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Topic of the Day: All About Boondocking
Bob & Suanne on CRVL Live Feed – taped on July 31, 2019
Minivan Build Manual
There have been requests for more details on the prototype minivan build just completed by HOWA. The attached manual covers the basics of the materials and tools used, with photos and descriptions of how it all went together.
The manual covers the build on this Ford Windstar minivan. Dimensions will vary depending on the make and model of the van you are building as well as the next van that HOWA builds out. But the basic design, materials and tools used and listed in the manual will provide a good foundation for what is needed to accomplish a build like this one.
Many thanks should be given to the volunteers that came together for three weeks in June to work together as a team to create this minivan home. Nomads brought their skills, experience, energy and tools to build together with compassion and thoughts of the person that will travel in this home on wheels.
Additionally, there were generous donors that purchased items from the Amazon Wishlist that was set up to outfit the interior of the minivan with living essentials such as the mattress, stove, totes and so on.
There were MANY people that put their kindness and compassion to work to bring the minivan home into fruition.
Together We Are Changing Lives and Building Community!
Scouting for the Caravans
By Suanne Carlson, Executive Director
This week I’ve been scouting for camp locations for the Caravans. Caravans are groups of people who camp together for up to 3 months. I’ve searched in Southern Oregon, west to east, along Hwy 140 from Klammath Falls to beyond Adel into the Oregon Outback. What a challenge. And what a joy to see such diversity in our public lands — from forests, to grasslands, sagebrush and junipers. The wildflowers in the high country are spectacular — reds, oranges, yellows, blues, violets, and whites, all displayed on endless shades of green. Also today I was lucky enough to spy several birds of prey, including a bald eagle. But, my funniest animal encounter happened with a little hitchhiker.
Last night I camped in a National Forest of tall pine, fir, cedar, ferns, and Oregon grape. Just as I was falling asleep I heard rustlings in my engine compartment — a little varmint I surmised. But, by the time the sun rose, all was quiet and I soon forgot about that incursion.
So, first thing this morning I headed to the flat lands of scrub, sage and junipers further east. I wanted to search some BLM land for dispersed camp areas — free, with cell service, close to town, and able to accommodate a small group. Once in the outback, I headed down a dirt road that soon became a bone-jarring obstacle course of rocks and ruts. After a bit, I stopped to turn around and look elsewhere. But, before I got it in reverse, out pops a chipmunk from under my hood, both paws on my windshield in front of my face, as if to say, “Hey there! Where do you think you’re going? This ain’t my home!”
Well, it is now.
I popped open my hood and sprayed Simple Green along the firewall. I’ve been told it deters mice … it also seems to deter chipmunks because he’s gone now.
Perhaps the little guy will travel the quarter mile down to the little town by the lake to find others of his kind.
To learn about the Caravans — http://homesonwheesalliance.org/caravans
To RSVP to join a Caravan — http://meetup.com/caravans/events
On July 1, 2019, the Caravans will move from CheapRVLiving to Homes On Wheels Alliance.
Days 8-10 — Minivan Build
OK … I’m going to try this post again. After adding a video, it produced an error and our webmaster had to delete everything. So, now I’ll see if I can re-create the post. But, this time, I just included a link to the video at the end.
We had some wet, then cold weather. Here is a picture out my side widow toward the build area.
After it dried out, the weather turned really cold. Some evenings we’d gather at the camp fire to visit and warm up before calling it a night. (KC, Bob, Joni, Tim)
Taking a break from putting wood scraps into the fire, KC did her imitation of a fu manchu mustache.
Then some of us got a bit silly and started dancing around the fire. That’s one way to keep warm! (Bob, Suanne, Joni, KC, Lois)
Days 6 & 7 — Minivan Build
For days six and seven of the build, we are putting the finishing touches on the wood construction, going into town to get shipments of wishlist items, and preparing to install the solar power systems and related electronics. But, mostly, we are enjoying each others’ company, running errands, and taking care of personal business during this short down time.
Tony (inside) and Karen are putting the finishing touches on the wood construction … dog Cody is supervising.
Today we opened the first set of packages from the Amazon Wishlist. Thank you everyone who is giving to the minivan build so generously.
When not working on the minivan, we’ve enjoyed meals and campfires together (Mario, Missy, Phyllis).
HOWA’s two best Executive Assistants, Phyllis and KC, with Kona getting a belly rub.
Suanne giving the dogs a little treat. Cody and Kona say “mmmmm good!”
Marshmallows for desert. John says “mmmmm good!”
Day Five — Minivan Build
Today was abuzz with building activity, while Bob shot his live feed .
Our camp work area and gathering spot.
Cliff sawing and James documenting on camera.
Joni, James, John and Cliff discussing the layout.
John figuring out how everything will fit together.
John and Cliff placing the top shelf.
Watch Bob’s live stream video to see how much further they got today! Click here.
For those of you who contributed by purchasing an item for the minivan on the Amazon Wishlist. Thank you! You Rock! All items have been purchased and are being shipped to our location.
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