West vs East

[IanC]

One thing I've noticed that is different about being out West or in the East is that when I was in Arizona and New Mexico there wasn't much notice payed to those of us living in alternative RVs (vans, etc) vs motor homes and manufactured travel trailers.  So many people are doing it out West.  Once you're in the campgrounds into the East of Texas, you're always surrounded by fifth wheels and class A's and you're a bit of an oddity. People tend to be fascinated and I've given quite a few tours of the interior.  Florida was a bit different and there were a fair amount of people living in different types of vehicles. I do run into van dwellers, etc, but they are always just passing through.  I do enjoy running into fellow alternative living people - it's like there is an instant commonality.

I just spent a few days alongside a woman from Quebec who is on her way home after 6 months on the road in her van.  She is 65 and when she's home she lives in a 16x20 cabin deep in the woods. Very cool sharing a campfire and hearing her stories.

Once I left Ehrenberg I haven't run into anyone in a cargo van.

 

[lenny flank]

I've run into fellow van dwellers in North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Ohio, so they're out there.  They do tend to be mostly people who are traveling, though--and also tend to be mostly retired folks. (I don't go to campgrounds though--I stay almost exclusively in Walmart lots.)

 

[IanC]

I meant to say cargo trailer

 

[ArtW]

I see lots of overnighters in the parking lot at my place of business, I'd like to howdy them, but I get off at 11, so they're already asleep most likely, and might be suspicious of a stranger approaching

 

[Gunny]

IanC, did you get a chance to look at that house? There were several listed on the page you linked to that were interesting.

Rob

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

There is a converted cargo trailer in a guys driveway on my route to the dog park I see everyday. I keep hoping to see him outside one of these times because I'd love to ask him about it. Looks really nice on the outside, has a few windows, awning and Ac on the roof. Looks to be about a 16' trailer.

 

[John61CT]

In CT I don't think there are any towns that would allow someone to live in a vehicle or trailer parked full-time except in the few grandfathered designated trailer park.

Specific exceptions permitted while building, but I think only some towns, and time limited.

I've been told in some towns not even allowed to park a trailer in sight of the road.

Neighbors would definitely dob you in, gotta protect property values

 

[IanC]

IanC, did you get a chance to look at that house? There were several listed on the page you linked to that were interesting.

Rob

Rob, I never did. Couldn't even find it - I suppose I should have called the realtor.  Thinking it might be a pipe dream anyway.  I'm still holding out hope for a gig at Dollywood, so if something comes through, I'll look in the Gatlinburg area.  Tennessee is one impressive state though. The number of huge plants (aerospace and various assembly plants) and the nice new middle class areas springing up, plus the condition of the highways - just has an air of prosperity about it. 

Meanwhile, in my area of Massachustts, about 75% of houses are over 100 years old and fading fast, and there's nothing but abandoned old factory buildings.

The drive down here through farm country was spectacular.  If I was a young'un, up north, instead of complaining about the lack of jobs, I'd get my ass down south.  What I've seen of Alabama, so far (I'm in a Walmart lot in Scottsboro)  it's the same.  Growth everywhere. I traveled a lot in the south in the early 80's and the change is incredible.

I have 4 bars of 4G for the first time in months - yeehaw!

 

[IanC]

In CT I don't think there are any towns that would allow someone to live in a vehicle or trailer parked full-time except in the few grandfathered designated trailer park.

Specific exceptions permitted while building, but I think only some towns, and time limited.

I've been told in some towns not even allowed to park a trailer in sight of the road.

Neighbors would definitely dob you in, gotta protect property values

Where in Connecticut are you, John?

 

[John61CT]

Currently rural NW, rather not be more specific

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Anyone ever wonder why the country is always talked about and traveled East vs West. Why isn't everything North or South?

 

[John61CT]

Historical, expansion of European conquest / colonization was East, to West.

 

[lenny flank]

Anyone ever wonder why the country is always talked about and traveled East vs West.  Why isn't everything North or South?

Because all the people are located along the East and West Coasts. With flyover in between.

 

[MrNoodly]

Anyone ever wonder why the country is always talked about and traveled East vs West.  Why isn't everything North or South?

People in the East travel north and south, usually with the seasons. Same in the West. In fact, I'd guess that's more common than east-west travel, because not many people enjoy driving across all that prairie. Hell, east Texans aren't even all that interested in going to west Texas.

 

[travlinman and wife]

IanC you might want to check out the airlines unclamed baggage store. all the airlines send their baggage their to be sold. some good deals to be had