What exactly are you doing?
We are living full time in our 21' Okanagan Travel Trailer towed by our V-6 Dodge Dakota, 3.9 L. We decided to forgo living in a house and take to the open road in a travel trailer, because it is too cold to live this way in Canada so we go down to the southern USA - to the desert where there is warmth - to boon dock. In the spring we return to Canada and live where we choose to work.
Why are you living this way?
We live this way because we are restless and we became tired of home ownership. Owning a home became a burden and it prevented us from being free to travel, besides you never really own your home...there will always be property taxes. We always want to see and do something new - routine just isn't for us. That being said we also live this way because it is much more affordable. We are self employed designers and with that comes the ups and downs of this type of profession, "feast or famine." We have owned houses and all the trappings that can go with it, but we found out that they are just material possessions that are void of any true value, we are seeking experience- the world is a pearl of experience. For us experience trumps material. Each to their own is our thought on the subject.
Where are all your belongings?
What few belongings we have are in storage, they are the family heirlooms with sentimental attachment. Each time we have moved we have pared our possessions down. Before leaving this last time we had a garage sale to reduce the amount once more. We still have more then we need or care to pack around but sentimental possessions are hard to let go of.
We are living full time in our 21' Okanagan Travel Trailer towed by our V-6 Dodge Dakota, 3.9 L. We decided to forgo living in a house and take to the open road in a travel trailer, because it is too cold to live this way in Canada so we go down to the southern USA - to the desert where there is warmth - to boon dock. In the spring we return to Canada and live where we choose to work.
Why are you living this way?
We live this way because we are restless and we became tired of home ownership. Owning a home became a burden and it prevented us from being free to travel, besides you never really own your home...there will always be property taxes. We always want to see and do something new - routine just isn't for us. That being said we also live this way because it is much more affordable. We are self employed designers and with that comes the ups and downs of this type of profession, "feast or famine." We have owned houses and all the trappings that can go with it, but we found out that they are just material possessions that are void of any true value, we are seeking experience- the world is a pearl of experience. For us experience trumps material. Each to their own is our thought on the subject.
Where are all your belongings?
What few belongings we have are in storage, they are the family heirlooms with sentimental attachment. Each time we have moved we have pared our possessions down. Before leaving this last time we had a garage sale to reduce the amount once more. We still have more then we need or care to pack around but sentimental possessions are hard to let go of.
How do others react to your choice of lifestyle?
The reactions are mixed. We get many blank stares and one comment was, that we are either brave or stupid, who knows, maybe both. We decided to stop calling ourselves 'snowbirds' since this is met with a negative reaction in most cases and isn't correct anyway, seeing as snowbirds are usually retired and have a home to return to. It seems that you have to 'earn' the title of snowbird after many years of working and finally you reach the 'golden years' of retirement - old school thinking but the general way of thinking in western society..yawn. Most think we should get "real jobs" you know, be miserable slogging along, counting the days until you get your gold watch, own a home first, then travel when you are TIRED..ooops RETIRED. Our families of course also wonder and worry, but all in, all our families and friends are supportive and we give thanks to God for their support.
How do you make money on the road?
We are freelance designers through Teresa Wood Designs www.teresawooddesigns.ca
Fortunately, we can do this on the road with our laptop computer. We are also happy to take handouts or cold hard cash! Additionally we are working hard to develop our two blogs in order to get enough viewership that businesses will want to advertise with us.
How do you survive on such a low monthy budget?
It isn't always easy but we have learned to adjust. We have also learned how to do without many things. This isn't a complaint it is a fact. However, these 'things' aren't really missed. We buy what we need but do treat ourselves on occasion - but small treats. We have learned to enjoy the small and free things in life, nature and natural spaces are still abundant, thanks be to God.
The reactions are mixed. We get many blank stares and one comment was, that we are either brave or stupid, who knows, maybe both. We decided to stop calling ourselves 'snowbirds' since this is met with a negative reaction in most cases and isn't correct anyway, seeing as snowbirds are usually retired and have a home to return to. It seems that you have to 'earn' the title of snowbird after many years of working and finally you reach the 'golden years' of retirement - old school thinking but the general way of thinking in western society..yawn. Most think we should get "real jobs" you know, be miserable slogging along, counting the days until you get your gold watch, own a home first, then travel when you are TIRED..ooops RETIRED. Our families of course also wonder and worry, but all in, all our families and friends are supportive and we give thanks to God for their support.
How do you make money on the road?
We are freelance designers through Teresa Wood Designs www.teresawooddesigns.ca
Fortunately, we can do this on the road with our laptop computer. We are also happy to take handouts or cold hard cash! Additionally we are working hard to develop our two blogs in order to get enough viewership that businesses will want to advertise with us.
How do you survive on such a low monthy budget?
It isn't always easy but we have learned to adjust. We have also learned how to do without many things. This isn't a complaint it is a fact. However, these 'things' aren't really missed. We buy what we need but do treat ourselves on occasion - but small treats. We have learned to enjoy the small and free things in life, nature and natural spaces are still abundant, thanks be to God.
How do you live in such a small space?
It is a bit tight - particularly with a little one - but we make do. Fortunately, with the warmer southern climate we spend much of our time outdoors. The main key is not to have too much stuff and to put things in their proper place. This trip we are finding it a bit more challenging with all of Cassia's gear and toys.
It is a bit tight - particularly with a little one - but we make do. Fortunately, with the warmer southern climate we spend much of our time outdoors. The main key is not to have too much stuff and to put things in their proper place. This trip we are finding it a bit more challenging with all of Cassia's gear and toys.
What about your child's education and social circle?
One of the most common comments we get is "Well that's fine until she is old enough to go to school." Actually we plan to home school Cassia whether we are on the road or not for the next ten years. Cassia is exposed to a wide range of experiences on the road, additionally when the time comes we will seek out field trips and camps for her to attend at the different locations - such as those offered at the Arizona, Sonora Desert Museum. Although we believe it is a myth that children must socialize with other children, we will provide Cassia with many opportunities to meet all people - young to old.
One of the most common comments we get is "Well that's fine until she is old enough to go to school." Actually we plan to home school Cassia whether we are on the road or not for the next ten years. Cassia is exposed to a wide range of experiences on the road, additionally when the time comes we will seek out field trips and camps for her to attend at the different locations - such as those offered at the Arizona, Sonora Desert Museum. Although we believe it is a myth that children must socialize with other children, we will provide Cassia with many opportunities to meet all people - young to old.
How do you do this with so many animals?
The animals love to travel as much as we do. They are no more trouble then when we were in a home. While traveling we have a large cage under the canopy in the back of the truck. A few travel in there and a few in smaller pet cages in the trailer. Roofous also rides in the back of the truck. When we camp somewhere the large cage sits beside the trailer. Roofous is tied up but we walk him at least twice a day while the cats come and go as they please. Yes - they come back! Teresa worries about me leaving them out all night but we have lived in remote locations before with no problems... actually the irony is that we lost three animals in populated areas due to cars and trains not wild beasties in the night, so coyotes don't concern me as much as does the human race. Allowing our cats to run free is always a gamble, but I figure that is the price of FREEDOM. If I was a cat I would want to be free instead of being stuck living in a cage ie., solitary confinement (a cage that comes with a 52" plasma TV)... sarcasm tastes GREAT !
The animals love to travel as much as we do. They are no more trouble then when we were in a home. While traveling we have a large cage under the canopy in the back of the truck. A few travel in there and a few in smaller pet cages in the trailer. Roofous also rides in the back of the truck. When we camp somewhere the large cage sits beside the trailer. Roofous is tied up but we walk him at least twice a day while the cats come and go as they please. Yes - they come back! Teresa worries about me leaving them out all night but we have lived in remote locations before with no problems... actually the irony is that we lost three animals in populated areas due to cars and trains not wild beasties in the night, so coyotes don't concern me as much as does the human race. Allowing our cats to run free is always a gamble, but I figure that is the price of FREEDOM. If I was a cat I would want to be free instead of being stuck living in a cage ie., solitary confinement (a cage that comes with a 52" plasma TV)... sarcasm tastes GREAT !
