Off The Grid Living

Change of Venue - Back to Zions National Park!

2012-02-23T16:58:00.001-08:00

I left Mesquite Nevada on Tuesday and made the short drive from there back to the Zions National Park area, found a great campground with reasonable weekly rates and will be here a week.

Got up Wednesday morning and caught up on a little work, then headed into Zions to shoot some pictures...had a great day, walked a bunch, nice fresh air and relatively warm in the 50's, it was a little cool in the morning and overnight, but not too bad, trailer stayed warm!

So the first picture is for all of the people who I used to work with back in the corporate world...I just had to buy this T-Shirt.

Now some more traditional photos of the great scenery in Zions!

And now a few multiple shot pic - Panoramas

Still enjoying my travels and the little house gets more and more comfortable as I get things more organized and used to living in the small environment.

Capt Jim

Valley of Fire State Park

2012-02-19T11:04:00.001-08:00

After several days in Mesquite, catching up on some work and some chores, like Laundry and continuing to re-arrange things in the trailer and pick up some supplies, I began to research things close by to go and see...a Nevada State Park about 50 miles away kept coming up as the place to go in my search. Great reviews for photography, camping and hiking, so on Friday I headed out...filled the car, bought some groceries and began the 50 mile trip.

I knew it was Red Rock Country one of my favorite types of landscape so I was anxious to get there, find a campsite and settle in for the evening. Sadly, I forgot this was a holiday weekend (Presdients Day), but I soon found out when there was one site left and it was a site without hook-ups which was fine, except it would limit my length of stay since I had neglected to fill my water tank.

But I got settled in a beautiful site with tremendous views...

I had the supplies necessary for a good evening...

And of course some wood for a fire and dogs for the grill!

Early on Saturday morning, after some coffee - I headed out for some hiking and some photography....the place was unbelievable!

This was a worthwhile stop and some exceptional scenery...now back to Mesquite to plan my next stop and adventure....

Capt Jim

Finding Nemo! Where am I...

2012-02-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

Have received several emails wondering about an update of my location and what I have been up to...well I am at a spot where I can upload some pictures and give you an update of the last several weeks.

I finished the Sportsman Show in Puyallup, Washington on Sunday January 29th. Had fun with Nicky and Ryan, although I am not too sure we had a ton of success at this show, just didn't seem like our market. We did spend some time with 3 or 4 very interested parties, we'll see if they book! I spent Sunday night at the fairground campground where I had been staying during the show. Rainy and muddy campsite, but the price was reasonable and of course close to the show.

On Monday morning the 30th of January I left Puyallup and headed down to Boring, Oregon to some friends where I needed to load up the rest of my stuff which I had left there while waiting for the weather to clear in Tacoma so I could have the hitch installed and pick up my new home.

I stayed in Boring two nights and loaded up the trailer and got it ready to travel. It took almost one full day to get things loaded, unpacked and somewhat put away, although I am still overloaded and finding little hiding niches to put things.

I am sure I overstayed my welcome in Boring and figured I better get a move on and left Boring on Wednesday the 1st of February, headed for Salt Lake City to get some medical things taken care of for my USCG License renewal. So I drove across I-84 and ended up sleeping with the truckers in a truck stop in Baker City Oregon. Got fuel in the morning and keep on truckin towards Salt Lake City. I arrived in Salt Lake City on Thursday evening the 2nd of February. Got the trailer situated in my friends driveway and set about making the arrangements I needed for the medical tests required for my Coast Guard License renewal. This took awhile to get scheduled, so I spent almost a week here.

Finally got the Ultrasound scheduled for Thursday the 9th of February at 9:00 am. Very nice people and they did a great job. Found out some interesting information about just how lucky I am to be alive after my stroke of several years ago, but that is for another post. I spent the rest of Thursday installing an electric water heater probe in the trailer, which I now find works wonderfully. It involved a trip to Lowes, a new circuit breaker and some pretty extensive wiring, but got it accomplished and tidied up the trailer and got ready to head South for warmer climates Friday the 10th of February.

Beautiful clear sunny day for the rive down I-15 towards St George, Utah. Planned on hooking up with some old Park City friends in Hurricane Utah and do some exploring around Zions National Park and Bryce Canyon. Drove as far as just North of St George and spent another evening in a rest area, listening to diesel trucks run all night. But managed a good sleep and fueled up with coffee and gas in the morning and continued on towards Hurricane, only to find out my friends no longer lived there and were in their RV down on the Baja Peninsula. Oh well, scouted around Zions a little and then decided to head further South and find an inexpensive place to stay and catch up on work and relax a little.

Here are a few pics from the trip South.

After exploring around Hurricane and determined to work my way back this way later in the Spring, I got back on I-15 and headed towards Nevada. I ended up in Mesquite, where I am now. Managed to find a nice inexpensive RV site at a casino here, cheap rate, cheap food and a decent place to stay with full hook-ups including cable TV, nice rest rooms and it is quiet and clean, so will be here most of the week. Waiting for some money to transfer then will head somewhere, not sure just yet where it will be, Ah the life of not giving a shit!

May head towards the Grand Canyon, spend some time there then work on plans to head back up to Southern Utah and finally make my way towards Montana before going back up to Alaska!

Stay tuned for more of my adventures and some more photos as they get taken.

Capt Jim

6 Hours for nothing! Road Trip from Hell!

2012-01-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

Mans best laid plans get changed due to major weather system! I awoke yesterday bright and early with plans to drive from where I am staying in Oregon to have the hitch installed in the truck and pick up my 5th wheel in Tacoma. From where I am it is a 2.5 hour drive, so I left before it was light in rain and headed North.

Just past Portland I was listening to the radio and they were talking about traffic nightmares in Seattle due to heavy snow and now freezing rain on top of that, but like a teenager with his first slip of the hand inside a blouse, I was determined to press on and reach my goal!

The further North I got the worse the roads were, by the time I exited the freeway it was down to one passable lane must not have snow plows in Seattle since most of the roads had not been plowed. The roads after exiting were even worse....the slush and snow was freezing solid with a coat of freezing rain and without 4 wheel drive you were doomed. Made it to the trailer place only to discover that their electric was off and no employees made it in to work...

Left frustrated and drove back South on the way there is a huge Cabelas Store, so it was a worthy stop to walk around and find a couple things for the camper and had lunch on their little restaurant.

Then back down in Oregon - with today planned to wait until Monday and then head back up and get my goal accomplished.

May leave tomorrow and head over to Tillamook and see Kicker! Then drive up Monday and install the hitch, then drive over to Puyallup for the Show which opens on Wednesday the 25th - hook up with Nicky and Ryan on Tuesday and get the booth set up!

If you are in the area, stop by the booth!

Capt Jim

Snow Delay!

2012-01-18T11:08:00.001-08:00

I find it amazing that I can drive across the entire United States, well over 4000 miles with little or no weather issues and get near my new home and get snowed in, this is an area that does not see many winter snow storms....so it is a little frustrating waiting until tomorrow to go pick up my trailer, it was postponed today since the weather has pretty much shut down Tacoma / Seattle area!

But finding some things to do and here are some pictures:

I watched some football on Sunday, not sure Rob watched the whole game!!

This morning after the snow stopped, it started raining and melting!

This morning Rob worked on some flies for next season at Yes Bay!

So, Laundry today and relax and drive back up to Tacoma tomorrow and get the hitch installed and drive back with my trailer, then spend Friday getting things moved in and the trailer warmed up and dry from sitting all winter. New heater already bought and ready to plug in...

Enjoy,

Capt Jim

Downsizing to fit in a Tiny House!

2012-01-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

What is the hardest part of moving into a tiny house, well after living in homes that ranged from my first apartment over 40 years ago with 1200 square feet to huge home over 4000 square feet you tend to collect too much stuff! Over the past few years I have been gradually reducing my stuff to only what I need, but it is still hard to part with some things and this last little escapade of reducing my load finally ended up with a pick-up truck load and probably still too much stuff for my new little home!!

We will see later this week as I work to load the trailer and get things stowed away for tiny house living!

You want to see what the truck looked like for the trip with everything I own packed in the pick-up...

Here are a few pictures:

Enjoy,

Capt Jim

Tacoma - New Home Today

2012-01-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Well - I left SLC yesterday and made an overnight drive to Tacoma, arriving middle of the night, now drinking a coffee in Micky D's and logged onto WiFi - Isn't technology amazing....

This shot was yesterday evening in Idaho...

I am heading to the trailer place today - raining of course in hopes to get moved in, hopefully they can accommodate the hitch installation today or at the latest Monday! Will let you know more on that later today...

Moving pictures and pics of the "Load" later today...it has been a long trip and I can't wait to get settled.

More Later,

Capt Jim

Adventure Continues - Leave Salt Lake City today!

2012-01-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

It looks like a weather front is on the way and scheduled to cross the mountains between me and my new home on Sunday, so I am leaving Salt Lake City today after a great time with friends.

Amazing time here in Salt Lake, stayed with a guy I used to work with about 20 plus years ago, we are still good friends and we have had a great time reliving our old work adventures and conversations about some of the idiots we used to work with and for...

Last night I visited with another ex-coworker and his family a family I was pretty close to when I lived here in Salt Lake from 1988 to 1994. They were familiar with Godzilla and so there were some discussions regarding that whole ordeal and of course work and what is going on with our lives at the present.

Good food, good friends, great conversation...a fun time was had by all!

By Monday I should be looking at my new home and my whole new mobile lifestyle, I am getting excited for the adventure to change course!

Pictures when I have time and get there!!

Enjoy,

Capt Jim

Moab, Utah

2012-01-10T14:49:00.001-08:00

Spent the good morning light in Arches National Park and managed to capture a few good shots, after lunch I headed to Dead Horse Point State Park and found a few there. I will be spending more time here this winter once I am in the 5th wheel!!

This first shot is from on the road in Kansas...

Now Arches

On the way to Dead Horse Point

Just part of the view from Dead Horse Point - it is amazing!!

This is my favorite shot of the day...

Enjoy,

Capt Jim

Denver and Points West!

2012-01-08T12:59:00.001-08:00

After a nice dinner and a good nights sleep on the outskirts of Denver, I planned to get up and head to the Sportsman Show to see the boss and the Yes Bay Lodge booth. Found the show downtown, got a parking spot and headed in to visit.

Found the booth, visited with Nicky and Ryan and watched Pappa Hack on crutches with his broken ankle, hobbling around the booth! Big crowd and we'll see how the bookings happen, but lots of activity.

Yes they were working:

Wanted to beat some predicted bad weather and get into Utah by nightfall, I left downtown Denver at about 1:00 pm. Of course Pappa Hack suggested heading North to Rt 80, but I was bound and determined to see the wonderful sights of the rockies and also head to Moab Utah for some picture taking on Sunday.

One quick stop at Wal-Mart to replace the "lost GPS", see previous post! As I left Wal-Mart on the west side of Denver there was a few flakes of snow falling, not to worry weather report said late afternoon evening snow storm. I was certain I was ahead of any bad weather...

Up the hill and the snow just kept getting worse and worse, accumulation of about 1/2 foot and hour with near white-out conditions, and of course inexperienced winter drivers everywhere, generally in front of me! It was not real slick but some of the trucks were having a hard time on the steeper grades, most were pulling over to chain up as the warning lights were blinking. Well top speed was about 25 MPH most of the way. I stayed in 2 wheel drive over the top with no issues, but stopped in SilverThorne for some lunch and slipped it in 4 wheel high and headed down the other side...interesting driving nearly all the way to Grand Junction.

Top of the hill:

One particular area Glenwood Canyon was interesting. For a long time I was following during the harder part of the climb a Volvo with what looked to be a very inexperienced snow driver...he was having a hard time and would occassionally run off the right side of the road onto the berm, I thought looking for traction, but now I am not sure....well I grew tired of watching in near terror as this moron struggled along and pulled in to a rest area to stretch my legs and hit the head.

As we entered the top of Glenwood Canyon it got slick and a little icy with some snow built up in the middle and sides of the road, not an issue if you stayed in the wheel tracks...but when passing it was a little unnerving making the lane change. All the while I was having no issues, truck was doing fine, 4 wheel drive was working well. Plus the truck was loaded down so light rear end was not an issue.

While driving down Glenwood Canyon in the curves I kept noticing tracks which would suddenly veer off the road and scrapes along the guardrail. I noticed this numerous times and even a couple times in the center of the road with fresh scrape marks on the median divider. I thought to myself, somebody is having a really bad day.

At the end of Glenwood Canyon near the hot springs was another rest area and I decided to take another break, the highway was only wet at this point and I expected to be able to make much better time from here on to Moab.

Lo and Behold there was the beloved Volvo with both sides totally smashed in, huge scrape marks and dents down both sides, this was obviously the car I had been following earlier and by the looks of the car the one who had been playing tag with the guardrails down the canyon.

Not being shy and always looking for an opportunity to relish in someone else's misery, I had to wait and see who came out of the rest room and claimed what was left of this Volvo...BTW - it was a nearly new car when I first saw it.

So after a few minutes, this young couple approach the car. She is raising hell with her spouse and it looks like a war is brewing and when she sees the car again the sparks really begin to fly. I decided that a conversation with these people was not a good idea...and had it not been dark at this point in time, I would have snapped a couple photos, because it was a true Kodak Moment.

The rest of the journey to Moab was uneventful and quite pleasant. I arrived at about 8:30 pm, hotel, good cocktail and a decent steak!!

Who could ask for more...

Spent this morning in Arches National Park and the weather is fantastic, cool and very clear bright blue skies...the red-rock is shining...will post a couple pics tomorrow, I think maybe I got a couple good ones...

Lunch is over, now heading to Salt Lake City...office day tomorrow and will spend a day or two in Salt Lake with friends...

Capt Jim

OH MY KANSAS! Lost GPS!!

2012-01-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

I left Ohio after some projects to complete in the morning about 1:00 pm, drove through most of the night, a brief in car doze from about 2:00 am until 4:00 am, then kept heading west!!

Made great time with very nice driving weather...somewhere along the way as I was nearing Colorado...I made mistake number 5863 in my life...seeing a sign along the highway advertising the wondrous sights of Boot Hill and Dodge City...I could not resist, feeling the old Gunsmoke days relived was just what the doctor ordered for boring Kansas...

Rest area - programmed the GPS to include a side venture to Boot Hill, GPS seemed to understand my needs, so off I went.

Now we have all heard stories of people who were mis-lead by their GPS, using one on boats for years I always had a hard time comprehending how this could happen, well lo and behold, I was about to find out...

Having looked at a map I had a general idea how to get to Boot Hill and Dodge City, so far the GPS had me going in the right direction, but somewhere along the way it had a whole new interpretation of my request. While cruising on a nice paved 2 lane road, all of a sudden it showed a left turn...with 4 miles to my destination, so never one to doubt technology, I turned left, onto what can only be described as a farm road, one wide lane wide and dirt, recently graded and so off I went, a couple turns later in literally the middle of nowhere, the GPS proudly announced "You have Arrived"!!

I looked around and there was no hill and for damn sure no boots...argued with the GPS for a few minutes, it seemed to lock up...and rightfully so! Obviously it did not have a clue where it was!!

Always a believer in redundant systems and accepting the failure of technology, I pulled out my trusty hand held GPS, it beeped and whirred for a minute or two and seemed to understand my predicament. Quickly showing a nice two lane road right into Dodge City about 12 miles away on my continued dirt farm road...so off I went.

40 minutes later I arrived in disappointing Dodge City, paid $9.00 to walk through the old town exhibit...pics later when I get them processed.

Ate a late lunch and hit the road towards Denver...after my little 150 mile detour.

Arrived Denver on Friday night about 10:30 pm a little more than 28 hours after departing Ohio!! Hotel for some needed sleep and a good meal...

More on Saturdays adventure when I finish my lunch, I am eating at a wonderful little local joint in Moab Utah. It is Sunday at about 1:30 local time.

Here is Dodge City:

Capt Jim

Preparing to leave tomorrow!

2012-01-04T04:41:00.001-08:00

Truck work today - this winter shit is a PIA!! Taking the truck to get radiator flushed and new anti-freeze, something we didn't worry about in sunny Florida...then pack the truck this afternoon and I am off in the morning.

Perfect timing the car overheated - frozen as I pulled into the GoodYear store - they drained and re-charged the radiator and everything is ready for tomorrows departure.

Good weather forecast for the entire trip - in fact it will be in the 60's across Kansas and into Colorado. Should be a nice sunny drive with clear skies following the cold front that just went through...

More details as the trip progresses.

Capt Jim

January 5th - All Points West!!

2012-01-03T08:20:00.001-08:00

Well, my adventure cross country starts on Thursday, according to the weather reports I should have clear sailing...front is coming through Ohio now and after it settles down today and tomorrow, I will be Westward HO. Right now plans call for heading South from Green, Ohio to I-70 then West through St Louis and on to Denver, weather permitting I will continue on I-70 on into Utah, then North on I-15 to Salt Lake, take a rest there with friends for a day or so, then I-15 North to I-84 and on into Washington State.

Laundry and get ready today - a little truck work...then load the truck tomorrow and head out on Thursday morning.

Went picture taking yesterday and found a few shots...plan on posting more in my travels over the next 10 days or so...stay tuned.

I'll keep this updated over the next few days!!

Capt Jim

The Change Begins

2011-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

My home in Florida is empty, everything I intend to move into my new existence is in the back of my pick-up truck.

Made a trip to Ohio to be with family for the holidays and now soon will depart for the West Coast to meet up with my new home. I have a small 5th wheel camper which will become my new residence. It will take a little work to get it up to my style and I have a few modifications planned, but that will more than likely change as I move in.

The hardest part about this whole project was the actual liquidating of all my "things", mostly useless stuff that had traveled from house to house for the past 40 years and saw very little use. Trip after trip to the consignment store and the dumpster worked through the problem. Also numerous trips to Goodwill and AmVets was also part of the solution.

I am anxious for the final part of my relocation to begin, but quite frankly dread the long drive across the country but cannot wait to see my new home and get it squared away.

Here is a picture of my new little home.

More pics to follow as I travel west!

Stay Tuned.

Jim

New Home - The Adventure Continues

2011-08-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

Well some big changes are in order for me over the next few months...back in late February I was offered and accepted a full time opportunity with the Lodge in Alaska. I left Florida early and arrived in Ketchikan in March. Worked in the office for the Lodge and arranged bookings and just basically ran the office in town getting ready for this season.

My intentions for the past several years was to liquidate and move into a "Tiny House" either building one or buying a travel trailer and spending my summers in Alaska and my winters traveling around and taking pictures, working when and where I could. This is now becoming a reality.

I just arranged to purchase a small 5th wheel travel trailer which will become my winter home, this winter in Ketchikan and who knows where in the coming years.

Below is a slide show of my new home. I have not seen it personally yet, but had a friend stopped by in Tacoma to see it and take these pictures.

Stay Tuned for more details as things move along...but I am now tiny house bound!

Jim

Latest Plans

2011-01-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

Updates to follow...

Jim

New Video

2011-01-17T15:32:00.001-08:00

2011-01-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

Retirees Trade Work for Rent at Cash-Poor Parks
Michael Stravato for The New York Times

The motor home hookups are free for Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll, who volunteer as canoe guides at Falcon State Park in Texas.
By KIRK JOHNSON
Published: February 17, 2010

ROMA, Tex. — A cold wind whipped down the Texas plains on the night last month that Sharon Smith, 68, and her husband, Bill, 73, arrived here to be work-campers.
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Michael Stravato for The New York Times

Erv Nichols, a birders' guide.
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In the dark, they had trouble setting up their camper. But Ms. Smith, a former teacher’s aide from Sioux Falls, S.D., said she looked up at the starry sky, shook off a few of the burrs she had picked up lying on the ground working on their truck, and told herself it would get better.

It did.

The life of a work-camper, volunteering in places like Falcon State Park in deep South Texas in return for free rent, is not without its bumps. But as Ms. Smith also quickly discovered, the rewards can be deep as well — like making cinnamon rolls as part of her job at the camp recreation center, where she and Mr. Smith are working as hosts through the end of March.

“We’re here for three reasons,” she said, as she spread sugar on the dough. “No. 1, we like to travel. No. 2, we like people. And No. 3, we’re on a budget.”

An itinerant, footloose army of available and willing retirees in their 60s and 70s is marching through the American outback, looking to stretch retirement dollars by volunteering to work in parks, campgrounds and wildlife sanctuaries, usually in exchange for camping space.

Park and wildlife agencies say that retired volunteers have in turn become all the more crucial as budget cuts and new demands have made it harder to keep parks open.

Work-campers come together in one place — leading nature walks or staffing visitor centers, typically working 20 hours to 30 hours a week — then take off to their next assignments. As they move about, they keep in touch with one another through cellphone numbers, e-mail addresses and Facebook postings, creating virtual communities filled with the people they meet.

Camp life, especially in this bird-watching hotspot, revolves around the great outdoors: picking up trash, guiding visitors and, with luck, perhaps spotting the rare roadside hawk that has been reported in the Rio Grande Valley. Night brings a round of socializing: wine around the picnic tables out by the bird feeders, an open-mike sing-along at the recreation center, an evening walk through the South Texas scrubland.

Estimates of the number of work-campers nationally vary, but a spokesman for Kampgrounds of America Inc., a private company that franchises camps, said that 80,000 or so might be a good guess, based on KOA’s percentage of the camping market and the number of its work-campers.

“It attracts a certain kind of person,” said Wendy R. Forster, 70, a retired biologist who lives alone in her motor home and has been leading bird-watchers’ walks here since January. “There’s a lot of companionship and security.”

Recession has cut a fierce crosswind through the subculture, recreation experts and campers say. Many campers are also trying to stay longer in one place to cut travel expenses.

But other recreation managers say they have become more dependent than ever on a national network of volunteers, partly because of spending cuts and partly because remaining staff members have to prioritize what they can do.

“Basic trail maintenance, for example — picking up trash,” said Nancy C. Brown, who coordinates volunteers for the South Texas Refuge Complex, which includes three large wildlife areas. “It’s important for wildlife purposes, but when you’re faced with a choice of dealing with oil and gas permits or maintaining a trail, the trail is the first thing to go.”

In the last decade, Ms. Brown said, the number of campsites set aside for volunteers in the complex, including those at Falcon State Park, has risen twentyfold, to 65 from 3.

In some places, the retired volunteers are about the only staff members left.

“We did a state park in Arizona this year that had laid off so many people, we basically ran it,” said Carolyn Miller, 71, a former small-business owner from Colorado who has work-camped from Alaska to Maine with her husband, Warren, 73.

For many work-campers, the appeal of a nontraditional retirement was also linked to a life-changing event — the death of a spouse, a divorce, money trouble, a midlife reassessment of priorities. For whatever reasons, they said, staying put became an unappealing or unavailable option.

And for some, there is romance to be found. Sandra Noll, 65, a retired nurse who has been leading canoe trips for bird-watchers on the Rio Grande since early January, met her partner, Erv Nichols, 66, three years ago.

Mr. Nichols, a retired photographer from Big Bear Lake, Calif., had set out to downsize his life. With Social Security as his only income, and two previous marriages that ended in divorce, he was so sure of a solo life, he said, that he ripped out the front passenger seat of the little motor home that a friend had given him as a gift.

Ms. Noll, who was reassessing her own life after a divorce and a move back West, where she grew up, found Mr. Nichols’s zeal in tossing aside his possessions appealing. “You wanted to simplify your life,” she said, glancing across the table at him in their little trailer. “That drew you to me.”

Ms. Forster, the retired biologist, became a volunteer partly out of grief. When her husband died of cancer 17 years ago, in his 50s, she immediately set off, she said, continuing the motor-home life they had imagined together, but now on her own. She has led bird-watching trips all over the country and has already made plans to come back here next year.

“We’re nomadic,” she said. “But a lot of us are coming back next year, so that will be a reunion.”

Other campers are moving down the road. Ms. Noll and Mr. Nichols, for example, are headed next to Nebraska, to work as guides along the sandhill cranes’ migration route. Starting in June, the Smiths, from Sioux Falls, will work on an island in Puget Sound. Ellen Lawson, 66, of Evansville, Wyo., will head for a dulcimer festival in Mississippi. She said she was already dreading the goodbyes when she and her husband, Ron, 67, leave here in March.

“I cried when I left home to come here,” Ms. Lawson said while raking leaves at Falcon State Park’s Butterfly Garden, “and I’ll cry when I leave.”

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: February 19, 2010

An article on Thursday about retirees who volunteer to work in parks, campgrounds and wildlife sanctuaries, usually in exchange for camping space, misstated the effect budget cuts in California have had on parks there the past year. Cutbacks have caused partial closures or deep reductions in the hours of operation at nearly 60 state parks, but no park has been shut completely.

Another Great Video about tiny houses!

2010-12-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

I particularly like the kid at the end building his own to take to college!!

Capt Jim

First Set of Plans!

2010-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

This “house” will be built on a 20 foot X 8 foot utility trailer. It Has a u-shaped galley with plenty of counter space – with cabinets above – storage under counter, room for counter-top appliances. Full sized bed, water and grey water underneath, access from outside or inside. Full standard shower, separate toilet, use kitchen sink for bathroom sink. Propane heater, computer desk, storage under. V-Shaped front for aerodynamics and storage – propane and batteries for DC power. Use a regular DC/AC boat electrical panel – ability to add generator at a later date. Room under kitchen counter for separate refrigerator, and front open small freezer – or build in counter top freezer with air cooled boat system of cold plates?? Cheaper and less problem to buy small freezer at Wal-Mart!

Will build the floor approx 8” to 12” above deck of trailer to allow for electrical conduit and plumbing. Floor doors for critical access. Vaulted ceiling over main living room – lower flat ceiling above baths and kitchen with Tote storage above. Shower sump pump to move grey water into storage tank. Typical home depot 36” square shower stall with door or curtain, probably curtain. Will also put cloth shower curtain to close off bed area during day…or night for privacy. Will more than likely build a single bunk above main bed and use area for storage or company! If there is room for my Futon in the main room, this would only be storage…

Exterior will either be T-111 or smooth white fiberglass panels, including lo-rise gable roof. Flat roof above porch will be ventilated to feed and drain window A/C unit which will be built in above the door! Interior walls will more than likely be textured 4 X 8 fiberglass panels, easy to clean and light and airy…finished wood trim strips applied at the seams and in all the corners…just like on a boat!

I can buy a brand new dual wheel utility trailer with brakes 8 X 20 for about $1,800.00 and figure material cost to build the house will be around $6,000.00 to $8,000.00. Used trailers all over the place, for as little as $500.00. If I shop and plan real well, using remnant materials from Lowe’s and Home Depot for cabinets etc…I can probably knock another $1,500 bucks off the price. Also look for trashed travel trailers at salvage yard and boat salvage yards and get various components like windows / cabinets etc.

Small windows on either side of kitchen and larger windows on either side of living room and small windows on both side of back wall and in back door.

There is a whole group of people who are doing this sort of thing…some videos on my blog…here: Make sure you watch the video of one being built! Difference – my plans do NOT call for a sleeping loft – just a storage loft above kitchen and bath. Plus my roof won’t have nearly as high of a pitch! Mine will be closer to a flat roof, hip style on front towards towing to aid in aerodynamics. Enough pitch to enclose A/C unit above porch and hold some storage totes above the hallway into the kitchen and soft storage to the sides. Weight needs to be kept low above the wheels and fairly even side to side! Been doing a bunch of reading and homework!

In my studying the past few days - I have discovered there is quite a movement of people who are starting to live this lifestyle. Many or old hippies or greenies who are just a little bit better than the homeless, at least they are industrious and have created a space to live...some remind me of the old commune days of the 60's, maybe that is where they are all ending up...anyway, that is not my purpose. I want to live comfortably and energy efficient from a cost standpoint and environmentally friendly in that I don't want to pollute, but I am not going to take a dump in a compost pile...I want a flush toilet and will process my waste when necessary through a sewer like everyone else. I require a decent refrigerator and a freezer. Propane to cook with and plenty of fresh water to bath in etc...so simplistic is fine, but you do have to be comfortable and clean!

I am seriously shopping for a utility trailer and hope to have one before I leave for Alaska in May, then next fall when I return to Florida, I will build the house based on finalized plans and what materials I can gather between now and then. I have built several boats and understand electrical systems, water systems and waste systems and most everything in this trailer will utilize many marine parts, so I will be traveling around the boat yards and RV places for salvage items to use in my new home, this to minimize costs of course.

Stay Tuned as things progress I will be updating every few days!

Capt Jim

Welcome to the beginning of my Journey!

2010-12-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

About a year and a half ago, after retiring (semi) about 6 years ago, I decided in order to keep my overhead to a minimum and still live comfortably and partake in one of my favorite pastimes - traveling, it would be best if I bought a travel trailer or small motor home. So for the past couple years I have been weighing the pro's and con's of which type of vehicle would be best.

I'll go over some of my thoughts.

Motorhome vs Travel Trailer

1. Motohomes are expensive, both to buy and to operate. Most are real gas or diesel guzzlers, plus the real turn-off was the need for an additional vehicle. Now it could be simplistic, a small motorbike or motorcycle might do. But for a person who is still working and plans on working until full retirement which is a few years away, the thought of being out in the rain and snow everyday while going back and forth to work, made me realize at the minimum I would need a small car.

2. Additionally - one of my joys is taking photographs and that involves some serious equipment. Part of the attraction of traveling around to various parts of the country is to take and sell my photographs. A motorbike or motorcycle would just not be practical for this - so If I chose motorhome - a small car was also a requirement, now that means two vehicles, dual insurance ect. Costs really start to mount.

So my decision was made to look for a small comfortable travel trailer.

Size and style

1. Size was critical, not so much for living space, but cost to travel. Large trailer, requires large vehicle which eats gas or diesel. Larger units just like a house, cost more to park and maintain. I was determined to keep it under 20 feet long.

2. In looking at the standard 18-24 foot travel trailers, I quickly realized there were virtually none built for full time living. They are all built as weekend campers and equipped for just that. A bunkhouse, with minimal conveniences and real cramped quarters.

3. Additionally everything is "built in" and most of it is pretty cheap and uncomfortable. Virtually every one has a dinette that is a waste of space and worthless when made into a bunk, uncomfortable to sit and watch TV in and uncomfortable to sleep in.

4. This all got me to thinking, buy one, gut the insides and build it the way I wanted, nice but they all have such small doors, I would end up having to take the side of the trailer off to get what I wanted in and remove what was in there. Too much work.

Alternative

1. I started looking at "Toy Haulers". Primarily because they were designed to move 4 wheelers and such usually the entire rear of the trailer folds down. Fine I thought, tear out what I don't need and put in what I do need!

Which lead me to determine what I really needed and the only things I use on a daily basis.

1. Comfortable bed - a twin is fine, but a double or queen would be better, just in case I get lucky!

2. Good bathroom - decent toilet and a nice spacious separate stall shower. (required)

3. Small galley - 2 burner stove minimum - outdoor grill, microwave/convection oven, small refrigerator and a decent freezer.

4. Good comfortable chair to sit in and read, watch TV and eat. I have a wonderful recliner which serves all of those purposes just fine.

5. Computer hutch/desk so I can work. I am a part time graphic designer and web designer, so I have high powered computing requirements for work and my photography.

After studying all sorts of Toy Haulers - most have the same problem as the travel trailers, cheap furnishings - very small bathrooms most with a "wet bath" or a shower I couldn't get my ass in and out of. At least I would have the ability to tear out what I don't need and build back what I do need. But limited since some many of the critical underlying components - water storage, drainage and waste storage are in predefined places and sizes...it was still too limiting. PLUS - Have you priced even a used toy hauler - They are expensive???

Then in my travels and search, I ran into a friend who had a similar idea. Except, he had a welding business and a delivery truck that was being replaced with a new one, by the new owner who he sold his business to, he decided to keep an Isuzu NPR - 18 foot box truck with a lift gate. He built an entire studio apartment in the back of the box truck. Uses the lift gate as a back porch, mounted waste tanks underneath and a small generator. Has heat and air conditioning, put in a few windows and french doors behind the roll down door - with space to store his small motorcycle between the roll down and the french doors. It is a beautiful living space. When he gets back down this way I will take some pictures and they will be posted here. The box truck is made to haul a bunch of weight and what he built in, does not weigh that much, so the truck is running about 1/3 full. Gets about 17 MPH on the highway, even towing his small boat. The diesel will go for well over 300 thousand miles and the transmission is designed for a heavy load and should last as well. I liked this idea a bunch, but it brought me back to having to acquire another vehicle.

Another friend lost his pickup truck in a divorce, but kept the camper on jacks to live in - she took everything else. Decided he wanted to be mobile and had a real nice SUV. So he bought a used lawn service trailer and mounted his nice truck camper with two slide-outs on the trailer. Built a tool storage area underneath the cab-over bunk, put in a generator and some more water storage and he has a real nice rig, for very little additional funds. He is now gone on the road!

Then a couple days ago, another friend who is well aware of my frustrations and search turned me on to a web site which got me focused on a little different direction, which led me to creating this blog and finalizing my ultimate plans. The website is: Tumbleweed Houses

After two days of internet searching and studying, I have determined that this is the route I intend to travel on my upcoming journey to a simpler life.

Watch these videos and you will see the direction I am headed.

Here is one being built....

And another Small House Life story!

Stay Tuned for further updates:

Captain Jim