I CAME ACROSS SOME VIDEOS of lawn care guys doing free cleanups of horribly neglected and overgrown properties. In many cases the homeowner or tenant was elderly and too weak or poor to maintain their place.
It made me think about the question we older full-time vehicle dwellers often hear, usually from concerned folks living conventional lives: “What will you do when you get too old to live like that?”
Well, what will those living in buildings do when they get too old to live like that? I think the answer is pretty much the same in both instances. We will transition to some other living situation. And few of us will be thrilled about it.
When I become unable to drive, camp, and take care of myself, moving into some type of building wouldn’t suddenly make me more able. It’s just the same problems in a different place. A more confining place. My life would become smaller, less varied, less interesting, less worth extending.
There seems to be an assumption—or hope—that living in a building will somehow hold decrepitude at bay a little longer. I’m not buying that. My physical and mental health have greatly improved in the years since I sold the house and hit the road. I think the simple life, out in nature, having new experiences, doing without some of the lazy-making modern conveniences and crazy-making modern culture, is keeping me younger. It has made me want to live longer than I did as a fat, depressed homeowner.
Ditto. Thanks, AL.
I’m 69 now and I realize that “old” is relative. I suspect that if you have trouble driving you’ll find a spot you like and just stay they longer. If you keep on driving it won’t be as far everyday, things will adjust to fit your reality. The world still has room for that.
There was a guy on the list back in the day Chef Roger (as I recall), he had an old pick up and an older travel trailer, The “gravy trail” was in the day his social security showed up, he’d park at the slabs for a long time, then go visit somewhere else and then back to the slabs. The gravy train, cheap cigars, a travel trailer, email and a life to be lived as well as it could. He did that until he passed away.
Anyone remember Tioga George? He was converting a U-haul when it was time to go, just living his life.
Things change, views change, tastes change. Who knows, If you find a building you like you might park the rig and take up 6 or 7 new hobbies and get to know all the singles in your building ?
Life isn’t over until it is & the world is a big place.
Most Happy Birthday!
May this be your best year yet.
“It has made me want to live longer than I did as a fat, depressed homeowner.”
That last sentence really captures it, huh ?
I was able to take off two years and do the driving for my full time parents that lived the last 25 years of their lives moving every two or three weeks in their membership park’s systems. They outlived all their friends that stayed in one spot. In the end we parked the rig in a very nice secluded mobile home park that had two long stay RV sections on full hookups. We were 17 miles from their primary health care provider. It worked out for both of them. They transitioned from full time travelers in their 35ft RV to stay in one spot campers. It worked great for both of them. I took both of them through hospice. Camping gave them exercise, sight seeing, and friends that they would see out camping at different locations. They made it to all the weddings all over the country. It was fantastic for them. It was shore power everywhere this way. They had satellite TV and telephone internet.
Indeed, Happy Birthday; Feliz Cumpleaños!
My wife and I hit the road 3+ years ago as FTimers.
Can you believe it? Out of all the people, I’m 1 year away from 70.
My expectations of life did not include hanging around this long! Well, you say. Did you expect to die sooner? No! Of course not.
But in the prime of life, 70 just seemed Sooooo far away! We’re both in great health. We participate in a few health building activities: walking, hiking, a little swimming and some other; including lots of vitamins and a few ointments… As I sit laughing!
We travel the country visiting family, friends and friends to be. Actively, helping those that need assistance with upgrades or fixing plumbing, flooring, tile, electrical, carpentry and other aspects on their dwelling.
We do not charge for labor. Some of them decide to gives us a donation which we happily accept. Especially, boondocking on their property. These activities keep us physically active.
God willing, we can keep going for a few more years. I believe it important to have an exit plan and face the reality of the many physical changes that are unavoidable. My mind says, I’m 45 full of strength and vigor. My body refuses to believe it and take orders! Especially, after I participate of a strenuous activity. The natural aches of muscles and joints cry out in protest and confirm the passage of time. Ha! I’m reminded of my age. Oh well!
Enjoy your birthday. We’re not going down without a fight. Hope to see you on the road.
Mark, I loved the story about your parents and what a good soul you are to take time off to drive them. What wonderful memories, I’m sure.
Good on you!! It made me sad, but I know your folks were happy as clams. Thank you for being there for them.
Happy birthday! Some of the best times of my life at 72 in AZ this last winter. Now downsizing, had stow’n’ go middle row seats removed, can see out all my windows now. Now looking for accessible BLM up here in WA/OR areas…. And seeing natures beauty 360 degrees. Hopefully my life ends with the sunset reflected from my glasses. And it will be a perfect ending, thanks to Bob Wells!
Oh I want this to be me! I am currently living in a very safe senior housing apartment and it is nice but I still feel like I am caged up. At 65, no less.
Best wishes for a happy new year!
-DD and Erik
Happy Happy birthday Al! If were were neighbors, I’d bake you a cake 🙂 You have a great perspective on this (and many other subjects) thank you. The Escapees RV club has a location in Livingston, Texas where many members have “hung up their keys” yet still live on site in their own RVs. Volunteers show up to take them to the Dr, drive them to shopping and sometimes enjoy a meal with them. CARE is a wonderful support system set up by the OG , Kay & Joe Peterson to support RVers who are not ready to walk away from living their chosen lifestyle. That is my exit plan when it is my time.
Well I am officially going to be homeless again ssi doesn’t pay enough to afford an apartment, been trying to find a small,cargo trailer to convert, iv got 30 days,
Check out some of Bobs videos on easy and cheap builds – in cars! It can be done. Theres one a prius I beleive, one on a regular 4 door sedan ( I think a few years ago the lady was living on 800 a month). Basically, you need enough space to sleep, and room for basic gear.
Tommy W, What state do you live in. Property is going sky hi here because of all of California moving up here. I want to go full time but live in a sticks and bricks. Selling come summer and going on the road because I want too. 30 days is not much time to get going. I wish you luck to be on your way. Once when I was young I felt like you do now, no where to go or live and not much money. Take care, I feel for anybody that’s down and out. Nancy
I’m certainly aging faster since I came off the road. Keep on keeping on, people.
Linda, to avoid more gray hair & more wrinkles why don’t you go back on the road ?:-)
Happy Birthday Bob! For some reason I thought you were a Taurus; Aries explains it all : ) They usually have a lot to talk about. I get impatient sometimes, with all the extra words you put into the conversation when you do the interviews lol. You definitely have the gift of expression!
I am so happy to have landed on your website by chance, and learned of your channel. I am learning so much about being on the road and what all is needed to make things comfy and safe.
Rock on, Bob! You’re a success! Enjoy more of what’s out there . . . . All those who come in contact with you should count it as a privilege.
May you enjoy many more years! You continue to bring hope and inspiration to others every single day. A interview you did with a lady with a Jeep and a Little Guy trailer 6 years ago changed everything for me. Now, at 68 years of age I am living my dream and discovering something new every single day. Thank you. Happy birthday!
To clarify, I’m the one with the birthday. But I’m certain Bob appreciates everyone’s comments.
Everyone: Please note that Al Christensen is doing most (if not all ) of the writing for Bob nowadays. See the byline under the Title.
Why is Bob not doing his own writing? Did he decide to give up the van life? I am trying to figure all this out since I am wanting to do this kind of lifestyle. Still trying to figure out how much money I need to save before I even get a van. Right now I only have a SUV.
Happy Birthday and may you have many more. I turn 64 tomorrow.
A few years ago, Bob turned most of his attention to YouTube and HOWA. The website sort of dwindled because of that. Last year he decided to revive the site with a complete makeover. And so that he wouldn’t be pulled in too many directions, he hired me as editor and main content creator. The site relaunched in January. I think Bob hired me because we think a lot alike, though my style is a little different. Bob is committed to the nomad life and will continue in it as long as possible. He has a new rig and I believe he will be going to Alaska this summer.
Happy Birthday!! Wonderful insights.
Belated yet sincere Birthday Wishes Al!! May you enjoy many more trips around our Sun ?? You are a great editor & main content creator. Thank you!
Happy Birthday – 70 is a great place to be. I just turned 86 and spend 6 to 7 months on the road, living and camping in my Astro Van Road-home. When I’m not traveling I live with my Stepson. I would not give up my part-time nomad life for anything! It is the connection with nature and the God that created it that brings me joy! Happy and safe travels to you my friend, Hank
First off, Happy Birthday Al. I turn 70 in August and have Full Timed for the last 5 years. Bob Wells was my inspiration, and I am eternally grateful for finding his web site.
Mark, wonderful story of your parents and helping them travel the way they wanted. You will find blessings in your life because of your journey.
Penelope, there isn’t much BLM land in Washington and Oregon…..but let’s not forget about National Forest Lands. We pay for those with our taxes and we can camp there for limited times as well.
Hellen…..I have read a few of your articles. You are an interesting writer, and you share your experiences in your writing. Keep up the good work Girl. Hope to meet you someday.
Just my two cents worth.
Live Happy, Live Free. Safe Travels and Enjoy the Destination.
Terry
Hay Al, do your thing. I enjoy reading with you. I have a Silverado with a high topper. I built a bed with a large and long drawer. The drawer is opened from the rear of the truck. However, considering weather conditions, I made an access in the mid section. The mattress has to be removed to access this area. I also built cabinets along the other side.
I haven’t used it for camping even though, I intended to. We have a 36 foot diesel pusher we use.
The pickup camper idea was for me going alone which I used to do for work. Maybe one day I’ll get to use it while Jan stays home and bakes a cake. Or otherwise is involved with other things.