So far, so good on my little vandwelling experiment.
I decided to make it permanent as of yesterday (or was it Monday?) There are some adjustments to make, naturally — the biggest of which, for me, is not the bathroom issue but the connection issue.
To get online, I have to go to the library (which has painfully uncomfortable chairs) or Starbucks (same, plus I should buy something to be nice) or McDonalds (which I haven’t been able to find where I’m hanging out.) I’m at the library now and my back is starting to hurt, meaning I probably won’t last long enough to get some serious blogging in.
So, I am sorely tempted to invest in a smartphone and wifi hotspot earlier than planned, plus a battery and solar panel for charging up. Can’t do without my electronics!
On today’s to-do list: nothing much–just write, eat, relax. Rinse, repeat. I should figure out a way to hand wash some clothes, though — running out of clean undies and shirts. Also, I would like to try cooking up some pasta with my new camp stove–a new experience and skill.
By next week, connection should be a non-issue, and you’ll see more posts and photos from me. I have quite a few handwritten notes to transcribe plus photos to share, but I need to go rest my back. Soon!
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So totally agree with you! That was my major problem also. Gimme Wifi!! I can find a place to go to the bathroom just about anywhere!
Check other libraries, some I have been at have lounges for wifi users. And you do NOT have to purchase product at Starbucks. If you feel that way, wait until the shop closes and the Safeway store is still open… wifi stays on. Although McDonalds has wifi, most I have been at, usually older ones, don’t have any plugs. If they are newer ones, you still have to stand on your head to find them because they are usually tucked up under the seats or tables.
Smart phone with hotspot, good option, but takes bigger bucks.
I have looked into the battery and solar panel deal… if you find something good, please let me know. I found some set-ups for about $250 minimum, but really unsafe unless you are parked somewhere where you can just have batteries out for ventilation. With just a van, unless you are parked in the boonies, there isn’t a place to put the storage batteries… and you have to be careful of the toxic fumes they can put out… so you can’t just tuck them under a seat. This is the difference between what Bob does, and urban stealth dwelling.
haha, here is what I wrote less than two weeks into my van-dwelling adventure…
About Electricty…
I feel like a nomadic forager, ever searching for the evasive, wild, public electrical plug.
I am ever looking, looking for a place to charge my phone. My computer I can do with every three or so days because I don’t use it much, and if I can find Starbucks Wi-Fi, I also find a plug.
I can watch a DVD movie and only use about half of my fully charged computer. Several of the McDonald’s I have found in Oregon have Red Box movie rentals outside, so that is a nice option.
Otherwise I spend several hours in the corner of a grocery store, charging my phone, computer and camera battery and that is an enjoyable enough atmosphere I suppose. Although I can’t jump up and get anything to eat or drink without packing everything up, so I bring a bottle of water in with me.
So those of us who live in houses and have paid their electric bill should realize what a luxury it is to have available electricity at all times. Makes one appreciate the small things we so much take for granted because not everyone has those things.
🙂
Keep it up LaVonne… we are so excited for you and proud of you!
Sue, I realize now how much I took electricity and high-speed internet for granted. I’m back at the apartment right now, and it’s so nice to have everything I need, all except that one elusive thing — what is it, freedom? I’m not sure yet, but I know I can’t wait to get everything squared away so I won’t be tied to this place any more. (Except for the shower and laundry, of course. 😉 )
That’s funny. I am on the road right now and I left my adapter at my last stay and it just about ruined my day. I have to be able to be hooked to my IPad, need the adaptor for recharging my batteries for camera, need to recharge cell phone and of course, for updating blog and emails home. I don’t consider myself an electronics addict but to be totally cut off is not fun. PS – I did manage to find a replacement so all good now. it will be interesting to follow and see what your adjustments will be.
Glad you found a replacement for your adapter, Lynn. I know exactly how that must have ruined your day!
Yay You! You will get all the kinks worked out. That’s half the fun. I wanted to mention my little mifi (verizon) set up worked really well at the RTR. I had that tiny little solar panel and a little house battery that worked just fine for my chromebook. I never did have that house battery hooked up to anything so I wound up buying a battery charger/tender to charge it up. Not the best set up but it worked for the short term.
Going to look at a rig today, wish me luck.
xxoo
Yolanda
Glad to hear your set up worked so well, Yolanda. I’m having a hard time deciding whether to spring for it now or wait a bit longer.
Good luck on your hunt for a rig!
Yolanda, can you tell me more about your solar panel and battery charger/tender? Where did you get them and how much did they cost? I need to keep my various devices charged up cheaply until I can save up for something fancier.
In case you were wondering, I found a great 3G/4G Mifi hotspot plan that doesn’t require a contract, connects up to 10 devices (I have five) and allows up to 20 G data transfer, all for $70/mo. I’m gonna keep my super cheap Virgin Mobile pay-as-you go phone for now, and upgrade to a smartphone later.
As for power, still deciding. My mechanic says I can get a 35w solar panel that would charge my laptop, etc., and it wouldn’t cost more than $100. I think I’ll need more than 35w with all my devices. And yes, I’m concerned about battery fumes in the van. There’s a different kind of battery that is completely sealed and safe but of course, it’s a lot more expensive. This calls for more research!
Totally fascinating to hear you all trade tips & tricks. I, too, have totally taken for granted little ole things like … electricity and toilets. =)
We are spoiled, aren’t we, Laila? I just hope I’m not boring too many readers with all this vandwelling talk. I can’t help myself, it’s fascinating to me too!
LaVonne,
Get yourself a comfy portable chair pad for the library and other hard seats (cheapest solution to connectibility).
Say goodbye to Shirley for me.
Bob
Van dwellers swear by this device to get wifi.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00416Q5KI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven’t used it yet, but it’s on its way to my place. It should let you park across the street and mooch off the local mcdonalds wifi without leaving your vandwelling.
I wish you well on your vandwelling adventure.
I’m going to use it to mooch off the next door apartment complex’s free wifi.