Stealthing in the evening (in a van)

rabiesandpeewee · Apr 4, 2013

Stealthing in the morning, stealthing in the evening, stealthing at suppertime! (That's a reference to an old commercial <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">) Anyway...I feel that I'm missing something. Most public places around here close at dark (6ish), and I don't want to go to my sleep spot until it's time for sleeping. Tips on where to fill space from 6-9pm? Am I doomed to spend money on a coffee or food, in order to not be loitering, or are there free places? Do you ever just hang out in the van, possibly just parked on the street?

my_vantasy · Apr 4, 2013

Public libraries are nice--you can read the daily newspapers, use the Internet, and the restrooms are usually clean! Maybe as we get more into spring and summer, it will stay lighter longer and parks will be open later for you?

travelingchic · Apr 6, 2013

Yes, I have just hung out in parking lot's in the evenings.  Usually in front of Home Depot where I get free wifi.  I make sure to park somewhere away from the heavy traffic area of the parking lot.  Of course, this is only good until it heats up but then it will be lighter longer and you can hang at a park.   I suggest the library as well.  Libraries in my area are open till 8pm.    I often go to the mall when it's hot since they are open till 9pm or 11pm for the big box stores. Doesn't cost anything and one of the stores usually has wifi.  I find a spot on the couch set in front of london drugs and use my ipod touch to surf the net for free.  Or bring a book along and sit on a bench or you might score those comfy chairs some malls have.  Malls are great for hanging out in your vehicle before finding a spot to sleep for the night.  They usually have 3 hour parking.   I would rather splurge on a $5 entry to swimming in the evening then a drink at over crowded starbucks.  The swimming at least is entertaining and gives you a workout and not to mention the shower that you can have too.   Look into the community center since I know that is usually open late and they have a lobby there that even has mags for someone to read.  Also if you are sticking in one spot I would check out community events or meetup groups like a book club.  These are probably all happening in the evenings at peoples houses.  In fact, if you go to church, most churches have home groups throughout the week.  They are usually from 7pm to 9pm at people's houses and they provide snacks and drinks usually.  If your not religious then I'm sure there are other meetups you could network to get into like the book club for example.  meetup.com or craigslist / kijijii would be a good place to start. The other thing if you are staying in one spot is to put up posters on the local community bulletin board offering cheap babysitting.  This usually happens at night and usually you can get some snacks out of it too.  You would tend to work from 5pm to 11pm I would think so that would cover that odd time. The other thing might be to volunteer your time at a business that is open late.   Or check out couchsurfing.org to find locals who could lend you a couch in the evening.   Good luck...

Spirituallifetime · Apr 13, 2013

You could try a gym membership, get shower, soak in the hot tub, light workouts.
Parking on the street is legal if there are no no parking signs.

1977dodge · Apr 13, 2013

also maybe find a cheap hobby where you can meet people to pass the time or maybe contact some local charities to see if they need help they might also give you some guidance on where to park up  your local Y is a friendly place or should be  I am getting all my showers morning and evening if needed plus my Joe and getting fit again. Good Luck  Royz

MK7 · May 16, 2013

Check out Planet Fitness. $10/month at 1 location w/no contract commitment. If you move around a lot, $20/month to use all locations (but 12 month membership required). Get a workout, shower, shave, etc. You can probably hang around the parking lot too, as long as it's not everyday. You can always say that you're waiting for it to open at 6am if questioned one night. And if you're a regular, you'll get to know the staff...cool with them and they'll be cool to you. I'm lucky that in my area, there's a 24-hour gym (weekdays) for $10/month in the Wash DC area. It's not the cleanest, but wow...24 hours and right next to a storage facility too....so kinda industrial like but across the street is a mall. Unfortunately, they only have like 5 locations, and mostly around here only.