've been been boondocking and biking around southern Iowa the last few days and just realized I haven't hard any shore&nbsp;power for some time - just runnin' off the solar panels and AGM batteries.&nbsp; Free is good.&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><br>Take care and again, welcome!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">V.T.</p>

 

[Skooky]

I will post reviews and thoughts on the AEP Rec lands once I've been there.&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> <br>&nbsp;I have kept journals for a long time, the pen and paper kind. full of sketches, ideas, thoughts about people and places I have been and seen, Lots of photos and miscellaneous things.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;I have considered keeping or starting a "blog" about these adventures, or at least travel reviews of the places I find and stay at.&nbsp; The very least I will perhaps start a thread in the&nbsp; "Captains Log" section once I get my van and prepare it for this new adventure. <br><br>I will be taking my bike along so I can explore and safe on the gas expense. I have always preferred rural and small town travel, avoid cities and interstates as much as I can. it's so much prettier and enriching and a calmer experience. (usually) <br><br>~peace<br>~walk with heart<br><br><br>

 

[judycmomx6]

Welcome Skooky! You should post some of those thing's that you have found multiple uses for, that would be really great. We can never have too much useful info like that here. Good luck on your van hunt, and we're glad you've come out of lurkdum and have joined in!

 

[cargovanconversion]

Welcome to the forum and happy travels,<br><br>Van.

 

[Skooky]

Thinking of going to check this one out. I think the price is a bit high, least from the research I have done. KBB only goes back to 1992. Just wanting some opinions from those with more experience if such things. All help appreciated. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa473/skookyartist/88astro.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />the add reads:<br /><h2>****1988 CHEVY ASTRO VAN (COLD AC)*** - $1200 </h2><span>1988 Chevy Astro Mini Van This is a great price! It has a 4.3 engine. 30243 is on the odometer Automatic Transmission Power windows and locks Hope to see you! We have other vehicles at great prices too! </span>

 

[Guest]

not a bad looking van... I just bought an 86 G20 Chevy van for 1700. I would guess it mostly depends on how it runs... but 1200 is a decent price IMHO... heavy on the H <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Skooky]

I am going to check it out this Saturday. it's been there at least 4 weeks that I know of if not longer so .... might be able to get them to come down on the price a little&nbsp; OR there is something seriously wrong with it. <br /><br />Going to look at this one as well.<br />It is a 94 Astro Asking Price is $1295<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa473/skookyartist/94astroSpringfield.jpg" alt="" />

 

[Skooky]

Found another van to go and check out.... looks to be a busy weekend for me.<br /><br /><img src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa473/skookyartist/photo.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><br />1989 Chevy Full Conversion Van<br /> Power steering, power brakes, 350V8, Nice interior, fully furnished. Runs! &nbsp;$750 <br /> No trades!! <br /><br /><br />Really excited about all of this. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; aha !<br />Once I finally find a van I can start a "captains Log" !! and start doing stuff.<br /><br /><br />