Callie
Member
- Location
- California
I just finished reading your entire blog. I enjoyed a lot of it. Thanks!
Son of Perdition - tales from the darkside
- Thread starter Son_of_Perdition
- Start date
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
In November 2016, I had an occasion to visit with my daughter about her plans, she is a widow whom had lost her husband in 2010. She was living near us but we had never really discussed our plans. She was telling me about her new interest, 'Van Dwelling'. She does things on the spur of the moment much like me. She was telling about Bob & his RTR musings. She directed me to the cheaprvliving.com website. I came home with the idea planted in my head. I immediately started reading the site. I became intrigued with the concept. As noted above, I'm not a novice to camping but it has lost a lot of luster & motivation for my wife. She loves her garden, crafts & other artistic endeavors. I on the other hand am not very crafty & am totally tone deaf, no musical ability at all. A little Asperger, with ideas pinging around in my head 24/7. I have many grandiose ideas but very little follow through.
I have survived cancer surgery, follow up chemo & am managing my Type II diabetes with gusto. I have lost a lot of weight actually down to normal BMI. I have become more active, as active as a 70 YO can be. I wanted to get off my porch & travel, the idea works for me. I studied the site for a few weeks finally joining & posting. In Feb 2017 I purchased my van for conversion. Money is not really an issue but I like everyone, need to control my urges. I wanted to go the cheap frugal way to start out, normally I would have jumped in with both feet, bought me a new van & spend all our income on preparing it for the quest. What I finally settled for was a 1995 Chevy G30 cargo van from a local contractor. They buy them in fleet mode, maintaining them for the crews, it's their lifeblood to keep them on the road. The site aludes to naming your van, whatever so I have tagged mine - 'Mellow Yellow' Donovan's hit song from the 60's (my hey days).
The van runs very well, has a few dings & could use a professional paint job. The two seats are ripped & could stand a new covers. They are good enough for now. There is a roof rack used for ladders still installed I gutted the cargo area, cleaned up the cab & went to the car wash to hose out the back. I drew up plans, elaborate plans mind you but soon realized that there are as many ideas for conversion as there are van dwellers worldwide. I had looked in getting an enclosed cargo trailer but again costs & the fact I had nothing that would pull it, I had to rethink my options. A running van, albeit a high mileage van would suffice for now. I installed a shelving unit for cheap Walmart crates, a 2x4 bed frame (I did get a good mattress). Bought a grundle of bungy cords & went about modifying it to make it livable.
It's not pretty but one of my traits as an Asperger, my ability to ignore the status quo. I've never worried about keeping up with my neighbors, what works for me works for me. If you don't like it, you don't need to visit, it's paid for. Easy enough? I sit in the van & create different configurations of my wall hangings. I found several things not normally designed for RV living that work very well. Home Depot, Amazon have been my go to guys. The delivery drivers were visiting at least twice a week. Brown trucks, white trucks & mail trucks are my frequent visitors. The less I have to create the easier it will be, I've looked at generators, dual refrigerators, power converters & new flooring but have finally settled on the spartan way. Nothing fancy but doable.
I have a few things that need taking care of before I venture out. First & foremost I need to have it gone through by a qualified mechanic. It had sat for 3 years before I bought it. The hoses, belts & tires are probably in need of replacement. I hope the engine & tranny are sound, it seems to run & sound very well to me. but as a drug store mechanic I bow to the professional in these matters. I also want to get a receiver hitch installed in the chance I may need to tow something. I'm leaving the option of getting a travel trailer at a later date & would like to be able to use the van. I also need to replace the rubber seals around my back doors, they leak a little but haven't been a big issue even here in the soggy NW.
Food, Cooking & Personal Hygiene
I bought a portable potty chair, one with arms for raising & lowering myself in safety. Bag it, dump it! I bought several light weight milk crates from Walmart for my 'stuff'. Cheap but functional. I mentioned I did get a good mattress & along with that I bought the whole ensemble of bedding. I had at first thought about a sleeping bag but at my age getting in & out of one may be a nuisance. Sleep is important. Another trait us Aspergers have is our ability to eat the same thing day in & day out. Being diabetic presents many problems as far a diet is concerned. Luckily I like eggs, meat & cheese, all good things for diabetics. Vegetables are an issue I have to watch because of my cancer surgery. Most leafy, undercooked or raw are my nemesis. Gives my gastric discomfort in a big way. I can eat them if they are steamed & soft. But, not in plentiful supply. I have to get my daily quota but not overdue them.
Coffee is usually my only drink of choice, although I do take 24 oz of water with my Apple Cider Vinegar before meals. I eat no breads, pasta & most fruits because of the added sugar or metabolism of the starches. I watch my glucose count really close up to 5 times a day, I'm very anal about it. I take my insulin & meds on schedule, that being the only thing that need refrigeration other than a few items. Eggs, vegetables & half n half are also required to remain cool for a couple of days. Insulin is vital. It breaks down when heated. But I found that the blue freeze bags work very well. An unopened bag of ice in the bottom of my cooler will keep everything cool enough to use it before it spoils. Buy my eggs in dozen cartons rather in bulk. Buy fresh veggies & watch the creamer for floaters. All my meat is purchased in cans, I know the linings & sodium are killers, I do monitor my BP daily. So far okay.
I can control the spoilage & other food borne problems by buying fully cooked meats, I opt for tuna, chicken, roast beef, turkey & pork when available. No waste & no doggie bags to contend with. I have cut my red meat consumption down to once a week, still need the B-12. The one other item I do make sure I have plenty of is canned beans, the low sodium kind, they are recommended on every nutritionist advice column for helping control your glucose. I was eating a lot of grains oatmeal, brown rice, flaxseed & almond flour but found that it's much more enjoyable to have normal digestion rather than a mad rush to the potty 2-3 times a day. Again that age thing along with my bowel resection. I have become sensitive to the chemicals used in todays products, I find plain warm water & soaked paper towels work wonders.
Boon docking, Travel & Homesteading
As noted, I own a parcel of ground near a body of water in the mountains of southeast Idaho. It's unusable during the harse winter months (Dec-Mar), the HOA frowns on you driving on the roads during that time, it's not serviced & they don't like you tearing it up. The summers there are tolerable but it's much better here in the NW during Jun-Sep. My plans right now unless change happens are to drive to Idaho in late Sep, spend the next 45-60 days on my mountain, then a 2 day drive to Quartzite, AZ. Bookdock in Las Vegas to satisfy my gambling habit for one night eat at the buffet, sleep in the casino parking lot. Should be okay, I'll look like any service van around.
Then drive the last leg into Quartzite for the next few months, probably around the end of Mar early April. That's when the fees are due on the property & I get my new combo. Spend Apr thru May in Idaho again, then drive back to the NW to revisit my wife. The only boon docking I plan is on either the trip down or the return trip. I should be able to reach each destination on time. I will use the time in the NW to do maintenance on the van, the time in Idaho will be to do what landscaping needs attention & the time in AZ will be for my van dwelling, fire sitting or renewing old friendships.
Mellow Yellow is Ready!
The mechanic went completely through it, replaced all the belts, tuned up, replaced wires & plugs. Took it to the tire shop dropped a little more cash but got all new traction tires. Brakes are new (must have been replaced before I bought it). Licensed, insured & coining a name of a TV series I’ll be ‘Hell on Wheels’ this summer, (my g-grandson’s observation).
We had an ocassion to make an emergency trip to eastern OR last weekend, on the way back we scouted out the campgrounds from Bend to the Willamette valley. 6 were great, more were still closed because of the winter but the 6 were great & would accept my van dwelling as long as I pitch a small tent for cover. Sleep in the van, cook outside on my stove & sit by the fire pit in my camp chair. I plan a few trips this summer gradually extending the stay until I feel comfortable enough with what is required to do it solo. My daughter has now put up her house for sale, bought her van & will tag along for a few trips.
First trip is planned for the 22[SUP]nd[/SUP] of May, hopefully for my first 5 day 4 night sleepover.
I have survived cancer surgery, follow up chemo & am managing my Type II diabetes with gusto. I have lost a lot of weight actually down to normal BMI. I have become more active, as active as a 70 YO can be. I wanted to get off my porch & travel, the idea works for me. I studied the site for a few weeks finally joining & posting. In Feb 2017 I purchased my van for conversion. Money is not really an issue but I like everyone, need to control my urges. I wanted to go the cheap frugal way to start out, normally I would have jumped in with both feet, bought me a new van & spend all our income on preparing it for the quest. What I finally settled for was a 1995 Chevy G30 cargo van from a local contractor. They buy them in fleet mode, maintaining them for the crews, it's their lifeblood to keep them on the road. The site aludes to naming your van, whatever so I have tagged mine - 'Mellow Yellow' Donovan's hit song from the 60's (my hey days).
The van runs very well, has a few dings & could use a professional paint job. The two seats are ripped & could stand a new covers. They are good enough for now. There is a roof rack used for ladders still installed I gutted the cargo area, cleaned up the cab & went to the car wash to hose out the back. I drew up plans, elaborate plans mind you but soon realized that there are as many ideas for conversion as there are van dwellers worldwide. I had looked in getting an enclosed cargo trailer but again costs & the fact I had nothing that would pull it, I had to rethink my options. A running van, albeit a high mileage van would suffice for now. I installed a shelving unit for cheap Walmart crates, a 2x4 bed frame (I did get a good mattress). Bought a grundle of bungy cords & went about modifying it to make it livable.
It's not pretty but one of my traits as an Asperger, my ability to ignore the status quo. I've never worried about keeping up with my neighbors, what works for me works for me. If you don't like it, you don't need to visit, it's paid for. Easy enough? I sit in the van & create different configurations of my wall hangings. I found several things not normally designed for RV living that work very well. Home Depot, Amazon have been my go to guys. The delivery drivers were visiting at least twice a week. Brown trucks, white trucks & mail trucks are my frequent visitors. The less I have to create the easier it will be, I've looked at generators, dual refrigerators, power converters & new flooring but have finally settled on the spartan way. Nothing fancy but doable.
I have a few things that need taking care of before I venture out. First & foremost I need to have it gone through by a qualified mechanic. It had sat for 3 years before I bought it. The hoses, belts & tires are probably in need of replacement. I hope the engine & tranny are sound, it seems to run & sound very well to me. but as a drug store mechanic I bow to the professional in these matters. I also want to get a receiver hitch installed in the chance I may need to tow something. I'm leaving the option of getting a travel trailer at a later date & would like to be able to use the van. I also need to replace the rubber seals around my back doors, they leak a little but haven't been a big issue even here in the soggy NW.
Food, Cooking & Personal Hygiene
I bought a portable potty chair, one with arms for raising & lowering myself in safety. Bag it, dump it! I bought several light weight milk crates from Walmart for my 'stuff'. Cheap but functional. I mentioned I did get a good mattress & along with that I bought the whole ensemble of bedding. I had at first thought about a sleeping bag but at my age getting in & out of one may be a nuisance. Sleep is important. Another trait us Aspergers have is our ability to eat the same thing day in & day out. Being diabetic presents many problems as far a diet is concerned. Luckily I like eggs, meat & cheese, all good things for diabetics. Vegetables are an issue I have to watch because of my cancer surgery. Most leafy, undercooked or raw are my nemesis. Gives my gastric discomfort in a big way. I can eat them if they are steamed & soft. But, not in plentiful supply. I have to get my daily quota but not overdue them.
Coffee is usually my only drink of choice, although I do take 24 oz of water with my Apple Cider Vinegar before meals. I eat no breads, pasta & most fruits because of the added sugar or metabolism of the starches. I watch my glucose count really close up to 5 times a day, I'm very anal about it. I take my insulin & meds on schedule, that being the only thing that need refrigeration other than a few items. Eggs, vegetables & half n half are also required to remain cool for a couple of days. Insulin is vital. It breaks down when heated. But I found that the blue freeze bags work very well. An unopened bag of ice in the bottom of my cooler will keep everything cool enough to use it before it spoils. Buy my eggs in dozen cartons rather in bulk. Buy fresh veggies & watch the creamer for floaters. All my meat is purchased in cans, I know the linings & sodium are killers, I do monitor my BP daily. So far okay.
I can control the spoilage & other food borne problems by buying fully cooked meats, I opt for tuna, chicken, roast beef, turkey & pork when available. No waste & no doggie bags to contend with. I have cut my red meat consumption down to once a week, still need the B-12. The one other item I do make sure I have plenty of is canned beans, the low sodium kind, they are recommended on every nutritionist advice column for helping control your glucose. I was eating a lot of grains oatmeal, brown rice, flaxseed & almond flour but found that it's much more enjoyable to have normal digestion rather than a mad rush to the potty 2-3 times a day. Again that age thing along with my bowel resection. I have become sensitive to the chemicals used in todays products, I find plain warm water & soaked paper towels work wonders.
Boon docking, Travel & Homesteading
As noted, I own a parcel of ground near a body of water in the mountains of southeast Idaho. It's unusable during the harse winter months (Dec-Mar), the HOA frowns on you driving on the roads during that time, it's not serviced & they don't like you tearing it up. The summers there are tolerable but it's much better here in the NW during Jun-Sep. My plans right now unless change happens are to drive to Idaho in late Sep, spend the next 45-60 days on my mountain, then a 2 day drive to Quartzite, AZ. Bookdock in Las Vegas to satisfy my gambling habit for one night eat at the buffet, sleep in the casino parking lot. Should be okay, I'll look like any service van around.
Then drive the last leg into Quartzite for the next few months, probably around the end of Mar early April. That's when the fees are due on the property & I get my new combo. Spend Apr thru May in Idaho again, then drive back to the NW to revisit my wife. The only boon docking I plan is on either the trip down or the return trip. I should be able to reach each destination on time. I will use the time in the NW to do maintenance on the van, the time in Idaho will be to do what landscaping needs attention & the time in AZ will be for my van dwelling, fire sitting or renewing old friendships.
Mellow Yellow is Ready!
The mechanic went completely through it, replaced all the belts, tuned up, replaced wires & plugs. Took it to the tire shop dropped a little more cash but got all new traction tires. Brakes are new (must have been replaced before I bought it). Licensed, insured & coining a name of a TV series I’ll be ‘Hell on Wheels’ this summer, (my g-grandson’s observation).
We had an ocassion to make an emergency trip to eastern OR last weekend, on the way back we scouted out the campgrounds from Bend to the Willamette valley. 6 were great, more were still closed because of the winter but the 6 were great & would accept my van dwelling as long as I pitch a small tent for cover. Sleep in the van, cook outside on my stove & sit by the fire pit in my camp chair. I plan a few trips this summer gradually extending the stay until I feel comfortable enough with what is required to do it solo. My daughter has now put up her house for sale, bought her van & will tag along for a few trips.
First trip is planned for the 22[SUP]nd[/SUP] of May, hopefully for my first 5 day 4 night sleepover.
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
I enjoyed reading your post immensely! I hope you'll write about your upcoming trip later this month. It sounds like so much fun.
Do you worry about animals and do you have an iphone or other access to weather?
Do you worry about animals and do you have an iphone or other access to weather?
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
I have a healthy respect for all animals, whether they fly, slide along the ground or walk on all fours. The only animal that requires watching is the 2 legged kind. For that I did buy myself a rifle. It's the first time in a long time that I went to purchase one. My son inherited all my guns many years ago.
The paperwork to get one was akin to the paperwork to buy a house. Check this, check that. For the slithering kind of animals I did buy some 'snake' shot. There are a few rattlers on our property. I neither fish nor hunt now.
I have a smartphone with apps, need to get a data plan though. I have a laptop to pay my bills once a month or the smartphone's apps. I have also been weaning myself off all the social networks since Nov. I cut the cord as they say with my dish & only use Hulu or Netflix. It was easier than I thought. I got me a senior pass from the Government/BLM.
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
Well, it sounds like you'll be safe, Son.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
First jaunt will now be May 17th.
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Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Maiden Voyage
May 2017 my first camping trip in Mellow Yellow. Two weeks ago the wife & I came home from an emergency trip to E Oregon. Everything worked out ok, then on the return trip we scouted out 6 improved tenting, drive in campsites along the last leg of our trip, the drive from the last turnoff is 72 miles long mostly along the McKenzie River, OR. Beautiful forested two lane road. 2 campsites on top had snow still in the campground & one was inaccessible (gate down). One we stopped at was the 'Paradise' Campground. It turned out to be the best of the 6. Flushing metal toilets, garbage service, water spigots throughout the camp. Sites were all sizes but each was ideal for my purposes..
This morning May 18th. I called for reservations concerned that the Memorial Day weekend might get a little crowded, since retired with no time limitations I plan to make most of my trip starting on Mon or Tues mornings returning on Fri. 4 nights 5 days. My first target date is May 23 (Tue) until May 26 (Fri). There was 64 spots some reserved, some first come, most had already been reserved. I opened an account on www.recreation.gov, went on line & selected an available site. Entered my Interagency Senior Pass card, the fees were $20 a night (most expensive of the 6 sites) but got it for $10 a night plus fees, total $43. DONE!
May 2017 my first camping trip in Mellow Yellow. Two weeks ago the wife & I came home from an emergency trip to E Oregon. Everything worked out ok, then on the return trip we scouted out 6 improved tenting, drive in campsites along the last leg of our trip, the drive from the last turnoff is 72 miles long mostly along the McKenzie River, OR. Beautiful forested two lane road. 2 campsites on top had snow still in the campground & one was inaccessible (gate down). One we stopped at was the 'Paradise' Campground. It turned out to be the best of the 6. Flushing metal toilets, garbage service, water spigots throughout the camp. Sites were all sizes but each was ideal for my purposes..
This morning May 18th. I called for reservations concerned that the Memorial Day weekend might get a little crowded, since retired with no time limitations I plan to make most of my trip starting on Mon or Tues mornings returning on Fri. 4 nights 5 days. My first target date is May 23 (Tue) until May 26 (Fri). There was 64 spots some reserved, some first come, most had already been reserved. I opened an account on www.recreation.gov, went on line & selected an available site. Entered my Interagency Senior Pass card, the fees were $20 a night (most expensive of the 6 sites) but got it for $10 a night plus fees, total $43. DONE!
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
Looks nice!
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Trip report - May 25th. Lasted 1 1/2 days of my scheduled 4 day/3 night stay. It had turned cooler the 2nd day. According to the weather report it was only 72 at home & considering it's 10-15 degrees cooler in the mountains, I can attest to that fact, got home just after midnight. I found several things I needed for the next journey, broom a must, canopy (was hunting shade first day, sun the 2nd). Park closer to the picnic table next time, lugging everything over an uneven terrain for each meal is tiring. Plastic utensils paper plates/cups are essential, sorry to say they will be tossed in the garbage or burnt after use.
Paper towels are manna from heaven. I think I can get by with a fry pan & tea kettle without the extra steamer & sauce pan. Doing dishes is not enjoyable. Breakfast is still the best meal out-of-doors & I can fry eggs. Everything else will come fully cooked from a can, I learned to eat my meat cold rather than try to heat it. Beans & cottage cheese are great if you don't mind the beans not heated. My 2nd vegetable en tree will have to wait until I get home. Apple sauce from Walmart in the little sealed containers are helpful.
2 days/3 nights max. Shower when I get home. My bedside commode worked great. A urinal is man's or woman's constant companion. I was thankful I had a supply of Louie L’Amour books I was able to finish 2 & start the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP], got too cold to hold the book. A metal van conducts both heat & cold with gusto. It was like an ice box, but warmed up when I was hauling my supplies from the picnic table to the van with my flashlight at 10PM. I had got my right shoe & sock soaked then tried to enjoy my book but the cool & wet pant leg never did warm up. I jumped in bed at 7 PM trying to warm up, not in that ice box, even my nose was cold. Shorts only work on a sunny beach.
Scenery was beautiful. Trees, chipmunks, lots of crawly things, very few flies & no mosquitoes (too cold). Had a very secluded spot, camp was only 1/3 full maybe they listened to the weather forecast. No one bothered me not even the camp host since I had pre-paid for the spot. She did wave as she passed on her 4-wheeled ATV the first day. With many, many trees you get a lot of floaters in your coffee cup or eggs. Some look like bugs others you can recognize right off. Carry a warm coat I don't care if the temp is supposed to be in the 90's. Long pants, warm socks are on my list from here on out.
Next time out I'm finding a place I can park for free & carry a few gallons of essential water for coffee & a spit bath. I remember a camping trip we were going on with another couple, they were to bring all the cookware us the food. They never showed so with all the food & no way to cook it my wife improvised & made pans out of tin foil, or do they make disposable fry pans? Maybe a pie tin will work, daughter pointed out I don't need a spatula just eat right from pie tin then toss. Somebody can recycle it but not me. Cash n Carry will have all the paper products I need, they burn. Below is the start of what I thought would be a great 4day/3 night stay. Next sojourn is planned for the 13th, 14th & 15th of June.
Paper towels are manna from heaven. I think I can get by with a fry pan & tea kettle without the extra steamer & sauce pan. Doing dishes is not enjoyable. Breakfast is still the best meal out-of-doors & I can fry eggs. Everything else will come fully cooked from a can, I learned to eat my meat cold rather than try to heat it. Beans & cottage cheese are great if you don't mind the beans not heated. My 2nd vegetable en tree will have to wait until I get home. Apple sauce from Walmart in the little sealed containers are helpful.
2 days/3 nights max. Shower when I get home. My bedside commode worked great. A urinal is man's or woman's constant companion. I was thankful I had a supply of Louie L’Amour books I was able to finish 2 & start the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP], got too cold to hold the book. A metal van conducts both heat & cold with gusto. It was like an ice box, but warmed up when I was hauling my supplies from the picnic table to the van with my flashlight at 10PM. I had got my right shoe & sock soaked then tried to enjoy my book but the cool & wet pant leg never did warm up. I jumped in bed at 7 PM trying to warm up, not in that ice box, even my nose was cold. Shorts only work on a sunny beach.
Scenery was beautiful. Trees, chipmunks, lots of crawly things, very few flies & no mosquitoes (too cold). Had a very secluded spot, camp was only 1/3 full maybe they listened to the weather forecast. No one bothered me not even the camp host since I had pre-paid for the spot. She did wave as she passed on her 4-wheeled ATV the first day. With many, many trees you get a lot of floaters in your coffee cup or eggs. Some look like bugs others you can recognize right off. Carry a warm coat I don't care if the temp is supposed to be in the 90's. Long pants, warm socks are on my list from here on out.
Next time out I'm finding a place I can park for free & carry a few gallons of essential water for coffee & a spit bath. I remember a camping trip we were going on with another couple, they were to bring all the cookware us the food. They never showed so with all the food & no way to cook it my wife improvised & made pans out of tin foil, or do they make disposable fry pans? Maybe a pie tin will work, daughter pointed out I don't need a spatula just eat right from pie tin then toss. Somebody can recycle it but not me. Cash n Carry will have all the paper products I need, they burn. Below is the start of what I thought would be a great 4day/3 night stay. Next sojourn is planned for the 13th, 14th & 15th of June.
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Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Several things learned on my maiden voyage, I have new respect for my wife. Feeding 3 kids & a fire-sitting-coffee drinking-basically-lazy-husband for 48 years cleaning up after them, washing the dishes, cooking, washing the dishes,,,etc all the while agreeing or pretending to agree that camping was fun. I also learned that when you are solo in a secluded 2/3 empty campground there is no one around to hear your rants & swearing. You find you have to do everything yourself. Loading, unloading, setting up camp & tearing it down at 10 PM with only a flashlight. Lucky for me I had finished 2 & started my 3rd Louis L'Amour book about the Sacketts. Our heroes were beaten up, walking in the desert with no water & fighting all sorts of vermin & villains. By jingle if they can survive & get the girl in the end so can I. Of course the girl was in the stories not real life.
Remember my user name is northing more than a name, something I remember from my Sunday school lessons.
Remember my user name is northing more than a name, something I remember from my Sunday school lessons.
Louis L'Amour, I gobbled down a ton of his books during the '80s. One of my favorites- Bendigo Shafter .
If you like stories about the old frontier days, check out The Massacre at Fall Creek by Jessamyn West.
If you like stories about the old frontier days, check out The Massacre at Fall Creek by Jessamyn West.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
One of the few things I have beliefs or thoughts about is reincarnation. I believe that I was a cowboy in my previous life, I guess I never got closure on that. I love westerns all the stories my dad used to tell me, he rode fence for the Utah Brownings (the gun people) in his youth, broke mustangs in the spring, turned them loose in the fall. I lived in the west both in my mind & physically. My heroes were John Wayne & Clint Eastwood & all their characters they portrayed. I read L'Amour books when I had idle time in the service, kind of got away from it when I started my career, so darn many manuals to keep current. Just since my new found stirrings for camping I found that I could cut the cord & get away from TV without too much trouble. My wife suggested reading, my neighbor is selling his home & was an avid western lore reader. He is downsizing his library & gave me most of his Zane Gray & L'Amour books. Some I have read, others I plan to. He donated all the others to our library (which is across the street). So my plans are to borrow them for every trip. I'll take your advice & see if they are included.
Another thing I like the 'ignore' option, I learned also that since retirement I don't have to deal with 'Nasty' people anymore!
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Spend the better part of an hour setting up my latest purchase, a 10 x 10 Ozark Trail canopy from Walmart. Actually easier setup than I was anticipating. Got the thing up then moved it to the back stradling the doors of the van. After getting shed of the storage unit in the back I had plenty of room & wondered why I wasn't using those doors. I had been using the side sliding door. It required a lot of room to open & close not to mention the noise. Decided to close off (not use) the sliding door giving me 4 feet more wall space. I did need to get a taller step stool to use because the back of the van is higher than the side. Figured I gained 18 sq feet of usable space with removing the shelf unit. Overall I now have over 200 feet of covered space for camping.
All my supplies are stored neatly under the bed or hanging on hooks bungeed tightly to the wall now that I downsized my actual needs versus my over-the-top Asperger expectations. The canopy bag /w canopy fits nicely at the back doors & will not be there after setup when I need to gain access during camping. It actually works much better than the original setup. I bungeed the canopy to my upper roof rack rail & that lifts it high enough (4") to close the doors. I can put my table /w Coleman stove (eggs & coffee only) & chair under the canopy with ample room for others. My propane (20lb) bottle sits next to the table connected with supply tree so that I can add my 2nd supply line snaked through a planned hole in the back door for my 'Mr Buddy' radiant heater that is coming from Amazon.
The 3rd fitting is for my propane lantern on the very top, I never did give that a try on my 1st trip. Darned if it doesn't work though & look great. No more toting the supplies to the picnic table over rough terrain. I took 3 pictures in my driveway with the setup but somehow they were all erased when I hooked up the smart phone to my PC. I'm be darned if I'm going to set it up just to get a few photos, let me assure this was one plan that worked out A'OK. Next time I'll download the pics before disassembling the setup. Oh & disassembly was much easier, took less 10 minutes.
All my supplies are stored neatly under the bed or hanging on hooks bungeed tightly to the wall now that I downsized my actual needs versus my over-the-top Asperger expectations. The canopy bag /w canopy fits nicely at the back doors & will not be there after setup when I need to gain access during camping. It actually works much better than the original setup. I bungeed the canopy to my upper roof rack rail & that lifts it high enough (4") to close the doors. I can put my table /w Coleman stove (eggs & coffee only) & chair under the canopy with ample room for others. My propane (20lb) bottle sits next to the table connected with supply tree so that I can add my 2nd supply line snaked through a planned hole in the back door for my 'Mr Buddy' radiant heater that is coming from Amazon.
The 3rd fitting is for my propane lantern on the very top, I never did give that a try on my 1st trip. Darned if it doesn't work though & look great. No more toting the supplies to the picnic table over rough terrain. I took 3 pictures in my driveway with the setup but somehow they were all erased when I hooked up the smart phone to my PC. I'm be darned if I'm going to set it up just to get a few photos, let me assure this was one plan that worked out A'OK. Next time I'll download the pics before disassembling the setup. Oh & disassembly was much easier, took less 10 minutes.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
See no one sees me. Goodbye
Lara
Friend of the Arts
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic Coast
I see you. Stay.
Lara
Friend of the Arts
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic Coast
hmm, intriguing. It may mean different things to different people. Other than the literal meaning of don't over-indulge (when your tummy is full walk away), it may have further or deeper applications like we shouldn't use more of the earth's resources than we need. Exercising self-control.
Some mother's used to make their children eat everything on their plate possibly setting a mindset leading to obesity. It became a power struggle. So the saying could apply to letting go of having to have the last word in an argument. Or maybe he meant don't burn any bridges...leave something to come back to in the future in case you want to.
If your father was an environmentalist then he may have related to these thoughts of self-control from the late Slim J Hooey who said...
"I have come to terms with the future. From this day onward I will walk easy on the earth. Plant trees. Kill no living things. Live in harmony with all creatures. I will restore the earth where I am. I will use no more resources than I need. And listen, listen to what the earth is telling me."
I did a painting of this quote because it spoke to me. One of my favorite paintings I've done. If you come back then I'll take a picture of it and post it here for you.
Trade, keep us posted on that thought
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Big test today at noon. Will be going camping next Tue, 20th. Picked out a campground that is actually closer to my home than the first try. I have my new Mr Heater (Buddy). Propane tanks with hoses & plenty of warmer clothing/bedding. My test for lunch I prepared my canned turkey, shredded cheese, 1 pad butter, canned chilies & vegetarian refried beans. I used a simple pie tin on our kitchen stove, wife suggested I preheat the tin then turn it way back to low. Added all my ingredients at once. Watched it closely, stirring a little with my plastic fork.
When the butter, cheese & beans were melted & mixed in with the meat & chilies I removed it from the heat, careful not to burn myself & carried it to our table. Felt the bottom it was warm but not too hot. Sat down chowed away with my fork, drank my cowboy coffee, when I finished I dumped the cans, pie tin, fork & coffee cup in the trash. No cleanup or dishes of any sort to do. I did have to store the excess beans & chilies in the fridge for the next meal. I will use paper bowls & tin foil for storage discarding or burning them before returning home.
It may not be the home delivered gourmet meal some are getting, but it tasted delicious to me. Low carb, veggies, little dairy/meat protein, coffee, a diabetic's meal. Total estimated cost: $2.75.
When the butter, cheese & beans were melted & mixed in with the meat & chilies I removed it from the heat, careful not to burn myself & carried it to our table. Felt the bottom it was warm but not too hot. Sat down chowed away with my fork, drank my cowboy coffee, when I finished I dumped the cans, pie tin, fork & coffee cup in the trash. No cleanup or dishes of any sort to do. I did have to store the excess beans & chilies in the fridge for the next meal. I will use paper bowls & tin foil for storage discarding or burning them before returning home.
It may not be the home delivered gourmet meal some are getting, but it tasted delicious to me. Low carb, veggies, little dairy/meat protein, coffee, a diabetic's meal. Total estimated cost: $2.75.
Lara
Friend of the Arts
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic Coast
Sounds tasty and what a deal...a cup of coffee alone costs 2.75 these days. Well, enjoy before you have to return home
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Cowboy or Sheepherder Coffee
Brewing a great cup of 'cowboy' coffee seems like an easy task. The good news is, unlike other culinary endeavors, making good 'cowboy' coffee is more about technique than splurging on a bunch of gadgets. I use an 8 Cup stainless steel pot, size doesn't matter since you want to only make enough coffee to fill one 24 oz cup. A bold and delicious cup is attainable at home if you avoid these common mistakes. My method is:
- Step 1 - Bring 3 (24 oz) cups water to boil (approx 10 min).
- I use an 8 cup stainless steel pot, (Ozark Trail from Walmart - $13).
- Step 2 - Add level ¼ Cup ground coffee, stir.
- I use long metal spoon, steam will burn your hand.
- Step 3 - Let boil 1 minute, remove from heat, stir.
- I stir again @ 2 min, then let rest 2 minutes (grounds settle).
- Step 4 - Pour slowly into cup from pot through strainer.
- I use 24 oz paper cup or my 20 oz ceramic mug, leave room for 1/3 Cup cream, enjoy.
6 Mistakes to avoid:
1. Using water that isn't hot enough
One of the most important things is to use boiling water that's between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit—nearly impossible to achieve with many commercial drip brewers. Water in this range extracts the most flavor from the beans. Higher altitudes water boils at a lower temp than 212 degrees.
2. Using beans that were ground a long time ago
Buying pre-ground beans is a no-no. The minute coffee beans are ground, they start to release their nuanced flavors. The longer you wait to brew, the more the flavor will have diminished. The easiest way to ensure fresh-ground beans is to buy them whole and grind them in the grocery aisle to use throughout the week. Otherwise, do it yourself at home: Invest in a low-cost blade grinder or, if you're a regular coffee-drinker and willing to splurge, spring for a burr grinder for an even finer grind.
Power up the grinder while the water is heating up. Ideally, you want to use beans that have been roasted within the last three weeks. The easiest way to ensure this is to know the roast date. Coffee roasters who sell their beans on site will often label the bags with this info. If you grab a bag of local beans at your grocer or farmers market, check the bottom of the package—they often stamp the date there.
3. Pouring into a cold cup
Think about it. If you pour hot liquid into a container of a lower temperature, it won't stay hot for long, right? Prolong your sipping pleasure by pre-warming the cup. The best part is that the water is already on its way to boiling—just pour some of the water into the cup, leave it in there while the coffee's brewing, and empty it before filling with coffee.
4. Drinking from the wrong kind of cup
Those dainty china teacups you pull out for a tea party or the super-functional Corelle coffee cup you've had for years are going to drop in temperature quickly, leaving you with room-temperature joe. A thick-walled cup maintains the coffee's steaming hot temperature for longer. Try to find a diner-style white coffee mug with a thick wall. I also like sipping from sturdy, handcrafted ceramic mugs. Metal cups lower the temp rapidly also.
5. Eyeballing the measurements
Spooning your recently roasted and carefully ground beans into the filter by eye is a habit you'll want to break now. Measuring grounds allows you to control the strength of the cup. A good rule of thumb 1/4 Cup to 24 ozs of water, makes 20 ozs of coffee after boiling loss. This will result in coffee that is bold and assertive.
6. Not upgrading your sugar and milk
How one takes his or her coffee is a matter of personal choice, but I always recommend trying to get the most flavor for your sip. In terms of creamer, I like to splurge and use half-and-half. Nonfat milk can water coffee down. I use no sweetner or artificial flavoring, but again personal choice.
Trade
Well-known Member
Have you ever read "The Complete Walker" by Colin Fletcher? There are several editions out. It's great. This post reminds me of that book.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Haven't read the book, with all my physical restrictions I had to adapt my needs & wants to what I was able to accomplish myself. The Van Dwelling started as a lark, I found I wanted to get back to camping but on a limited basis. Financially it wasn't a necessity. Having no hobbies, no collections, no desire to accumulate unneeded stuff, I found I led a pretty boring life. Computers were a big part of my life, but even the tech world has lost it's luster. I was a movie buff, but really how much wasted time have I spent re-watching some of my favorites. I like to read & that can be done anywhere. I hardly ever watch sports, too commercialized & caters to the over paid prima donnas. Don't have any favorite teams. As a child I played many sports, wasn't the best but adequate. I found I hated football, too many bumps on the head.
Moving on - I live in a senior manufactured housing park, 180 other residents. Some disabled, some just gave up on life. I sit on my porch (another favorite) watching neighbors realizing they had no more interest in activities than I. Taking care of their little gardens, a few flower pots & for excitement an occasional night out at either the buffet or free pie night at the diner. My health started suffering, I started thinking of how to generate a little excitement around me. I started a game night at the club house, I call bingo & go to the dinners. Been doing it for 6 years now & ready to scream, I told my wife I want to quit them all, it's become rather mundane & boring. So being on the autistic spectrum as I hope a high functioning Asperger I want change.
After my first journey I discovered several things I did like along with many I disliked. One dislike is washing dishes, clean up the camp, the housekeeping that's involved. I started looking for ways to minimize my processes. Getting rid of reuse able dinnerware was first, using things other that pots n pans was next (do need my water pot for coffee). How to keep my food fresh & not contaminated was on the agenda. Paper plates, disposable cookware, plastic utensils, paper towels, running a dry camp were the answers. Whatever I could eliminate was addressed, no showers (4 days max). No laundry, take enough to last & wear them more than once. Lighten my load, I went from 10 milk crates loaded with everything I thought I needed down to 5, most not half full. The only thing I did add was more blankets & a safe propane heater.
For food I opted for canned goods, surprising what you can get nowadays. Most of my veggies can be stored without refrigeration, sweet potatoes, canned beans, carrots, brussel sprouts, my allowed fruits consist of prepackaged unsweetened apple sauce. Of course my meats (poultry mostly) are canned, safer than fresh. Eggs can be kept on the shelf for up to a week, have them in those little doz camping containers, you need to turn them every few days, but I eat a lot of eggs. 2 doz last a week. Cheese, stays ok in those resealable packages, & in the cooler along with my insulin. I use evaporated milk instead of half n half for my coffee. Haven't had them go bad if I cover them. I bring most of the water needed for coffee & believe me I get my 80 ozs of liquids daily. Yes coffee counts.
I have to watch my sodium intake that's the only downside to canned. My BP is normal but it requires a battery operated cup. I don't smoke, drink or chase wild women, my only vice I enjoy is the gambling I've mentioned throughout my diaries, but that is under control with my budget.