My transformation to full-time travel-trailer vagabond has moved to a new phase.
As I continue to sift through my possessions (keep? give away? throw out?), I automatically evaluate every item for its usefulness weighed against the space it occupies. I’m proud to say I’ve become quite ruthless. Six months ago, during one of the early sorts — and there have been many! — I methodically handled each precious possession, each article of clothing, recalling memories, pondering its role in my life. “Gee, I might need this someday.” Now, if I even think “might” or “someday,” out it goes with a toss! You mean nothing to me you useless piece of clutter! Get out of my life! Be gone forever! How liberating! I’m free!
The PTV is also going through transformation.
So far I’ve placed behind the bench seat eight, large, see-through plastic storage boxes, stacked two high. At first, every time I went around a corner the boxes slid from one side to the other and popped open. I found some straps and lashed them together and that helps a lot. I figure once I have everything in there, things like the ladder, folding table, bedding and lawn chairs, the bulk will help hold it all together. I’m going to try to leave a plastic box to serve as a food pantry.
Behind both front seats are floor-to-ceiling metal grills. These were installed to keep a desk, chair, cabinet, and computer in the back from hurtling forward to the front seats in an accident. (The PTV was a mobile insurance office in its former life.) I’ve hung tote bags on hooks on the front and back of these metal grills. One bag for van upkeep items, another for maps, guides, and manuals, another for dog leashes and supplies, and so on. It’s fun organizing the PTV. Nesting instinct, I guess.
My space greed has me eyeing the bench seat.
I thought it would be a good place for the crew to sit and look out the window as we travel. However . . . I could take it out and sell it on Craigslist or something, and then, if I pack right, I could create an elevated, comfy place for the crew. Better utilization of space?
Well, that didn’t last long . . .
Always get as close to the fan as you can. This keeps you cool, plus it keeps others from hogging the breeze.
A thunderstorm two nights ago had a cooling effect on this part of Georgia. Of course, that didn’t last long. We are paying for it now with temps back in the 90s and high humidity from the wet ground and vegetation. I take frequent breaks to cool off from packing and getting the house ready.
Remember, no A/C here!
Thank you, Spike, for explaining how to keep cool on a hot, summer day.
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 