The Different Flavors of Nomad Life

Intro

LoGear and I have been full timing since the middle of September.  We have now been Nomads for 100 days.  I'm working on a Nomad badge, like I did with the Outsider badge and will talk about it soon.  

This post is about the different ways you can use your RV.  The different types of camping.

The different types of camping

This Nomad life isn't just about finding a nice RV Park and setting up there.  When we decided to head out into the great USA, we knew we wanted to do some primitive camping. I installed a solar system for this very purpose.

So besides the typical RV Park, you have Boondocking which has quite a few alternate names (dry camping, Wild camping, to name a couple) and also has different degrees of "off-gridness".  

Here are the few different ways we have enjoyed Vixen on our quest to see the Nation. 

Home Base - Shore House - Moochdocking

We still have our house in Maryland, so it has been designated Home Base.  My daughter is living there now and taking care of things and helping with the mortgage, earning some equity as they do it.  When we purchased Vixen, it was delivered to the driveway at Home Base and that is where it sat until we purchased a truck and I installed the modifications I wanted.  When in the driveway, we can hook up to water and 15A of service, which is enough to keep the batteries charged and the fridge running on electric.  

Home Base

Since we started out, we have returned to Home Base twice to take care of things and visit with the kids.  We didn't park in the driveway, but across the street. This means we are actually boondocking, but can run an extension cord from the house, across the street to charge up the batteries if they fall behind in their cycle. I have had to do this both times. It was because of a couple of factors. First, it is fall and the sun in flying a more southern route this time of the year.  Unfortunately, we park facing west so we can open the slide and this is the worse setup for our solar panels. Throw in a couple of rainy and cloudy days, and we get behind in the recharge.  

It wasn't a big deal, as I only had to run the cord for a couple of hours and our street doesn't get a lot of traffic.  We fill our water with jugs and I now have a portable dump tank (aka Blue Boy) that I can use to dump our tanks into Home Base's sewer cleanout fitting.

Shore House Moochdocking

We have a house in the family down in Cape May, NJ and there is a good amount of space in the grassy yard where we can park. Parking at the edge of the fence, I can run a 20A extension cord to Vixen and use it for the fridge and keeping the batteries topped off.  I was able to run the AC at Home Base when in the driveway, but for some reason, we get a low voltage error when we try at the Shore House, even though it is on a larger breaker.  I think it is the length of the extension cord which is causing the voltage drop, but fans work fine and are a must if you plan on true boondocking in the heat of the summer.

I was able to rehab the sewer cleanout fitting at the house and this was when I bought the portable dump tank. It worked perfectly.  Water either from the hose or jugs and we were good to go for a month of "visiting".  

Moochdocking is almost self-explanatory.  The two above examples can fall into this category.  It is basically staying is either a friend's or relative's driveway or yard. With or without hookups. It is a valuable asset to use on your travels.  

Boondocking

True Boondocking is going out into the forest or desert and staying for as long as you can with only what your tanks can hold. It is possible to extend stays if you can find more water and dump your tanks.  Some people Boondock with generators, but we don't have one and this was why I spent thousands of dollars to install 525 Watts of solar panels, a 2000W Inverter and 300Amp Hours of Lithium batteries.  Silent power with no moving parts.  When those babies are sitting in full sun, you can just feel them filling up your batteries. So far, we have experienced several levels of boondocking.  

Early this summer, just as the first lockdown was coming to an end, we headed to Shenandoah National Park and spent a week boondocking in one of their campgrounds.  Water and restrooms are nearby, but no site has any hook up at all.  There was also a camp store nearby which comes in handy.  

Shenandoah Boondocking

Our first real boondocking was the first eight days we spent full timing.  The first night we headed up to my old stomping grounds near the Appalachian Trail Museum and camped on Piney Mountain.  It is an ATV parking lot with a grassy field behind it.  No water, but there is a new pit toilet on the premises.  

Piney Mountain Boondock

The next day, we headed to Delaware State Forest for our first week of true boondocking.  We had nothing but a nice place to park, a table and fire ring.  (I guess you can get even more hard core and find a place without those two amenities).

Delaware State Forest (PA)

It was a true test of our set up and it performed perfectly.  We had a few days of low sun which means low batteries and it made it fun to figure out what we had to do to save battery.  We made it through the week and at this point that seemed to be our max limit (but I want to find a way to double that).  Our waste tanks were full and we needed to move on.  Luckily it was an easy thirty minute drive to our next camp and all went well.

We just finished up our second (and latest) Boondocking experience, here in Camp Lejeune at Onslow Beach.  They have seven Dry Campsites here that provide no hook ups.  We were able to get water at a nearby gazebo, walk 1 Kilometer to the shower when we needed and the dump station was a couple hundred meters away where we could dump our tanks easily using the truck to tow the blue boy. 

Onslow Beach - Camp Lejeune, NC

Being Hiker observant, I was able to find and use a lone GFI outlet that was just standing at the one corner of an old basketball court.  I ran our long cord to the trailer and we were able to use our electric heater on the cold nights. We stayed here seventeen days and dumped our tanks twice with the blue boy and on the way out. We never had to use the extension cord to charge the batteries because I was able to tilt the panels towards the south and a lot of days we would be at 100% around noon or early in the afternoon.  On days we didn't fill up, we would conserve.  

State Parks

We have stayed at two State Parks, and have another reserved for early next year.  The first was in PA and the second VA.  They are similar in amenities, but vary greatly in what is available and also, what you can do when camping there.  Usually there is a museum or visitor center and trails to walk and bike.  The first one we stayed at, Promised Land State Park in PA only had electric at the site, but restrooms and showers were not too far away and water was less than 50 meters away.  We hit the dump station on the way in and out. We stayed here a week. 

Promised Land State Park, PA

Our second state park was Pocahontas State Park in Virginia and we stayed five nights here. Our site was pull through, always a plus, and we had water and electric hook ups.  There were plenty of trails and we were even able to take the bikes out for some not soo technical mountain biking.  

Pocahontas State Park, VA

Unfortunately, because of Covid, most visitor centers and museums were closed or on really short hours.  That was ok, though.  We just like sitting around camp, making a fire and enjoying the woods.  

Private Campgrounds

Private campgrounds have as many varieties as grains of sand. They can provide any manner of hookups including no hook ups at all.  

Our first private campground was in Maine.  We had water and electricity at the site and were right across the street from a restroom. 

Hadley's Point Campground

Our week here was perfect.  We got to explore some of the trails and sights of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. 

Our second (and current) Private Campground is here at Onslow Beach FamCamp at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base near Jacksonville, NC. This site has the most hookups we have had so far and the price (off season) can't be beat.  Unfortunately for muggles, this campground is truely private as you have to have served in or for the military or government to gain access.  

Onslow Beach FamCamp - Camp Lejeune, NC

We have water, electric, sewer and cable TV.  We are totally smoothing it here (not roughing it).  We walk on the empty off-season beach every day and watch and listen as the Marines train all around us.  Nothing beats the thump that reverberates through Vixen when they shoot off their heavy artillery.  And when an Osprey flies directly over your trailer, you can feel the props beat on the roof of the trailer. I'm loving it.  Seeing a bunch of Marines in fox holes pointing their weapons towards the road as we came back from food shopping was a trip.  It almost makes me want to go out and join them. Naw. On second thought.  I'll just keep smoothing it here. 

Boondockers Welcome

Boondockers Welcome is a subscription service where you pay an annual fee and gain access to Hosts, who are just plain people who offer their homes for you to park overnight or for a few nights.  

Our first Boondockers Welcome experience

Sometimes it's in their large driveway and others it is a field or large yard.  Some offer hookups at all levels, but usually you just need to be self contained. We used this service exclusively on our way back down from Maine, staying four nights at four different Host's houses.  

Next to a Host's barn

It's a mixed bag. I really enjoy the convenience of having a place to spend the night safely as we travel, but sometimes it isn't perfect. We are figuring what type of BWs we like as we try them out.  

In a Host's field

Requesting a night is very easy and all can be done on-line, along with communications with the Hosts.

Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts is another subscription service where this one is offering overnight camping at wineries, farms, distilleries and other businesses that have the space for a few rigs.  It costs more than Boondockers Welcome, and you are also expected to give the Hosts some business while you are there, and you usually have to call to reserve a site.

 

A Harvest Host Winery

It is another resource to use when we are traveling. We signed up just before leaving Home Base the last time and stayed at a Winery on our way to North Carolina.

Overnight Parking

One final resource that we have used is the Overnight parking method.  Walmarts are a popular spot, where you park at the back of the lot and try to remain respectful. For different reasons, Walmarts are becoming less available due to bad behavior or local ordinances.  

Cracker Barrel is a spot that we used on the way up to Maine.  They actually have about four or five spaces designated for RVs and Busses and it is ok to spend the night. Buying a meal while there, is a nice way to say thanks. 

Service Plazas are another place we tried out on the way up to Maine.  When we arrived, there was only a few other trucks and RVs around.  In the morning, the lot was full to overflowing.  Just remember, you are competing with the truckers at the service plazas, so stay respectful and stick to your lane. Don't extend out over your space, or you may have a rude awakening. 

Overnight in a Service Plaza

Some people don't like the constant rumble of the diesel trucks running all night, but it kind of reminds me when I was on a ship and the noises of fans, motors and other things were a constant companion.  It actually lulls me to sleep. 

There are other overnight places that we haven't tried yet, but are on our list of possibilities.  Casinos, Cabela's, Bass Pro, etc. 

In Conclusion

We are having a blast figuring out where we will be spending the night as we travel along, Homeless on Wheels. Planning our stays and building our adventure is all a part of the fun of being a Nomad.

Peace,

EarthTone and LoGear

And Ginger

And Vixen.  :)

Achievements, Badges and Abilities

I have created a few achievements, badges and abilities, that can be unlocked when a Long Distance Hiker takes a hike.  

Outsider Badge - (several tiers)  When you begin a long distance hike, you become an Outsider after spending your first night outside. To earn the Outsider Badge, one must spend the majority of time in the out-of-doors for a number of days.  No artificial climate control allowed except fire. Makeshift shelters (tent, lean-to) are ok, as long as they are not artificially climate controlled. 

To reach Tier I (Fledgling), you must spend 2 weeks outside, with no more than three nights indoors. 

Tier II (Journeyman) is two full cycles of the moon with no more than 12 nights in climate controlled spaces. 

Tier III (Master) is four full turnings of the Moon with no more than 24 nights in climate controlled spaces.

Long Distance Trekker (LDT) - The LDT achievement is first unlocked at Level 1 after you have completed your 2nd or 3rd resupply and have traveled from 75 to 100 miles.  The exact time of unlocking is determined by Pamola and will require an offering of fat and oil to initiate.  If you are successful, you become a Level 1 LDT.  Each level is achieved after sufficient time and distance and will always be at the approval of that whom you seek, Pamola.    

Level 2 = 200 miles. Level 3 = 500 miles. Level 4 = 1000 miles. Level 5 = 2000 miles.

Camp Cook Badge - Prepare, eat and digest five meals.  Each meal must have at least two different ingredients, but can be either cold or hot.  

Resupply Wizard Ability - Successfully find enough food to last from three to five days, five different times to unlock this ability.  

Funky Hiker Badge - To earn this badge you must accomplish the following tasks:  1. Have a fellow traveler that you meet, mention your smell.  2.  Have another open a window in your presence to find fresh air.  3. Have yourself seated in an "out of the way" area of a restaurant or bar.  

Smell the Roses Blue Blaze Achievement - Take five different blue blazed trails away from the main trail to visit interesting things and spectacular views.  This is above and beyond any blue blaze you take for water or shelter.  

Ride Finder Ability - Successfully secure three rides for yourself or your group.  

Vixen - The Beginning - Week 4

Finishing up the first Phase

We completed our week up on Mt Desert Isle and then started heading south again. On the way south, we try another resource for finding places to spend the night. Boondockers Welcome.

Daily Log

Day 22 10/05 Mon - Hadley's Point Campground - Bar Harbor, ME

Up 0415. Temp 48. Wx: calm, cool, overcast
Batt: 100% shore power
Tanks: F-1/3 (city water), B-6 days, G 1-1/3, G2-E

This morning we had planned a early morning hike up to the Bubbles to try and see the sunrise from there. The morning dawned overcast and foggy. The drive to the parking lot was through a soupy mix, but we continued on, hopeful that there would be some clearing.

Starting the trail in the dark

We arrived at the empty parking lot and started up the trail with our head lamps blazing. The going wasn't too hard and was an easy grade on a wide path at first. After we turned off onto the trail to North Bubble, light was beginning to filter into the forest. We arrived at the summit with about 20 minutes to spare. Cadillac Mountain was to our east and we could see brightness that way, but there were still a lot of clouds.

Jordon Pond from North Bubble

We had risen above the fog and had some good views from the summit. We sat and enjoyed the coming day. Another couple showed up right at sunrise. The only other people we had seen so far.

We headed over to South bubble. It was a lower elevation and we could see the fog climbing up the mountain. When we arrived over there, we were once again within the fog. We found Bubble Rock then headed back down to the parking lot. We saw a few other people, but this was definitely a less used trail and we enjoyed that.

Bubble Rock

We headed back to camp and just hung out there. Making a nice fire that we burned for several hours. I was craving pizza, so I went to the nearest grocery and bought a frozen one, that wouldn't fit into the freezer, but it would fit into the oven. I also picked up a few items to hold us until we do another full resupply when we depart here.

The day had become beautiful and we enjoyed the afternoon. Back in the trailer, we had our pizza and watched TV until my bed started calling me.

Day 23 10/06 Tue - Hadley's Point Campground - Bar Harbor, ME
Up 0415. Temp 48. Wx: calm, cool, some clouds
Batt: 100% shore power
Tanks: F-1/3 (city water), B-7 days, G 1-2/3, G2-E

Today's adventure was to get to the top of Cadillac Mountain. We decided that a four mile hike up and down the mountain would be a bit much for Ginger as she has been favoring her left back leg for the last few days, so we purchased an access permit to the mountain road and drove up.

We went just before noon and the day had become nice as we headed up the mountain. We found parking quickly and started exploring the top of the mountain. There were lots of people as we expected, but we had a nice walk on a trail that circled the top. The views were nice and after a while, we headed back to the truck and headed down the mountain.

Looking East from Cadillac Mountain

Bar Harbor way down below

We drove into Bar Harbor and found more parking. We walked to the first ice cream store we saw and got these huge cones. The guy even gave Ginger a small scoop of vanilla in a cup.

I Scream...

After eating our cones, we walked down to the water front, then hung out on a grassy lawn that overlooked it all. A beautiful day with lots of masked people around.

Kayaks behind a sailing ship in the Haa Baa

Back to camp, we made a fire to complete burning all the wood we had found and gathered. I added some charcoal and we cooked four huge chicken thighs on our cast iron griddle.

Thigh night

After dinner we headed inside and watched TV until bed time.

Day 24 10/07 Wed - Hadley's Point Campground - Bar Harbor, ME
Up 0402. Temp 56. Wx: calm, cloudy
Batt: 100% shore power
Tanks: F-1/3 (city water), B-8 days, G 1-F, G2-E

The day before a travel day is usually one of preparation. We didn't plan any hikes or touring. I headed out to fill up the truck with gas and LoGear took Ginger down to the nearby beach. I joined them after I returned. There was a cool breeze down by the water and the cloudy sky was speaking of coming rain.

Back at camp, we built one more fire. Burning all the wood we had. We packed up all the outside items and I filled a couple of water jugs to bring along on our travel days. Just as we finished our outside work, the rain started.

The rest of the day was inside the trailer except for Ginger's walk. We ate leftovers and started the packing of inside the trailer. Everything has a place and needs to be secured for the next day's travel.

I went to bed a little early as I knew I would be up well before the crack of dawn with all my checklists running through my mind.

Day 25 10/08 Thu - Travel day - Maine is Beautiful - N. Yarmouth, ME
Up 0415. Temp 48. Wx: calm, cool, overcast
Batt: 100% shore power
Tanks: F-1/3 (city water), B-9 days-F, G 1-F, G2-E
Dumped tanks

Departed: 1038

Arrive: Maine is Beautiful - BW 1615

159.4 miles

3 Hr 38 Min drive time

We were up and doing the departure checklist on a very windy morning. The forest seemed to be dancing all around us when Ginger and I went out for our morning walk. We were ready to go just before 1000 and pulled out to go dump our tanks.

There was another trailer in the dump, so we waited our turn and got all the electronics ready for the trip to our first Boon dockers Welcome stay.

With empty tanks, we headed out. Leaving the windy Mount Desert Island and heading inland into Maine.

We retraced our course to the Walmart about ten miles away and I did the resupply shopping this time. I'm much slower than LoGear, so we finally got back on the road at Noon.

The trip was typical, with the addition of wind to blow me around at random times. We stopped back at the Service Plaza where we had spent the night on the way up and took a break, getting some late lunch and then continuing on.

We arrived a the Boondocks Welcome site, which is just someone's home. They have signed up as hosts and let people stay on their property. We pay a nominal annual fee and gain access to the details of these hosts. You send a request. They approve, and you show up.

Boondocking at Maine is Beautiful

They weren't home when we arrived, but Harold, the homeowner had given me good instructions and we backed into their driveway and set up in front of the garage.

The hosts came home and Harold hooked us up to some electricity and we had a nice talk with Anne, his wife.

The sun set and the area was due for frost, so we just hunkered down inside the trailer and watched some local TV. I headed to the warm covers of the bed early.

Day 26 10/09 Fri - Travel day - Just a Dubbin Farm - Vermont
Up 0550. Temp 37. Wx: calm, cold, clear
Batt: 100% shore power
Tanks: F-E low, B-1 day, G-E, G2-E

Depart: 0930
Arrive Just A Dubbin Farm 1440
203.5 miles
4 Hrs 45 min drive time

We had a good sleep and I actually slept in a bit. It was a chilly morning with some frost on the ground. The roof had a coating so I was happy I didn't have to clean off the slide roof. We ate breakfast then got everything ready to go. Pulling out at 0930.

Shortly after leaving, my front left tire gave a low indication, but we figured it was just from the cold morning. I still stopped and put air into all the truck tires before moving on. After that, the drive was pleasant. We stopped at a rest stop and got some expensive lunch, then headed to our next stop. The instructions for this one said to call when we got near, so we called at our last gas stop.

Ruth the host gave me some last minute instructions and said to look for the cones and. Boondockers sign. We found the cones and Ruth guided us in.

Boondocking at Just A Dubbin Farm - Vermont

After looking around some, we found some more level ground and repositioned the trailer there. It was still about a bubble off on both angles, but it would work for one night. As long as the fridge works.

They had a heavy duty extension cord and we were able to hook up power once again.

Ruth had greeted us with a small bottle of real Vermont maple syrup. We knew what we would be having for breakfast in the morning.

We settled into camp and loitered around outside and inside. Ray, Ruth's husband stopped by to talk a bit.

LoGear called her dad and Ginger hung out. We eventually settled inside, made dinner and drank some beers. I beat LoGear in a game of dominoes and we both headed to bed early. It wasn't too cold, but much warmer under the blankets.

Day 27 10/10 Sat - Travel day - Farm Country - New York
Up 0430. Temp 50. Wx: calm, overcast
Batt: 100% shore power
Tanks: F-1/3, B-2 days, G-E, G2-E

Depart: 0825
Arrive Farm Country 1335
198.4 miles
4 Hrs 30 min drive time

I was back to my usual early mornings and Ginger and I took a dawn walk down the road.

When LoGear got up we made pancakes for breakfast and the syrup was Devine.

Yum

We started our pack up routine and were driving down the road before 0830.

The route through VT was mostly on back roads, but it was a pleasant drive with some good views of colorful mountainsides. I think we passed the AT along the way in VT, as I remembered some places that I had planned to resupply at as we crossed the mountains.

Eventually we entered NY and we needed a break. After getting gas at a small Citco, we drove some more to a rest stop and had lunch and relaxed for a while.

The day was beautiful so we moved on to get to our next Host's place early, so we could set up and chill for the rest of the day.

Our hosts, Gordon and Marie greeted us as we pulled in and showed us the best place to set up.

Boondocking at Farm Country - New York

We enjoyed the beautiful day and I took a shower. We have been suspecting a leak under the shower and I confirmed it by taking off the small access panel and finding the plastic fitting between the drain and the trap is broken. It's the exact same break as the outside sink had. I rigged up a funnel to try and catch the water from LoGears shower and it worked well enough, but I will need to replace the u trap. Luckily I may have the parts already. I bought a replacement for the outside sink, but decided to not install it. I just converted it to spill to the ground. We never use that sink anyway. I just need to remember where the part is.

Gordon and Marie came over to visit for a bit before dinner. We had spaghetti with pork chops in the sauce.

After watching some TV on our phone and playing a game of dominoes, it was time for bed.

Day 28 10/11 Sun - Travel day - Nothing Fancy - Pennsylvania
Up 0520. Temp 52. Wx: breezy, cool, some clouds
Batt: 83% @ 0520
Tanks: F-1/3, B-3 days, G-1/3, G2-E

Depart: 0836
Arrive: Nothing Fancy 1345
227.7 miles
4 Hrs 53 min drive time

It was a cool morning as we got ready to head to our last Boondockers welcome host on the way back to home base. The drive was pleasant again.

We stopped for gas twice along the way, paying expensive PA prices. In between stops, we stopped for lunch at the Casino that our hosts up on Maine mentioned. It looks like a descent place to stay the next time we are traveling in the area.

We wanted to get to our destination before 1300 so we could watch the Steelers game, but we didn't get there until a quarter to two. We were watching it on LoGears phone until we pulled into the hosts driveway and I was able to use their wifi.

We watched the Steelers win again. They haven't been 4 - 0 since 1979. The game was good.

It started raining and didn't stop. We hunkered down in the trailer. This last Boondockers Welcome site was once again in a driveway in a residential area. The hosts weren't home, which was good for us. We were right next to the house and there was a tennis court on the other side of us. We just appreciated a place to park and some wifi.

They did have water and electric available, but he electric required a long extension, which we didn't have and really didn't need. We had enough water for the night, so no need to add any for this last night before returning to Home Base.

I didn't take a photo of this site since it was raining almost the whole time we were there.

The End of The Beginning

In the morning we would return to Home Base for another resupply and a lot of other chores and things to do to get ready for the next adventure. We spent two nights parked in the street across from the house and I fixed the shower drain, got some propane and helped my daughter switch her phone over to her fiancé's account.

Resupplied and ready to go, we headed down to Cape May, NJ to park outside the Shore House for a few weeks. And then... We head south...

This concludes the day to day log part of this blog (for now). I think the next post will be about the different types of camping (living) we have been doing and what we have learned so far.

There is still so much to learn and experience. The Adventure is just beginning.