21 Years in a 1973 Dodge Van

I walked into Wally-World the other day and there she was...right inside the doorway. Selling herself for $1.29 a box. I heard that sweet voice inside my head, "Hey Joe...you can do me tonight for a buck twenty-nine! Hell, you can do me every night of the week for less than ten bucks!!!" Oh was I pissed! After a relationship of over two decades she didn't even remember my name!!! I screamed, "Get thee behind me Satan-spawn!!!" At this time I could see that I had startled the ancient "Greeter" out of his comatose state and figured that I had better mosey on before he called security.

Anyhoo...I think that cheap slut will leave me be from now on.

 

That's a decent idea Papabob. Unfortunately I'm too lazy for such an undertaking.

 

I'm currently on track for getting 3 months of time out of a tank of gas when I don't have to drive over the mountain for work. The work has been so slow that I don't do that very often. I put 13 gallons in the 21 gallon tank today (after having driven over the mountain) and it's the first fill-up in a month and a half.

 

Who knows...maybe someday. It's certainly not for everyone, especially the Spartan way that I live. You'll never know 'til you try, though.

 

Thanks for all of your kind words.

 

Thanks dude. You pulled it off for two years...that shows some fortitude. The reason that I've stuck it out this long is that I just stumbled into a lifestyle where I'm completely at ease. Even when things are a uncomfortable for a bit I know that it's just for a short while and that this too shall pass.

 

That's the beauty of AZ. so many empty places on the map. Approximately 50% public land. When I drove back east a couple of years ago I was horrified by the "Occupied Territories" where all the land was owned by private individuals and a gypsy couldn't park for the night without stepping on someone's toes.

 

Swampsnake, I'm glad that you've been inspired. You certainly shouldn't feel shame. You divorced the alcohol nag, didn't you? That's what really counts. The path you took was the right one for you or you wouldn't be who you are now.

Good luck in the south of France, I'm sure you'll do well. Fear is the only real happiness killer out there in the wide, wonderful world.

 

Hello again!! I was thinking of this thread as I just spent some time in Arizona and it really is a beautiful place. I have been living in my van, with my dog, off and on since Oct 25 now, went out to California, which is nice in spots but too crowded some places too.

On the way west we stayed one night at Picacho State Park near Tucson, gorgeous saguaros in the sunset. Then last week I traveled back east and spent some time traversing I40 with frequent stops. New Mexico was pretty nice too.

I'm at a friend's house in Tennessee now but definitely will seek out Arizona again. I liked all the different terrains and climates all in one state. and there is still so much to see.

 

Be honest now ... don't you miss her just a little??? She sweetened your night many a time when you needed her bad. She filled a gnawing hunger inside, when nothing else could satisfy you. She meant so much to you then.

Yes, she's selling herself now, but the poor thing's gotta make a living, you know? And it can't be easy when people whisper things about you ... "hey man, I'm telling you ... stay away from her, she's no good for you."

You've shared wonderful times with her, Double Dogs. Leave her to her memories ...

 

Well I just spent a hour going through this thread and must say kudos to you twodogs, that sounds like a wonderful lifestyle you chose for yourself. I have had the pleasure of spending a little time in high desert country and think it is beutiful. I recently got back from death valley, and while I did not go where you went, I will have to go to the racetrack next time Im in the area. If you ever go again try going to mohogany flats its a really nice place to camp, well off the beaten path. I am planning on going to Prescott in the spring, looks like a nice area. If I see your van in my travels I will stop and say hi. Peace and happyness to you and the pups. Great job on the moter by the way.

 

Hello two dogs,
Please forgive my grammer, its not that great. When I found this Blog or thread I was actually looking for a windshield for my completely restored 1973 dodge panel van and came across the title 21 yrs in a dodge van, and a hour later i was amazed to find you have lived a life that i,m sure we all envy in ways, no strings, no bullsh-t from society. just you and your dogs . I for one wish I had the balls to do what you have done. As of now i lost my job of 30 plus years from corperate greed [ the company went belly up] . and if things take a crap for the worst i might just say sell all my materialistic crap get the van running great and head out there to try my hand at nomadism. [ is that a word ], in the mean time if you would ever need anything, parts or a few bucks.to get you by. please feel free to ask, in no way take this as a form of charity but rather think of, by me helping you i can have a sence of trying to live the life of a truley free man, [ did that make any sence]..

scott boyd
717 balsley ave
findlay ohio 45840

enclose a recent photo to verify the mail is from you [not a scammer]

peace and many happy ventures

 

I'm glad that you were able to see some of the state. It is pretty cool to have 7000 foot pinetree covered mountains, desert, rivers and creeks, lakes, etc. all within a 50 mile radius.

 

You're absolutely right...I should be more forgiving...but the fact that she couldn't remember my name after decades of sweet, sweet nights was too much to bear. Anyhoo...since I've cut her loose I'm back down to fighting weight. That's a good thing with gold season and a shovel in my near future.

(You're a funny lady Caliente.)

 

Give me a shout here before you make the trip to Prescott. I'll show you some gold. I'll take you to a place not to far off the beaten track where I'll even let you pick the rock and guarantee that you'll see some "color" when the material beneath is panned.

 

Scott, if things get really bad, do what you said and head out here to The Unoccupied Territories and find out what freedom is all about. Keep all of your smaller goodies to sell at swapmeets. For an enterprising person there's always money to be made out here. Whether it be with a shovel and rake doing yard work for the elderly, yardsaling to find stuff to sell at swapmeets or whatever.

 

Have a great holiday out there in gods country.

 

Happy Holidays to you and the Pups. Keep living the dream Man

 

Holy shit I just read your whole thread man, I'm pretty sure that's the most I've ever read at once. But I have an assload of questions and I don't wanna bother you. Is it an open invitation for anyone to come to Hang with ya cause I would be honored to meet you in person. If you have the time please send me a pm or something man. Thanks for everything you've inspired me.