So you want to live a "Simple Stress Free Lifestyle?" I did it as a traveling photographer in a 1978 Dodge Window Van for a year. It was a great time. In 1994 I started driving a semi over the road, so I was able to see this beautiful country from sea to shinning sea. I have been to all of the lower 48 states and 2 provinces in Canada in that big ole rig.

   In 1997 I bought another van. It was a 1977 Dodge Extended van. I tore out most of the "Stuff" that was not needed and put in a bed across the back and put the hose of my cooler out the bottom of the van so the water would run out on the ground. I enjoyed it, on my days out of the truck in Cloud Croft / Ruidoso, NM area. The weather there is great, and there is plenty of places to park and cook out with that grill.

   Mechanically it has been rebuilt from the front to the rear. Rebuilt: engine, trans, new drive shaft and u-joints, tires, brakes, dual exhaust and shocks. Right now it is sitting in Indiana. The rust is really starting to get the body, as it has been doing a lot of sitting. Sitting just because I don't have the time to enjoy it, and because I started another van that has a high top! WOW! It is nice to stand up to dress and move about.

   My current "Condo On Wheels" is a bit newer than I wanted. It is a 1987 Dodge Extended Camper Van. Already has a fridge, table, water tank, toilet, kitchen area with a small sink, closet and cabinets. I took out 2 captain chairs to make more room for "Stuff" and I am adding a shower. You have to just keep the basic essentials in your mobile lifestyle, as there just is not to much room for clutter and useless items, so storage space is at a minimum, and gotta watch the weight as well.

   I have always wanted to travel the US and Canada, and even though for the most part it has been by the big rig, it has still been a great ride. However, I am tired of the big rig route, and I want to do it at a much slower pace, and get off the main roads to see more of what most people dream of, as well as having some peace and quiet.

   Originally, I had thought of a big ole 5th wheel for my mode of traveling. That is one reason I wanted to drive a truck. I figured if I can drive a rig that is about 70' long, I should be able to drive a smaller truck and trailer. I have never had a 5th wheel, but I have had several truck campers for camping, a class C motor home and a 21' travel trailer. Man, how time flies! I have been traveling practically full time since 1994, but it is time for me to get in the slow lane to enjoy life in a "Simple Stress Free Lifestyle!"

   Currently I am in Phoenix, AZ. Way to hot here during the summer for me, but the Williams - Flagstaff area is just perfect. I am trucking in the South West 3 states of AZ, NV and CA. Sometimes I see NM, but that is about it. I am getting ready to add my "Power Plant" to my "Condo On Wheels", so I will post pics as I progress with that. To see pics of my current set up, and to read about some of my "Adventures" and future updates, just click on the links to the left.

  If you are thinking about doing the same sort of thing that I'm doing now or have done in the past and want some tips or feedback from me...feel free to send me an email by clicking on the "Contact Bernard" link to the left, or you can post a message or PM on my thread at:

http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/showthread.php?p=6515131#post6515131

GOD Bless, and Happy Travels,

Bernie

PS I only get Internet play time on the weekends, so please be patient.