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Road Trip 2023: How to Car Camp
Glossy magazine photos celebrate (rightly so) the “van life”. Many of them are social media peacocks. A self-crafted sticker strategically positioned a few places on their van announce their nomadism. What a romantic way to exist.
Where I am is home.
The front porch view changes with seasons or in some cases, day to day.
My youth, the only people offering any glamour to a mobile life, musicians and hobos. Quite the divergence of characters. Or, maybe a lot more alike than it seems on the surface. Now, anyone can be a road warrior. Road dog. Maybe, a real dog. That is truly a life well-lived. Me and my best friend, windows down, music up, sun painting the day golden.
Of course, there are pitfalls. Unexpected, unglamourous events. Muddy bogs trap the house on wheels. Thinking we have the fuel level dialed, and misjudge, running out of fuel. An unwanted hike to the nearest petrol station. No fun.
Alright, vans offer space, storage, a bed, often times, sink, loo and maybe a pop out sun shade. All very desirable. Now what if…
A van is out of reach. Maybe you don’t want to finance another vehicle. The reasons can be pragmatic. Or, a heightened sense of adventure won’t stop invading your thoughts.
