Starting my New Journey

[Gadget728]

Hi All,  I'm a flat lander from Kansas. I've been watching Bobs vids on you tube for about 6 months now, and have decided this is the life for me. My better half, Bea died in 2010, and I've been searching for something new. I've owned campers & tents & hammocks, but I seem to do as well sleeping in my Astro van. I actually am selling my pop up camper in the morning. That money will go into a savings account for a newer Chevy Express 2500 or 3500.  Having loved camping all my life, this life seemed a logical step. I'm self employed, I work on computers, string cable, install satellites, kind of a jack of all trades. I know enough carpentry, plumbing & electrical to build a livable Van, and I'm now on my way to doing it.  

I'm taking care of my 90 yr. old father, who is really starting to show his age. He stills goes out to his shop, an old rail road building we converted into, "The Red Barn". His buddies all come out for coffee, doughnuts & heated peanuts twice a day. In the afternoon he watches Great Grand kids too. For 90 he is still fairly active, but can't walk or get around as well as even a year ago. He has a blood clot behind his knee in the same place his Mother had one that killed her.  My baby sister asked me to keep an eye on Dad until he dies.   I own a home 60 miles from him, but we own and rent out a fairly large building on Main St.  in my home town. I've opened a computer repair shop in one of the garages we added to the big building, and I stay in an apartment in the upstairs of the big building. Every Monday I go to his house, wash his clothes and bedding, clean the bathroom & kitchen (although he's a very tidy man) vacuum the carpet and mow the yard if it needs it. We (my siblings) were told by the Dr. he wouldn't last out the weekend, he showed us all!! I've been "watching" him now for 5 years, only going to my house to check the mail, or an occasional weekend, but not very often. I've been paying about $200 a month in utilities, I don't use, that's $2400 a year for 5 years = $12,000 I consider wasted money! 

 I work on Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday if I've got a customer in a hurry. Everything I posses right now is paid for, and I've started selling off all the junk I don't need anymore, less is better!! I want my Dad to live as long as he want to and I feel fortunate to be the son who gets to spend so much time with him. From now until he passes, I'll be working on my new rolling Home!!

Thanks for the add to the forum, I'll be meeting you someday, somewhere!!  Gadget!!

 

[DannyB1954]

I am certain that good Karma will come your way. Welcome to the tribe. I hear you on utilities. I had a vacant house for a few years in California when I moved to Nevada. My water usage was zero, but my bill was over $40 a month for the hook up. I don't even want to think about property taxes.
I will be part timing the summer months, ( I live where it gets quite warm), in a van that I just bought and am repairing / modifying. I have lived on boats and a 30' RV most of my life, so I am kinda backwards from a lot of folks.
Astro's make good campers especially if you are not full timing, I like the way this man did his Astro. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfFIGeLH3rprJblgWb9u9DQ
Best wishes to you, and looking forward to discussing topics with you.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Gadget !
If you have any questions or just thoughts to share ,,,this is a good place for it !

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Gadget! Sounds like you're a busy guy but hopefully you have some spare time to share your future build with us.

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.

 

[ArtW]

$200 a month, lord my electricity was less than that in my apartment (especially after my ex left and i could turn the AC OFF when I went to work)
You sure you don't have squatters?

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum    

And let me say that I think it's great you are looking after your Dad so well as you are.
I also think it is great that you are spending a little time considering your situation too
and what you will do after Dad isn't with you.  (and remember in the blink of an eye
he may not be any longer) 

A lot of times those looking after others tend to forget themselves and begin to burn out
feeling hollow and hopeless. This project can be your "new hope".   I think selling the pop up
may be just as good as you can make a new start without other memories being right there
with you as well. (certainly you will always remember your wife,  but I'm sure she would want you
to spend all of your time morning her with the time you have left to you)

You're welcome to view my links below to see the methods I've formed for myself to both prep
my Van and tools  to use for planning my travels and to use while under way.   There is something
about travel and camping out that heals and rejuvenates one's soul.  Maybe it is the opportunity to
meet new people, share stories, and exchange ideas. 

So,  let me bid you the best in your future travels and bringing our rig into being now.

 

[Gadget728]

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

 I sold my pop up this morning, and the money was eaten up so fast it was depressing. I did pay off over half my bank loan and am almost completely debt free, except for what I generate each month and insurance on my MC & Astro. 
I could take the rest of the afternoon off, but why would I. It's 94° with 48% humidity, which gives you a 102° heat index AND the wind is blowing a constant 33 MPH with gusts up to 40 MPH. I HATE KANSAS WEATHER!!! When I started camping earlier this year, I wanted to see what my limits were. I spent a couple of nights in my Coleman instant tent and decided 22° was too cold, even with a Mr. Heater Buddy. I purchased my pop up and it rained for 2 solid months, we had about 1 day a week when it wasn't pouring, then when the rain stopped, it was Summer and we've been in the high 90's and low 100's ever since. We practically had no Spring. I ready to move somewhere it's nice at least a few days a week, this isn't even nice MC weather. Rant over! 

Thanks again for the add to the forum  - Take care everyone.  Gadget

 

[Dennis]

Gadget, I am on the east edge of DFW metroplex and I go through the same heat and humidity rant. Often. Like you, I am making plans to do less of that.