life on the road

[Joe S.]

I have been researching camping for our next trip out west. Cost is our issue. I have been investigating stealth and low cost camping.

stealth camping is living out of your vehicle and no cost camp sites. They speak of city streets and legal issues. I found out in my research that some Walmarts allow overnite camping (One night). Some truck stops also allow it. There are lists of these online. These do not have power available. Way side rests usually have a 4 hour maximum stay.

State parks and national parks provide low cost campsites. They often allow boondocking (camping in the middle of nowhere with out support). Prime America is a program that provides 50% off certain campsites. Most campsites you spend money on, most will have power, cable, and wifi. They often have a small store and various other activities.

If our trip this year pans out, we will be traveling about 5000 miles when I include the site seeing detours. Bad lands, Medora, Oregon ghost trail, crater lake, and Oregon coast are in the current plans. Of course we are planning on visiting Campbell River BC.

I know you think these trips are impossible with this disease, but with planning they can be made and enjoyed. You do not have to hide from much more than sunlight and you can dress for that.

[Sleepy In Seattle]

Joe that sounds amazing!!!!

I remember camping in the Badlands with my family when I was a kid. The stars out there are AMAZING, because there's so little light pollution from the surrounding areas - it's so sparsely populated. We went on a hike one night by STARLIGHT - there was no moon up - but you could literally see where you were going just by the light of the stars. So magical.

The Oregon coast is fabulous, too...wild and moody, even in summer.

I hope you have fun, and have good health!

[MommaD]

We have both a fifth wheel toy hauler which we use when I'm not feeling well, and a small trailer camper we can take on small weekend jaunts. It simply has some sleeping mattresses and we can fit our trike in as well. When traveling we check out ahead of time which Wal-Marts permit overnight parking and have stayed in rest stops too. Enjoy yourself, Joe! Life's too short not to, and we intend to travel Route 66 once my husband retires. Until then, we go to the beaches that are within a two day ride 

[Joe S.]

MommaD, what kind of trike do you have?

As you may have guessed I am planning how to convert our minivan. I took measurements today to see how things will fit. It will be close quarters for two large people and a dog. Clothing, food, and water for a month. I know we will be living closer than at home. Jan wants to bring some books to read for the road. It would be nice to have a front camera for the scenery.  A rear camera may be nice for lane change and tailgaters.

[MommaD]

We have an UltraGlide HD that we bought as a two wheeler, then converted into a trike with a Hannigan kit. We decided to three wheel it after my neurosurgeon told me I wasn't allowed on a two wheeler any longer due to balance issues.  We also travel with two 50 pound dogs, and have all the essentials packed into small clear plastic containers. We don't have any rear cameras, though....just the large side view mirrors and two walkie talkies that we use to communicate when I get out to help maneuver into place. They are essential for good communication!

[Joe S.]

I gave up riding bike after my auto accident in 1983. I also gave up scuba diving. Dizziness was a factor in both decisions. I had thought of one or the trikes with 2 front wheels but that is just a pipe dream. The cost to convert the minivan is about $500.

Jan is now asking for a 2000 watt inverter and a generator of the same size. I can't fit those in. She also wants a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat. (Maybe that can be hung on the reailer hitch?)

[susanep]

Joe, it sounds like you both have some good plans going. I think it's great to be planning such a trip.

My son and daughter in law travel a lot with their camper, and right now he is building them this little small thing. I forgot what you call it now, but has much smaller room, but would be for just the two of them. They are planning in September to go travel where ever they just decide to end up for about 3 weeks.

susanep

[irish]

You will find a way to make it work. I can sleep in a minivan in the front seat with it reclined as far as it can go. THAt is not a good place to sleep all the time. Might be you can take turns using a front seat if you need to have more storage room in back.

I have heard that Walmart allows campers too. Do you have to check in with them or with the police department? Seems like that would be a safer place to camp as they are usually in an area where police make rounds. HOpe all goes well and you can get this done. Irish

[Joe S.]

My ankle challenge is slowing progress on the conversion. I have not slept in a bed for over a decade. The recliner helps with snoring and flem. In a bed I wake choking. I adjust hospital beds to function as a recliner. If I have to stay in a hotel, I bring my own recliner. The massage table will adjust as a recliner.

my focus this month is screens for windows on the van. Command strips are planned to hold things in place. Today I will try to make window templates for the van. My plan wes to take 3 weeks with this part.

[SjoDry]

Joe,

With regards to your windows, you might want to consider perforated vinyl. It darkens the windows, but you can still see out & it makes it very difficult to see in. This is what we put on vehicles that want to cover their cars/windows in graphics & text. But the vinyl can be plain. Any sign company can do this for you. Not sure which is the most economical route for you. The holes come in different sizes.

SjoDry

[Joe S.]

Thanks it is an interesting idea. The rear pair of windows open and screens would stop bugs. The front pair open and a screen would be nice to stop bugs and provide air flow. We will be using a small fan for air flow.

I wonder if I coukd get the vinyl ads for the windows to help pay for the trip?

[SjoDry]

There ya go Joe.

Put an ad on Craigslist...Need some mobile marketing? I'll advertise your company on my vehicle. You supply the magnetic signs,
I'll supply the driving.

That is actually a good idea. There are companies who pay drivers to do this very thing.

SjoDry