All you own is on your back

[Thomas Yingst]

How would it be if you had plenty of funds to support you for a life time ... and all you had was a backpack and what was in it.

 

[Davey Boyd]

blooming marvelous I'd say!

 

[Marbe2]

I love to hike and walk..and am always excited to journey...but I also like to return to my home, family and dog! There are some things money cannot buy!

 

[domigee]

How would it be if you had plenty of funds to support you for a life time ... and all you had was a backpack and what was in it.

My kind of dream

 

[Kitsambler]

Such utter simplicity has great appeal, I must confess. We are so often prisoners of our stuff these days; de-cluttering has become a very popular profession. On the other hand, it's very true money doesn't buy everything - or even the most important things.

A notion to ponder while we walk.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Awesome, though I'd be happier and more comfie in my van.

 

[KinkyOne]

blooming marvelous I'd say!

Oh, yeah, I can second that!!!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I would not need the pack. Everywhere I go, buy what I need when I need it.

 

[MeandIan]

Awesome, though I'd be happier and more comfie in my van.

More so because Ian built every single thing in our van. Under instruction of management, of course

 

[Davey Boyd]

More so because Ian built every single thing in our van. Under instruction of management, of course

Nice! But there is something strange growing in your wine glasses!

 

[Paladina]

How would it be if you had plenty of funds to support you for a life time ... and all you had was a backpack and what was in it.

Backpack + Wanderlust + unlimited funds = credit card nomadism
Backpack +/- Wanderlust - unlimited funds = vagrancy (and we know how vagrants are treated)

 

[Waka]

I would not need the pack. Everywhere I go, buy what I need when I need it.

Reminds me of the books by Lee Childs about Jack Reacher.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Nice! But there is something strange growing in your wine glasses!

I thought the same - presumably they drink from the bottle/can?

Lordy that van is tidy, I start out like that but after a week it's a pig pen! First year of retirement, wonderful summer and I've hardly used it because it needed some parts Oh well, next year or maybe October if the weather stays fine.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

How would it be if you had plenty of funds to support you for a life time ... and all you had was a backpack and what was in it.

I enjoy traveling but I also enjoy sitting down comfortably at the end of the day - hotel beds, hardback chairs and benches don't do it for me so can I have a rucksack, all it contains and a La- Z-Boy recliner?

 

[Anniesantiago]

More so because Ian built every single thing in our van. Under instruction of management, of course

I love my van! It's my latest adventure. I sold my house to my son and I've been vanning all year long.
Loving it! Here's my new van dwelling blog. If you start back in February, you can see the changes I've made since beginning:

https://anniesantiago2.blogspot.com/

 

[Anniesantiago]

More so because Ian built every single thing in our van. Under instruction of management, of course

Wow! What type of vehicle do you have?
Mine is much smaller. I'm in a 2002 Toyota Sienna Minivan

 

[Constantine]

I would not need the pack. Everywhere I go, buy what I need when I need it.

... good answer

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I love my van! It's my latest adventure. I sold my house to my son and I've been vanning all year long.
Loving it! Here's my new van dwelling blog. If you start back in February, you can see the changes I've made since beginning:

https://anniesantiago2.blogspot.com/

THAT is an incredibly full vehicle! Why do Americans call them "vans" though? I thought station wagon?

Couldn't live with that much gear - I've a fold down bed, sink, gas hob, microwave and a little counter top oven the French call a "four minute" which has nothing to do with time, literally "mini-oven". There's also a free standing tent-annex for longer stays.

Anybody else want to fess up to not walking all the time?

 

[MeandIan]

I thought the same - presumably they drink from the bottle/can?

Lordy that van is tidy, I start out like that but after a week it's a pig pen! First year of retirement, wonderful summer and I've hardly used it because it needed some parts Oh well, next year or maybe October if the weather stays fine.

We’ve tried to have a home for everything in the van. And when we travel we pack minimally. In the beginning we overpacked and I had enough precooked food for a family of ten. But now we just take what we need. Plus we believe in: don’t put it down put it away. Because the space is so small

 

[MeandIan]

Wow! What type of vehicle do you have?
Mine is much smaller. I'm in a 2002 Toyota Sienna Minivan

It’s a 2011 transit. See on our Instagram @ikandothat. The best thing is the toilet, the dinette, the roll out kitchen cupboards.... ok the whole thing. We’re fortunate that Ian is not just a pretty face

 

[celinehenriette]

I have been living out of my backpack for most of the last 6 months and it is so easy. Saves time too: you never have to think about what to wear (the set that is not wet from doing laundry) and everything is within reach! But I do miss my guitar, too heavy to bring along..
I just switched from a 38 liter pack to a 22 liter pack for this month, freedom!!

 

[KinkyOne]

I have been living out of my backpack for most of the last 6 months and it is so easy. Saves time too: you never have to think about what to wear (the set that is not wet from doing laundry) and everything is within reach! But I do miss my guitar, too heavy to bring along..
I just switched from a 38 liter pack to a 22 liter pack for this month, freedom!!

So now you have space for a guitar. Or buy a mandoline

 

[celinehenriette]

So now you have space for a guitar. Or buy a mandoline

I did buy a Ukulele, but on a training hike I kept being scared that it would break or that it would rip through my poncho when it rained.
My 22liter pack is pretty full also, but the size is awesome!

 

[MeandIan]

I love my van! It's my latest adventure. I sold my house to my son and I've been vanning all year long.
Loving it! Here's my new van dwelling blog. If you start back in February, you can see the changes I've made since beginning:

https://anniesantiago2.blogspot.com/

Love your van Annie! I’ve always wanted to do vanlife but it was impossible in South Africa. So when I came to Australia and met Ian, and found that we shared likes and goals, it was like all my Christmases came all at once

 

[Anniesantiago]

THAT is an incredibly full vehicle! Why do Americans call them "vans" though? I thought station wagon?

Couldn't live with that much gear - I've a fold down bed, sink, gas hob, microwave and a little counter top oven the French call a "four minute" which has nothing to do with time, literally "mini-oven". There's also a free standing tent-annex for longer stays.

Anybody else want to fess up to not walking all the time?
View attachment 46172

Ha! It doesn't feel full at all! I don't have a microwave or a sink, like you do. No counter top, and plenty of space to sit and work on my computer or play my guitar or watercolor. I don't miss standing up. I do that outside. In fact, I tell people I don't live IN my van, I live OUT of my van, when I'm traveling. The 25-28 mpg helps a lot too!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

So now you have space for a guitar. Or buy a mandoline

Noooooooooooo I have seen the future, it has 4 strings and is called a ukulele

 

[KinkyOne]

Noooooooooooo I have seen the future, it has 4 strings and is called a ukulele

Or even better:

PS (Don't know what you smoke to see the future though... )

 

[Stephen]

It's good to get back home and rest for a little while.
This thread brought to mind this from Shakespeare: If all the year were playing holidays, to sport would be as tedious as work.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

I enjoy traveling but I also enjoy sitting down comfortably at the end of the day - hotel beds, hardback chairs and benches don't do it for me so can I have a rucksack, all it contains and a La- Z-Boy recliner?

Too much bulk

 

[Thomas Yingst]

I have been living out of my backpack for most of the last 6 months and it is so easy. Saves time too: you never have to think about what to wear (the set that is not wet from doing laundry) and everything is within reach! But I do miss my guitar, too heavy to bring along..
I just switched from a 38 liter pack to a 22 liter pack for this month, freedom!!

Need a decent acoustic guitar I can strap on my pack

 

[Syncro]

How would it be if you had plenty of funds to support you for a life time ... and all you had was a backpack and what was in it.

This is literally my dream and it has been since I was in my teens. I would spread love and joy everywhere with words and pictures. I still believe I will do this...and I’m not that far off from achieving my dream.

Btw, the became a minimalist about 2 years ago. I gave away all of my beautiful belongings to the Salvation Army during a move. It’s another story, I won’t bore anyone with, but I will tell you, the freedom I felt from not being bogged down with possessions was amazing. Plus, I love that my donations went to a wonderful organization that helps people get back on their feet again.

Less is more!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Need a decent acoustic guitar I can strap on my pack

One of my nephews recently bought himself a parlor guitar for traveling - not sure I'd want to risk it on a backpack or whether his wife knows how much it cost!
Mind you, the Martin Backpacker could come in useful if you ever need to use a canoe and haven't got a paddle

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Or even better:

PS (Don't know what you smoke to see the future though... )

Damn, that thing needs tuning!

 

[Deleted member 39850]

Just a reply about “van” vs “station wagon”... the reason is that they are based on different vehicles. The SW is based on the coach-wagon that used to be sent by the grand house to pick up and drop off guests at the train station with all their many pieces of luggage.
The van is based on adaptations to small cargo vans that were common mid century for deliveries, or hauling contractor supplies (esp plumbers and electricians). If one emptied them out they easily converted to small recreational vehicles and some started to design them that way on purpose.
There was a time when the Bronco was just a covered truck, not the beast of a sport utility that it is now.
And so it goes....
My dad remembered riding in the family Packard wagon for summer holidays and said it was so big the kids could step between front and rear-facing back seats.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Just a reply about “van” vs “station wagon”... the reason is that they are based on different vehicles. The SW is based on the coach-wagon that used to be sent by the grand house to pick up and drop off guests at the train station with all their many pieces of luggage.
The van is based on adaptations to small cargo vans that were common mid century for deliveries, or hauling contractor supplies (esp plumbers and electricians). If one emptied them out they easily converted to small recreational vehicles and some started to design them that way on purpose.
There was a time when the Bronco was just a covered truck, not the beast of a sport utility that it is now.
And so it goes....
My dad remembered riding in the family Packard wagon for summer holidays and said it was so big the kids could step between front and rear-facing back seats.

That's what I would have thought but Annie has one of these


Which I'd describe as a Station Wagon (Estate Car in UK, Une Voiture Break - as in Shooting Break - in France)

BTW how's the walk going?

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Start 1 step 2 step miricle 6 hours later you are 25km away. My passport and debit card for ATM only essential items assume you are dressed for trekk

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I did buy a Ukulele, but on a training hike I kept being scared that it would break or that it would rip through my poncho when it rained.
My 22liter pack is pretty full also, but the size is awesome!

Try one of these Makala Dolphins


The back is made of resin, tough as old boots, amazing sound quality for a ridiculously low price.

Imagine how cool you'd look, poncho on and strumming one of these babies as you walk along.

Or not.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Start 1 step 2 step miricle 6 hours later you are 25km away. My passport and debit card for ATM only essential items assume you are dressed for trekk

Zen walking!

 

[Deleted member 39850]

That's what I would have thought but Annie has one of these

View attachment 46189
Which I'd describe as a Station Wagon (Estate Car in UK, Une Voiture Break - as in Shooting Break - in France)

BTW how's the walk going?

Oh, that does look wagon-ish, but if it’s tall? I’d call it a van — like a Toyota Sienna.

Walk is all done!

Except for some upset tummy currently resolving, and apparent bed-bugs at successive points, it was all great. We begin heading home today. By tomorrow eve Santiago time, I will have at least one cat on my lap, and a visit with my much missed kiddo, and maybe even with my mum.

We’re already pondering the Portugues for 2019.

 

[GettingThere]

That's what I would have thought but Annie has one of these

View attachment 46189
Which I'd describe as a Station Wagon (Estate Car in UK, Une Voiture Break - as in Shooting Break - in France)

BTW how's the walk going?

I think this is one of those classic US/UK (and some others!) terminology differences. The kind of vehicle called a minivan in the US is generally called a people mover or people carrier in the UK (and here in NZ) - bit bigger than a station wagon, usually more seats. Whereas for me (UK-born, now in NZ) what I would call a van is much more of a commercial vehicle, panel van kind of thing. Minivan makes me think of those little white delivery vans seen everywhere in rural Spain. Don't you love the English language?!

(Edit - PS: @Anniesantiago I love your wheeled home, whatever we call it! Such an adventure!)

 

[KinkyOne]

And now expect from us not native English speakers to understand all of that

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I think this is one of those classic US/UK (and some others!) terminology differences. The kind of vehicle called a minivan in the US is generally called a people mover or people carrier in the UK (and here in NZ) - bit bigger than a station wagon, usually more seats. Whereas for me (UK-born, now in NZ) what I would call a van is much more of a commercial vehicle, panel van kind of thing. Minivan makes me think of those little white delivery vans seen everywhere in rural Spain. Don't you love the English language?!

(Edit - PS: @Anniesantiago I love your wheeled home, whatever we call it! Such an adventure!)

Now THIS is a Mini Van:

 

[GettingThere]

Now THIS is a Mini Van:

View attachment 46197

YES!!! Oh the nostalgia.....!!

 

[KinkyOne]

Now THIS is a Mini Van:

View attachment 46197

And what is this then?

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/tv/del-boys-tamworth-made-reliant-regal-398230

 

[domigee]

Err...still a mini van ?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

And what is this then?

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/tv/del-boys-tamworth-made-reliant-regal-398230

A piece of rubbish that would turn over if a sparrow flapped its wings

 

[Davey Boyd]

A piece of rubbish that would turn over if a sparrow flapped its wings

Oi! I had one of them it was fab! Although I never had a girlfriend once while I owned it for some reason...

 

[KinkyOne]

Oi! I had one of them it was fab! Although I never had a girlfriend once while I owned it for some reason...

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, Rodney didn't either

I had three of these and there were, ahem, well... you know... no problems

 

[Davey Boyd]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, Rodney didn't either

I had three of these and there were, ahem, well... you know... no problems
View attachment 46206

Why three? You can only drive one at a time! at least they got four wheels!

 

[KinkyOne]

Why three? You can only drive one at a time! at least they got four wheels!

Hahaha, first one was my grandmom's yellow one with just 600ccm (from the memory, which isn't really what it's used to be, I mean the memory not the car). And then I had a dark blue and red one with 850ccm's. Huh, what a blast

I liked those "umbrella shift sticks" in R4s:
https://www.google.si/search?q=R4+prestavna+ročica&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwikq-yk37HdAhWJw4sKHSYADOkQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=2x9hMje9iBgEiM:
For smokers it was great because you kept hand on that shift (with a cig) and there, just 5-10cm to the windshield there was an ashtray. Ideal.

And the R4 had sliding windows too!


PS (If you are interested there is a thread about R4 I started with lots of pics because I do photo of every R4 that I come across in Spain.)

 

[Jeff Crawley]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, Rodney didn't either

I had three of these and there were, ahem, well... you know... no problems
View attachment 46206

Amazing piece of kit. A guy in Exeter (UK) used to install Steyr Puch rear axles to turn them into 4 x 4s.

Even when Renault "stopped" making them they were churning them out for the Gendarmerie.

 

[J F Gregory]

I lived out of a ruck sack for 5 years traveling around the U S. This was back in the 60's and 70's. Now people would call me homeless. But then a hippie, hobo, traveler. I worked for meals, sometimes for cash. When I met the woman I was going to marry I settled down. We are now close to retirement. .we purchased a 16 ft trailer to travel and live in and travel in the U S and Canada. We plan on walking at least 3 Caminos in the next 5 years and the body holds up. My wife recently had mentioned trekking around the world. I love that woman.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

See you on the Camino