Newcomer Intro

[RussellHamilton]

Hello everyone. My name is Russell Hamilton, but most people call me Rusty. I'm thinking about becoming a nomad. I'm 62, living in my childhood home since 2014, when my mother passed away. I moved in with her to help take care of her until she passed, because I'm the only brother who was unencumbered and able to do so.
Now my brothers want to sell the house and my share of the sale will come to approx. 30K. I just started receiving S.S. this month. I've been wondering what is the best thing for me to do going forward. Before my mother got sick, I had lived off grid at a rundown camp near the Honey Island Swamp in Louisiana for six years with no income, no heat, no A/C, no indoor running water, and no FEAR. I have proven to myself that I have what it takes to survive.  
I've been watching a lot of Bob's videos and researching RV's and campers. I've pretty much decided on buying a Class C RV and hitting the road. Looking forward to any suggestions and getting to know my soon to be brother and sister nomads.  :heart: 
Thanks in advance
Rusty

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Rusty to the CRVL forums! 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. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

 

[lenny flank]

Longtime backpacker here: once you've gotten used to living with nothing, an RV or campervan feels like a PALACE.

PS--ever run into the Honey Island Swamp Monster? I heard of it from a couple of locals while I was visiting Baton Rouge.

 

[Moxadox]

Lenny +1, after living in a barn for 3 yrs without anything, a camper is PARADISE.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[RussellHamilton]

Longtime backpacker here: once you've gotten used to living with nothing, an RV or campervan feels like a PALACE.  

PS--ever run into the Honey Island Swamp Monster? I heard of it from a couple of locals while I was visiting Baton Rouge.  

Heard a lot of weird and crazy things but never saw the Swamp Monster, lol :s

 

[ByeBye]

Welcome Russell!!!
Sounds like you're pointed in the right direction and already have experienced the sweetness of the rootless life.
All the best to you in your adventures!

Regards,
Marcus

 

[SteveRn]

Welcome Rusty! At 72 I love this Nomad lifestyle. I live fulltime in my class A, and then travel in my van camper, which I refer to it as my Rubber tramp condo. Hope to meet up with you at some point.

Steve

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[RoamerRV428]

HI! you are already there in your heart, go for it! big adventures out there for those with no roots tying them down!

 

[RussellHamilton]

Heard a lot of weird and crazy things but never saw the Swamp Monster, lol :s

Thanks Marcus. Looking forward to meeting everyone soon.

 

[RussellHamilton]

Welcome Rusty! At 72 I love this Nomad lifestyle.  I live fulltime in my class A, and then travel in my van camper, which I refer to it as my Rubber tramp condo. Hope to meet up with you at some point.

Steve

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Thanks Steve! Looking forward to meeting you too. There's nothing better than sitting around a campfire with new friends!

 

[RussellHamilton]

HI! you are already there in your heart, go for it!  big adventures out there for those with no roots tying them down!

Thanks. I'm absolutely gonna do it! Look forward to meeting you!

 

[travelaround]

Hi Rusty, so cool you lived in a swamp and didn't get eaten by an alligator or scared half to death by a swamp monster! I'm also having to think economical for my elder years. Decided on a van. Happy Travels!!!

 

[RussellHamilton]

Thanks travelaround, Happy Trails to you too!!! I see that you (and others) have quotes at the bottom of your posts. Would you (or someone) mind telling me how you did that?

 

[travelaround]

Go to this link for your user control panel.
https://vanlivingforum.com/usercp.php

I put that link in my bookmarks because I couldn't find a link from the board.

Anyhow, in the side column you'll see the place to change your signature.

 

[Smitty716]

Welcome Russell
Go look at some used or new class c’s and vans. You will be able to get a better idea of just what you want . What ever you get IMO make sure there’s room on the roof for solar panels . My first RV was so small there was no room after the air conditioner and antanae , other stuff . You’ll definitely want to add solar later . It’s all about if you want a toilet or a bucket , and other amenities

 

[RussellHamilton]

Thanks Smitty716!!!