Thursday, April 16, 2015

SOLITUDE-----SOCIALIZING----HOW MUCH IS RIGHT---FOR ME

THINK I'LL EXPERIMENT A BIT.  FIRST, I'LL JOIN A SOCIAL SWIRL---MY MOBILE TRIBE/FRIENDS---THE WINs. (Wandering Individual's Network: rvsingles.org) I know where they are. And after that I'll go do some solitude.
My mobile tribe is down there---Lake Roosevelt, Az.

I arrive about 4pm when they gather for "circle"---share the events of the day--discuss anything that needs discussing.
Then, this night at 7 we gather for a movie---courtesy of Joanne who'se rig contains a pop out movie/TV  screen.
One of our people is demonstrating his latest toy--an electric scooter.
One day I went sightseeing with a companion.  This bridge is famous for something---I forget what.
The Lake is the main water supply for Phoenix.
That's Roosevelt Dam.

often we gather around a fire and chat.

Sometimes plan a pot luck.

Eat together.These are wonderful people and good friends.
A private gathering for a special interest.

THEN ONE DAY----DRAMA.  A rattler wandered to the doorsteps of a nice lady.
Some brave guy put a pot over it.  Some insecure lady put a heavy stone on the pot.
Then someone called for a hero.
He came
He conquered---compassionately---walking the creature a quarter mile away--releasing it unharmed.
My friend Jon showed up with his new super compact camper---a Ford Transit cargo truck--beautifully engineered for comfortable, stealthy, economical travel.  I fell in love---I want one--I could span the nation--sleep almost anywhere--undetected.  (Inspiration --one of the benefits of the social swirl)
From the rear --pull out stove on the left --fold down work space

looking in the side door --bed on top--etc

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  All in All---this is the finest RV  travel group in America. (maybe you can join them.  Google and inquire for details)  For more than 20 years they have polished their culture---discovering where to go--how to relate.  And it is very inexpensive to camp with them.  This beautiful campground cost only $3 per night.  Many of their camping places are free.  I have camped with them on and off for 20 years.  Members are free to come and go at will.  Their 6 month circuits stops are published on the internet.
The downside to the social swirl is burnout.  The attraction of group activity is strong and ----not wishing to miss anything---you push yourself----until---you begin to crave downtime---even solitude..  

NEXT UP:  I'LL TRY A SPELL OF SOLITUDE IN THE MOUNTAINS.---see  what that does to me and discover my personal balance.







7 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:54 PM

    Any possibility of seeing the inside of Jon's Ford Transit? Just curious. I don't see any solar panels on the roof so I'm curious about that. Maybe he doesn't require any?

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  2. Yeah I would like o see the layout of Jon's van too!!!

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  3. I've included 2 more shots. He's got the essentials covered but I would do mine differently--maybe I'll get the chance to show you.

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  4. Check out the new full size Transit vans that are recently available. They come in 3 different lengths and roof heights, comparable to the Mercedes Sprinter. Much more livable yet compact enough to street park and stealth camp.

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  5. Randy, I haven't been here in a while but .....did you trade in your cargo trailer for a "store-bought" trailer ?
    Kin in Anaheim

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  6. I did Dude: And not without some wistful moments----explaining----as thoreau did when asked why he left Walden Pond after only 2 years: "I left for as good a reason as I came: Because I have many more lives to lead, and couldn't spare any more time for this one."

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  7. The Ford Transit is a great size and is perfect for stealth camping. I have considered it along with Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. I think the minivans have more space and could be as stealthy.

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