2 Dogs, and a Gal and a Grand Caravan Adventure

07/02/2023

02/26/2023

The other night, an older Suburban pulled into the spot next to me. A young woman jumped out, and immediately got busy taking things out of her suv and readjusting her traveling gear.

Out comes 2 toddlers, dusky complected with wild curly hair. Next, car seats, and some bins. Then back in they go, leaving the items beside their vehicle. Hoping they'll be there the next morning.

Immediately, I understood exactly what she was doing and why. Making space for sleep. It's what full time travelers do. Daytime drive travel, and overnight parking to sleep. She was making room.

The next morning, she was out with her little boys. Getting everything situated to spend another day on the road. I chit chatted with her a bit.

I could tell she was frustrated and desperate. Something needed to happen fast, otherwise the unthinkable was going to happen to them. Maybe CPS was going to tear her family apart before she could find her solution, or maybe they were about to find themselves on the street, her Suburban was an older model, after all. One breakdown away from loosing the only security and opportunity she had left.

Trying to find a path to housing, but so many road blocks in the way. What good are your friends and family if no one is willing to help her with her 2 small children.

I wanted to reach out to her, to offer a support mechanism, but she was gone. And I'm just a stranger.

02/13/2023

Doing laundry at public facilities is always an experience. Everytime, I meet someone who changes my lifes perspective a little. Last week I met a beautiful spirit, we chatted for longer than it took for the clothes to be done.

Same day, a little boy who is on the spectrum instantly connected with me, so much so his Mom, who was standoffish with most people, was amazed and we too chatted for a bit.

During that same time, a woman came in all brusque and angry. We all shrugged. Later, I saw her holding a sign on a corner that I pass served times daily. She's homeless. Or, just holding a sign saying she is. I really am not judging, as maybe homelessness is just one missed rent payment away.

It seems that's the story I'm hearing more and more.

Today was no different, another interesting conversation about exhorbant rents and another senior on the streets.

The last I was talking to, told me how her apartment building, the place she lived for the past 12 years, a 450 sf 1 bedroom, no amenities since it was built in the 1960s, no microwave, no washer dryer, no dishwasher, no pool... etc. She was paying $450 a month up until 2 years ago when it was sold to a corporation. The first year, her rent was raised 600$. The second year, its now $1900.

NINETEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!

Now she's afraid of what her future holds because she's on disability.

She told me of a 68yo woman who couldn't pay that, no friends or family. She slept in her car until it was repoed, then in bushes at the local library. This is where she lived during covid, until one day she disappeared.

Most people don't realize how close they are to become unhoused, homeless or housing insecure. Until it happens. And all too often, these people are completely unprepared. Confused on how this could happen to them, that have full time jobs, they aren't drug addicted...

And, yet it seems all they are to anyone not experiencing financial struggles is just a statistic, and they write them off as somehow deserving of their circumstances. I guess this helps them not feel bad for not giving a s**t.

And believe me when I sa that there is a 2 year plus waiting list for anyone seeking housing assistance from their local communities, and this wait time is consistent across the nation.

I will be writing more about these people every week. I recognize them, now. I talk to them, and I can't unsee them.

01/23/2023

I was so busy that our 2 year anniversary of van life began 2 days ago. Guess we'll celebrate today!

12/09/2022

Never disappoints. 100% on point every time, no matter what I've ordered. This is without a doubt the best seafood restaurant in town. I especially Love the little boiled potatoes that come with your meal instead of bread.

Because I'm eating alone, I ordered small. I got the cup of seafood gumbo, (their recipe reminds me of my grandmothers, not over rue), and 3 crab balls you can get al la carte. Plus those potatoes with butter.. I still left with 3 potatoes and 1 crab ball for later!

If you have a larger appetite or come with more people, I highly recommend the seafood platter, with a side of onion rings!

Savannah is an amazing waitress, ask for her when you come.

08/26/2022

https://www.facebook.com/1040820273/posts/10224879052657188/

06/22/2022

Beautiful sunset last night. Cool beetle this morning at the current camp

06/12/2022

This fire just popped up 2 hours ago and it's between Flagstaff and my camp.

05/04/2022

It's time to put a little color on these things

04/05/2022

Good resource for like minded people

04/05/2022

This is very concerning.

Proposals to restrict dispersed camping in Colorado is nothing new however this time, The U.S. Forest Service is singling out vehicle-based camping. BLM land in Chaffee County, just last year proposed many restrictions to camping and recreation use. The issue isn't people accessing public lands, it'