21 Days In My Toyota 4Runner

OK... I promise to get back to interesting sites and places to visit tomorrow or the next day. But, as a future vagabonder and likely vandweller, or in this case truckdweller, I need to address just how my little experiment went, living in the truck for 21 days.

First of all, I cheated. The underlying purpose of the trip was my niece's wedding in Evansville, Indiana on Saturday, March 13, 2010. I picked up my two daughters on Friday the 12th and we stayed in a motel Friday through Sunday night. And the following Monday through Wednesday was at my sister's house. So sue me... LOL. I actually believe that in order to be a successful "vandweller" or "vagabonder" you need to take advantage of the kindness of others or the occasional motel just to keep sane. And there were other nights along the way that the motel was just too convenient and cheap to pass up. But, in general... here's a summary of the ups and downs of my adventure.

Personal Hygiene
Many thought this would be a problem. I have a couple of advantages. First off, I'm a man. I understand that being of the opposite sex would have presented a few issues along the way. Forgive the bluntness here, but I did see a couple of places that I WOULD NOT have sat down anywhere near the toilet no matter how many sheets of "ass gasket" were between me and the seat! But, if you can hold it to the nearest fast food joint or Denny's or some such place, everything is pretty much OK.

Showers were a little different, I guess. I used both "Love's" and "Pilot" truck stops. Most of these places have showers available for "commercial drivers." I never had anyone deny me at either location. Both had towels available if needed. I carried my own.. and toiletries... so that wasn't needed. Not sure what, if anything they supply other than a washcloth and a towel. Somewhere along the way, I forget now which location, also had jacuzzis available. All of my toiletries were carried in your every day toiletry bag.

I also have the advantage of being bald. My hair care needs were very minimal! I did carry a rechargeable razor and beard trimmer/hair clippers. In my truck I had a 350 Watt Inverter that had two plugs and a USB plug so that I was able to charge the shaver/clippers if/when needed. The USB was generally plugged into my Garmin GPS unit.

Sleeping
Here is my bedrooom, living room, kitchen on the road. I am sorry I don't have a lot of photographs, but things got pretty messy the first day out and stayed that way the entire trip. One skill I will have to work on is keeping things in order and in their proper place. I can see where that will be an enormous PLUS to "vandwelling."

On the left of the photo, behind the driver's seat is a combination egg shell/memory foam pad. On top of that is a Coleman Sleeping Bag rated to -10F. You can also see a couple of normal ordinary pillows there too. I sure didn't need the temperature protection and was actually quite warm sleeping there.

I should make an additional note here about myself. Although being male and bald are definite advantages, being nearly 6'3" and 370 pounds are NOT. While the length from the back of the driver's seat to the back tailgate measures over 6 feet, once you get pillows, etc. it's not all usable. I slept with bent legs... no biggie, but on a scale of 1 to 10 in comfort... it wasn't any better than a six. On at least two occasions, I just reclined the front seat and slept there... still not a huge score on the comfort scale, but easier to get into/out of. That was also a problem, climbing around the back and getting comfortable at my size. Once settled, not so bad... getting settled... a challenge.

As far as where I stayed, every night (not at a motel or with family) was spent in either a rest stop along the freeway or at a Walmart parking lot. I never was approached by anyone in either place while sleeping. I know that Walmart has a reputation for allowing RVers to sleep in their lots and I saw RVers in each of the lots I slept. BUT, some cities do not allow this regardless of Walmarts' policy. Like I said, I had no trouble. Rest areas generally allow an 8 hour stay but prohibit camping. The only issue I had was when I cooked on my tailgate (see below).

Cooking/Eating
YES, I know it's the same pic. BUT, notice the clever way I'm wrapping the text so that the other side of the truck is now near what I'm writing!!! Again, in this area, I cheated... way too much. I ate far too many fast food/restaurant meals on the road. I did equip myself, however with a two burner cookstove from Coleman, camping pans, plates and utensils. I generally just pulled out the stove and cooked on my open tailgate. This worked fine everywhere but one rest stop in Texas where a private security officer pointed out the "no camping" rule. I, in turn, pointed out the grills at EVERY picnic table at the rest stop. He continued to insist, so... I moved my cookstove over on top of one of the grills and continued. Go figure?

I did not take a cooler of any sort on this trip. I prepared canned or vacuum-sealed foods. I probably will make use of a cooler next time.

All in all... the experiment was a success. I blogged regularly. I had no problems finding internet access. Most blogs were posted during breakfast at McDonald's (too much eating out). I probably will look for a little larger vehicle to continue this pursuit full time... or figure a way to make what I have more roomy through a roof rack/storage and/or building a platform bed in the back with storage underneath.

Please feel free to comment/question/remark... whatever!!!

Joe

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Thoughts About My First Big Road Trip!!!

Over 5300 miles in 20 days... and if you get specific about it, since I spent 5 days in Evansville, Indiana more or less stationary (while attending the wedding), it was 5300 miles in 15 days. According to the GPS, nearly 90 hours in the drivers' seat of my Toyota 4Runner. WOW

But, as I sit here a couple days after my return, it has more than been confirmed that I LOVE the lifestyle of a traveler. My travels were amazing to me. I had so much fun finding the places, talking to the people, publishing to this blog.

The underlying purpose of this trip was also to check out the viability of this blog on the road. Would I actually publish in a timely manner? Would I be able to find internet access? Can I blog like this be a real source of income? And of course the more mundane questions. Can I be sleep in my truck? Will I be able to keep clean, find bathrooms when needed? Happily, I think all answers are a resounding YES, with only a couple of qualifiers.

I will write another post about living in the truck on the road. There were a few challenges, yes, but overall, it was great. I did cheat, however, as I stayed in motels on some nights. Because I work for Motel6 and get half off rooms there, it was tough to justify not spending the $20 to have a bed/shower/toilet & internet access!

This blog is truly a joy. I am enjoying writing and posting almost as much as I enjoy visiting these people and places. Changes need to be made, but it will always be evolving I think and hopefully the changes will be viewed as improvements. I certainly had "favorite" places that I visited and I think it showed in the posts that were published. In review, there are some posts that are definitely more interesting than others. The interesting ones are my favorites obviously.

It also turns out that I enjoyed the people so much more than I thought. I anticipated the blog would be solely about the sites. Instead, my favorites are the ones where I encountered people there. In the future, I think that people will take a bigger focus. Bob Skelding, Wagonteamster was visited twice!!! You can find those articles here and here and his website here.

Alvie Cole, the rancher with all the "stuff" on his ranch was an absolute joy to talk to. At 89 years old, he was filled with stories and insight that I found amazing. The hour and a half I spent in the rocking chair on his porch with him and "Freckles" the dog was a highlight. That post is here.

And from a place near where I grew up, Findlay, Illinois, the "Goat Tower" had to be one of the most interesting visits I had. It was certainly more interesting because I got to meet the property owner and hear stories about his tower and a couple other interesting things on his property. That post is here.

As I was just inserting photos here, other stories kept popping up... turns out I loved them all!

But, I do want to take a moment to acknowledge one person and website that wasn't visited. In fact, I've never met this guy, but he is one of the major reasons I'm going to become a "vagabonder." He goes by "Tioga-George" and he has been traveling fulltime in his RV for seven years now. His experiences on the road and as a blogger inspired me to find a way to be on the road full time. He proves that it can be done. His amazing website (and you really need to explore it quite a bit, there's a TON of information and stories here) is here.

In the end, I will be continuing to visit odd and unusual locations and blogging them here. They may not come at the rapid fire pace of the last three week (over 30 posts in 21 days) but it will be often (maybe a few times a week with visits, but more often with reflections).

Thank you all so much for reading and clicking an ad or two occasionally.

Joe

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A&W Root Beer Family - Willcox, AZ (Part II)

If you've been following me, you may remember that I previously visited this location, but found it closed (Sunday). I took some photographs and reported what I found. That story is here.

Well, I returned for a bit more information. This place has the hometown feel of restaurants of long ago. People know each other by name and even if you're a 'stranger' like me, you feel right at home immediately. And as a bonus, the food is great. I highly recommend the "Carter Burger." (I had mine with cheese, mustard and the works... without tomato)

Turns out the "Carters" owned the original A&W Root Beer stand that was at this location. Eventually, A&W disappeared but the Carters continued. It was later sold, but the name has remained. At one time the new menu included pizza that was apparently "the best", but because the owner insisted on the best... was just too expensive to continue.

I asked about the missing "Baby Burger." She is the fourth statue that made up the original A&W "family". I was told that "Baby Burger" was stolen!!! way back in the 70's and never found again. In the photo below, you can see the empty post in the foreground where "Baby Burger" was placed.

At one time, there were talks to purchase a replacement "Baby Burger" by the employees (not sure if the owner was involved). A man "from New Mexico" came through town and offered that he had a "Baby Burger" for sale but had to check with his wife first... end of contact... :(

So... if by chance... you're reading this and know of a "Baby Burger" let us know and we'll put the two of ya together... I hate to see a family devastated by the agony of separation!

Joe

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UFO crash site, July 18, 1957 - Carlsbad, NM - NOT

I don't usually post in the middle of the day, but I needed a break and this is going to be very short. I found the above-mentioned referenced in a POI (Points of Interest) file that I downloaded into my Garmin. Sadly.. when the GPS said "Arriving... on right", I looked over and all I saw was a courthouse. Hmmmmm.... who knows.

So I stopped at a nearby McDonalds' (where I am right now) to try and find it on google... no luck. So........ if it ain't on Google, it ain't so... that's what I think at least.

Anyone want to set me straight??? LOL

Joe

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Wagonteamster - Bob (and the horses: Bob, Bill & Doc) Part II

One of the great good fortunes of having no real set agenda is that you can make time, alter routes, change things up to suit your fancy. When I first visited Bob and the team (go to that story), it was early morning and everyone was getting ready to get on the road for the day. It was a great visit, but I decided to stop by again on my way back west for an additional visit. In my first post, I mentioned that Bob has written a book about his travels, but that I had not read it. Now, I'm about 1/2 way through it and HIGHLY recommend it. What a great book about life on the road! Here's a link so you can purchase it!

This second stopover turned out to be a great decision. This time I caught up to Bob at the end of the day, after the horses had been turned out into their temporary pasture. Bob and I had time to chat, discuss and even better, he had some visitors to his place.

Bob has a bit more time "on the road" than I do. He pointed out that the BEST things on the road are the people. He's so right. Speaking with people about the sites I visit make the visits so much better. Bob gets some extra help since he has the horses which have far better personalities than I do!!!

It really doesn't get any better than this!

All of this brought to you by Bob Skelding, Wagonteamster (his website is here). (Bob with a happy visitor, below)

In closing, this website is about "odd & unusual" attractions/sites. I am blessed to be able to visit these places. The Wagonteamster, Bob, does NOT fit that profile as being personally "odd". He is "unusual" only because he decided to do something that he wanted to do, even though that something might be viewed as "different" from the "norm." I mean, really, how many folks do you know that are seeing the nation in a horse drawn RV? I'm proud to say, I know at least one! Safe travels my friend!

Oh... by the way... thanks for the hat, Bob!

Uniroyal Gal (Tornadoes Cheerleader) - Lamesa, Texas

One of the more common "unusual" sites/attractions that gets mentioned on the internet is the "Muffler Man." I haven't really done much research to figure out the history and story behind the Muffler Man in that it's already out there and done by people better than me! Far more rare, however, is the "Uniroyal Gal."

There were far fewer of these and finding them is a little more challenging. This one is one of the better survivors. She's been "redressed" (painted) as a local high school cheerleader and is a big part of the spirit of the town.

Once again, however, what made this visit "extra good" (to borrow a line from Andy Griffith) was the people I spoke with while there. Gary Culp is the current owner of Reid Bethel Tire, where this "Gal" is located. He told us that the Uniroyal Gals were originally a promotional gimmick that traveled between various Uniroyal Tire stores for sales, events, etc. Her left hand (which is raised) held banners, signs or other promotional items. He had an old poster of the original Uniroyal Gal in the garage. The quality isn't the best, but you can make out the original blue & yellow outfit.

Speaking of outfits, Mr. Culp told us that when the Uniroyal Gal was originally introduced she was clad in a red and white bikini. However, it was the 60's and they all were recalled to be dressed more modestly as shown. Additionally, Mr. Culp who painted this "Gal" in her current cheerleader outfit confided in me that when sanding and prepping her that he discovered "she has (anatomically correct, at least above the waist)". This is, after all a family site... LOL. Here's a little closer look at the team logo.

Alas, the Uniroyal Gals' fame was fleeting and they were scheduled to be "retired." According to Mr. Culp, the original owner of the tire store, Donald Bethel, suggested to Uniroyal executives that the "Gals" be put up for bid. Mr. Bethel submitted his bid of $1.00 and ended up with the "Gal" in these photos. Mr. Culp told me that he bought the "Gal" from Mr. Bethel at a price considerably higher than the original purchase price.

As we were leaving, Mr. Culp was walking with us and told us a couple of stories. First of all, several people like to have their photo taken with the "Gal." He recalled one particular elderly gentleman who pulled up to see her and literally hobbled over to take a look. The elderly gentleman's inspection included a look up her skirt, a practice Mr. Culp says EVERYONE is guilty of. Mr. Culp went out to ask if the gentleman would like his photo taken and he told Mr. Culp, "I would love to, but the wife says we're out of film. Just, between you and me, I know she's lying." Apparently, the Uniroyal Gal caused a little "issue" between the couple!

As a service to all who wonder... not that I would EVER do such things... here is a link to what the elderly gentleman saw.

Cole Ranch - Sterling City, Texas

WOW... what a place. I'll start off by saying that I took 80 photographs here. Everyplace you look there's more to see. So, at the bottom of this post is a "slide show" so you can see all the photographs taken. BUT... even more amazing is the ranch owner, Alvie Cole. I sat in a rocker on his porch with Mr. Cole and Freckles the dog for 90 minutes. We spoke of many things, including the things on the ranch, but the more interesting conversation was his telling of his life, including the depression, ranch life, current and past conditions of the U.S. and just generally, "life."

The various items were made, collected and place by Mr. Cole over many years. There are silhouette sculptures of the old west, mock up buildings like the old saloon, jail and outhouse and just an incredible array of items.

The ranch is located on US Route 87 just south of a little town called Sterling City, Texas. It is truly out in the middle of nowhere as we used to say. This particular site was not on my radar at all. I hadn't seen any internet sites on it or about it. Nobody had told me to watch for it. I was just driving north on 87 and saw it there. So I made a U-turn and stopped at the side of the road.

As I was taking photographs from the roadside, I saw someone on the porch waving me in. I walked up to the porch and met Alvie Cole. As a man who had lived his life and has nothing to prove and no one to impress, he was amazing. Dressed in a bathrobe, he was comfortable, without worry of appearance or impression. He and his dog Freckles, sat with me on the porch for quite a while. I can't even express how immediately comfortable and pleasant the conversation was.

I could write pages and pages on this visit, but for now, will let the photos speak for me. All in all, a wonderful, informative, great visit. I'll have to add more as time allows. Take a look at the slide show. Drop me comments or questions and I'll try to answer.

By the way, in speaking with others later in the day... this place is apparently AMAZING at Christmas time. If you happen to be in the area... send me pics!!!

Here's the slide show!