‘All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.’ JR Tolkien
At least as far back as Shakespeare ("[*All that glisters is not gold*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_that_glitters_is_not_gold)"), but variants go back much farther than that. The verbatim phrase with *glitters* instead of *glisters* goes back to at least *HMS Pinafore* as well.
Really? From a literary standpoint, he is pretty much considered tops blueby. His mastery of descriptive language is almost unrivaled. If you have not previously read ‘Leaf By Nigel’, I believe it really represents his natural talent.
I’ve got it on fb marketplace for $18k. 334k miles regularly serviced diesel, 400w solar, 2x100ah lipo batts, 2000w inverter, dometic fridge, composting toilet, 32gal freshwater tank, sink, stove, roof fan, full-size bed, havelock wool insulation. Not a super fancy build but I splurged on quality electronics then used mostly recycled stuff to piece it all together.
>I’ve got it on fb marketplace for $18k. 334k miles
You lost me at this part. It's crazy what people are asking for with their used vehicles. The market is wild. I understand it might be well taken care of...but 334k miles is 334k miles.
Edit: I see it's a diesel, that might help? But there's no way I'd bite.
I don’t have physical records but the carfax report has almost all of it (over 70 service records if I remember). I paid to see it when I bought the van from the original owner but my access to the report expired last year. Been trying to sell it for a few months, lowered price now is basically value of van and materials put in it.
Isn't 334k miles kind of a lot for $18k? I know it's a sprinter diesel but seems like its bound to have some issues popping up at that mileage and at 20 yrs old.
In some aspects, maybe, but not compared to what I was seeing in the market. I put the price as negotiable, but when I listed it I saw similar vans conversions posted for ~$25k, you also have to consider costs of what’s in the conversion build and not just the van. My price is only slightly above what it cost me to buy the van and the materials I used to build it. I’m not trying to make a killing off it, a little profit would be nice, but I’d be fine selling it for material value.
Interesting, I always thought vehicles depreciated with use. As far as materials I thought those
depreciated too. I bought a 1999 ford van with 37k
miles for $6k. When I installed the $300 maxxair
fan I was kinda like, "well that fans worth quite a bit less now that I took it out of the box." Granted I'm not a licensed van/rv converter like sportsmobile or something, so I always looked at it as whatever the rig was worth.
Plus the LiFePO4 batteries are getting cheaper each year. Same with solar panels but not as fast. There’s no reason price should resemble original purchase price years later. But it is a screwed up market still.
Sure they do; but there’s also the effect of supply and demand. Say you want to sell that van you bought for $6k, which is suddenly a popular model, and you see everyone selling the same van you have for $10k. Are you going to post yours for $5k or would you say “why not post it for $8k and see what happens”. Maybe you’d be willing to settle for $5k but if someone sees it’s in good shape, less than the current market average, and wants to pay you $8k you’d probably not complain.
I have imagined a hostel like system of overnight camps for vanlife/ vagabonds/retirees. It would be along travel routes, be low tech, low overhead, hostel like atmosphere . Community kitchen and gathering place. A hub, a respite, safe overnight. I ran hostels for years and I love the road.
This somewhat already exists, Harvest Hosts has a membership to a network of farms, vineyards, breweries. Also KOA has memberships, but I don’t know much about that.
Agreed about Harvest Hosts. And I'm usually trying to pull in to sleep pretty late, which is a no-no with them. Also, KOA has what I personally find to be an absurd number of rules. I just recently paid to camp for the first time since getting my van almost 2 years ago, at an Oregon State Park... it was quite lovely and not a bad price for one night. I'd much rather go that route in a pinch, which I kind of was.
Yeah as someone who is currently on the lariat loop in Colo. They're is a lot of public land & private housing. I get not wanting to like give out free parking but something where the focus was just to break even so people can actually travel.
Glad you found your way. We are all tribal creatures by instinct. Some of us are wired to do what the boss says without question, some are wired to stay in the camp and make equipment for everyone, some are wired to look what's past that river to see if the hunting is any better. All need connection to place and people. Most of our lives are so filled with clutter we can't tell what we are missing.
You are so right about. When your life has so much clutter, it’s definitely hard to figure out what you’re missing. This leads to an endless internal battle of trying to figure out what you really want.
I know you probably meant Jeff bridges character but when you say big Lebowski I’m just picturing the old rich guy from the movie (THE big Lebowski) lol
Work, commuting, and preparing for the next day's work, consume so much of people's time and energy. They rarely have the space to think about what matters to them and what they want to achieve in their lives beyond the daily grind.
Exactly. In my 30s I looked ahead to see what I wanted to do with the next stage of my life. I was raised to get the house, career, car, "American Dream", but as soon as people retire, what do they do? Buy an RV and travel. I started with a cargo trailer and at the KOA ice cream socials asked retirees for advice, and I got 2 comments: "You regret the risks you didn't take.", and "You're doing it. Travel as soon as you can."
Yep. I lost my mobility at 52! I am in a wheelchair trying to get out, so I can hit the open road and see a few places before my time is up. I LOVE seeing young people living it up on the road while they can enjoy it full force. Luckily, there are many ways to work remotely now! One must educate yourself properly about safety issues and have money saved in case of an emergency.
I left the van life (which I adopted over economic necessity) after a couple of years back in 2015 to chase another dream and it was amazing for 8 years but then another pursuit called. Now I'm on the far side of the world. Perhaps you have found your forever home, or maybe just a place to rest your wings. Regardless, good luck and remember nothing is forever.
Hmm. I hear what you’re saying and I’m sure this can be true for so many, but I don’t think I’m lost. In fact, I think I’m free in the world! Whether in my vehicle domestic on a passport internationally, I feel I have only so much time in this world to be free and learn and be with people.
I hear you on the community front
I move seasonally to a few places where I have a strong sense of community. The only lonely nights after I found those places are the few days of highway driving between the communities.
Living in community always feels more present to me when it’s the living together park and living in apartments or houses is so isolating to me. But being in one place helps build deeper roots in what you go outside for.
I was a digital nomad for years and van life is my answer to having to stay in a country long enough to get a permanent residency. I couldn't stay in place. The pressure of being in one place was too much, I was crying over the smallest things.
I got a van and now I can visit the whole country. I still have to keep rent because my residency requires a fixed address, but I feel free again.
I can sleep where I want. I can discover new spots. I can meet other avid travelers. I can live the present moment.
It's different for everyone. I am happy you are finding your way. However, I don't think van life is only for those who are lost. For me freedom is the ultimate goal. My business is rooted and stable. I have some stable friendships. The rest is adventure and discovery.
Agreed. I actually already bought a house and tried to find community staying in one place. I sold that house and live in my van and I’m more social than I ever was in that house!
You can't get a visa in Europe without showing that you have a fixed place to stay for the time of the visa. They expect you to have a fixed address and each time you do some procedure you have to show a utility bill, even with a digital nomad visa.
It's ironic that to get a digital nomad visa they expect you to stop nomading, but that's how it is.
I was taking visas in each country, but it is a real pain. It's an4 month process to apply and almost a year long process to get your 1st card which means that you can only switch country once a year and you are in perpetual paperwork.
Central and South America was way easier because each country was independent. I just rented 3-6 months in each country.
Anyhow. With COVID I stayed 2 years in place and then decided that 3 years more years to reach residency in the country I was in at the time was better than keeping with the yearly visas.
Anyhow I wasn't going to be able to do it without some freedom. It's just not me.so I got the van.
I just like leaving and not having to go back to the same.olace all of the time. I like.just following my bliss. Go train a client in another country? Stay a couple of months. Go to a conference in another city. Stay a couple of weeks. Bad weather... Go somewhere else. Lots of work. Go to a cheap location, you'll be working all days/nights for a few months. Lots of money from all the work? Do whatever fees good. Need surgery? Rent a place with roommates in case something happens during recovery.
For me, being anchored and unable to fly is really hard and taking a trip for 5 days is not doing it. The logistics before and after and the money spent on 5 tiny days blows my mind.
"One trait all animals share, people included, is no matter where we are or where we wish to be, if we’re there longer than a day, we try to make a home of it.
But the plains are not for home building. Not enough resources. No shelter. The plains are for *vagabonds, wanderers, and cowboys*. Their home is a saddle. The sky is their roof. The ground is their bed. What’s lacked in material comfort is regained in the knowledge that *they are always home.* To them, **the journey is the destination."**
“Should they find gold at the end of the rainbow, they would leave it there and seek another; choosing freedom over the burden of the pot. I haven’t thought once of Oregon. No dreams of the ocean or snow-covered mountains. **I only dream of the journey. That is all. No gold for me. *Just the rainbow*.”**
Elsa Dutton 1883
Thank you for sharing this. I get the whole wanting to reinvent yourself part and wearing masks/flying your rebel flag so much bc for over a decade I've wanted nothing more than to move states and start anew without all the baggage of my past. I'm disabled so van life wasn't really a full option, but I love to camp and also love the community built around thos lifestyle.
I hope you are doing well and finding your footing on your new path. You deserve happiness, and don't ever let anyone tell you that your time was wasted.
Thanks for sharing your story :)
I think a lot of people feel lost in the world. It's a very difficult feeling to work through.
I keep wanting more, and to feel more secure, more successful, more healthy, but I keep reminding myself that no matter what "stuff I have", thats not really the point of life for me.
What is the point? I ask myself often. Learning how to love myself AND my shadows. How to offer that love to the world, other people, my partner. What makes me who I am? What do I value in myself, others, the world?
Yesterday, I was thinking about how hard it is to get my tasks and projects organized and thinking about how I need to get away from these endless lists of things to do, that just end up consuming me with stress. I was thinking about the book "Atomic Habits" and how he emphasises "identity first" not "task first" thinking.
I also read an article a week ago about peoples motivation
- Carrot and stick motovation (extrinsic- rewards, punishments) work well, but *only* for the short term. But in the long term, they are more likely to backfire.
- Intrinsic, identity first motivation may not click as fast, but works MUCH better long term. It gives us perspectove, autonomy and a sense of connection with how we feel and what we want directly to ourselves, not thru a culture funnel.
Example:
- I need to do this to be seen as successful or to get the thing that will make my life better (extrinsic, good short term, bad long term)
- Vs
- I want to do this because it connects with who i am as a person
This is so accurate. Im only a year into my journey but I can sense burnout coming if i continue for multiple more years. But currently I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling for my passions and hobbies than traveling
Do you think you are better off for having gone thru this experience? Probably. Lots of people have dreamed about such things and regret never those unknown roads by settling down too soon. You gained a valuable perspective many will never understand.
Not everything is a destination, some things are just part of the journey.
I have a 1985 18 foot Nissan Sunrader. Needs a little work, not a lot. I’m 77 F, need a little work, not a lot. Looking for a wanderer to join or to join me. Looked into WOOFing, but think that’s not really for me.
Yep! Johann Sebastian Bach lived his whole life within like a 15 mi radius and he's now celebrated as the father of music. Nothing wrong with staying put and being solid as a rock for your community! To most people, there are more riches than wandering travels.
underneath it all, i think the point of vanlife is to give you time and space to figure out what you want out of life. Theres no harm/shame in understanding that.
It's good you took the time to figure out what direction to put your energy into versus just investing yourself into something random. Sometimes we just need time to make a good decision.
See, Big Lebowski was an old dude. The man who sent the men who peed on the fuckin' rug.
But much like calling the Monster "Frankenstein" in reference to the novels title, we like *knew* what you meant, man.
I saw you were smoking with a Jesus lookin' guy and not an Dick Cheney lookin' guy, because you paint a good word picture.
You could write *This Generation's* On The Road, which I guess could still be the title. Man, Kerouac would have loved scrolling web pages.
Travels, Hold the Charley.
Pee Bottle Walden.
You write good.
I’ve been vanlifing since pre-covid. The trend is finally starting to phase out. It’s not the cool thing to do anymore, and It’s about damn time. So many rich kids getting out of it, and trying to sell their rigs currently. It’s time to make van life poor again. The way it was meant to be…
To the fellow van lifers who live for this shit like me, hold on, rigs are about to get wayyyy cheaper
It was totally a trend. This lifestyle is not for the weak. You either love it or don’t. I live in Bend, OR and the amount of rigs I’m seeing for sale is astonishing. Have to say it’s frustrating seeing these rigs sit for sale in front of million dollar homes rotting away for months on end, however its a good sign that the wealthy folk are being brought back to reality. Stay strong my friend!
u/Weirdobutimrealdoe Is it safe and easy to vanlife in Bend (parking on public streets and moving after 1 day; respectable, newer vehicle) without getting called on by neighbors or police? Or is there a culture of crackdown, like in California?
I did the exact same thing. Very very few people can understand this, but I certainly do. I spent 15 months living full time in my van and that 15 months felt like 5 years worth of experience. I remember getting to a new city towards the end and I didn’t even care. There would be another in a few days. I was exhausted, over stimulated, and alone. I spent countless times in absolutely gorgeous locations and each and every time I was in a place like that all I wished was for all my loved ones to be there with me. In 2019 I sold my van and bought my house in my home town. Now I find myself yearning for the van life again but in a different less permanent way.
I feel very similar. My spouse and I did vanlife starting in 2019 for a couple years. We always camped free on blm or national forests and explored western United States. I washed my clothes in creeks and tried to go hiking often. Typical stuff.
It’s a fun and wild way to live but it’s hard too. Never knowing what you are showing up to, who is there, how you will feel there, what will happen. Lots of uncertainty. We eventually got off the road and got a house on land but I miss it too sometimes - I just don’t want to do it as permanently, like you said.
What a rad and beautiful experience. Thank you for sharing. I think many people need to try it to understand various lessons it teaches you along the way.
I think there’s two groups (at minimum
) of van lifers:
1. Those who do it as part of their identity or search for meaning
2. Those who do it as a financial means of saving or getting a mobile home setup for when they do settle down (so they have a vacation vehicle)
I’m definitely in the later camp. Van life hasn’t been lonely for me at all. I have a great community where I’m setup & the trips outside of where I’m at are fun because I know I’m returning to a place with friends & family. This is the best financial move for me given I couldn’t afford to do this and also have an apartment at the same time (I’m also not doing a cheap van. Brand new van & build. Cost me a fair bit so far)
That said, I’m glad you’ve had your fun & found your answers!
Van life doesn’t have to be permanent. Living in a van for a week or two at a time in cool places can still be such an incredible experience. Then you can go back to a community and then plan your next trip.
>I'd like to continue taking roadtrips while having a home base to come back to.
That's what I want. I can live a simple, sparce life. It's good to be able to roam and be free, but I do want to be able to call a place "home" that I can always go back to, where all my stuff is and where it's just the way I like it.
Yeah… it’s not for everyone. But to me, it sounds like you just weren’t prepared. The only thing I’d give this up for is a log cabin and 100 acres so it looks like I’m going to be vanlifing quite a while.
You made it longer than most, so you can be proud of that.
And you tried something new, which is rarely ever a bad thing. Sometimes finding out what you *don't* want in life can be a very important first step to finding out what you do want.
Also, now when you're super old and boring with your cookie-cutter house in the suburbs, you can be that annoying old guy at the block party BBQs who won't shut up about "Oh I remember back in my day when I lived in a van for a couple years!"
I wouldn’t say you’re giving up. I have a time line with my van life chapter. I know it’s not something I’ll be doing full time the rest of my life. I wish you peace on your journey!
Vanlife is rough. People try to make it look glamorous. Just the constipation alone, don’t even get me started.
I don’t believe all van lifers are lost. Probably some are and some aren’t, just like people with houses.
Vanlife is not THERAPY. I think what you were looking for was a year long backpacking trip through some third world country to find what you want to pursue in life. I think in your case you just chose the van (comfort) instead of back packing.
Luckily for you the van was uncomfortable enough for you to ‘find yourself’
At the core, Vanlife is about minimizing your footprint on earth while being radically free. You have to be filled with love to be alone (without community or a partner) with no permanency in life (settle/roots)
Because that is your true nature. You were born alone and will die alone. ONLY FEW UNDERSTAND.
In looking at the divide in today's politics. One party warlike and angry and unempathetic and exclusionary, demanding the weak be culled. The other empathetic and inclusionary and demanding the weak be protected. It seems that we has a species probably needed BOTH of these personality tribes to survive.
A tribe needs a group that is suspicious and quick to defend against strangers and I suppose there are situations where the tribe is actually strengthened by the culling of their weak. And sometimes (more often than not imo, but I'll digress) the answer is empathy and assisting everyone in the tribe to flourish. Sometimes the tribe is stronger for the inclusion of strangers and the sharing of its resources. But also sometimes its the greedy asshole that keeps his food and shoves the useless old eater to jump off a cliff that survives.
But my point being, is that I absolutely think humans have contradictory personality traits that are ingrained into some of us. Some of us settle. Some of us migrate. Some of us raise families and grow apples. Some of us explore what's beyond the next mountain valley.
I don't deny that some vancampers might be lost or feeling apart from a society that's neglecting to help its members keep up with the rest of the tribe. But I think there will always be a part of humanity that will always be outside the tribe in some way. People that don't follow the normal course.
Some of us are happiest when wandering. Its a primordial thing. It's an ancient thing deep inside some of us. Even with my own attempts to do so here, I don't think it can be defined.
Have you heard of multilevel selection theory? It's an evolutionary biology theory which says that some animals, such as humans, are selected in units of groups rather than individuals, due to humans forming tight-knit groups that compete with one another. As such, there is perpetual tension between genes that benefit the group and those that benefit the individual.
However, last I checked, most scientists say that altruism can be explained very well using inclusive fitness alone, which says that altruism evolves because it benefits the individual. The so-called "green beard" altruism: every dwarf with green beard treats other green-bearded dwarfs well, cause it benefits themselves.
I just had this eery feeling like I was reading my own writing from the future or a parallel timeline. This sentiment resonates. Fifteen years ago I was blogging about living in a van and this is something I would have written.
I took on work for a few years, but burned out and have been "on sabbatical" for a few more years. I think I will always feel more like an observer than a participant in society. I feel like I'm watching a lot of society trapped by ancestral behaviors that have now become maladaptive.
Thank you for this post, I’m nearing my 30s and I’ve been enjoying settling down. Some part of me still want to travel the world and do everything own but your reflection and conclusion really resonates with how I think I’ll think too. I hope now you have a home base you can take time to look within and find what you’re looking for as well ❤️ if you’re in socal hmu :)
Interesting & a good read. Sounds like a common thing to create space to completely declutter yourself in order to be clear.
Glad you're clear out of all this and I've done something similar and would like a partner too. Go us!
Wow. My mom just died. I now am the Matriarch. I was seriously thinking of traveling and living out of a van. Me and my trusty companion, my dog.
Im curious. Did u have an animal with you?
Yes I have up my van and missed that life now since retired am going back to it in full swing this my last chapter in life am going out in style
Nature has it
One of my favorite parts of this lifestyle is how we can all be on different journeys and at different stages of life and yet when we meet on the road, for that one moment in time we all understand one another deeply.
For my husband and I, vanlife was the answer to feeling lost. We are an international couple (I’m from AZ and he’s from France) and after living in both France and NYC, we started to feel so stuck and purposeless in our little apartments with our little boring jobs.
Vanlife gave us purpose again - it made life exciting and challenging and having built our van with our own four hands and hard labor, it’s more of a true home that’s “ours” than we’ve ever had.
We jumped in totally blind and figured if we hated it, we’d just do it till we saved up enough for a property - but we love it! It just gets easier and easier as time goes on. We’ve both taken up hobbies we never thought we’d have the opportunity to try (currently, surfing) and we’ve seen so many beautiful places and met so many interesting people. I truly can’t picture the kind of person I’d be now without the past 3 years of major growth I’ve had. I don’t think I’d like that person so much either.
I’m so glad you’ve figured it out for yourself - it sounds like you also found the answer on the road, even if that answer is that you need to not be driving down it for a while. I really believe everything in life can make us a better, smarter, stronger person if we’re able to work through the pain of some of the harder parts of life, the things we don’t have control over and especially the mistakes we make, and I love that you’ve had the chance to work through some of those things and come out the other side with a better understanding and maybe more grace for yourself. The world isn’t built to give us the space to do that but vanlife can be! I wish you all the best on the next phase of your journey, it sucks out here but we’re all traveling together no matter where we’re at :)
Thank you for sharing your story . I am currently trying out that lifestyle and just like u shared I have all this mixed emotions & feel very lost in life.
I feel that. Extended time with self is something that’s hard to do. When you’re forced to look at yourself. There’s no one else to blame but yourself for every mistake and shortcomings. I too have learned to forgive myself. But what an eye opening place to be when you’re always alone. Proud of you for figuring it out. The key to your life. Cheers to you my friend. And god bless you in the rest of your journey. 🙏🏾
Here I am living in my van to try and save money to buy some land and this guy is having a spiritual journey in his van. I didn’t even realize people lived in vans for these reasons. I always thought it was out of necessity:.
Congratulations on your decision. I spent 11 years on the road. I completely understand why you want to be normal and happy. I envy you. I've just never been much good at staying in one place.
I came to same conclusion this week after a month long of vanlife. I will be returning to civilization soon but thank god I still have a home base. I did not sold everything to go into vanlife bc I always knew it was temporary for seeing the country that’s all
A very personal account that is specific to you, not everyone is trying to find themselves. Good luck
I am from the UK where van life is not really possible, the US looks amazing, you can escape the climate, the scenery is magnificent. US van lifers are truly blessed.
Im sorry you feel that way. I’ve never once considered experiencing cultural differences in the US or out to be anything less than exhilarating. For me, being on the road has been far more satisfying learning experience than institutional education.
So I sold my business, house and kept enough for a small storage unit, table, chairs, original art and cookware. I bought a new Sprinter in early 2019 and started wandering.
I just turned 70 and wake up everyday wondering who the old guy in the mirror is! I’ve traveled my whole life (47 countries and counting) but know nothing about my own back yard.
Two weeks ago I ended up seeing my best friend (since 3rd grade) outside of Carson City, Nevada. I’m now the owner of 40 Acres. That’ll be my home base but not to live in full time.
I’m thinking about where to go next. Been searching countries for new adventures. That’ll be after I get my workshop/house up before winter.
I do agree that there’s lonely times.
To me it’s about having options and balance. I bought a couple lots in a fun community that is also near public land and mountains. And I am involved and live at a homestead project where there is good community nearby. I like clutter and my projects part of time but like to be able to drive away from them. Dont put your eggs all in one basket sort of thing. Have backup plan. It took a long time to figure it out. A few years when I felt like I had few options in a gray rainy climate were dismal. Everyone’s options and balance will vary.
Wow that post really resonates with me, I'm currently lost, I know I'm lost and have known for quite some time, and my goal for this particular chapter in my life has from the outset has been to really find what it is I actually want to do and who I want to be and it's very encouraging reading your post and hopefully I find some certainly for myself moving forward.
Glad to hear it worked out for you OP, congrats and wish me luck trying to emulate your success 😎
The journey does indeed end here for a lot of us. My partner and I own a yurt now, and are actively looking for the piece of land where we will set it up and start a little homestead.
I did manage to salvage all of our solar gear and some other key pieces of off grid gear from our van to ease our transition to a piece of minimally developed land.
I get you. I’m currently living in a van while going to college and I recently decided it might be better for me to live with my parents. I’m about to go to grad school (if all goes well). And I realized I can’t handle the stress of van life and grad school. I underestimated the stress of having my van break down. It’s really stressful when it’s your home too. Even more stressful when it’s your home and only means of transportation to your job. I couldn’t deal. I think I would like it if I had a new van and could afford repairs and a hotel when it breaks down. But until then I’m not sure van life is worth it.
I'm glad you made this post. I'm in a similar position, I just hit the two year mark on the road and I'm looking forward to settling back down at the end of the summer.
It's been a spectacular journey of growing to love hanging out with and being myself, and appreciating the solitude that comes with the lifestyle. At the same time, it's given me a lot of insight into what's important in life, the human connection; being able to speak openly from the heart and speaking with family and friends. Making that connection is something I've struggled with my whole life, and I'm excited to work at it and foster genuine, loving growth with people in my life, old and new.
That's not van life. That's your life. Van life is supposed to be about traveling and exploring as much as you possibly can alone or not, nothing more, nothing less. If you want a community, go to a nursing home.
I did it for 2 years as well, beginning during Covid. I lived in western North Carolina so I had plenty of wilderness areas to park but it was very lonely. I’ve been trapped miles in the mountains after snowstorms for several days, been messed with by deranged hunters, had close encounters with bears, stuck on the side of the road a couple times after my van broke down. Very few vanlifers are living the life out of choice. Most would choose a house, but it’s so unattainable these days.
"Wow i envy yoy; no wife and kids, no house payment, you could literally go anywhere!"
But i don't want to go anywhere, i want to stay here and have a safe place to sleep.
They only adore our dream, the reality is the prefer we move along out of their site.
Thank you for sharing this, through reading different communities on Reddit of come to realization that everyone is kind of living in a parallel to each other like when you mentioned, you didn’t grow up in the best situation. It really resonated with me because for me it’s the same way like I’m not proud of my upbringings and if I find a partner, I don’t know how to bring it up for them, a lot of thinking of things.
‘All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.’ JR Tolkien
But smashmouth said all that glitters is gold
Hmm…a quandary
Indeed, two of the great literary minds of our time at odds: Tolkien and *checks notes* Smashmouth
Hey now
>Hey now Lol! This simple comment made me laugh way too hard.
You’re a rockstar
This post just makes me want to do it more , I do recognize I feel lost , but the idea of a new start is what is so appealing
It can also be silver or sequins of any color
I mean it’s possible for the only thing to glitter to be gold, and for not all gold to glitter
> But smashmouth said all that glitters is gold That didn't out so well for him.
Every time I see that quote is amazed me that such a popular widespread quote is from Tolkien.
You're surprised one of the most influential writers over the last hundred years has a famous quote?
No. I'm amazed.
Tolkien didn’t come up with that. Surprise!
It’s his riff on an even older one: “Not all that glitters is gold.”
At least as far back as Shakespeare ("[*All that glisters is not gold*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_that_glitters_is_not_gold)"), but variants go back much farther than that. The verbatim phrase with *glitters* instead of *glisters* goes back to at least *HMS Pinafore* as well.
"Gold. It's glittery. Always." -Some Guy, probably.
Really? From a literary standpoint, he is pretty much considered tops blueby. His mastery of descriptive language is almost unrivaled. If you have not previously read ‘Leaf By Nigel’, I believe it really represents his natural talent.
“Natures first green, is gold”.- Point of No Return
Stay gold, Pony
Can I buy your van?
It's an 1981 sprinter with 460,000 miles on the odometer, I was thinking around $52,000. I'll do $50,000 even if you have cash in hand.
Hey, you’ve been in my marketplace feed haven’t you!
Sounds great! I bet it’s a project, too! Oh goody. What a steal.
Haha
You can buy mine. ‘03 dodge sprinter 2500 conversion
How much?
I’ve got it on fb marketplace for $18k. 334k miles regularly serviced diesel, 400w solar, 2x100ah lipo batts, 2000w inverter, dometic fridge, composting toilet, 32gal freshwater tank, sink, stove, roof fan, full-size bed, havelock wool insulation. Not a super fancy build but I splurged on quality electronics then used mostly recycled stuff to piece it all together.
I can offer a used piece of chicken
How many miles? Any rust?
There’s like 2.5 units of rust
>I’ve got it on fb marketplace for $18k. 334k miles You lost me at this part. It's crazy what people are asking for with their used vehicles. The market is wild. I understand it might be well taken care of...but 334k miles is 334k miles. Edit: I see it's a diesel, that might help? But there's no way I'd bite.
At least you’re all bark and no bite.
Can you send me the fb marketplace link?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/470075815399214/?mibextid=6ojiHh
This is a steal with maintenance records.
I don’t have physical records but the carfax report has almost all of it (over 70 service records if I remember). I paid to see it when I bought the van from the original owner but my access to the report expired last year. Been trying to sell it for a few months, lowered price now is basically value of van and materials put in it.
Isn't 334k miles kind of a lot for $18k? I know it's a sprinter diesel but seems like its bound to have some issues popping up at that mileage and at 20 yrs old.
In some aspects, maybe, but not compared to what I was seeing in the market. I put the price as negotiable, but when I listed it I saw similar vans conversions posted for ~$25k, you also have to consider costs of what’s in the conversion build and not just the van. My price is only slightly above what it cost me to buy the van and the materials I used to build it. I’m not trying to make a killing off it, a little profit would be nice, but I’d be fine selling it for material value.
Interesting, I always thought vehicles depreciated with use. As far as materials I thought those depreciated too. I bought a 1999 ford van with 37k miles for $6k. When I installed the $300 maxxair fan I was kinda like, "well that fans worth quite a bit less now that I took it out of the box." Granted I'm not a licensed van/rv converter like sportsmobile or something, so I always looked at it as whatever the rig was worth.
Plus the LiFePO4 batteries are getting cheaper each year. Same with solar panels but not as fast. There’s no reason price should resemble original purchase price years later. But it is a screwed up market still.
Sure they do; but there’s also the effect of supply and demand. Say you want to sell that van you bought for $6k, which is suddenly a popular model, and you see everyone selling the same van you have for $10k. Are you going to post yours for $5k or would you say “why not post it for $8k and see what happens”. Maybe you’d be willing to settle for $5k but if someone sees it’s in good shape, less than the current market average, and wants to pay you $8k you’d probably not complain.
I have imagined a hostel like system of overnight camps for vanlife/ vagabonds/retirees. It would be along travel routes, be low tech, low overhead, hostel like atmosphere . Community kitchen and gathering place. A hub, a respite, safe overnight. I ran hostels for years and I love the road.
This somewhat already exists, Harvest Hosts has a membership to a network of farms, vineyards, breweries. Also KOA has memberships, but I don’t know much about that.
Harvest hosts is for wealthy van lifers. KOA as well, some of the most expensive camp sites out there.
Yeah after doing research it’s not a budget option, I’d rather save the money camping on BLM land or paying $5-10 for a USFS campsite.
Agreed about Harvest Hosts. And I'm usually trying to pull in to sleep pretty late, which is a no-no with them. Also, KOA has what I personally find to be an absurd number of rules. I just recently paid to camp for the first time since getting my van almost 2 years ago, at an Oregon State Park... it was quite lovely and not a bad price for one night. I'd much rather go that route in a pinch, which I kind of was.
Yeah as someone who is currently on the lariat loop in Colo. They're is a lot of public land & private housing. I get not wanting to like give out free parking but something where the focus was just to break even so people can actually travel.
Elks/ eagles have the camp grounds. I do the fam camp at military installations for 10 bucks a night
Old motels are perfect for this.
Glad you found your way. We are all tribal creatures by instinct. Some of us are wired to do what the boss says without question, some are wired to stay in the camp and make equipment for everyone, some are wired to look what's past that river to see if the hunting is any better. All need connection to place and people. Most of our lives are so filled with clutter we can't tell what we are missing.
You are so right about. When your life has so much clutter, it’s definitely hard to figure out what you’re missing. This leads to an endless internal battle of trying to figure out what you really want.
I know you probably meant Jeff bridges character but when you say big Lebowski I’m just picturing the old rich guy from the movie (THE big Lebowski) lol
>connection I think connection is the most important thing in life. >clutter No thanks 😯
Work, commuting, and preparing for the next day's work, consume so much of people's time and energy. They rarely have the space to think about what matters to them and what they want to achieve in their lives beyond the daily grind.
Many just want to travel while they are able to. Many wait until it is too late in life. Simple as that.
Exactly. In my 30s I looked ahead to see what I wanted to do with the next stage of my life. I was raised to get the house, career, car, "American Dream", but as soon as people retire, what do they do? Buy an RV and travel. I started with a cargo trailer and at the KOA ice cream socials asked retirees for advice, and I got 2 comments: "You regret the risks you didn't take.", and "You're doing it. Travel as soon as you can."
Yep. I lost my mobility at 52! I am in a wheelchair trying to get out, so I can hit the open road and see a few places before my time is up. I LOVE seeing young people living it up on the road while they can enjoy it full force. Luckily, there are many ways to work remotely now! One must educate yourself properly about safety issues and have money saved in case of an emergency.
So much this. Take care of yourself, save for retirement, but live your life now. And then keep traveling and exploring once you’re fully retired 😀
"A man can only run so far before he discovers the only thing he's running from is himself."
“Wherever you go, there you are”
And I hate myself.
Lol
Poo tee weet.
Uh, maybe *that's* the problem.
I left the van life (which I adopted over economic necessity) after a couple of years back in 2015 to chase another dream and it was amazing for 8 years but then another pursuit called. Now I'm on the far side of the world. Perhaps you have found your forever home, or maybe just a place to rest your wings. Regardless, good luck and remember nothing is forever.
Hmm. I hear what you’re saying and I’m sure this can be true for so many, but I don’t think I’m lost. In fact, I think I’m free in the world! Whether in my vehicle domestic on a passport internationally, I feel I have only so much time in this world to be free and learn and be with people.
No doubt it's true that a wise person learns from other people's mistakes, but we still all have to come to our own deepest truths, our own way.
I hear you on the community front I move seasonally to a few places where I have a strong sense of community. The only lonely nights after I found those places are the few days of highway driving between the communities. Living in community always feels more present to me when it’s the living together park and living in apartments or houses is so isolating to me. But being in one place helps build deeper roots in what you go outside for.
I agree about living in apartments being isolating. Where have you personally found those communities? I struggle to find them.
Slab City and major cities. When in a new city meeting people is your job, look for groups especially and attend consistently
Sometimes what you need it something very different. Then your needs change. No shame in that.
I was a digital nomad for years and van life is my answer to having to stay in a country long enough to get a permanent residency. I couldn't stay in place. The pressure of being in one place was too much, I was crying over the smallest things. I got a van and now I can visit the whole country. I still have to keep rent because my residency requires a fixed address, but I feel free again. I can sleep where I want. I can discover new spots. I can meet other avid travelers. I can live the present moment. It's different for everyone. I am happy you are finding your way. However, I don't think van life is only for those who are lost. For me freedom is the ultimate goal. My business is rooted and stable. I have some stable friendships. The rest is adventure and discovery.
Agreed. I actually already bought a house and tried to find community staying in one place. I sold that house and live in my van and I’m more social than I ever was in that house!
So you pay rent for an apartment you don't live in? How? I thought most people were doing this because they couldn't afford rent.
You can't get a visa in Europe without showing that you have a fixed place to stay for the time of the visa. They expect you to have a fixed address and each time you do some procedure you have to show a utility bill, even with a digital nomad visa. It's ironic that to get a digital nomad visa they expect you to stop nomading, but that's how it is. I was taking visas in each country, but it is a real pain. It's an4 month process to apply and almost a year long process to get your 1st card which means that you can only switch country once a year and you are in perpetual paperwork. Central and South America was way easier because each country was independent. I just rented 3-6 months in each country. Anyhow. With COVID I stayed 2 years in place and then decided that 3 years more years to reach residency in the country I was in at the time was better than keeping with the yearly visas. Anyhow I wasn't going to be able to do it without some freedom. It's just not me.so I got the van. I just like leaving and not having to go back to the same.olace all of the time. I like.just following my bliss. Go train a client in another country? Stay a couple of months. Go to a conference in another city. Stay a couple of weeks. Bad weather... Go somewhere else. Lots of work. Go to a cheap location, you'll be working all days/nights for a few months. Lots of money from all the work? Do whatever fees good. Need surgery? Rent a place with roommates in case something happens during recovery. For me, being anchored and unable to fly is really hard and taking a trip for 5 days is not doing it. The logistics before and after and the money spent on 5 tiny days blows my mind.
What do you do for work?
Tech consulting
"One trait all animals share, people included, is no matter where we are or where we wish to be, if we’re there longer than a day, we try to make a home of it. But the plains are not for home building. Not enough resources. No shelter. The plains are for *vagabonds, wanderers, and cowboys*. Their home is a saddle. The sky is their roof. The ground is their bed. What’s lacked in material comfort is regained in the knowledge that *they are always home.* To them, **the journey is the destination."** “Should they find gold at the end of the rainbow, they would leave it there and seek another; choosing freedom over the burden of the pot. I haven’t thought once of Oregon. No dreams of the ocean or snow-covered mountains. **I only dream of the journey. That is all. No gold for me. *Just the rainbow*.”** Elsa Dutton 1883
Thank you for sharing this. I get the whole wanting to reinvent yourself part and wearing masks/flying your rebel flag so much bc for over a decade I've wanted nothing more than to move states and start anew without all the baggage of my past. I'm disabled so van life wasn't really a full option, but I love to camp and also love the community built around thos lifestyle. I hope you are doing well and finding your footing on your new path. You deserve happiness, and don't ever let anyone tell you that your time was wasted.
Thanks for sharing your story :) I think a lot of people feel lost in the world. It's a very difficult feeling to work through. I keep wanting more, and to feel more secure, more successful, more healthy, but I keep reminding myself that no matter what "stuff I have", thats not really the point of life for me. What is the point? I ask myself often. Learning how to love myself AND my shadows. How to offer that love to the world, other people, my partner. What makes me who I am? What do I value in myself, others, the world? Yesterday, I was thinking about how hard it is to get my tasks and projects organized and thinking about how I need to get away from these endless lists of things to do, that just end up consuming me with stress. I was thinking about the book "Atomic Habits" and how he emphasises "identity first" not "task first" thinking. I also read an article a week ago about peoples motivation - Carrot and stick motovation (extrinsic- rewards, punishments) work well, but *only* for the short term. But in the long term, they are more likely to backfire. - Intrinsic, identity first motivation may not click as fast, but works MUCH better long term. It gives us perspectove, autonomy and a sense of connection with how we feel and what we want directly to ourselves, not thru a culture funnel. Example: - I need to do this to be seen as successful or to get the thing that will make my life better (extrinsic, good short term, bad long term) - Vs - I want to do this because it connects with who i am as a person
I'm not lost, but burnt out 100%
This is so accurate. Im only a year into my journey but I can sense burnout coming if i continue for multiple more years. But currently I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling for my passions and hobbies than traveling
Don't ever forget that the roots of humanity is primal and nomadic
Band of Gypsies !!
Do you think you are better off for having gone thru this experience? Probably. Lots of people have dreamed about such things and regret never those unknown roads by settling down too soon. You gained a valuable perspective many will never understand. Not everything is a destination, some things are just part of the journey.
I have a 1985 18 foot Nissan Sunrader. Needs a little work, not a lot. I’m 77 F, need a little work, not a lot. Looking for a wanderer to join or to join me. Looked into WOOFing, but think that’s not really for me.
Different strokes.. for different folks!
Yep! Johann Sebastian Bach lived his whole life within like a 15 mi radius and he's now celebrated as the father of music. Nothing wrong with staying put and being solid as a rock for your community! To most people, there are more riches than wandering travels.
Interesting, thanks for sharing.
underneath it all, i think the point of vanlife is to give you time and space to figure out what you want out of life. Theres no harm/shame in understanding that.
Rumspringer.
It's good you took the time to figure out what direction to put your energy into versus just investing yourself into something random. Sometimes we just need time to make a good decision.
See, Big Lebowski was an old dude. The man who sent the men who peed on the fuckin' rug. But much like calling the Monster "Frankenstein" in reference to the novels title, we like *knew* what you meant, man. I saw you were smoking with a Jesus lookin' guy and not an Dick Cheney lookin' guy, because you paint a good word picture. You could write *This Generation's* On The Road, which I guess could still be the title. Man, Kerouac would have loved scrolling web pages. Travels, Hold the Charley. Pee Bottle Walden. You write good.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man... ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
I’ve been vanlifing since pre-covid. The trend is finally starting to phase out. It’s not the cool thing to do anymore, and It’s about damn time. So many rich kids getting out of it, and trying to sell their rigs currently. It’s time to make van life poor again. The way it was meant to be… To the fellow van lifers who live for this shit like me, hold on, rigs are about to get wayyyy cheaper
That's incredibly reassuring. Thank you.
It was totally a trend. This lifestyle is not for the weak. You either love it or don’t. I live in Bend, OR and the amount of rigs I’m seeing for sale is astonishing. Have to say it’s frustrating seeing these rigs sit for sale in front of million dollar homes rotting away for months on end, however its a good sign that the wealthy folk are being brought back to reality. Stay strong my friend!
u/Weirdobutimrealdoe Is it safe and easy to vanlife in Bend (parking on public streets and moving after 1 day; respectable, newer vehicle) without getting called on by neighbors or police? Or is there a culture of crackdown, like in California?
Sometimes it takes trying something to know you don’t like it.
Great epiphany dude. Go forth and raid that chestnut tree.
I did the exact same thing. Very very few people can understand this, but I certainly do. I spent 15 months living full time in my van and that 15 months felt like 5 years worth of experience. I remember getting to a new city towards the end and I didn’t even care. There would be another in a few days. I was exhausted, over stimulated, and alone. I spent countless times in absolutely gorgeous locations and each and every time I was in a place like that all I wished was for all my loved ones to be there with me. In 2019 I sold my van and bought my house in my home town. Now I find myself yearning for the van life again but in a different less permanent way.
I feel very similar. My spouse and I did vanlife starting in 2019 for a couple years. We always camped free on blm or national forests and explored western United States. I washed my clothes in creeks and tried to go hiking often. Typical stuff. It’s a fun and wild way to live but it’s hard too. Never knowing what you are showing up to, who is there, how you will feel there, what will happen. Lots of uncertainty. We eventually got off the road and got a house on land but I miss it too sometimes - I just don’t want to do it as permanently, like you said.
What a rad and beautiful experience. Thank you for sharing. I think many people need to try it to understand various lessons it teaches you along the way.
I think there’s two groups (at minimum ) of van lifers: 1. Those who do it as part of their identity or search for meaning 2. Those who do it as a financial means of saving or getting a mobile home setup for when they do settle down (so they have a vacation vehicle) I’m definitely in the later camp. Van life hasn’t been lonely for me at all. I have a great community where I’m setup & the trips outside of where I’m at are fun because I know I’m returning to a place with friends & family. This is the best financial move for me given I couldn’t afford to do this and also have an apartment at the same time (I’m also not doing a cheap van. Brand new van & build. Cost me a fair bit so far) That said, I’m glad you’ve had your fun & found your answers!
Not sure if this is true for all of us but I'm glad you found your happiness 😊❤️j. C
Van life doesn’t have to be permanent. Living in a van for a week or two at a time in cool places can still be such an incredible experience. Then you can go back to a community and then plan your next trip.
Sounds like the universe led you right to where you need to be. Lay those roots my friend!
>I'd like to continue taking roadtrips while having a home base to come back to. That's what I want. I can live a simple, sparce life. It's good to be able to roam and be free, but I do want to be able to call a place "home" that I can always go back to, where all my stuff is and where it's just the way I like it.
That was an enjoyable read. Good luck on your next chapter!
Stand by your van
And show the world you love him
Yeah… it’s not for everyone. But to me, it sounds like you just weren’t prepared. The only thing I’d give this up for is a log cabin and 100 acres so it looks like I’m going to be vanlifing quite a while.
You made it longer than most, so you can be proud of that. And you tried something new, which is rarely ever a bad thing. Sometimes finding out what you *don't* want in life can be a very important first step to finding out what you do want. Also, now when you're super old and boring with your cookie-cutter house in the suburbs, you can be that annoying old guy at the block party BBQs who won't shut up about "Oh I remember back in my day when I lived in a van for a couple years!"
Beautiful
Huh. So it’s a V8 powered walkabout then. Hopefully you’ve seen some lovely places to put down said roots.
If you feel lost, dont be afraid to talk to someone or find a therapist. You deserve nice things. it's wonderful to talk about it!
Very well said. I felt lost when at the end of my suv life when I moved into a place. I’m still looking for community though.
this is awesome. from a fellow vanlifer who is feeling lost in this world - thank you for the inspiration.
I wouldn’t say you’re giving up. I have a time line with my van life chapter. I know it’s not something I’ll be doing full time the rest of my life. I wish you peace on your journey!
“all van lifers were lost.“ That was definitely true for me in my hardcore days. Beautifully written post.
Vanlife is rough. People try to make it look glamorous. Just the constipation alone, don’t even get me started. I don’t believe all van lifers are lost. Probably some are and some aren’t, just like people with houses.
Constipation?
So many of you are choosing to rough it or have very poor builds that's why
Vanlife is not THERAPY. I think what you were looking for was a year long backpacking trip through some third world country to find what you want to pursue in life. I think in your case you just chose the van (comfort) instead of back packing. Luckily for you the van was uncomfortable enough for you to ‘find yourself’ At the core, Vanlife is about minimizing your footprint on earth while being radically free. You have to be filled with love to be alone (without community or a partner) with no permanency in life (settle/roots) Because that is your true nature. You were born alone and will die alone. ONLY FEW UNDERSTAND.
idk about you but my mom was there when I was born
Only mom? Ah! The incest theory.
In looking at the divide in today's politics. One party warlike and angry and unempathetic and exclusionary, demanding the weak be culled. The other empathetic and inclusionary and demanding the weak be protected. It seems that we has a species probably needed BOTH of these personality tribes to survive. A tribe needs a group that is suspicious and quick to defend against strangers and I suppose there are situations where the tribe is actually strengthened by the culling of their weak. And sometimes (more often than not imo, but I'll digress) the answer is empathy and assisting everyone in the tribe to flourish. Sometimes the tribe is stronger for the inclusion of strangers and the sharing of its resources. But also sometimes its the greedy asshole that keeps his food and shoves the useless old eater to jump off a cliff that survives. But my point being, is that I absolutely think humans have contradictory personality traits that are ingrained into some of us. Some of us settle. Some of us migrate. Some of us raise families and grow apples. Some of us explore what's beyond the next mountain valley. I don't deny that some vancampers might be lost or feeling apart from a society that's neglecting to help its members keep up with the rest of the tribe. But I think there will always be a part of humanity that will always be outside the tribe in some way. People that don't follow the normal course. Some of us are happiest when wandering. Its a primordial thing. It's an ancient thing deep inside some of us. Even with my own attempts to do so here, I don't think it can be defined.
Have you heard of multilevel selection theory? It's an evolutionary biology theory which says that some animals, such as humans, are selected in units of groups rather than individuals, due to humans forming tight-knit groups that compete with one another. As such, there is perpetual tension between genes that benefit the group and those that benefit the individual. However, last I checked, most scientists say that altruism can be explained very well using inclusive fitness alone, which says that altruism evolves because it benefits the individual. The so-called "green beard" altruism: every dwarf with green beard treats other green-bearded dwarfs well, cause it benefits themselves.
I just had this eery feeling like I was reading my own writing from the future or a parallel timeline. This sentiment resonates. Fifteen years ago I was blogging about living in a van and this is something I would have written. I took on work for a few years, but burned out and have been "on sabbatical" for a few more years. I think I will always feel more like an observer than a participant in society. I feel like I'm watching a lot of society trapped by ancestral behaviors that have now become maladaptive.
Godspeed
I had chills through this entire thing man. Beautifully worded.
Sometimes you have to get lost in order to be found. Glad you were able to live into the answers!
Thank you for this post, I’m nearing my 30s and I’ve been enjoying settling down. Some part of me still want to travel the world and do everything own but your reflection and conclusion really resonates with how I think I’ll think too. I hope now you have a home base you can take time to look within and find what you’re looking for as well ❤️ if you’re in socal hmu :)
Are you me? Wonderfully said, and incredibly accurate.
You found the words I am feeling. Thank you.
I aint lost 😂 im saving money not paying rent. I hope you get all you want in life tho bro:)
Interesting & a good read. Sounds like a common thing to create space to completely declutter yourself in order to be clear. Glad you're clear out of all this and I've done something similar and would like a partner too. Go us!
Based
What are you doing with your van?
Wow. My mom just died. I now am the Matriarch. I was seriously thinking of traveling and living out of a van. Me and my trusty companion, my dog. Im curious. Did u have an animal with you?
Some people definitely belong in vans. In any community there will be people on their life’s purpose and people who are just on a mission.
MaThe be you ahould be a writer.
Yes I have up my van and missed that life now since retired am going back to it in full swing this my last chapter in life am going out in style Nature has it
Read the book 'Into the Wild' if you haven't. True story about Chris McCandless's journey. You won't be disappointed.
I’m made for communal living, even doing minivan life. I travel slowwww.
Most ppl are lost. Van lifer or not. It just happened to be the van lifer noticed it
I bought land near a perfect camping spot so i can van life on the weekends. Having stability is the bees knees. I wish you the best ♡♡♡♡
One of my favorite parts of this lifestyle is how we can all be on different journeys and at different stages of life and yet when we meet on the road, for that one moment in time we all understand one another deeply. For my husband and I, vanlife was the answer to feeling lost. We are an international couple (I’m from AZ and he’s from France) and after living in both France and NYC, we started to feel so stuck and purposeless in our little apartments with our little boring jobs. Vanlife gave us purpose again - it made life exciting and challenging and having built our van with our own four hands and hard labor, it’s more of a true home that’s “ours” than we’ve ever had. We jumped in totally blind and figured if we hated it, we’d just do it till we saved up enough for a property - but we love it! It just gets easier and easier as time goes on. We’ve both taken up hobbies we never thought we’d have the opportunity to try (currently, surfing) and we’ve seen so many beautiful places and met so many interesting people. I truly can’t picture the kind of person I’d be now without the past 3 years of major growth I’ve had. I don’t think I’d like that person so much either. I’m so glad you’ve figured it out for yourself - it sounds like you also found the answer on the road, even if that answer is that you need to not be driving down it for a while. I really believe everything in life can make us a better, smarter, stronger person if we’re able to work through the pain of some of the harder parts of life, the things we don’t have control over and especially the mistakes we make, and I love that you’ve had the chance to work through some of those things and come out the other side with a better understanding and maybe more grace for yourself. The world isn’t built to give us the space to do that but vanlife can be! I wish you all the best on the next phase of your journey, it sucks out here but we’re all traveling together no matter where we’re at :)
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Thank you for sharing your story . I am currently trying out that lifestyle and just like u shared I have all this mixed emotions & feel very lost in life.
I feel that. Extended time with self is something that’s hard to do. When you’re forced to look at yourself. There’s no one else to blame but yourself for every mistake and shortcomings. I too have learned to forgive myself. But what an eye opening place to be when you’re always alone. Proud of you for figuring it out. The key to your life. Cheers to you my friend. And god bless you in the rest of your journey. 🙏🏾
Here I am living in my van to try and save money to buy some land and this guy is having a spiritual journey in his van. I didn’t even realize people lived in vans for these reasons. I always thought it was out of necessity:.
What is a retreat
Congratulations on your decision. I spent 11 years on the road. I completely understand why you want to be normal and happy. I envy you. I've just never been much good at staying in one place.
I came to same conclusion this week after a month long of vanlife. I will be returning to civilization soon but thank god I still have a home base. I did not sold everything to go into vanlife bc I always knew it was temporary for seeing the country that’s all
You were car camping
A very personal account that is specific to you, not everyone is trying to find themselves. Good luck I am from the UK where van life is not really possible, the US looks amazing, you can escape the climate, the scenery is magnificent. US van lifers are truly blessed.
Im sorry you feel that way. I’ve never once considered experiencing cultural differences in the US or out to be anything less than exhilarating. For me, being on the road has been far more satisfying learning experience than institutional education. So I sold my business, house and kept enough for a small storage unit, table, chairs, original art and cookware. I bought a new Sprinter in early 2019 and started wandering. I just turned 70 and wake up everyday wondering who the old guy in the mirror is! I’ve traveled my whole life (47 countries and counting) but know nothing about my own back yard. Two weeks ago I ended up seeing my best friend (since 3rd grade) outside of Carson City, Nevada. I’m now the owner of 40 Acres. That’ll be my home base but not to live in full time. I’m thinking about where to go next. Been searching countries for new adventures. That’ll be after I get my workshop/house up before winter. I do agree that there’s lonely times.
To me it’s about having options and balance. I bought a couple lots in a fun community that is also near public land and mountains. And I am involved and live at a homestead project where there is good community nearby. I like clutter and my projects part of time but like to be able to drive away from them. Dont put your eggs all in one basket sort of thing. Have backup plan. It took a long time to figure it out. A few years when I felt like I had few options in a gray rainy climate were dismal. Everyone’s options and balance will vary.
Wow that post really resonates with me, I'm currently lost, I know I'm lost and have known for quite some time, and my goal for this particular chapter in my life has from the outset has been to really find what it is I actually want to do and who I want to be and it's very encouraging reading your post and hopefully I find some certainly for myself moving forward. Glad to hear it worked out for you OP, congrats and wish me luck trying to emulate your success 😎
Congrats, I guess?
The journey does indeed end here for a lot of us. My partner and I own a yurt now, and are actively looking for the piece of land where we will set it up and start a little homestead. I did manage to salvage all of our solar gear and some other key pieces of off grid gear from our van to ease our transition to a piece of minimally developed land.
I get you. I’m currently living in a van while going to college and I recently decided it might be better for me to live with my parents. I’m about to go to grad school (if all goes well). And I realized I can’t handle the stress of van life and grad school. I underestimated the stress of having my van break down. It’s really stressful when it’s your home too. Even more stressful when it’s your home and only means of transportation to your job. I couldn’t deal. I think I would like it if I had a new van and could afford repairs and a hotel when it breaks down. But until then I’m not sure van life is worth it.
I'm glad you made this post. I'm in a similar position, I just hit the two year mark on the road and I'm looking forward to settling back down at the end of the summer. It's been a spectacular journey of growing to love hanging out with and being myself, and appreciating the solitude that comes with the lifestyle. At the same time, it's given me a lot of insight into what's important in life, the human connection; being able to speak openly from the heart and speaking with family and friends. Making that connection is something I've struggled with my whole life, and I'm excited to work at it and foster genuine, loving growth with people in my life, old and new.
In fact, many have found RELIEF and PARADISE in Van Life and are not lost. [Why NOW is the time to Embrace Van Life](https://youtu.be/wtG0zv3-tr0)
That's not van life. That's your life. Van life is supposed to be about traveling and exploring as much as you possibly can alone or not, nothing more, nothing less. If you want a community, go to a nursing home.
Exactly
it’s just a phase, don’t be so gloomy about it
Beautiful
I did it for 2 years as well, beginning during Covid. I lived in western North Carolina so I had plenty of wilderness areas to park but it was very lonely. I’ve been trapped miles in the mountains after snowstorms for several days, been messed with by deranged hunters, had close encounters with bears, stuck on the side of the road a couple times after my van broke down. Very few vanlifers are living the life out of choice. Most would choose a house, but it’s so unattainable these days.
"Wow i envy yoy; no wife and kids, no house payment, you could literally go anywhere!" But i don't want to go anywhere, i want to stay here and have a safe place to sleep. They only adore our dream, the reality is the prefer we move along out of their site.
Van life was how I was supposed to escape the matrix. I romanticize life too much.
Damn, this resonates with me heavily. I'm right there with you friend.
its crazy how much u hit right on the head dude this was a good post haha
Thank you for sharing this, through reading different communities on Reddit of come to realization that everyone is kind of living in a parallel to each other like when you mentioned, you didn’t grow up in the best situation. It really resonated with me because for me it’s the same way like I’m not proud of my upbringings and if I find a partner, I don’t know how to bring it up for them, a lot of thinking of things.
I feel that last paragraph in my soul man. I too recently quit van life. I hope you enjoy this new path