We are Hunters in the East and Gatherers in the West.
In the West; wide open spaces, public lands, seemingly endless boondocking opportunities make it easy to be a Gatherer. Drive around, find a dirt road and see what view, cove or fire ring it takes you to!
In the East; we can’t just turn off the road… it is likely someone’s driveway! We have to actively seek out a campground, host or parking place with laser focus, GPS coordinates.
E-boondocking (Eastern and Electronic) is aided by internet apps, addresses, coordinates, descriptions and reviews. Even applying for permit (name, rank and serial number) to some specific (free) site at a State Forest.
Eastern True Boondocking spots are few and far between, hampered by closed gates and animal hunting season. They are often public boat ramps, hopefully not occupied or crowded. There is always Dry Camping in some retailer parking lot. Just thinking that makes me queasy. Of course, we can also pay to park and/or hookup and share stories, check rigging with other RVers, East or West.
Living a busy life in the East, we find the solitude, minimal time constraints, and hope of wide open views of the Gather. Saving the Hunter in me to find a specific item on the shelf of an unfamiliar grocery store.
2Z Bundok is a thrifty remodeling contractor, aging out, and found a 97 Shadow Cruiser truck camper to fit my 94 GMC K2500 6.5TD well maintained, low mileage pickup truck. Long DIY list (to do and all done) of modifications for our travel comfort and enjoyment is added to photography hobby. Wife, fully vested (35+ yrs), is software support and loves solitude, boondocking and nature experience. Travel it is!
Ah, it makes sense that RVs have a much harder time in the east. Personally I wouldn’t own anything bigger than a minivan because I already tried a pickup with cap and couldn’t safely maneuver it. I’m on the old side. I’m also considering something the size of a Dodge Journey. I want to be able to hide in hotel parking lots and tree lined suburban streets. Going to a park during the day to use my stove. Probably get a gym membership. Planning for retirement. I was inspired by an interview Bob Wells did many years ago about a woman living in a Toyota Prius.
That would be suanneonline.blogspot.com
She is a wealth of information regarding her prius days. That would be our Suanne of H.O.W.A.
Thank you for a very satisfying read.