All Hallows' Eve

Halloween was so much more fun when I was a kid. That's all there is to it. Staying out late, running around in the dark, dressing up all silly, & not having a care in the world (other than candy). Maybe something's wrong with me, but I just don't feel inclined to dress up anymore, eat massive amounts of candy, or participate in horror movie marathons. It definitely could be fun, and I really thought maybe I would actually get dressed up this year, go out, and have some fun. But, No. I don't have much in the way of "costumes" in my van. Perhaps a beach-girl outfit or a jogger? Not very exciting choices. Instead, I took a nice long nap today, watched some lady bugs fly around inside my van, made a long to-do list....and Halloween has slipped by, like spaghetti thru a fork, just as it does every single year. Guess it isn't one of my top holidays. I much prefer Christmas and the 4th of July.

Carving pumpkins is definitely a fun Halloween tradition, but this is the first year in quite a few that I have not even done that. Instead, I just bought two medium sized pumpkins at a road-side stand and placed them in my van for festive decoration. They look wonderful, but I'm starting to get tired of listening to them roll around on the floor every time I take a curve. I already broke off one of the cool twisted stems... Last year, when I was still living in a house, I made some pumpkin wine with my leftover "decorations." It came out very tasty, although my home-made dandelion wine was much more potent.

Next year for Halloween, I swear I will not sleep all day in my van. I'm already planning my trip. I will drive to Chicago and go through the Statesville Haunted Prison and City of the Dead. I've never been through that specific haunted house, but I've heard that it is one of the best and takes about an hour to go through. Now doesn't that make Halloween sound like a little more fun?

spending the winter...Treasure Hunting!

And the countdown begins!!

Only a couple more weeks until I leave the frigid weather of Michigan...I'm planning on being out of here by mid November. I can't wait to go, I am going to spend the next 6 months Treasure Hunting for gems, jewels, and metals ....with a little twist.

I've decided to take my boyfriend with me, so I need to get rid of some stuff or put more of my things into storage. Not like there is much in my van as it is, but I am figuring I will need to downsize even more. Talk about having practically nothing! (although not having much stuff to deal with feels pretty good...) I am also betting it will be pretty cramped quarters for quite awhile... and I'm so used to having my Westy to myself... I will eventually find out (along with all of you..) if I can keep my sanity & handle sharing my space for that long. Although it may be slightly rougher than I am used to, I'm sure it will be great to have a partner on the road for awhile. :) Traveling can get a little lonely at times, although I am definitely a lover of solitude and cherish time to myself. I've got so many hobbies that I can always keep busy. Simple things make me happiest. Being outdoors, traveling, people watching, breathing fresh air, and even closing my eyes in my woods & listening for a tree to fall. I am going to soak in as much of that kind of peace and fun as I can while I'm on the road. And if I'm feeling too cramped while sharing my van, maybe I will finally just take up meditation. I've been yearning to start meditating for quite some time now. Anyhow, seeing as how I'm not quite sure where exactly I'm headed but I am determined to treasure hunt in several different states, I'm sure this will be a journey like none other.. Who knows where I'll end up, and that is part of the fun.

So my van, my boyfriend, my metal detector, (and not much else) are headed south after election day. Did you know that you can hunt for Topaz in Utah, Rose Quartz in Georgia, Benitoite & Jade in California, Diamonds in New York, Emeralds in North Carolina, Turquoise in Nevada, and Star Garnets in Idaho? You can also pan for Gold in California and several other states. You pretty much just need a little shovel, pick, screwdriver, bucket, and screen to find alot of those various treasures. You can also use a metal detector for various finds, which is what I'm planning on doing as well. Nobody said it will be easy, in fact, it will probably be a lot of hard work. But I love hiking and camping, and I'm quite used to roughing it. I am prepared to work a little bit to find my treasures..

I bought my metal detector last winter in Florida, at a Walmart somewhere near Bradenton I think. It has been a wonderful purchase, and it is still so exciting every time it beeps. I've found about 40 bucks in change so far, a sterling silver bracelet, a foreign coin, and I have picked hundreds of nails, pull tabs, metal garbage, & bottle caps off of our beautiful beaches. After a lot of digging, I even found an old bicycle! It was buried at a beach in Key West, and I just left it there...What was I supposed to do with that?

The next 6 months, however, I am hoping to search and search until I find some more silver... or some gold.. or some platinum! But even if all I do is clean up litter from the earth and find lots of pennies, I'm still happy. Metal detecting is great hobby.

Last year, I met a wonderful gentleman named Glenn who was metal detecting on South Miami Beach. He gave me some terrific tips and told me to always to carry pepper spray with me when I'm out in the early morning hours of dawn. (I've now got 2 pepper sprays, just in case one doesn't work...) He also said, "Never show your finds to anyone. Keep them to yourself." And after some horror stories he shared with me, I definitely agree. If anyone asks, I haven't found anything except pennies & pull tabs... Another important thing to do is to pick up all the bottle caps & garbage you uncover. You took the time to find it, so you might as well get it off the ground. Perhaps start a collection of all the metal objects you find and create something fun. Make a sculpture or decorate something? Glue them on your dash and turn your vehicle into an art car. :-)

There are many other things to keep in mind while metal detecting, several different techniques, and lots of neat screens & scoopers for sale (or you can make a little one with a can and some wire). There are even many areas in the U.S. with metal detecting clubs, and I hadn't realized that until after I bought mine. I love metal detecting. Maybe you would, too? If you have some free time or want to make some money, perhaps give it a try. Not only might you find some coins on the beach, but someone just might pay you a finder's fee if they've lost something and want you to search for it.. I am very much looking forward to several months of treasure hunting.

Free 411 (& cell phone tips)

On an icky, rainy, snowy, sleety, disgusting-weather day like today, sometimes I prefer to stay "home," just like everybody else. If I don't feel like shopping, wandering in a building, visiting a friend, going to the library, or going to a coffee shop on a nasty day, then I just stay "indoors," relaxing in my van.

Today I went thru some old emails and was reminded of some great phone tips that are worth sharing.

One number I use religiously on my cell phone is 1-800-FREE-411. (1-800-373-3411). I use it especially when I'm scoping out a new area and want to learn what banks, health food stores, restaurants, fitness centers, and other businesses are in that city. It is a free directory assistance for cell phones, and it allows you to search by city & state, then by business or residential, and then by name or by type. Since sometimes I don't know where I'll end up, it is extremely handy. It can even send you a text message with mapquest directions on how to get to your destination.

Being a young lady in a van, I am definitely concerned with safety.
Lets see, here are a couple emergency cell phone tips:
311 and 911 can be used interchangeably. I've tried it. If you try it, don't just hang up - Tell them there is no emergency and you are just testing 311.

The Emergency Number world-wide for mobile phones is: 112
If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112, and the phone will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you. Interestingly, this number can be dialed even if your keypad is locked. I swear. Try it out, but again, don't just hang up. Tell them what you are doing. You can read more about dialing 112 at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_telephone_number

Also, in many areas, dialing *77 or #77 will call the highway patrol/state trooper in your area. For a list of the highway emergency numbers in every state, visit:
http://www.911dispatch.com/911/mobilenumbers.html

If you lock yourself out of your car, you can get yourself back in using your cell phone and your spare remote keyless entry clicker (if it's at someone's house). If someone is at home with your remote keyless entry, call their cell phone with your cell phone. You can hold your phone about a foot away from your car door and have the person at home press the unlock button on your clicker. Yes, I crossed this out on purpose, because it was wrong information. I guess that tip is actually an urban legend.. Sounds nice, though, doesn't it? Thanks for the info (via the comment)! :)

Another neat tip is how to find out the serial # to your phone, and that you can use it to disable your cell phone if it is stolen. To learn your mobile phone's unique serial number, key in the following 5 digits: * # 0 6 #
I thought that was pretty neat. Anyway, write down your serial number and give it to your service provider if your phone is ever stolen. Then they'll be able to block your handset, so the phone will be totally useless, even if the SIM card is replaced.

Hopefully you have just learned something new ~ Phone tips are always good, especially if they make you feel a little bit safer.

As a final note for the evening, I find Free 411 to be so extremely helpful that I don't even mind its brief advertisements anymore - I was recently driving with a friend in an unfamiliar city, and we really wanted to eat some Thai or Indian food. I called Free 411 and searched for "East Indian Cuisine" in the city we were entering. It gave me a list of places to choose from, their phone numbers, and their addresses. I picked the one I wanted, and Free 411 then texted me exact mapquest directions on how to get there from where I was. It was just incredible - Free 411 AND the Indian Cuisine.

oops!

Sorry if you clicked on any of my links and they didn't work. I fixed the few that were broken, so please give them a whirl again.

Day of Deals

I love saving money, and I have a lot of fun trying to find the best deals that I can.

I will definitely pay a high price for quality items that are worth it when I need them, but I am also a pro at scouring newspapers, price checking, and living as cheap as possible.

Today I spent the entire day helping a friend find a new tv set for her house. We looked everywhere, price checking at practically every electronic store you could imagine. How can companies get away with charging so much for a television set? People actually pay that much for a TV? What a rip off. I swear we did not find one tv for under $400. And what ever happened to good old tube tvs? I personally liked the old ones better than the new ones because they just seemed so much sturdier. The guy at ABC Warehouse told me that they throw tons of perfectly good tube tvs into their dumpster, all the time, because people don't know what to do with them after they've "upgraded" to a new style. Ugh. Someone needs to capitalize on that and pick up all those tvs from stores like that, before they get tossed into the dumpster. It makes me sick. They could then sell them in the newspaper, making a little money and also helping to re-use & recycle. That would be so much better.

I am glad, however, that today we were able to find a wonderful 32" RCA tube tv in the newspaper for her, at an exceptional price. That is the way to shop. Get what you want at a good price, re-use perfectly good items, give someone a little money, and everyone's happy. That sure makes you feel good.

Another thing that makes you feel good is when you get things for free, especially free food...

I love going to Sam's Club. Not only can you usually park there overnight, but you can basically have lunch there for free. Which is what I did today, as I went to Sam's Club for my occasional meal of free~samples. :-) Today they had boneless buffalo wings, juice, soup, granola bars, breaded chicken, crackers, all sorts of stuff! MMmm. If you ever need a quick "pick me up" snack and are short on cash, head to your nearest Sam's Club. You don't even need to be a member, just tell someone in the parking lot that you forgot your card (or your mom's card, if you look young like me, and it seems more convincing..). Tell them you don't really need your card to buy anything, because you just wanted to do a quick price check on something. Ask if you can walk in with them, and then go take advantage of all the free samples your heart desires.

Meet My Westy!

My Volkswagen Westfalia is a 1985 water-cooled 1.9 liter. She is the greatest van ever & I call her my lady~bus. Although I had momentarily considered breaking out the red & black paint to match her with the name I bestowed upon her, I did not follow thru. Definitely better to remain covert.

It sure was fun when I was first introduced to my Westy. I hadn't realized that so many things were different! Gas goes in near the passenger door, and if you flip up the license plate, in goes oil & coolant. Wiper fluid goes into the driver's side floor, & I've got a fridge, sink, stove and water & electrical hookups. The engine is in the back of the van, so I have to move my bed cushion to get to the engine compartment. The radiator and spare tire, however, are way up in the front. I quickly discovered that her speediest wiper speed is more like a snail's pace, and she really likes to c-r-e-e-p up those hills. On flat ground, though, she has tons of pep if you want to push her pedal to the metal. I, however, do not, and I drive like a little old lady. People pass me all the time, and I don't feel the slightest bit bad about it. Save your gas, people. Quit driving like maniacs. Take it easy. Go the scenic route.

She was in great shape when I got her, and she hasn't really had any extreme problems. She has no rust, since she's from Arizona, so I'll make sure she never has to see a Michigan winter. Shorty after I moved in, I got to give her my very first oil change ever, which was somehow oddly exciting for me. It felt so rewarding to really get to know my vehicle and work on it myself. Other than routine maintenance, I only had to do minor things when I moved in.

First, I definitely had to bleach the life out of the interior ceiling. It was covered with mold. I then had to get a new skylight & have it replaced, since it was cracked & didn't open correctly. Now it works great, and I even velcroed a little bugscreen over it. I do still need to get some foam or something and stitch up a big rip in the passenger seat. I also need to fix the bug screen in my pop-top since it is full of holes. -making mental notes- Oh! Now that I think about it, my cd player is also broken, so maybe I'll mess with that, too. (I've been listening to my hand-crank radio and the mp3s on my phone instead..)

Sometime soon I would like to learn more about hooking up a 2nd battery (I'd prefer an AGM deep cycle battery) and get that done. I've found lots of informational sites out there on how to do it, I just need to combine my resources, sit down, and figure it out. I also have a coolant leak that I really NEED to fix. I've been putting it off, but I can't afford to keep dumping more and more coolant in there. The hose that connects to a pipe underneath the back of my van is really warped, and it leaks badly, even with 2 hose clamps on it. It is expecially bad when I idle, which is when it just gushes out. I tried to track down a new hose, but VW doesn't make the one I need anymore, so I have to figure something out. Hmm. That is a top priority.

Organizing:

One of the first things I got for my van was a bike rack and storage tote for the top. Both are very, very handy. I don't know what I would do without my bike, because I just love having it with me. It is perfect for scoping out different parking areas and getting around while saving on gas... I really ought to get a sticker that says "My other van is a bicycle."

On the inside of my van, there is pretty much a spot for everything. I've got little plastic totes in my "closet" that are perfect for my socks & undies, and I've got 3 plastic totes on my bed that contain the rest of my clothes. Then I've got 3 shelves in the little cupboard near my bed, where I keep things like books, journals, art supplies, hammock, frisbee-golf discs, and toiletries. I used velcro to hang a little mirror inside that cupboard and also to hang a little bulletin board next to my bed. I use it to keep track of where I'm going and where I've been. I also found a handy green storage net and hung it over the top of my kitchen area. It is perfect for my pjs, apples, contact solution, radio, and the tiny toy troll with pink hair that I bought at a yard sale to keep me company...anything and everything finds its way into that net. I also found a terrific backseat organizer. It it perfect for my lighter, pens, bugspray, notepads, incense, wet-wipes, candle lantern, flower vase, etc. My bed also folds into a bench seat, and there is extra storage under there, too. I've found that perfect for my rain boots, shoes, yoga mat, tent, backpack, towels, and "Gift of Enlightenment" boardgame.. Ever played it? It keeps you tuned in to your chakras...

There are many other little nooks and crannys in my van for things like repair manuals, replacement parts, food, and kitchen utensils. I have also found ziplock bags to be a very good friend. My van didn't come with anything to put beverages in while I was driving, so I got a cheap little plastic console at Kmart and put it on the floor between the 2 front seats. My sunglasses & dried lavender also hang out in there. Oh! I also installed a little net on the ceiling above my bed. I can hang an LED light in there, right above me, when I'm reading, or put my books in there when I go to bed.

Keeping things cozy:

I have made my van into a little apartment on wheels, because I just love being comfortable. The rugs and welcome mat on my floor came from my old apartment, and they actually fit perfectly in my van. And I mean they fit just PERFECTLY, without any modification. Since I loved my rugs, I took that as one sign that I was making the right decision by moving into my van. :) My favorite wind-chime also sings to me more than it ever did my apartment.. It jingles above my bed, everywhere I go..

My ivy plant came with me, as did my aloe. I used velcro to secure the ivy to my counter, so it doesn't get hurt. I also bought a 3rd plant of some type at a garage sale this summer, because the lady talked me into it. She seemed to think it would be perfect in my van, and I couldn't disagree.. Some of my favorite magnets and magnetic photo frames came with me too, since there is a handy magnetized area above my bed. I really don't have much in my van, but it does actually get messy at times. I don't know how I manage it, but it can definitely end up looking very much like a closet. Then, if I'm feeling lazy, my method of cleanup is to throw things into my laundry basket & deal with them later. Hmm. That actually seems like a good idea right about now.

Eating well, in my van..

For a healthy snack or small meal, I will often make my own little stuffed appetizer... It's very easy to do in a van, and it also won't cost you much money. Pick one item from each list and experiment - the possibilities are endless.

STUFF: avacado, red pepper, cabbage or lettuce leaves, celery, cucumber, nori, tomato, or zucchini.
WITH: guacamole, hummus, nut or seed butters, ceviche, pate, veggies or fruits, diced mango or papaya with ginger, pesto, diced tomatoes with basil, carrots, coleslaw, or greens.

I am honestly all over the place when it comes to what I eat, although I always prefer to eat very healthy & simply. Sometimes I am on a raw-food-only phase, and then sometimes I just switch to a vegan or vegetarian diet. And then, of course, there are times when I get on a spree of eating junk, which is what I've been doing lately and it feels horrible.

When I don't think about what I'm taking in, I end up feeling lost & like a completely different person. I really want to stay away from sugars, meat, and white products, but I always seem to eventually fall back into some pattern of eating things that I don't really want to. Ugh. That is when I decide to clear my palette and start over by doing a one day fast - and that is what I'm doing today. I have often heard that it is very beneficial to do a one day fast every month or couple months. If your body isn't busy trying to digest & process, it is better able to help rid your body of toxins. I don't fast that often, although I do try out different methods of detoxing from time to time. A short while back I did a Blessed Herbs internal cleansing program & colon cleanse, and the results were amazing.

When it comes to eating healthy on the road, I mainly just buy non-perishables like granola bars, oatmeal, peanut butter, brown rice crackers, dried fruit, and nuts. The only perishable food I normally buy is fruit, and I eat that so incredibly often that it never has a chance to go bad. If I am hungry, I just stop at a grocery store. I love fruits, veggies, and salads of all types. Is there a Farmers Market nearby? If so, I am jumping for joy! It is so much cheaper to try and make my own creations in my van, although McDonalds has a surprisingly tasty Asian Chicken Salad, and Subway will never cease to be my friend. Mmm.

Trying to eat in my van doesn't really require much effort. My top utensils used are a cutting board, spork, knife, can opener, and my Orikaso backpacking dishes. I also don't know what I would do without my mug, since green tea is essential. Have you tried "By the Light of Day" teas? Peaceful Peninsulas Organic & Fair Trade Green Tea is my favorite. Also, if you are into organic eating, raw foods, or health, I recommend checking out David Wolfe's Sunfood Nutrition and the Raw Family. Lots of great nutritional foods and info there.

vote in my survey!

Please take the time to scroll down to the survey on the right of my page. I would love to get your opinion on vehicle living :) Thank you!

Money $$$

I used to feel pretty secure, since I was working hard & steady in the same factory for 6 years straight. I bought nice gifts for people every Christmas, and I bought everything I ever needed & wanted at the time. I had my own apartment, saved money, and paid cash for my first car. I even bought a house when I was 22. I was on quite a roll until I got laid off and never got called back.

Today I am writing about money since I've got money on the brain. It's hard not to think about money when you haven't got any, you are frustrated with collecting unemployment, and you are in debt & not comfortable with that.

I had a problem with my unemployment this morning and had to give them a call. I had to wait on hold for over 2 hours in order to talk to a real human. NO LIE. Thankfully I have lots of extra minutes on my phone plan. I wonder if they had such a "high call volume" (as the recording kept relaying to me) because it is Monday. Or maybe because there are SO MANY people unemployed right now. Sigh.

While being in my van this summer, however, I was able to pick up several misc. cash jobs. I did some interior painting for a landlord, sorted cherries at an orchard, and did some brush-cleanup & weed-whacking at a horse farm. I heard about those jobs through a friend, through the newspaper, and on a flyer at the grocery store. There are so many other options, though, for someone needing to make cash money. Dog~walking, cleaning houses, babysitting, and yard~work are a few things that I personally considered.

Sure, there are many options for making money if you are willing to think broad and try anything. The best thing, though, in my opinion, is to figure out your passion. My passion is taking photographs. I was a painting major in college, and I just love art. I love being outdoors, and I love sharing what I see. I have recently opened my own online shop, selling products that feature my original photography. I will never stop taking photos, and I hope to share them with people everywhere.

I know I won't be collecting unemployment forever, especially if they keep sticking me on hold. In the heart of winter this year, look for me out on the beaches in Southern Florida. I will take your picture and sell you an instant portrait~postcard. :) That's where I'll be, trying to make some money. 

Well, since I'm on the subject, I guess it can't hurt to ask,

and I really wouldn't ask if I wasn't feeling such financial despair...

Ok. I have converted my body into html code and am now standing inside this blog post. I am juggling 3 apples with one hand, giving out free flowers with the other, and singing "You are my Sunshine." There is a sign at my feet reading "donations" and a little tin can that I saved from my last can of beets. Thank you for any generosity that washes over you.  :) All proceeds will go towards the gas and food that allows me to keep going, keep taking photos, and keep updating this blog.

Seriously though, if you aren't offended by my tip jar, I do hope you keep coming back and reading my blog. I love having you here. And if you do happen to click on the button - and you provide me with your name & mailing address - I will add you to my personal, hand-written, snail-mail Christmas card list if you donate at least $1.00. Honestly.

Volkswagen-Specific Links

RoadHaus - Great source of info by Larry Chase
RoadHaus Links - many more VW resources and sites
Vanagon & Eurovan Community - vanagon.com (lots of info)
The Full Moon Bus Club
Vanagon Mailing List
Been There Done That - Vanagon Tips and Tricks from the Vanagon Mailing List
Tom's VW Pages - Engine Conversions, Technical Pages, Handy Info!!!
Westfalia.org Community - Technical Info, etc.
WetWesties.org - Pacific Northwest Camping Society
LoveMyBus.com - Long Live the Buses
Vanagon Rescue Squad!!
AIRS - Aircooled Interstate Rescue Squad!!
VW Repair Shops - The largest VW repair shop listing anywhere (+ reviews)
VW Campsite Directory - from the helpful RoadHaus site by Larry Chase
Volkswagen Westfalia Campers -Wikipedia
Buses by the Bridge - VW Campout
The Old Volks Home - VW mechanical information
Buses by the Beach - Group of VW lovers, based in MI
Rachel's VW Vanagon - The Mystery Machine!!
ZamoraBlog - Photos & Stories from Vanagon Life in Mexico
Aswah's VDub Travel Guide
Barb Cotton's Page - Her travels in an '83 Westy
"Tales of a 21st Century Gypsy" - Joy Hecht's travels in an '89 VW Vanagon
What Do You Keep In Your Bus?
VW Facebook! (Photos)
Westy Ventures - Volkswagen Vanagon T3 Specialist
Fancher's Upholstery, Inc. - VW windshield covers, screen repair kits, etc.
A Vanagon for All Seasons - Transforming Your Westfalia
Hank's Blog - full-timing in a VW Vanagon
Wolfy - Dave's old blog about his Westy (Wolfsburg Edition)
Stretch Vanagon!
VW Westy Diesel - Martin's really neat page!
Type2.com - technical article library & discussion for 1949-1983 aircooled VWs
We Stay Gone - Chris & Jenn provide vandwelling tips from living in their vanagon
Ratwell.com - Richard Atwell's VW Bus Pages (Extensive list of links & info)
GoWesty Library - Excellent VW article library! (lots of technical info)
Coast to Coast - The ongoing adventures of a 1971 VW and its owners
Bacalar Blog - Westfalias to Bacalar Mexico
VW Vanagon/Westfalia Mechanics - Repairs, Parts, and Info by Frank Condelli

VW Yahoo Groups:
VWVanFullTimers - Living or traveling in a Volkswagen Bus/Van
Westfalia - People who love their VW camper
WetWesties - Pacific Northwest VW camping society

Volkwagen Repair Shops, Maintenance, and Parts:
Vanagon.com
VW Repair Shop Listings - The largest VW repairs shop listing anywhere!
Westy Ventures - Volkswagen Vanagon T3 Specialists (engine conversions, etc!)
Johnson Foreign Auto - Specializing in VW and Audi (does repairs in Alabama & will ship parts)
Old Volks Home - VW mechanical info
Type2.com - has an excellent technical library for air-cooled VWs
TheSamba - Volkswagen classifieds, parts, photos, shows, forums, & info (also lists repair shops!!)
GoWesty! - Parts & Accessories for VW Westfalia Campers
Bus Depot - VW Parts
vanagonparts.com - New & Used Vanagon Parts & Accessories
Van-Again - Your source for VW Vanagon Parts
West Coast Metric - Volkswagen Parts
OE Vee Dub - OEM Restoration Parts for VW Vanagon & Syncro
Bustoration.com (aka www.type2parts.com/ & www.oldvolks.com/) - Volkswagen Bus Parts Center
Terry's Vanagon Westfalia Accessories
Terry's Vanagon & Bus Parts
Van Cafe - VW Vanagon Parts Store
Fancher's Upholstery, Inc. - VW windshield covers, screen repair kits, etc.
BustedBus.com - 1968-1979 VW Bus Parts... at your fingertips!
The Bus Boys, Inc. - parts for your 1956-1991 VW Bus, Pickup, Vanagon, or Westfalia
Mid America Motorworks - Air-cooled VW Parts/Accessories
AirCooled.net - More parts for your air-cooled VW (plus an air-cooled technical library)
Wolfsburg West - Parts for your VW Beetle and Bus
Transporter Werks - VW Service, Restoration, Technical Tips, and Parts
Park Avenue Motors - (VW and Audi service near Daytona Beach, Florida)
Zolly Motors - (located in Arlington, Virginia)
V Depot - (VW and Audi Service in Hollywood, Florida)
Doug's Import Service - the best VW mechanic in Northern Michigan

VW Vanagon Seat-Cover Suppliers:
http://www.buy-hawaiian-seat-covers.com/
http://www.sewfineproducts.com/
http://www.wetokole.com/
http://www.beachtrading.com/haseco.html (where I got mine)
Here is also how they fit inside Mike's 79 Riviera:(http://www.mikerule.com/79Rivi/seats/seatcovers1.jpg)

Mobile-Lifestyle Related Links

This is my ongoing list of favorite vehicle-dwelling websites. Most contain helpful van dwelling stories, tips, photos, and information. I am constantly adding more (and making sure my links are still good). I last updated all these links on 2/6/2010. Got a link to add? Please send it to me!

Cheap RV Living - by Bob Wells (Living & Traveling in a Van, Car, or RV)
Car, Van, and Campervan Living - VanDwellers.org & Carliving.info (MUCH info!!)
Phrannie.org - Very useful site! Printable "poop sheets" with lots of RV living resources & tips
Nomadic Home - Discusses various types of traveling homes and the nomadic lifestyle
Nomadic Home's New Site! - Check it out :)
Welcome to VanDweller's Den! - vandweller.org, but click on thru to http://www.brotherscott.org/
Van Life - from vandweller.org
How to Live in Your Van - by Wendy Usually Wanders
WikiHow - How to Live in your Car
Wikibooks - Van Dwelling
Don't Come Knockin' - click on "Slummin' It, Tips For Living in Your Van"
FullTimeRver.com - Lifestyle of Freedom & Adventure
Terry's High on Life Page
Extreme Frugality - Living out of your car
HobNob Blog - Special "Living in your car" Edition
Roadtrippin.com
Walking Onion's van - pics of Willie Utillie
Ron's Travelin' Machine - Van (part 1) and Trailer (part 2)
Mark's Full-Time RV Resource - provides info for both RVers & vandwellers
Mr.Sharkey - Information (& discussion forum) relating to House Buses & House Trucks
Housetrucks.com - click on "Show me more Trucks and Buses"
Art Car Central - check out all the AWESOME vehicles! I LOVE this site
Homes on Wheels - An Online Magazine about Mobile Lifestyles
Frugal RV Travel - great photos & fun to read
RVTravel.com - List of Interesting RV Travel Blogs
Boondocking Blog
Choosing an Overland Campervan - for those thinking about International van travel
Van Livin' Tips - Covers basic things to know, such as bathing, cooking, etc. (from "We Stay Gone")
Something Wicked Comes - Van Dwelling: Is it for you?

Blogs/Personal Sites (LOTS of tips within their archives):
VanTramps - "Our version of life on the road"
A Guy, A Dog, A Rig, and a Dream - Brian's blog
To Simplify - Glenn's pursuit of happiness thru simpler living
The Oasis Of My Soul - Ara & Spirit's site! (a motorcycle, a sidecar, and a dog...)
Hitek Homeless - A couple 30-somethings embark on the ultimate roadtrip
Possum Living - Great site! Lots of practical, survival info.
The Urban Vandweller - a blog and guide for the modern nomad (many topics covered)
freedomvan - She doesn't blog anymore, but reading her past entries in Hawaii are still great
My Van Life - Nick's blog with lots of van conversion photos
Live.Work.Dream. - Working to Find the Dream Life (Jim & Rene's Full-Time RV Lifestyle)
Sailing, Simplicity, & The Pursuit of Happiness - Teresa & her cat live together on a 27 ft. sailboat
La Casita Bella - Bernie and Mar's adventures in an RV named Bella
Life at 55 MPH - Mar's page continued...
Carrot Quinn's blog - Her post about packing light (since she rides freight trains & hitchhikes)
The Road Less Traveled - blog by Barbara & Ron
Life on the Open Road - blog by Diana (a full-time RVer for 10 years)
Mobile Kodgers
jmcampervan - camper-van conversion/road trip
The Stealth VanDweller - free from the trappings and limitations of so called "normal living"
Right to Bleed - (previously "Holding the Empty") Used to van-dwell, so several posts contain vandwelling info
Building Luna - Two ladies living in a homebuilt house-bus
Hoopty Life - One homeless woman's guide to van dwelling, car living, & urban camping
Among the Oaks - Lindy lives in a school bus in the woods
A Year in a Car for No Apparent Reason - Jessica's blog
Blabberon - Ron's neat vans & travels
Two Knives Katie
Enchanted Gypsy - Travel Diaries
HoboStripper - Tara's tips on living in a van
Wendy Usually Wanders - "A Dog, A Cat, and a Crazy Old Lady Wander the US"
Living and Boondocking in Mexico
The Adventures of Tioga & George
Matt & Sarah - Their journey across Europe in a motorhome (fun to read & neat pics)
Stephen Stewart's Site - He has visited 110 countries & is still traveling
Technomadia - The adventures of Chris & Cherie
721sandwiches.wordpress.com - Chris's blog about living in his van
721pm - Chris's old blog about living in his van
Homes on Wheels - Chris's UK site
BumFuzzle.com - Pat & Ali travel by VW, catamaran, and Porsche...
Travels with Miranda - a 30 year-old Canadian gal, 2 cats, an RV, and the call of the open road
Life on our Ark - Adventures and Troubleshooting For Rookie Full-Time RVers in Canada
Mimi (and me) on the Move
A Van Dwelling Wanderer - Travels with Sadie
The Ultimate Roving Home
Swankie Wheels - the adventures of a retired webmaster
LordandCurtiss.ws - Brenda's blog
Agent X's page - American by Birth, but Free by Choice...
The Spartan Student - Ken is living in his van to afford college
Carliving.info/blog - Romana's blog!! (Diary of a traveling hermaphrodite)

Yahoo Groups:
VanDwellers - Join the Tribe! (valuable resource)
MobileLiving - Using your vehicle for full-time living or extended stays
HouseTrucks - Info pertaining to housetrucks and buses
SchoolBUSconversioNUTS - If you own/have owned/want to own a skoolie!
AllAboutRVing - Interested in RVs? Than this is your group!
BoonDocking - All about "dry camping" and sharing free camping locations
Walmart RVing - Sharing info about the businesses that allow overnight parking
VanLivingandCamping - For those who like to live and travel by van

Helpful Resources For Those On the Road:
Good Sam Mail Service - "We Stay Home, So You Don't Have To"
FreeCampgrounds.com - (includes parking lots)
FreeCampsites.net - (another good site!!)
ParkFreeOvernight.com
CasinoCamper.com - A resource for RV travelers & vehicle dwellers
DesertDutch.org - Free Campgrounds in Southern California
U.S. National Forest Campground Directory - Excellent Site!
U.S. National Forests and Forest Service Guide
US Forest Service
Find a Forest by State - (park for free in "dispersed camping" areas on national forest land)
National Park Service
The Lewis & Clark Trail Road Trip Planner - very cool site with information on the route from Missouri to Washington!
ActiveDiner - Restaurant Guide for US & Canada
Deep Cycle Battery FAQ - Thinking of hooking up a 2nd battery?
Escapees RV Club - A total support network for RVers
NuRVers - community of RVers
The Simple Living Network - Has an informative Discussions Forum!
Craigslist.Org - Use Craigslist to search your local area for jobs, rideshare, items for sale, vehicles, etc.
SearchTempest.com (was CraigsHelper.com)- Searches all the different Craigslists on the same page!
Kbb.com - Official Kelley Blue Book Site (Vehicle Prices)
Nada Guides - New/Used vehicle prices (like kbb, but for RVs, Boats, Motorcycles, Classic Cars, etc.)
www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm - The fuel economy of any vehicle newer than 1984
Biodiesel.org - Biodiesel Retail Fueling Site Locations
SolarCooking.org - Solar Cooking Archive
WikiHow - How to Cook Food on your Car's Engine
HockeyPucSays.com - providing information & help for vehicle dwellers, homeless individuals, etc.
BLM - Bureau of Land Management info (Long Term Camping on Public Land)
GasBuddy - search by city, state, or zip for a list of all gas stations & their current gas prices
HUGE LIST - websites for U.S. campgrounds & parking locations (created by John & Sharon)
City-Data.com - great data resource for all U.S. cities (temperature, population, rainfall, house prices, relocation info, etc.)
PickYourOwn.org - Find a "pick your own" fruit/vegetable farm near you!
Going Shampoo-Free! - Info on baking soda/apple-cider vinegar hair-washing
WWOOF-USA - Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms
CouchSurfing.org - a worldwide network for making connections between travelers & communities

Finding Free Wi-Fi Internet Locations:
PublicLibraries.com - Info on all the public libraries in the U.S. (great for traveling)
JiWire - Free wi-fi Internet finder! It even has a downloadable program that will find wi-fi locations while you aren't even online
WiFiFreeSpot.com - another free wi-fi location search
Superpages Wi-Fi- Hotspot Search

Finding Work/Job Resources:
Workamper News - Helping Rvers explore America... One Job at a Time
Workamping for VanDwellers - Info from Bob Wells cheaprvliving site
Craigslist.Org - You can actually find jobs in your area using Craigslist!
Hitek Homeless - Good Post about Workamping & Finding Jobs
USAJobs - The Federal Govt's Official Job Search Site
Etsy - A site where you can sell anything handmade!
eBay - Sell anything & everything on eBay
eHow - How to make money while traveling
Workers on Wheels - Work for RVers and Campers
WWOOF-USA - Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms

Different Vehicle Heating Methods:

Little Woodstoves:
http://www.marinestove.com/sardineinfo.htm
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000666.php
http://wood-pellet-ireland.blogspot.com/2008/09/wood-stove-in-wood.html

Forced-Air Propex Heaters (propane):
http://www.westyventures.com/propex.html
http://www.frankcondelli.com/propex.htm
http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/

Espar Heaters (gas or diesel):
Rixens.com

Gardening on the Road:
SproutPeople.com - Great Site! Sells hemp bags and an "Easy Sprout" for van-friendly growing
Basket Garden - Learn to grow veggies in a basket!
Sprouting.com - Info, products, & good pricing on organic seeds
Primal Seeds - More helpful info on seeds & sprouting

Places/Events to Visit:
The Burning Man - annual art festival in the Black Rock Desert, in Northern Nevada
Wikipedia - About the Burning Man
Raw Spirit Festival - Healthy Living, Raw Vegan-Eco-Peace Celebration
Rainbow Family of Living Light - The Annual World Family Gathering (Rainbow Gathering)
WelcomeHome.org - Unofficial Homepage for the Rainbow Family of Living Light
Wikipedia - About the Rainbow Gathering

Slab City:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SlabsCity/ - Yahoo Group
Slab City - Wikipedia
http://desertdutch.org/slabcity.htm
http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2008/12/most-free-place-on-earth.html
http://roamingbarbara.blogspot.com/2008/12/slabs.html
http://lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com/2008/12/tour-of-slabs.html
http://lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-slab-city-fun.html http://lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com/2008/12/salvation-mountain.html
http://lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com/2008/12/you-want-to-go-where-and-do-what.html
http://www.liveworkdream.com/2009/02/13/enjoying-the-bare-necessities/
http://jmcampervan.blogspot.com/2009/03/slab-city-quartzsite.html
Quartzsite (near the Slabs) (The Dry Camping Capital of the World): http://www.pbase.com/ravenoaks/quartzsite_dry_camping_capital_of_the_world&page=all

Vehicle Maintenance & Parts:

Looking for where to get parts or accessories for your van, car, or RV? I will continually update this list of links as I find more sites...


Shop JC Whitney for ALL parts (car, truck, jeep, motorcycle, & more)

Camping World - RV/camper supplies, accessories & parts
RockAuto - All the parts your car will ever need
RVSupplyWarehouse.com - Interesting & Fun RV Accessories
Boat & RV Accessories - boatandrvaccessories.com
JC Whitney - RV accessories - Big selection of 12 volt gadgets, etc.
RVSurplusSalvage.com - Largest RV Surplus Warehouse (also for vans)
Tweetys.com - Low prices everyday on lot's of cool RV parts and accessories

My Other Lists of Links: (also found near the top of my blog)
Overnight Parking Locations & Links
Assorted Links - various topics such as survival, tiny homes, guns, health, etc
Volkswagen Specific Links

Do you have a van blog or a site you'd like to share? Or would you like to link to my site? Please email me so I can check out your page.

hooray for AAA

I feel like I've truly stepped up a notch in life by becoming a AAA member and then switching my van insurance to AAA. I stopped in to an office, talked to agent, and WOW. It is amazing how much better coverage they will give me than State Farm..and for less money!

It is such a good feeling to know that no matter where I am in the US, I can now call AAA for anything. I don't even necessarily have to be in my van. I can be in anyone's vehicle, I just have to have my membership card with me. They will bring you free gas or tow you up to 100 miles per year (if you choose to be a Plus RV member). They will even fix a flat, but I probably wont ever need them for that if I quit stalling and go buy myself a tire iron before anything bad happens.

You can call them upto 4 times a year without a care in the world... Not to mention, you can get discounts if you choose to stop anywhere on their huge list of discount places. I probably won't, but hey - 10% off at Dunhams or Circuit City might be handy someday. OH!! and if you break-down 100 miles from your home-base (due to theft, collision, or mechanical failure), AAA will reimburse you up to $1,000 worth of expenses (food, lodging,etc..) that you incur within the next 72 hours! Whoa. I will have to remember that. I am pumped :)

Plus, they give you a AAA prescription card, just for being a member, which gives you 20% off prescriptions. I prefer natural & alternative remedies, so I am not normally one for using prescriptions. But being able to get 20% off a prescription (if you really need one) seems like a wonderful benefit when you no longer have any type of insurance coverage. I really liked having health insurance with my last employer - I could see any doctor or dentist for only 20 bucks. Oh well. When the economy gets bad, you get laid off like me. You lose your health coverage and collect unemployment. If you are in a similar boat, then you might be tempted to get AAA insurance and roam around like me..

As a final note, I am not in any way affiliated with AAA and I don't know any one who works for them. I don't get anything for promoting them. They just put put me in a very good mood today, and they have made me and my van feel very safe and happy. :)

Brrr! Windshield Frost!

Brrr!! 9am and there is frost covering my windows! It almost feels like I'm inside my own little igloo. This is a vivid sign to me that it's definitely almost time to fly the coop to a warmer place. Only a few weeks till I can vote and head out. 

I am so glad that I installed a little Radio-Shack indoor/outdoor thermometer inside my van. It is one of the little gadgets that I brought with me from my last apartment. It tells me that it is a whopping 28.6 degrees inside my van and 30.2 outside. BRRR. I really hate being cold, but my down sleeping bag is terrific. It is so warm, and my silk mummy liner adds an extra 10 degrees to its warmth.. :) I love this liner, because it protects my bag (I don't have to worry about when I showered last..), and it is also perfect to crawl into in warm weather. The bag and the liner probably cost me $275, but I got them back when I was working full-time. They are also very valuable to me in my van because they pack down into small, manageable sizes. 

Since I'm on the subject of keeping warm, one thing I love about my VW is that my bed is right above the engine compartment. If I run my van for a little while, my bed gets all warm and cozy. I also have a little heater along the floor, near the end of my bed. That sucker really cranks out the heat! I prefer not to use that very often, though, since I really want to conserve my gas. I only get maybe 16 mpg in my van. 

Blankets are nice, too, but they take up more space. I do have a very nice fuzzy blanket that I found at a summer music festival, and I keep it with me in my van. I hardly use it though, since my sleeping bag is always enough. I do think about getting it out of here, even though I've become very attached to it. Hmm. Sometimes I am just torn, even though I am by no means a pack-rat. I do like to keep things that might be useful someday, but I also like to get things out of my way that I'm not using. There is just no room for unnecessary items in here with me. When it is time for the blanket to go, it will just make its way out. I believe that there is a pattern of natural turnover that occurs. When something comes in, then something will go. 

Presidents & Politics

Since the election is only weeks away now, I just have to put my political viewpoint out there. Even though I am more off the grid than I have ever been, I am still very much affected by what's happening in our country. 

I don't even really understand why they bother calling it a debate. It's just a bunch of finger pointing, repetition, and the candidates trying to defend themselves without slipping up. I can't stand politics and yet I can't help but watch what's going on. It all makes me so frustrated. 

I really can't stand McCain or Palin. Not even a little bit.  And that is why I'm voting for Obama. I am not a  straight democrat or republican, since I agree with many aspects of each party. I am an independent, and I vote for candidates and issues, rather than because I have loyalty to any specific party. I used to always vote Green Party, but I have now come to realize that it sadly is pretty much a wasted vote. Sure, it takes a vote away from a candidate you hate, but it doesn't help the other stronger candidate blow him away. 

I feel that Ron Paul could have saved America. He was the only Presidential Candidate that I have EVER truly supported. I still see Ron Paul signs up EVERYWHERE, but the media (especially terrible FOX News) NEVER gave him any coverage. Hardly anyone even knew he was running. Obviously the best men out there aren't dirty enough to get voted into office. Ron Paul is a Republican US Congressman from Texas, and was the last republican candidate to withdraw from the 08 election. He has always opposed The Federal Reserve, the Real ID Act, The War on Terror, The Department of Homeland Security, The War on Drugs, The War on Iraq, The Patriot Act, The WTO, and NAFTA. He would have brought the troops back & changed our foreign policy, abolished the income tax & freed us from the tyranny of the IRS, gotten rid of the privately owned bank system known as the Federal Reserve, and he would NOT have supported unconstitutional legislation.  He is the only candidate that I ever knew of who wants the government to do LESS so we can get back to our constitutional rights. Even though he is no longer running for president, he has started the Campaign for Liberty , which we should all be a part of.

So. Now I'm stuck to choose between Obama and McCain, and I really feel like I'll ditch my van and fly away to live in another country if McCain wins.  I've watched all the debates and I try to watch CNN when I can. Lou Dobbs has a real honest and straight way of telling everything how it is. 

Our economy is falling apart, and that is no surprise, considering Bush was left in office for way too long. I truly feel blessed to have sold my house in the middle of this housing-crisis, but it still affects many people that I care about. I still have money wrapped up in a dropping 401K plan like many other people, and maybe I could get it out without penalty if Obama's proposed economic rescue-plan was enacted.  My days revolve around how much I can afford to drive and eat! I am so happy gas prices have dropped, considering it is getting way too chilly in Northern Michigan for me, and I'm getting ready to drive south. 

PLEASE get informed on the issues that matter to you and VOTE this election day (get an absentee ballot if you have to!). McCain and Obama are both completely different. There are too many reasons to list about why I hate McCain ("bomb bomb iran"), but I can't stand his running mate even more. She isn't even qualified to be standing up there, and her views are so screwed up... She promotes killing endangered species, and she doesn't support providing birth-control or sex-education.. Ugh. I am worried about the future of our country. I believe at least Obama will take us in a better direction than Bush or McCain. And I really do like Obama's running mate, Joe Biden. Biden definitely seems to have his head screwed on straight, and I believe he would actually make a damn good president himself.

Purpose

I get mixed reactions when people find out that I spend lots of time in my van, and some people really don't seem to understand how much I actually love it. This is my lifestyle because it is the one I have chosen, and it is the reason I am starting this blog. Why have I chosen to make such a leap from the comforts and conveniences of a traditional home? I will admit that I loved having a fully-stocked kitchen and a bathroom where I could shower every morning. But life is more of an adventure now. I'm saving money, I find new places all the time, I get more creative, and life isn't so lazy anymore. I'm always on the go, and I am no longer tied to one place because of material objects, mortgage, or lease. Plus, my van is very cozy, with several tiny comforts of home that I have kept with me. I am one who truly believe that home is where your heart is.

This blog is for everyone - friends & family, travelers & wanderers, browsers & accidentals, the old & the young and curious seekers of new information. For anyone considering "downsizing" and becoming more mobile, I definitely promote it! I will provide tips and insight from my own experiences while living on the road - If you've got any questions about anything, please post a question or comment.

I do want to verify that I am by no means an expert on the vehicle-living lifestyle, as I've only just begun this new journey of life. I've been a van dweller full-time for 5 months so far, although there will be so many more to come. I know there are MANY who've spent years and years in their vehicles, and I welcome any input and knowledge that they provide. I can only share what I've discovered so far thru my own searching and personal experiences, I will always give credit to anyone whose information I share.

I am hoping to find some like-minded friends (perhaps you!) and kindred spirits through this online journal-handshake. This blog will allow me to share what I am learning, finding, and seeing, on many different levels and topics - all somehow related to this fun & free form of living. This blog will be an ongoing process, but I vow to be here consistently. Therefore, please don't hesitate to click on the link and add yourself as a follower. I have high hopes, many resources, and I am going to provide you with as much helpful info as possible to be healthy and happy in this world that is so quickly crumbling. I can't wait to meet you all, thanks for being here with me! ***Quick note*** VOTE on November 4th!~ (more blogging on this issue to come) ~ and don't forget about the final presidential debate tonight! CLICK here for Current News & Results at CNN.com