QinReno said:
Ha, my post was (at least) half in jest. Probably. You can write about what ever you like. It was apparent your youtube and likely blog would be along the lines of Christian life ala traveling.
Thank you for saying this, QinReno. I needed to hear it. Now I can delete the signature I created to assure other people that my motives for being here are sincere! Van life is saving my life and sanity. There are no words to express how grateful I am to have learned about this lifestyle.
To have a place like this forum, where people are genuinely, sincerely, and willing to share their experiences and knowledge so new folks like me have a decent chance to not only survive van life, but to enjoy and thrive on it, is more hope and encouragement than I've had for 20 years!
That's why I post so much. That's why I'm so excited, as childish as it likely comes across!
I don't want to leave anyone out because I devour everyone's posts (to learn the good and the bad), but the folks who I couldn't have gotten this far without are John61CT, Almost There, highdesertranger, frater secessus, and yourself. You folks have given so much of your attention and expertise to me, teaching me. My respect level is through the roof for you guys! So, to think that folks might think I'm using them in an underhanded way to make a profit from their knowledge and experience... that hurt. I'd leave this forum before allowing that to continue.
Let me suggest something you might think about for down the road. I wanted to do it myself, but age and joint problems have crept in.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago
I had no idea people did that. It's interesting. But, I think my overseas traveling days are done. I was fortunate enough to do quite a bit of it in my late 20's and early 30's before I settled down into hermithood. Besides, I've never been one to do such pilgrimages - seeing Christian landmarks or walking where Jesus walked. I see why people would enjoy that, but, from what I see in scriptures, it's about living out the Christian life where you are, in front of those around you.
Your situation might not be ready for the RV life yet, but it occurred to me that you might actually be able to "hitch" a ride to RTR2019, considering how many people are going there from all over the US. People keep asking about caravans from their areas, but maybe someone will want a rider to help with expenses.
That'd be great but I'm determined to save every penny possible at this point.
As far as the other thing goes, book learning is no substitute for actual experience. I learned more on my first trip on the road than in all the youtube videos. You plan ahead, but change your mind once you actually try things out. Especially in van life, people tend to change their setups.
That's all true, no denying it. Since it's all I have at the moment, I'm clinging to it! Most of what I'm asking on the forum, and all the note taking, van designing, and the dreaming, is nothing more than my excitement and eagerness coming out. It's all helpful information to learn but, until I can put it to use, it's just scratching the itch.
I may end up in a 90's Chevy Express with a clumsy build and nothing more than an air mattress and a bucket to poop in when I start, I don't know. That depends on what I'm able to save and which van presents itself as the best thing for me at the time. All I know is that, used or new, by (or before) the end of August of 2019, I will be taking off... even if it's on a tricycle.