It's been a long time since I've blogged, so much going on that I just dropped out for a while. In June of 2015, at 60 yo I retired (yay me!) Originally, my goal for retirement was to sell my house, buy a van, and travel across the country for a few years exploring, paddling, hiking and meeting new people before deciding where to live. But instead, a year before retirement I met someone and we dated for a couple of years, but finally came to the realization that we just weren't each others"the one."
So, back to plan A. I bought a used Chevy Express cargo van, and with help from the ex-boyfriend, now friend, we'll turn it into a home on wheels; solar, vent fans, a bed, small kitchen/work area, bathroom/shower facilities, etc. I did the carpentry work, and he did the electrical/solar.
I've embraced minimalism for several years,so living out of a van shouldn't pose too much of an issue. I plan to travel in a manor that I can take advantage of moderate temps and spend lots of time outside hiking, paddling, biking, taking pictures, keeping a nature journal and meeting other like-minded people. I had considered a YouTube channel to document my new lifestyle, but to be honest, it's just too time consuming for me and I don't want to worry about internet access.
I found a used 2012 van with 78K. It had a few dents and scratches, but I was more concerned about the mechanics, after all I will be taking it to lots of off road places.. As for the mechanical, I had a pre-buy inspection done by my mechanic and he gave it a clean bill of health and so I began the process..
There wasn't a lot of time to get it road ready before we both had to head north to differing destinations, but we got busy and installed two Fantastic fans in the roof along with a battery and monitor as well as a continuous solanoid to allow the house battery to charge off the van battery.
Unfortunately, we had major issues with the cruise control (shipped wrong one twice) so I went cruiseless for the first trip. I bought a twin futon mattress and a 12 v fridge and headed for Michigan, then on to Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Onward, as my friend Anne says! Here we go!
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