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Since I’ve last written (and I know it’s been a minute), life as a nomad, as you might have suspected, has been pretty much an unexpected chain of events. Where to begin? With the mold infestation that took a few painful in-breaths and my very knowledgeable friend to realize was growing on the underside of my sleeping platform, the coven of tiny moths convening inside my vehicle in the middle of the night, or the sudden onset of and supremely annoying jumpiness anytime I think a bug is brushing up against me? And then there is the army of yellow flies and their blood thirsty campaign as they battle for existence. Yes dear reader, has it only been two months since last we spoke?
I have got to tell you – except for precious moments spent with my daughter, I have never been more at peace or happier in my life.
Ah, Florida in spring! My love of living outdoors nearly trumped common sense when I thought it was possible to continue living in The Ramper and a screen tent in 97 degree temperatures. It was early May when the first heatwave hit and by May 7th, I had moved into a 10’ x 10’ tiny house with…an air conditioner! Undisclosed location here in central Florida has been more than good to me.
Putting aside so-called difficulties, my life is pretty dreamy. To dig into the root of my contentment, I would say that this lifestyle has led me to experience significant internal freedom away from the social contract that drives a consumer oriented society. You can only get so far away from it living in the west – but day by day the things that I have clung to are revealed to me and ultimately easier to let go of. Believe me, I am still a consumer, but my selections are guided more by what I actually need – physically and in all the other ways one cares to imagine.
When forecasting my financial future before selling our home and letting go of 90% of my possessions, I realized I was working to work. Almost everything I spent money on – property taxes, home expenses, gas and electric, the car, clothing – sustained my job and the stuff one needs to fill an 1100 square foot living space. Sure, my job allowed me to raise one heck of an amazing daughter. But now she is grown and the freedom (and relative cheapness) of living this way has given me the time and money to focus on organic, wholesome living. My extra dollars are spent at the grocery store where I no longer have to trade price for goodness. It has been interesting over the months to observe my mind grasping for Amazon. Each week that goes by, I am grateful to feel this inclination wane.
An additional health benefit is the opportunity to actually see daily what is coming out the other end (here she’s goes again). Yes – I spend time looking at my poops and peeps every day (one can’t really avoid it when living this way). Because of this, my hydration and digestion are well tended.
Certainly in life problems arise. And, one day I may not be able drive or I may need to purchase a home for whatever reason. But, as each day goes by, my mind wanders less and less to Zillow, seeks less for “security”, worries less about tomorrow. I have met long timers on the road who say it takes years to lose the niggly sense that one needs a sticks and bricks house, that something is missing. By spending time doing the things that make me stronger free from certain constraints and habits, I am building an internal core that I hope will see me through when life is…perhaps a bit less dreamy. I think that ultimately this makes me physically healthier. And healthier in all the other ways one might image.
Practical tips
Life on the road is different for everyone. For me, I thought my yearning was for the freedom of travel. After a year and a half, I see that staying in one place for a while is where true freedom is for me. For those just starting out, expanding your vision and loosening expectations will allow the road to unwind as it will.
MOLD on your platform? Not uncommon, so don't worry. Leave it in direct sunlight in a baking hot car for a couple of days if possible. Then , take it out, clean with vinegar, let dry. Drill some holes (larger than a 50 cent piece), paint with a product such as Kilz Mold and Mildew. Be sure to use damp rid or kitty litter ( or similar item) to absorb moisture on the day-to-day.
BUGS? Window screens are essential. I use these. Make sure they are properly in place. Bounce dryer sheets placed inside your vehicle and cotton balls with peppermint oil are useful. I also make and use a room spray with organic essential oils.
Bug spray recipe (includes links to my Amazon Affiliate store): 3 parts witch hazel (3/4 cup) – Dollar General has the best buy on this product
1 part water (1/4 cup)
10-20 drops each (or more if you like): lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, citronella essential oils
I use these bottles.
FLORIDA IN THE SUMMER? The beauty of living in a vehicle is you can just drive on up the road a bit until you catch a breeze. I’ll be heading north ways myself…very soon.
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