Vagabond

[SisterSue]

Hello everyone, not much to say about myself. I am a 79 year old woman who became homeless in 2010 and have been living in my vehicle in and around Atlanta Georgia every since. I learned about the forum from watching some videos on youtube. I am in the process of putting Georgia behind me and am headed west. New Mexico at the moment where I hope to spend the summer probably around Albuquerque then to find my way to Arizona for the winter. I feel I need to do something although I am not sure what so although it is late in life I am trying to find my way. Up until I saw the videos I did not realize there were others like me other than homeless people and I haven't been that for quite some time. I live in a 1985 Ford class B motorhome which is why I say I am not homeless, I have everything I need. Well I am not used to talking about myself so will let this go for now. Thank You Sue

 

[crofter]

Welcome to the forum! 
-crofter

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Sue! Kudos to you for van dwelling in the east for so many years! It's much easier in the west plus there's a large and welcoming community. Hope to see you out here soon!

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.

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum  

Some here refer to themselves as "Houseless" as they live out of their rigs and actually like that more than being in the sticks and bricks with all of the headaches and limitations which come with that.   Being mobile and understanding how to get the best of the experience is what this site will help you
achieve.  I think you'll like it here. even more in time.

 

[Zig2k143]

Welcome Sue... I too am looking to hit AZ for the winter. Welcome to the group.

 

[ByeBye]

Welcome SisterSue!! May this site serve you well!
I am a native Southerner but now am in love with the mountains and deserts of the West.

 

[SisterSue]

Thank you all for the hearty welcome, I plan on taking a better look at the forum later today. I have watched a lot of video's on life in a van and find them quite interesting. I have been doing this a long time, but need a change. My grandchildren even though I love them are becoming a nuisance as they feel I am to old for this and should live with one of them. That is part of the reason I am becoming childish and running away. When I first moved into a van it was out of necessity, but I have long ago outlived that and am very comfortable in what I do. If I can live in and around Atlanta, I feel I can do it anywhere. You here call it stealth, for me it was just a way of life. I would never move back into a house, I most definitely could afford to now but I love my home on wheels, I have not lived in the same spot for more than a short time for years now and home is where I turn off the key. My children and grandchildren don't understand this. I belong to a couple of forums and have made friends with many over the last couple of years. I have one son that understands as he has taken to this lifestyle and is presently up in northern Michigan, but plans to meet me out west this winter, if only the others could understand the freedom I have. It is the forums and youtube that has me wanting to try something new and get away from Atlanta. Maybe I can see some of the country in what time I have left as the only place I have ever been outside of Georgia is my time I spent in Paris many years ago. Amazing I have been over seas but have never seen my own country. I realize it is rather late in life to start but not too late. Anyhow thanks again for the welcome, I think I will take some time to look over the forum now, Bye all!

 

[Zig2k143]

Don't worry other others even your family think about how you live your life. You have to be you. My family has always thought I was crazy.

 

[gramakittycat]

Sorry to be the debbie downer but don't plan on Albuquerque to be safe or welcoming.New Mexico in general has not been a safe place as of late. Your best bet is to go on to Arizona if you don't want issues. Las Cruses would be your best bet if your dead set on NM. Lots of homeless services there.Good luck...

 

[SisterSue]

I guess I've missed something in the news or something What is wrong with New Mexico?

 

[user 423]

^
Albuquerque has a high crime rate but then if you've been handling Atlanta you'd be fine in Abq.

 

[Linecaster]

Sister Sue, I have camped out in a little Runaway camper and fully realize  that I can live on very little, I am 77 years old and still employed, however the pull of adventure and indepence is telling me to get ready. A little late in life but as you are used to the home on wheels good luck.

 

[SisterSue]

I don't know about Albuquerque, but I never really had any problems in Atlanta and Atlanta is far bigger. Just have to be aware where you are when you park for the night. I have slept all over Atlanta and in all of the years, the closest I think I ever came to a problem was a couple of drunks got in a argument outside my van but they never touched the van or anything. Besides I wasn't really thinking about staying "in" Albuquerque more around
there. I want to try more of what you call boondocking here with Albuquerque being near by although I don't know how long I will stay near there as I know someone in Algodones and plan on trying out something near there. I have been checking out maps and just ordered a Delorme map for New Mexico so I can check things out better. I also ordered a RV gps off ebay to help me find things. Anyhow thanks all! Sue

 

[VanForNow]

I think Santa Fe is much more enjoyable & liveable than ABQ for nomads. I get bad vibes just driving through ABQ. But one problem is that almost all of NM is at a high altitude, meaning it gets very cold in the winter. It is much easier to find good & comfortable camping all year round in AZ than NM.

 

[NctryBen]

Wow; this is one person I think a lot of us could learn from. I hope I meet up with you when I get down Arizona way this coming winter. I’m glad you have your son joining you. Safe travels...

 

[tx2sturgis]

Sue, if your travels bring you thru the Texas Panhandle, and you want to circle your wagon for a night or two, you can park at my place.

I'm in Tulia Texas, about 50 miles south of Amarillo. 

I have plenty of room here.

 

[Southwest]

The annual park pass may be a option (Although most are closed due to virus at this time )
https://newmexicostateparks.reserve...e=common&commonPath=/htm/NM_AnnualPasses.html

Also,
https://www.roswell-nm.gov/
https://www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com/
https://www.ruidoso.net/
https://www.socorronm.org/
https://www.visitsilvercity.org/
https://www.las-cruces.org/
http://cityofelephantbutte.com/
https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/truth-or-consequences/
https://taos.org/
https://chamavillage.com/
http://www.villageofhatch.org/
http://www.grants.org/
https://ci.alamogordo.nm.us/
http://cloudcroft.com/

 

[StacyK]

Welcome! I live in Albuquerque and have somehow survived so far... Do be careful as a traveler right now in New Mexico, though—we are beginning to open up again, but many travelers’ services, including rest areas, campgrounds, truck stops (to non-truckers), and even rural gas stations (from what I’ve heard) are still closed. I’m still living in my house, so my information may not be accurate for real nomads. I just encourage you to do your research before you arrive and find yourself at loose ends.

 

[SisterSue]

I thank you for the info, but it could be as long as several weeks before I get there, I am traveling very slow. I have only went a little over 110 miles in the past 2 days where I spent last night I would guess no one has been there all winter, there were absolutely no tire tracks at all. I am finding this totally different than what I am used to in Atlanta, but very exciting. From all of the traces of humans I saw you might figure no human had set foot here since the 1800's. I know that's not true, but the only sign of humans was the 2 track road going back in to this little creek. Right now I think I will spend a couple of days right where I am. I have plenty of food, water, and my gas tank is full. Thanks again Sue

 

[Zurdo]

Hello everyone, not much to say about myself. I am a 79 year old woman who became homeless in 2010 and have been living in my vehicle in and around Atlanta Georgia every since. I learned about the forum from watching some videos on youtube. I am in the process of putting Georgia behind me and am headed west. New Mexico at the moment where I hope to spend the summer probably around Albuquerque then to find my way to Arizona for the winter. I feel I need to do something although I am not sure what so although it is late in life I am trying to find my way. Up until I saw the videos I did not realize there were others like me other than homeless people and I haven't been that for quite some time. I live in a 1985 Ford class B motorhome which is why I say I am not homeless, I have everything I need. Well I am not used to talking about myself so will let this go for now. Thank You Sue

Welcome Sue,
My plan is almost exactly the same as you. New Mexico in the Summer and Arizona in the winter. I’ve traveled NM exclusively ever since April 9th of last year and have experienced a lot here. I’m staying in State Parks using an annual camping pass. I’m here until September then plan to grow some roots for 6 months or so at one of the AZ LTVAs.
If I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out.