I started watching videos about "stealth camping," people who pretty much live in vans, travel the country and live a minimalist existence. It has really caught my imagination. I'm certain there is a downside, but would it be worth the cost if it bought you relative freedom to move around as you please?
When I was a little kid I read a National Geographic story about a 16-year-old who sailed around the world on his own. At that time I thought it cool. Now I consider the open ocean too unpredictable. It is wild in nature. Maybe if I had some experience with boats, it wouldn't be so intimidating.
I've spent roughly half of my adult life living in this manner--though only a couple of years with a vehicle (1982 Diesel Westfalia), and the remainder on foot with tent and sundry implements, or bicycle with trailer containing said tent and sundry--and always with dog! No downsides from my perspective, especially if your not real keen on the company of other... humans. I even recorded an album in a Westfalia, though it was mastered, and, of course, pressed (I haven't access to a lathe) in "civilization." With the van, we spent most of my time in the deserts of the Southwest--Sonoran and Mojave--dozens of miles from human populated regions. On foot and bike, we had to remain a bit closer for logistical reasons, but were still sufficiently isolated.
Yeah, haven't done that yet, but I could get into that. I'd worry a bit about keeping my harmonium and four-track dry though. Or were you think more along the lines of a proper boat? I was thinking more of a sea kayak.
My thought is how a person would maintain an income stream? I could imagine working 6 months and traveling another 6. What was your experience?
Aah, forgot that part. One. I live very simply, and save a lot of money when I do work. Two. Whilst traveling, I would occasionally do odd stuff--from stonemasonry to fact checking/editing (textbooks, student papers and the like) via computer when I would go into towns with wi-fi. Three. Many times such travels were as a musician--in which case others would drive (as they didn't trust me) or I would use trains and such (as in Europe and elsewhere)--which pays shittily in the U.S. and adequately in Europe. But seriously, I live on next to nothing for the most part.
Funny because most my money goes to bills. I'm starting to question the logic in living a typical life. Thanks for sharing your experience.
