Living Van Life My Way - Part Nomad, Part Homebody, 100% Connie
I've never been a normal van dweller. Then again, Iām not inclined to be normal at anything.
One thing that irks me is when others think I'm doing it all wrong, especially since their comments usually come from a place of inexperience. So, I'll continue to do van life my way!
Here's a snapshot of my van life escapades over the yearsā¦
My first few years of van lifeā¦
I moved into my van in October 2015. I was completely off-the-grid in my homemade, self-converted, solar-powered cozy little home on wheels.
Much of my time was spent out west camping in the Arizona desert, spending summers along the Washington/Oregon coast, and traveling to new places along the way.
For a couple months over the winter, I zipped across the USA to southeast Florida to visit my daughter, Nikki. I camped out in her boyfriendās Momās driveway (who lived in the same cul-de-sac as Nikki).
A few years laterā¦
I took a hiatus from the road to move in with my Dad so he didnāt have to go to a nursing home. But I wasnāt aloneā¦ my little buddy Cookie (the cutest Toy Poodle ever) was also with me.
I called Dad and Cookie āThe Boyzā. There was never a dull moment and they were always getting into mischief together.
Both Cookie and Dad passed away in February 2020ā¦ two weeks apartā¦ just before the Covid chronicles began.
During the height of Covidā¦
I was back on the road, trying to figure out life without The Boyz in the middle of a confusing pandemic.
There were different Covid rules depending on what part of the country I was in. It was a strange new world. I believe this is the point when van life changed for all of us pre-Covid-era van dwellers.
The past several yearsā¦
I found myself staying at campgrounds rather than being off-the-grid. Eventually, I ended up staying several months at a timeā¦ and I enjoy it!
The constant traveling of my early years wore me down. Before moving in with Dad, I was considering leaving the lifestyle. No wonder the average van lifer only stays on the road 2-3 years.
Finding my rhythmā¦
These days:
I spend up to 6 months in northwest Illinois over the summer months. This is my stomping grounds where most of my family lives. I also get routine medical appointments taken care of and help my Aunt who has dementia.
I spend up to 4 months in southeast Florida during the winter months. I visit Nikki and my Florida friends, soak in the sun and sea air, and roam the Florida Keys.
In between these 2 periods of time, I travel willy-nilly.
When I leave one place, Iām refreshed and ready to get on down the road. Itās a nice mix of down time and road time.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity often prevents me from doing Touristy type activities. I've learned to enjoy the simpler things - like spending time in nature.
Parting thoughtsā¦
When I tell people I live in a van, they usually assume I travel all the time, spend my nights at Walmart, and live in my van because Iām homeless.
The first few years I traveled a lot - putting almost 100,000 miles on the van before I moved in with Dad. I spent many a night at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, rest areas, and more.
Lately, Iāve slowed down. Iām sort of a nomadic homebody.
Some people might see my chosen lifestyle as unconventional but, for me, it's just the right blend of freedom, time with family, and travel.
On the other hand, as a woman, I hold the irrevocable right to change my mind on a moments notice without warning š
Connie š»
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