Mark, Maya, and I have moved into our new-to-us truck camper and are back “on the road.” This is not the start of a new adventure yet. We are merely picking up where we left off in April of this year, with a different vehicle and set-up, which will take a while to get used to. We have yet to choose a name for our camper, as other priorities prevailed this summer.
(As always, hover over or click on the photos to read the captions.)
Ready to leave!
August was an eventful month. We were crazy busy – with my book, the truck camper, the in-laws. Mark and I worked hard, without earning (much) money. It’s what we seem to do. But, it’s time to hit the road again and relax about projects, researching, book promotion, taking care of people. We are rekindling our nomadic lives, indefinitely.
For the last two years, we returned to Massachusetts for the spring and the summer. Six months in 2020 and over five months this year of being stationary. I can’t say it’s a bad thing – luxury for us comes in the form of running water, unlimited electricity, and pressurized, non-military showers – but our hearts crave adventure and experiencing new places, cultures, scenery, and activities. So, here we go. With no plans to ever drive back to Massachusetts.
The last five months of our stay in “the room above the garage” have not been without challenges or without enjoyment. Here is our past spring and summer in a nutshell.
- Patience
I’d say the summer of 2021 was the summer of patience. It took many months of research, money, and effort to finally find the right pick-up truck for us. We did happen upon a camper in late spring, but had no means to pick it up until mid-August.
Our new vehicle – and equipping it
Since June, Mark has been researching, calling, communicating, and arranging meetings regarding in-house help for my aging in-laws. By the end of August, we finally lined up a lovely lady to lessen the burden of my mother-in-law’s household chores and to provide assistance to my father-in-law.
My in-laws, celebrating their 64th anniversary
From the moment Mark and I returned from Belgium in mid-July, a two-person crew has been breaking out and replacing all the decking and railings of the condo building we were inhabiting. It’s been chaos every workday regarding, noise, obstructions, danger, dirt, lack of outdoor space, driveway use, and inconveniences.
We can only access our room via the outside. Maya almost fell through the white parts you see in the photos. Mark saw her legs dangle from underneath and I could just grab her arm pits and pull her back on the existing decking. And, no, the works (which have been taking a month just on our second floor) are not finished yet.
- Gratitude
Despite the chaos and annoyances, we are extremely thankful for the proximity of good friends and family, “our” room above the garage and a car, generously provided by my in-laws, and our trip to Belgium under the current (Covid) circumstances.
- Comfort
It certainly was nice to not worry about a place to sleep, electricity, water, space, and walks with Maya. We splurged on amazing bagels from Abraham’s and just had to jump in the car for a ten-minute ride (or on the bike for fifteen minutes) to buy affordable groceries. Ordering packages to our own address was straightforward (despite 50% of them having an issue regarding the wrong item, problems with the product, or delayed delivery) and the sense of familiarity for months made certain decisions and activities easier.
- Tolerance
We needed a lot of that regarding the deck work, driveway issues, living together with others, the hot and humid conditions (we joked that this summer, it was either 90+ degrees Fahrenheit {30+ degrees Celsius} or it rained), porta potty smells, and “neighborly” complaints. Believe it or not, but a group of neighbors complained about our truck camper being parked on the street, across or in front of their house. Yes, we are allowed to do this, have a parking permit, were considerate with where exactly we parked, and are residents of this snooty town.
A phone call from the local parking clerk followed and we tried to accommodate the neighbors, who “looked out for each other, trying to be neighborly.” It appears to me that we were the neighborly ones, parking the camper on a digested driveway (used by condo residents, visitors, and workers) and moving it whenever another car needed to pass by or park there. By the way, this group of neighbors, despite our obliging of their wishes, filed for a ban of campers on streets in Newburyport. Another reason to leave and never return by vehicle…
Our truck camper – with a residence permit – parked on the street, in front of snooty neighbors
- Determination
While being patient and tolerant, we were also determined. First to find the right truck and camper, then by equipping and modifying this new set-up to our specifications and needs. This involved more research, money, time, trips to the hardware store, and working around driveway space (weekends were most productive) and the weather. Within the month, our camper was ready for take-off with a few items to sort still along the way.
I was also determined to keep promoting my travel memoir Plunge as I had the time and resources, which would soon disappear. Our other goals, tasks, and activities mentioned above also involved focus and a can-do attitude. On top of this, Maya needed three walks a day, one of which at least an hour long.
And, of course, nothing ever goes according to plan. There are always factors beyond our control, like that time we worked for eight hours straight on the camper’s electrical and battery systems and on finding a way to carry our e-bikes with us. When dinner time approached, we took the bikes off their new hooks one more time to store them in the garage. Mark’s rear tire bounced off a sliver of aluminum from the deck work. Flat tire! What’s another task after a busy, tiring, hot day?
I often tell people I don’t mind challenges – they make me feel alive and they encourage creativity. If life was easy, how boring would that be? Yet, after five months of commotion, thinking about others, and getting our lives back on track, I am more than ready for challenges of a different kind – figuring out our new vehicle, living space, and adventurous lifestyle.
(You can find our current location on the right side of this blog, when you scroll down a bit. This spot will be more defined when we sit still for a while and more vague when we move often.)
Our new set-up: an F350 SRW (single rear wheels) short-bed, extended cab, 4WD pick-up truck and a NüCamp Cirrus 820 truck camper
I’m sharing this post for Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share #38. You can read her contribution here.
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September 23, 2021 at 12:35
Sigh to the neighbors “being neighborly.” Sounds like they have a little too much time on their hands. The main thing is your have found a lifestyle that works for you. People shouldn’t be so judgmental. Problem solving, creating, independence—they all seem like admirable qualities to me. I can’t wait for the next book about your adventures.
September 25, 2021 at 11:11
Some retired people (yes, Mark met one of those neighbors) do have too much time on their hands… or, they like to stick their nose into everyone’s business. Luckily, there are many retirees like you, Pete, who keep an open mind, show kindness, respect, and appreciation, and think positively!
That next book will have to wait a while. Until there’s a break in those upcoming adventures. 🙂
September 23, 2021 at 15:24
Hi Liesbet! Sheesh I’m sure you’ll be glad to move on from your “neighborly neighbors.” I agree with petespringaurhor, it sounds like they have way too much time on their hands. Good riddance!!
That must have been so scary when Maya almost fell through!! You’ll all feel better once you are onto new horizons.
I love the picture of your in-laws and am glad you and Mark found someone to help out.
September 25, 2021 at 11:16
Hi Lea!
Yes, we are happy to be on the road again, where we “pick our neighbors.” Haha. I can’t believe it’s been a week already since we left our “home base” in Newburyport. Time flies when you’re having fun. 🙂
Honestly, after saving Maya from falling through the ceiling and realizing afterwards (when thinking through the entire episode) how much worse this event could have been, I called myself VERY lucky. Unlike others, I don’t use that word lightly. But, luck we had. If she would have fallen through, it would have resulted in broken bones, a massive vet bill, and us being “stuck” there much longer.
We are thrilled to leave my in-laws in a stable situation, with help around if and when needed.
Have a lovely weekend!
September 23, 2021 at 16:27
Hi LIesbet! Good for you for being able to stay put with so much commotion going on. I absolutely cannot stay construction and related noises going on around me on a consistent basis. And not being able to be outside your studio? Yikes! I would have gone CRAZY months ago. So yes you’ve developed some patience AND stayed grateful. Like I said, good for you. And now you can once again return to the life you love. ~Kathy
September 25, 2021 at 11:20
Hi Kathy,
I actually hate noise and commotion as well. Plus, the fact that we had to keep our blinds closed as to keep some privacy when the men were working outside our doors/windows, made the room really feel like a cave. For good or bad, the crew took many breaks throughout the day. And, I didn’t have to concentrate on work the entire time. I often thought that if this deck work happened last summer when I was completing Plunge, I would have been much more annoyed.
It was a huge inconvenience, but we managed. And now, we are back in places without commotion and noise. 🙂
September 23, 2021 at 19:10
Probably the challenges of a snooty town reinforced your natural inclination to jump aboard the nomadic life again. I’m glad you found a lovely lady to help Mark’s folks. And I’m glad Maya didn’t fall completely through the decking. Now it’s just the 3 of you, the perfect trio heading southwest. Cheers! 😀
September 25, 2021 at 11:23
Thanks for the cheers, Marian. And, yes, this is where we belong, just the three of us. You have no idea how many times we (mostly Mark) said: “I can’t wait to leave.” But there is a time and place for everything and us being in Newburyport for another five months was needed for many reasons. So, it’s all good! 🙂
September 23, 2021 at 20:26
What a busy time! I’m so happy you found help for your in-laws. That’s a tough thing to have to do and it’s good it worked out. The unneighborly neighbors–I don’t get the impatience. We’re all there at some point in our life. Wouldn’t they like understanding when their time comes? Odds are now against them.
Hugs and am looking forward to updates on your travels.
September 25, 2021 at 11:27
Agreed, Jacqui. And, I love how you used the words “odds” and “against” in your comments. I think they are part of your writer’s DNA. 🙂
Mark and I have often realized that each time we are in Newburyport, MA, we rarely have a quiet moment to ourselves. It sounds weird to an outsider, but, honestly, we are constantly busy with so many things – in our lives and that of others to keep it all going smoothly.
I’ll make sure to post some travel updates once in a while! Happy weekend, my friend!
September 23, 2021 at 20:48
Hi, Liesbet – That’s so frustrating about your ‘not-so-neighbourly’ neighbours. Good luck with your new adventures. I greatly look forward to following them!
September 25, 2021 at 11:42
Thanks for following along, Donna. It’s an interesting mix of people in our little town. 🙂 Happy to be back on the road, though, figuring out our new vehicle and camper.
September 24, 2021 at 05:46
Good to hear you’re at last off in your new vehicle. I know you said it’s not a new adventure and that you’re picking up where you left off, but it sounds like a new adventure to me.
I’d never have considered all the problems you had while staying with your in-laws. But, as you say, life would be boring without the challenges it can bring. Just a shame about those complaints from the neighbours. I think it happens everywhere, though. Reminds me of the time some neighbours of ours complained that the daffodils in our garden were not out, yet they were in hers. Our garden was letting down the neighbourhood. Apparently, we’d planted them incorrectly. No – they were just a late flowering vanity – that’s all.
Happy travels, Liesbet. I look forward to reading about your travels.
September 25, 2021 at 13:45
Hi Hugh! Life is an adventure, so, in a way, we are off to a new adventure in a new vehicle. And, we are stopping at places new to us. So, I guess you are right!
And you are right about neighborly issues everywhere too. That is very funny, though, that one of your neighbors complained about your flowers. There are also people everywhere who always know better. 🙂
September 24, 2021 at 11:07
Liesbet, it is impressive how you overcome the challenges with determination and good humour. Unfortunately the “not-so-nice-neighbours” are everywhere, we have had some ourselves.
I am curious as to what you will call your new home-on-wheels ????
September 25, 2021 at 13:50
Hi Gilda,
Good point about those neighbors everywhere. That’s one of the reasons why I enjoy our life on the road. When we have annoying neighbors, we can pack up and leave. But, it is unfortunate that, for example, in a recent lovely free spot we stayed at for three days, another camper ran their generator the ENTIRE day! Every day. From 8am until 10pm (which was according to the rules, but still…). I’m sure you have experienced traveling neighbors like that too in your RV. And I’m sure you are coming across a variety of people on the Camino as well 🙂
We are still (or started to) think about a name for our camper. I think “Big Phil” for the combo and “Little Phil” for just the camper. Of course, I’m kidding. At the moment, “Thirsty” is in the running! Can you guess where?
September 24, 2021 at 17:12
You have quite a lot of news there! Here’s to new adventures ahead. Lucky you going to Belgium. We jsut went to Ghent, Bruges and Brussels. I loved it. So fabulous and all the battle fields. So intact still. Astounding. #WeekendCoffeeShare
September 25, 2021 at 13:53
Hi Lydia!
I guess I was lucky making it to Belgium, since there was only a short window people coming from the US were allowed in without quarantining. I am from Belgium and it had been three (!) years since I saw my family and friends, so it was precious time well spent.
My husband and I did manage a short walk in Gent, where a couple of my friends live. There’s a lot to see in my country, but since we don’t go often and never stay long, we (have to) focus on people instead of sites. I hope to stay longer one summer and actually sightsee a bit.
September 24, 2021 at 19:31
Hi Liesbet, What a busy and productive month you’ve had in spite of the various challenges and snooty neighbours. I hope the rest of 2021 brings you and Mark a lot more fun and less stress. I look forward to reading about your new adventures. Thank you for linking up with #Weekendcoffeeshare.
September 25, 2021 at 13:58
Hi Natalie!
I feel you always understand so well what I go through and how I write my blogs (even the between the lines), so I thank you for that and for wishing me more fun and less stress. Believe it or not, but I’m having a hard time letting go of the stress, focus, and feelings that are still lingering from this summer. I need to realize – and slowly I am – that this is now our life and I am allowed to relax and not be rushed anymore. And that being online all the time is not a requirement. It’s so weird how my mind needs to readjust…
Happy weekend!
September 25, 2021 at 10:55
Ah – people. . .
Ya can’t live with (many) of them.
Ya can’t live without (a blessed few) of them.
Painfully true.
You likely already know this but to make sure:
You can buy bike tires, liners and tubes that are puncture resistant.
There are also products that you can spray into an installed tube that will seal most punctures.
My daughter at college was cursed with constant flats thanks to a certain type of thorn bush that grew around town. I invested in all of the above and this fully stopped all the flat tires. I told her to check for thorns stuck in the tires so they didn’t work their way past all our protections, but I doubt she ever did.
Such things are just not in her nature, but this still fully solved the problem and was worth every dime it cost me to give her all that time back instead of dealing with endless flats.
Travel safe
September 25, 2021 at 14:07
Hi Gary!
Your sentiments about people are the same as mine. Oh my! As with so many things in life, the human presence is balance and a contradiction (or catch 22)! 🙂
Thanks for the tips about flat tires. I’m so glad you managed to come up with a solution for your daughter’s tire mishaps and recoveries!
Yes, we are aware of these solutions and products. Thing is, we have been lazy. We know the exact brand of inner tubes that fit and that work for our eBikes and Mark just keeps ordering those out of ease. We always have one spare.
The heavy-duty puncture-resistant tubes of the (European) brand we use are difficult to find in the US. Our bikes are German. That being said, more laziness has occurred regarding searching for another brand. Now that I mentioned your reMark to my Mark, I think he’s on it! He’s been super busy and overwhelmed with other research this past summer but I think there is time in his future to find a more permanent inner tube solution. 🙂
September 25, 2021 at 19:42
Thanks for the update Liesbet, you have certainly had your patience, tolerance and neighbourliness tested over the past few months! It was good to read of your balancing act with gratitude, comfort and determination. I can only imagine the joy you will feel when it’s back to your own adventures on the road and life as you know it. All the best for your upcoming travels, and I too look forward to following along from afar! If you ever get near Aus, let me know :). #weekendcoffeeshare
September 26, 2021 at 11:26
Hi Debbie!
I’d love to return to Australia one day. I had the best 3+ months of my life there, when backpacking in my twenties. Yep, I overstayed and got in a little bit of trouble but am allowed to go back at this point. I think. I’m sure my husband would enjoy the diversity, beauty, and expansiveness as well. One day, we will explore again in a camper there.
Yes, it’s great to be back on the road and have our life back. What is a bit difficult, surprisingly, is to let go of the stress, rush, and need to achieve and stay on top of things. It always takes me a few weeks to adjust, either way – to be back in a room or to be back on the go.
Happy to have you along for the ride! 🙂
September 25, 2021 at 20:55
Well that was a read and a half. What a time it’s been..mixed blessings and some definite unpleasant parts. I am glad you will be fulfilling your wishes and be off on the roads soon. Denyse #weekendcoffeeshare
September 26, 2021 at 11:30
Hi Denyse! Thanks for the sentiments. We hit the road a week ago and I can’t say we are missing much of our “settled summer” yet. 🙂 Of course there are adjustments to be made (the space is very small for two adults and a dog) and we need to get used to this new camper and awful fuel economy of the pick-up truck, but we will get there.
September 25, 2021 at 22:03
Your four somethings is something that I need to remember and follow. Thanks for sharing your summer. #weekendcoffeeshare
September 26, 2021 at 11:31
And thank YOU for reading and commenting. A new chapter has begun and so far, we are loving it! 🙂
September 26, 2021 at 07:45
The van looks awesome, enjoy the next part of the journey!
September 26, 2021 at 11:32
Thank you, Alex! It’s a pretty sweet truck camper. A tad too fancy for us, but it’ll do for now. 🙂
September 26, 2021 at 10:20
Great coffee post, thanks for sharing.
September 26, 2021 at 11:35
Thanks for swinging by, reading, and leaving a comment! Life is an adventure, so we better enjoy it. 🙂
September 26, 2021 at 14:21
It’s great to read that you are all happily on the road again, right where you belong, Liesbet! 2020-21 have been the craziest of years for everyone. It must have been so special to see family and friends. I’m relieved to hear that your in-laws are being taken care of, too. We live around every day construction near our property and on it (as Hans does something each day), so dust, dirt, minor noise, etc is a constant. Your situation with the deck certainly sounded dangerous and messy. And how rude of the neighbors to complain about where you parked your truck, snooty indeed! Happy trails and looks like you’ll be enjoying some Autumn beauty as you travel to the southwest!
September 26, 2021 at 17:23
Hi Terri!
Wow, it sure sounds like Hans is keeping busy and lots of changes are happening on your property.
Yes, we are so glad to be in our own home on wheels again and living our own life. While it was really nice and special to be with family and friends so much this summer, we have missed living on our own terms. That being said, I’m having a hard tome adjusting to that again. My mind keeps playing tricks with me, especially after being trained and used to accommodate, achieve, and be busy! I’ll get there… And then, bliss. 🙂
September 27, 2021 at 00:38
Firstly, poor Maya! It was lucky she wasn’t badly injured. Secondly, those neighbours sound less than neighbourly. It must be such a relief to be in your own space doing your own thing again. Safe travels.
October 4, 2021 at 14:57
Hi Jo! Yes, your sentiments are right on. We are so glad to be on the road again and not be as stressed – or consumed by others – anymore! We truly lucked out with “catching” Maya before she fell through the ceiling. Otherwise, some broken bones, a heavy vet bill, and us being stuck in Massachusetts much longer would have ensued. I recognize “luck” when I see it. 🙂
September 27, 2021 at 00:39
You must be so glad to be on the road again – congratulations! Looking forward to your new adventures… 🙂
October 4, 2021 at 14:58
Thanks for the sentiment, Diane. When we put our minds to something… It was a pretty long road to get back on that road. 🙂 New adventures await. Now, I have to find time to actually write and post about them.
September 27, 2021 at 22:03
Lol, had to laugh at the snooty neighbor photo for all the world to see. Glad you guys made plans to have Mark’s parent’s cared for. Safe travels my friend! <3
October 4, 2021 at 15:03
Hi Debby!
We couldn’t possibly leave Massachusetts without having some help in place for my in-laws. It was a bit tricky after all the prep work was arranged, because my MIL was not too easy accepting that help. But, I hope she will see the value (and extra freedom for her) in those six hours of assistance per week that she is receiving.
Believe it or not, but – apparently – there were multiple neighbors (not just the condos behind the truck) who complained to the parking clerk about our camper being legally parked and who are “ganging up” to ban RVs from the streets of Newburyport. While parked on the driveway of my in-laws (annoying other people in OUR condo building and deck workers) most of the time after the complaint, we now wished we’d parked in front of all those homes instead, as we had every right to… Yes, we can be mean-spirited!
October 5, 2021 at 09:54
Glad to hear your arranged the help for Mark’s parents. And just wow, people can be so damned mean. Next time you come back, do park right on the road in front of the homes, lol. <3
October 5, 2021 at 12:52
Haha! We might do that. IF we ever return to Newburyport by vehicle. Mark and I are aiming to resume our “only short visits” attitude there, like we used to do before Covid…
October 5, 2021 at 19:50
Godspeed you two. <3
September 29, 2021 at 00:24
So glad you were able to find someone to help out your in-laws. Sorry that people were not very gracious. Neighborhoods are interesting living spaces…lol. :/ Of course we live on property but I always say our neighbor across the road is the best neighbor to have because he keeps an eye on things, and the worst neighbor to have because he keeps an eye on things..lol. Happy travels.
October 4, 2021 at 15:07
Haha, I love that neighborly quote about the good and the bad, Kirstin. I can totally see how this could be the case. People who are in each other’s business work that way exactly – they can tell you everything that is going on, for good or for bad. 🙂 It must be nice to live on a decent-sized property. Peaceful…
I tried to get to your website, but received an error message: “Your connection is not private.” Are you still keeping a blog at troyerslovinglife?
October 7, 2021 at 15:21
I hate it that your neighbors weren’t so neighborly to you. I wonder if having our big white van parked for two weeks on the street contributed to their wanting to ban campers. Twice I was asked to move the van in Cabbagetown. One time we were parked in front of a coffe shop and bakery business obscuring their view of the park. I didn’t think it was a good place to park but Greg did. Eventually one of the owners of the business (who we know) asked us to move. The other time I was parked in front of another business – office space. I was working on sewing screens for the van, sitting outside the door trying to get them to fit right and was asked to take my vanlife somewhere else.
So glad you caught Maya! How scary. I hope they finish the deck project one of these days.
October 7, 2021 at 15:35
Wow, I can’t believe you’ve had these experiences in your beloved Cabbagetown! That would leave a sore taste in my mouth, just like it did for us in Newburyport. Yes, we will take our exciting lives somewhere else and enjoy it fully! 🙂 I don’t think your van being parked along the street had (or should have had) anything to do with it. If we (or you) ever return by vehicle – we don’t intend to – the driveway will be available again since the deck work will be finished…
October 30, 2021 at 01:39
Great post about so many challenges you faced but I came away with admiration for the solutions you found to overcome them. Glad you are on the road again and well away from a town that didn’t give you a sense of welcome. Happy trails!
October 31, 2021 at 21:31
Hi Annie! Thank you for the travel wishes. We are so happy to be on the road again. The town gave us a bad feeling – more than any other summer – so we might be stubborn now and rarely return. But we have our health care, friends, and family there… So we will see. I do hope, our paths will cross one day. If not in the US then maybe elsewhere, since you two are happy travelers as well. 🙂