As travel plans from friends and family are canceled due to the Coronavirus, international borders are closing, and almost everyone on this planet is affected – logistically, financially, and some medically, I figured it’s time to provide an update about how this situation influences the nomadic lives of Mark, Maya, and me in our camper van Zesty.
The positivist in me likes to declare that it doesn’t affect us at all. As you know, we are frugal travelers and that means we never go on vacations or excursions and rarely stay at pay campgrounds or dine out; all sectors that have recently become obsolete in Florida. We live in a self-contained vehicle and are flexible and resourceful. We’re experts at boondocking (free camping), feel relatively young (despite the decades swooshing by), and love being alone in nature (no social distancing needed). What do we have to worry about?
The negativist in me thinks about our older parents, the disappointed people with canceled vacations, our own bypassing of sights and cities in Florida, and – most importantly – the employees without a job and small business owners suffering. The financial impact (and travel attitude) will take years to recover. I hope people will LEARN through and from this pandemic. Selfishness seems to thrive in situations like these.
Then there’s the realist in me, who experiences this COVID-19 development day by day. Most country leaders around the world took the threat way more seriously than the one in charge of the United States. But I digress… We didn’t notice much the first weeks, as Mark kept me up to date about the news and we hung out with friends, camping, in Indiantown, and in Jupiter. We did notice how strangers didn’t want to shake hands anymore.
Days ago, things took a turn for the serious. International travel was discouraged and restricted. Could I go back to Belgium if something happens to my loved ones? Surely, they would allow citizens to return? Would I remain here, helplessly, or fly there with a chance of not being able to return to my husband and dog in the US? We heard horror stories of empty shelves in the grocery stores. Mark and I usually empty our fridge and food cabinets before buying more supplies. Did we push our luck waiting to “provision”?
Yesterday, we received cancellation notices for our favorite (free) campgrounds that we reserved for next week and beyond. We read Florida State Park campgrounds closed as well and campers were told to leave. Cities and countries are on lock-down. What’s going to happen to the RV’ing snowbirds who overwinter in Florida? Where will they go? Back home? Where will we go? Zesty is our home on wheels.
Grocery shopping yesterday and today was a bit tricky. We were out of “popular items” like bread (Mark has been making some in a pan, but our flour supply was low too), paper towels (because I just gave Zesty a good cleaning), and rice. We only have space in our 19ft camper for a week’s worth of fresh food. We didn’t require much, yet finding one roll of paper towel in our usual stores was impossible. Luckily, no urge for toilet paper! This is where “need” and “want” differ. Most people we encounter at stores seem to stock up to stock up at this point… toilet paper, pasta, flour, and rice for years!
The line grew before Aldi opened…
Our solution is our flexibility; it comes in handy with the Coronavirus restrictions and measures. We might not have a house to hide in or a yard to enjoy, but we are used to being self-sufficient. As long as they don’t close ALL the public lands, we will be fine. And now that we have food (and paper towels) again, we have nothing but the virus (and Florida’s heat) to worry about. We must favor our own bathroom instead of public ones, wash our hands frequently (of course), and dump our tanks and fill with fresh water when needed. Hopefully, the dump stations in campgrounds are still available, or you’ll soon see me carry buckets of not-so-pleasant substance into public restrooms and jugs of water from drinking fountains to our camper…
These are some informative and up-to-date resources about the Coronavirus:
- Confirmed cases and deaths globally and per country: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
- Calculations and more accurate numbers and predictions: https://youtu.be/mCa0JXEwDEk
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March 19, 2020 at 17:39
Stay safe!
March 20, 2020 at 11:12
Thanks. We will try!
March 19, 2020 at 18:07
Liesbet, be safe in your travels. If I had a regular home I would most certainly offer you, Mark and Maya a place to pull up your RV and set it up at my home. I’m in Florida, but I don’t have a regular house to offer you and your wonderful family. If you get in a pinch, maybe a church would let you hook up for a fee? Just a thought. Sending hugs, from a social distance.
March 20, 2020 at 11:16
Hi Lea! What a thoughtful and generous comment! And, thank you for the church suggestion. We are totally fine without electricity, as we have solar panels and are pretty self-contained, but, if finding fresh water becomes a problem, we might try to research alternatives to being in nature, like checking on churches (thanks again for the tip) or people we know in Florida. As long as we don’t impose and practice social distancing! 🙂
March 19, 2020 at 18:51
Wow, Liesbet! I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how you are getting along in these crazy times. You two are so resilient so I’m sure you’ll find your way but a lot of what you depend on just isn’t there (for now). Hugs to both of you… stay healthy!
March 20, 2020 at 11:20
Thanks for thinking about us, Janis. Challenging times… even on the road. Luckily, we don’t need much and can mostly figure things out and adapt. Where the problem (for us) will arise is when we can’t find fresh water anymore to fill our camper up. Or, our truck breaks down. Luckily, water is not an issue right now and we are taking advantage of every opportunity we come across (like an hour ago) to visit dump stations, to top off our water tank and get rid of the “undesirables”. This is something we usually need to do every five days. What we find in stores is really not that important at the end of the day. There will always be some food to cook!
March 19, 2020 at 18:51
We lived in Jupiter before coming to North Carolina. It’s a beautiful area. Stay safe!
March 20, 2020 at 11:22
Even though we visited our friends in Jupiter before (a few years ago in their condo), I had no idea how beautiful the beaches and the sea are until we met those friends at a coastal picnic area a few days ago. I even took a dip in the ocean there. That had been five years, since we lived on our sailboat! Thanks for your positive thoughts, Jill. I appreciate it.
March 19, 2020 at 19:10
So…Florida has closed some of their free campgrounds, but not their overly crowded Spring Break beaches?! Am I missing something?
Glad that you and Mark and Maya are safe and well. I never doubt your resourcefulness for a moment!
March 20, 2020 at 11:27
Right!!?? We avoided Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other big spring break destinations so far, for that very reason. Skipping Naples, Fort Myers, and the entire southwest coast of Florida today. I think primitive campgrounds are the safest place to be for campers right now, as there’s usually lots of room and few facilities. Oh well… By now, the governor of Florida is getting his act together and beaches are closing. Enjoy your time at home, Donna, and stay healthy!
March 19, 2020 at 19:38
Hi Liesbet, I was thinking about you this afternoon and wondering how you and Mark were doing and then your email came in. I am also thinking about the words/categories you use “positivist” “negativist” and “realist.” They fit, likely for most of us with the same feelings. You have a plan and you are both flexible and resourceful. Aside from food and shelter (Zesty) You, Mark and Maya have each other. It helps having a partner, keeping an eye on each other, venting, helping each other. Lea brought up a good point about possibly a church for hooking up in future. As a family, we agreed on social isolating starting this past Sunday. This too shall pass, likely later than sooner. Yes, there will be a serious ripple effect. For now, stay healthy! Hugs! xx
March 20, 2020 at 11:31
Hi Erica! What a coincidence that you were thinking about us right before this blog hit your inbox! Telepathy! 🙂 Thanks for your concern, support, and positive and kind comment. Yes, this too shall pass, but a big toll will have to be paid. Literally and figuratively. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? Luckily, Mark and I are used to being together 24/7 and roughing it. Stay safe and healthy within your household! Xx
March 19, 2020 at 19:57
I hadn’t thought of the situation of nomads such as yourselves. I cannot fathom how a state can close all their campgrounds, but there’s much about this pandemic that seems unfathomable. I know that your adaptability and ingenuity will help you through this. Stay safe, be well.
March 20, 2020 at 12:00
Thanks, Ally. I’m sure none of the governing bodies thinks about us, nomads, and how we could get stuck or out of camping options. We are a very small group. 🙂
I think by closing campgrounds, they (want to) force snowbirds to go home, where it’s the safest place for them to be. If we really have to, we could return to Massachusetts to my in-laws, but we’d have to make sure to not enter their part of the house (like the kitchen…) as the risk would be too big with the compromised immune system of my father-in-law.
March 19, 2020 at 20:05
It’s interesting that the silver lining of Corona Virus has been that the environment has benefited. Less driving, less flying and less consumption are already showing benefits in many different ways. You guys are ahead of the curve as you have a low carbon footprint already, but for many, this will be a new way of looking at things.
I think that not being able to be there for family due to travel or other restrictions is to be very, very tough. I was reading about an elderly couple who got ill in Italy and were alone when they died in hospital because family could not be with them due to restrictions. So very sad.
Hope the dump stations keep working so your lives don’t suddenly become more difficult. Stay safe.
Peta
March 20, 2020 at 12:07
Hi Peta!
Until you mentioned it, I hadn’t realized this virus outbreak is positive for Mother Nature – the effects of global warming, etc. Good point. And, it had me mesmerize – again – how the earth will take care of itself if not treated well! It’s my “silly” belief of her revenge. 🙂 I hope you’re right and some benefits or good can come out of this in regards to people’s thinking and approaches to life, travel, and nature. Respect!
The story about the elderly couple passing away without family nearby is indeed very sad. We can only hope that everyone stays healthy – as much as possible! At this very moment, I am glad to have two passports in case I need to move between the two countries.
If we can keep getting fresh water, we will be able to figure everything else out. On our boat, we just collected rainwater. We could go without help, services, and shore visits for many weeks! I envy my cruising friends right now, as long as they found a place to stay put.
March 19, 2020 at 20:26
Glad to hear you’re safe. I think we’re all just beginning to realize how our lives are changing.
March 20, 2020 at 12:09
Yep! Our lives are changing and will be changed for a while. Mark and I are certainly glad we have our home with us, but precautions must be made and there will be stress in regards to emergencies (with our families or our vehicle). Positive thoughts! 🙂
March 19, 2020 at 20:31
Sorry to hear of your struggles, Liesbet. These are scary times indeed. They’ve already hit me pretty hard economically, as some of my teaching contracts have been cancelled. Thank goodness I was already committed to a low-buy year, but if too many more are cancelled, I could be in real trouble.
Scary thought….
March 20, 2020 at 12:13
Hi JH! Sorry to read about your cancelled contracts. And I keep my fingers crossed that no more bite the dust. Everyone is suffering financially at the moment and I hope alternatives pop up for you. Maybe online teaching? I think your low-buy year might have to become a no-buy year, as long as that’s an option – for anything but food and basic needs, of course. You can see it as practice… 🙂
March 19, 2020 at 22:29
Take care, Liesbet and hopefully parking up won’t be an issue. Human nature is hard to understand in times like these.
March 20, 2020 at 12:14
Hi Suz! I think we’re on the same page when it comes to “reading the human mind” and why we generally avoid people. Be safe and healthy, especially the Squire!!
March 19, 2020 at 22:30
Uncertain times, indeed. I know how resourceful you are, and hope everything will work out fine for you. Stay well!
March 20, 2020 at 12:16
Thanks, Diane. You too! I hope you’ll keep cranking out your humorous blog posts as we can all use a smile (or even a giggle) right now. And that you can keep your writing up. I haven’t felt inspired or motivated for any of that!
March 20, 2020 at 23:08
I can imagine that your brainpower will be diverted to more important things like food and shelter. I’m lucky to be safe and sound in our house with the remainder of last year’s garden bounty in the freezer, so my work schedule won’t be disrupted.
And I’m glad you get a smile and/or giggle from my blog posts – that’s my goal! This is my 9th year of blogging, so I think by now it’s a bad habit that I won’t be able to quit. 😉
March 21, 2020 at 12:22
Your hard work in the garden sure paid of! Don’t lose power! It sounds like the life of a full-time writer has pretty much remained the same. And, with people having more time to read now, sales might go up as well! 🙂
March 21, 2020 at 23:36
I’m hoping… 🙂
March 19, 2020 at 23:08
Hi Liesbet! Glad to hear that you Mark and Maya are staying healthy and learning to navigate this new reality. I think life is likely to stay uncertain for us all but most of us have a home to hunker down in. The good news is that you and Mark are extremely creative and adaptable so I’m sure that you will be fine and work it out. Keep washing your hands and stay calm. Oh, and keep all your friend informed! ~Kathy
March 20, 2020 at 12:20
Check, check, and check, Kathy! Like you mentioned, we’re used to winging it and changing our plans on a daily basis. I do think your own house is the safest place for everyone who has one. Even sitting in the yard and taking it easy for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound too bad to me! The worst is all the financial struggles and, of course, contracting the virus. Sending your trio safe and healthy wishes as well!
March 20, 2020 at 02:55
I can totally identify with all those attitudes and thoughts. I kind of swing from one to another. Your amazing flexibility is your great strength. Stay safe and stay happy.
March 20, 2020 at 12:22
Hi Trace! I’m glad to read we’re on the same page. We will do our best to stay safe and healthy, but the happy part will have to wait a while. Of course, autocorrect might have changed what you meant to write as “healthy” into “happy”. Haha. Be well yourselves!
March 20, 2020 at 06:26
Hi LIesbet. Thank you for letting us how you three are, and what it’s like roving with Zesty and staying as nomadic as possible. In a lot of ways, I think you are ahead of the game. You follow Henry David Thoreau’s adage of “simplify simplify simplify” every day. I hope that the general population learns this well now, although with all the hoarding, one wonders about the human consciousness. Around here in NE, I mostly see a lot of compassion and kindness toward each other. On the town’s social media, people talk about neighbors who need help, where to bring extra food and supplies, and telling the parents of teens: “keep them home – they’re wandering like packs!”
I understand your concern about being able to visit your parents if anything goes wrong. Difficult. My mom is like in “another country” in a locked down memory care facility. Please keep well and enjoy nature – Nature and walking in it, breathing in it – keeps us sane! xo
March 20, 2020 at 12:32
Hello Pam!
Thanks for teaching me a new word! Can you believe I had to look up “to rove”. I’d heard and read it before, but never bothered to understand its meaning. It’s the perfect description of what we are doing. I should have called my blog “Roving About”! 🙂
I’m so glad to read that people in New England are behaving and being kind. Part of us wants to return there ASAP, but we can’t be a risk to my in-laws, so we better stay away for now. As I’m writing this, we are heading more north in Florida; a better staging point in case we are needed somewhere, if nothing else.
I can imagine those lock-down “centers” feel like they’re a world away. Except here in Florida… Other than campgrounds and National Park visitor centers, everything is still going it’s merry way. I think a lot of beaches are getting closed as well. Speaking of human consciousness… We’ve met a few locals who made statements like “I can’t believe they closed my beach. I go there every day and now I can’t go for a walk,” and “They better not close the National Park next door, as I need to go fly fishing this weekend!” Yeah…
March 21, 2020 at 09:32
I’ve always loved the word “rove,” Not sure why – I think because my mind is always roving! 🙂 It’s certainly a “new reality” out there, in the world. In all of our worlds. You and your man and dog are handling it all well, seems to me. Stay safe, smile, and continue to…rove. <3
March 21, 2020 at 12:29
Hey, my mind always roves as well. And, we do too. Can you imagine the hecticness going on here in Zesty on a daily basis? Even before the virus. It would be nice to find peace one of these years, though. Not sure in which form, but it will be needed.
March 20, 2020 at 07:42
I was wondering if you’ve seen a decline in the amount of traffic on the roads, Liesbet? It’s very noticeable here in the UK at how quiet some of the roads have become. Yet we still have people who believe that they’re somehow immune to this new virus who still go to crowded pubs, bars and restaurants. Our government has so far refused to tell these places to close down, instead asking the public to be sensible and to stay away from them. Like everyone is going to listen to that advice?
I hear that Belgium is on lockdown at the moment, although I’m not sure it has closed it boarders. When looking at the situation in Europe (which has now become the epicentre for the Coronavirus), I don’t think it will be long before many countries close their boarders. I believe it’s already happened in the USA? I trust you’re in touch with family and friends at home, though, to check how they all are
All we can do is to look after ourselves, but also our families and anybody who may be in need of some help. Keep in touch with each other and help where we can without putting our own health at risk.
Stay safe and look after yourselves.
March 20, 2020 at 12:40
Hi Hugh! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Believe it or not, but the roads are still crowded in Florida. As I’m writing this comment, we are driving north on a western highway and it’s busy! Some campers seem to be heading home, but other than that, it’s the same amount of cars and trucks as always. We are on our way to a – hopefully – comfortable forest where we can “sit” for at least a week. Wish us luck!
Because of the lack (and delay) of restrictions in the US, I have a feeling that it will become the worst country after all this is done and over. With Florida the leading state in regards to amount of cases and deaths. For the last weeks, people acted as if nothing was going on!
My mom just wrote that Belgium being on lock-down is helping the situation stabilize. Even in China, progress was made once the state first affected quarantined itself. Drastic situations call for drastic measures! I hope the UK will soon follow suit (and the US as well). As long as we can find water, a place to camp, and a means to get there!
I’m not sure about the state of the borders in the US. I do hope, having dual citizenship, that I could travel between the counties when needed. In the meantime, I stay in touch with family by email and phone. Stay well!!
March 21, 2020 at 06:54
I’m glad to see that the UK government has finally acted in closing down pubs, bars, theatres, restaurants and anywhere where humans can gather. But it’s all so slow to have done it and I fear that the UK could be badly affected in a few weeks time. I guess we now have to wait and see if people will stay at home and social distance themselves.
I hope you found that comfortable forest, Lisebet. I know you’ll keep your readers up to date but, in the meantime, please look after yourselves.
March 21, 2020 at 12:24
Still driving towards that forest today, Hugh. Florida is big and we are making our way from the south to the northwest. Still hot, humid, and buggy in this part of the state as well.
We will see how it goes. I’m certainly glad that the UK is getting their act together. Hopefully, the US will follow suit soon. Belgium is cut off now, with all the borders closed. Let’s hope I don’t have to fly back for an emergency… Mark, Maya, and I will be fine. 🙂
March 20, 2020 at 07:44
The panic buying is subsiding and stores are getting more stuff in – you should still be able to find stuff when you need it. Where you’ll park for the night will get tricky – hope you continue to find places.
March 20, 2020 at 12:44
Hi Alex! I hope you’re right about the panic buying subsiding as we still haven’t been able to find hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes. We will try again in a couple of days! But, I also believe that after a week of people stocking up (just how much stuff does one need?), the stores should be in better shape. Our small van should be able to squeeze in anywhere. 🙂
March 20, 2020 at 07:45
Your point about learning is so valid. Let us hope we all do so. I guess we, at 77 and 71, qualify as “older parents”; however, although we live in a house, we take daily trips into the New Forest in England – they are themselves rather isolated so we should be able to continue.
March 20, 2020 at 12:46
Hi Derrick! I can’t help but think that the less people have, the less they have to lose. For once, that might be a positive thing! 🙂 So nice that you manage to get out in the woods daily for serenity and to stay sane. I hope you get to keep that up!
March 20, 2020 at 10:43
Good to hear the three of you are ok. My main worry is my mum who is half an hour away (I know that’s nothing like being on another continent, of course). I will limit my visits to once a week with supplies – she should have enough to see her through if John and I had to isolate for a while. What really scares me is a complete lockdown where I couldn’t go at all. On the other hand, she doesn’t really seem to get what is going on so is perfectly happy!
March 20, 2020 at 12:52
Hi Anabel!
The elderly are sure at the highest risk. Do you wipe every piece of food and item from the store with something disinfecting as well? I was giving this a lot of thought, recently, in regards to delivering groceries to others – family or unrelated people in need. Just today, I saw a guy restocking the vending machines at a rest area, without wearing gloves! So, he’s touching every piece of candy that someone else will buy… On the other hand, the crews cleaning the public restrooms in a national park we visited yesterday were wearing hazmat suits doing their job. It’s all so difficult to maintain and contain!
I hope you can keep going back to your mom. Being so nearby and yet not being able to visit is almost worse than being far away in the first place! Funny (well, kind of) that she doesn’t realize what’s going on and remains happy. A good side effect of the disease. 🙂
March 20, 2020 at 14:23
I am being pretty careful, but like you I am amazed at people who seem to have made no concessions at all. Anyway, all pubs, cafes etc are closing tonight so that will enforce social distancing.
March 21, 2020 at 11:34
Good! About the closures in the UK. Believe it or not, but in Florida (other than the empty racks in stores), life is still going its way. Just yesterday, dining in restaurants is not allowed anymore. The roads and stores and drive-throughs are packed! I have a feeling Florida will become the worst state in regards to confirmed Coronavirus cases and deaths!
March 21, 2020 at 12:23
😟
March 20, 2020 at 10:48
Hope your ability to stop and camp for free, with services!, continues. Stay safe!
March 20, 2020 at 12:55
Hi Lexie! Thanks. We just stopped at a dump station along the way to “reset the clock” for another five days. We will drive for two days straight now to reach – hopefully – a safe spot to stay put for a bit. We should probably stop at a store again to top off the cabinets and fridge, tomorrow. To be continued! You stay safe and healthy as well! Your travel and road trip lust will have to be reigned in for now. 🙁
March 20, 2020 at 18:06
Yep, I’m on lockdown now, but I did get in one last “fling” as I had to drive my parents home (2000 miles round-trip!) in 3 days last weekend because they wanted to get back to their house and their flights were cancelled. Good thing I love driving! (The stopping was not so fun – we washed our hands and everything we touched so many times our hands were raw!)
March 21, 2020 at 12:14
Wow! That was quite the drive. You are the perfect daughter, Lexie! 🙂 Lots of hand washing going on here as well, since we are still using public restrooms in order to make our own tank last longer… Crazy how Florida is barely taking any measures, still!
March 20, 2020 at 13:22
We are lucky since we have several places here in Tucson where we can stay for a while. But despite that we are going to head out into the wilderness again after this weekend – we don’t want to wear out our welcome, we are ready to move again, and we will be essentially be very quarantined. Hopefully they haven’t closed down all the public lands in Arizona – we will soon find out.
We have also stopped using public toilets. Unlike other people, we are so lucky to carry our own potty with us where ever we go. We are also practicing diligent hand washing after we reenter the van when ever we visit a store or public space. We have a pack of wet wipes stowed in a door compartment and a bottle of rubbing alcohol in my cupholder.
I usually keep the van well stocked in groceries because when we are traveling I never know what kind of stores we will have access to. But since we have been spending so much time in Tucson where I have access to stores anytime I want I have let our food supplies dwindle. Yesterday, after visiting 5 grocery stores, I think we have everything we need again for a while.
Hope you can continue to find good free places to stay. If not here is a resource that might help:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisplacedNomadsandRVers/?hc_location=group
Also – I have a friend in Florida who I’m sure would give you a place to park – and Atlanta isn’t too far away, I’m pretty sure I could find a parking spot for you there too.
Love to you, Maya, and Mark.
March 21, 2020 at 11:31
Hi Duwan,
I hope you guys found a decent place on BLM land by now, to hang out and boondock for a little while. We are heading three hours northwest to – hopefully – find a comfortable place as well for a week or so. We will see what happens. Of course, we need cell service there, which might be tricky.
Our time in Florida has been pretty challenging with the heat, humidity, and bugs, even before this virus and all the campground closures. Ask us in person one day whether we regret spending the winter here… 🙂
Still trying to find disinfectant wipes. We’ve checked so many stores, but the only way for us to find anything essential (and sought after) is by spending the night on a Walmart parking lot (and barely sleep) and go inside once it opens. We haven’t slept through the night in over a month, due to heat, bugs, and noise.
My previous, super long, comment to you was deleted because my iPad reloaded unexpectedly, so I’m keeping this one shorter.
Thank you so much for the resource and link (I’m checking it out daily – the group of displaced RVers and nomads is steadily growing with over 1,000 members already). Hopefully, they don’t close the borders between states, because than we’d really be stuck here… We also appreciate you offering up friends’ places to park for a while. We will check our own “resources” whenever necessary. We have a few friends between here and Massachusetts. 🙂
Take care and be safe & healthy!
March 20, 2020 at 19:44
Wow – I was just thinking about you and your family, and voila!, here you are.
Like you, I am sorry for the employees without a job and small business owners suffering. And for those in elder care and rehab, who can’t have family come in (suppressed immune systems, and all).
The genius of your way of life is your frugality and flexibility. I hope your next nesting ground is a good one. Duwan, I see, has a website to check.
Yes, I do check your coordinates when I visit here. I’m thinking you may be having hot afternoons as it’s warm in Jacksonville now, mid- to high-eighties.
Stay well, be safe, my friend! 😀
March 21, 2020 at 12:20
Hi Marian!
Thanks for thinking about us. It has been very hot, humid, and buggy. Even in Northern Florida!
I’ve mentioned it before, how having a house can be a nice thing, especially when you’re an exhausted nomad. This whole virus experience makes us belief that even more. We would seriously worry less and be much more comfortable if we were to have a place of our own with running water, electricity, internet, and sewage! Climate controlled. We will manage. As always. 🙂
Belgium closed its borders, so I cross my fingers that nothing goes wrong on that end of the family as well. Crazy times. But, as long as we have food, our health, and our sanity, we can’t complain really! It looks like we will have to live in a forest and without hand wipes for now. If that’s the worst thing that happens… Hopefully, there’s cell service to keep somewhat connected to the world and our family.
Stay healthy, you two!!
March 21, 2020 at 16:11
When you left your comment at mine earlier on, I did think that life might have become a bit more complicated for you, Liesbet. No-one’s going to want housesitters in current circumstances, are they? And then there’s parking. I know you’re resourceful, but there are limits… Hope you can work it all out. Stay safe, hon!
I’m worried for the UK. A few friends have gone back this week and photos show people strolling nonchalantly on the promenade and thronging restaurants. I know they’ve had a rough winter and are pleased to see the sun at last, but where’s their sense of self-preservation? I’m upset that our flight has been cancelled so I can’t go back to see my son and do some child-minding as planned. He lives city centre and I so hope he’s being sensible. A plus is that he doesn’t have money for eating out.
March 21, 2020 at 18:23
Hi Jo!
Sorry about your cancelled flights, but I think you’re safer in Portugal. Some of the first world countries, like the UK (and the US), have been taking this virus risk way too lightly. Your description of people on the streets in the UK pretty much sums up how people react in Florida (and in Belgium before the strict measures), as if nothing is going on and having days off from school means extra vacation! “Let’s go to the beach and let’s go camping (wherever this is still possible).” But, the UK, at last, has put more restrictions in place. The US is way behind countries like Belgium or Vietnam.
Your last sentence struck me as well, since I’ve have this thought of how people who have less (money and luxuries), have less to lose, really. We rarely eat out or splurge as well, so that part doesn’t affect us. As far as house sitting, we haven’t done that since we adopted Maya last June, so that isn’t an issue. We do know that house sitting friends are stranded or have sits cancelled on them, because of the travel restrictions of home owners.
In regards to parking our Zesty… as long as we have shade, we can last five days at a time, being self-contained. Food and water is all we need. Of course, living in a parking lot isn’t comfortable, so we hope to manage camping in the woods for a couple of weeks, or longer. It will work out. Apart from the heat and bugs! 🙂
March 21, 2020 at 17:10
Pennsylvania closed all its parks. So did Maryland. Oh no! I forgot how that could impact you, Liesbet. And the lines at the grocery stores? Yikes! Please be safe and hang in there. My prayers are with you and everyone concerned at this crazy time!
March 21, 2020 at 18:25
Thank you, Victoria. Being a full-time camping nomad is good and bad. We don’t need much, but if that little bit of comfort, food, and convenience is compromised, the lifestyle becomes even more challenging than normally. Maybe we can buy a house at a very cheap rate after all this is done and over! 🙂
March 22, 2020 at 18:40
You raise timely concerns during these times, Liesbet, and for me, uncertainty is my worst enemy for stress. I am so glad to read you and Mark are doing fine and seem to have plans within plans should things change. Our windsurf club had to postpone our seasonal campground opening in two weeks to “indefinite,” just when we ALL really need our leisure spaces. Take good care of yourselves!
March 24, 2020 at 08:08
These are certainly uncertain times, Terri. Your stress level must be going through the roof. Luckily for us, we live with uncertainty every day. Usually, we figure things out as we need, based on resources and experience. When all our options are “taken away” because of closures, however, we might be at a loss.
In the past, we’ve had camping spots not work out, but there was always an alternative. If all the National Forests will close their campgrounds (like our trusted Water Management District did), we have nowhere to go but Walmart parking lots. And that isn’t comfortable at all. We will see what happens.
Of course, leisure is important, but if you have a comfortable house, I’m sure there are loads of things to do inside and outside to keep one busy for a while. This is harder to do in a 19ft camper. 🙂 Luckily, nature is still accessible in some areas, so walking is always an option during the cooler times of the day.
March 23, 2020 at 20:42
Hi Liesbet. Such an interesting post in these dystopian times. I’ve recently returned from my getaway and all locked in self-quarantine. Please stay safe! <3
March 24, 2020 at 08:10
Hello Debby! Welcome back!! I hope you had a fantastic time in Mexico and I’m so glad you managed to “squeeze” that getaway in, right in time, before you had to be back in Canada. Home sweet home right now! 🙂 Take care and stay healthy, both of you!!
March 24, 2020 at 14:56
Thanks Liesbet. We are. Scary times. Please stay safe and distanced <3
March 25, 2020 at 11:52
Will do!!
March 25, 2020 at 11:23
Just want to thank you, Liesbet, for letting us all know that you are OK, at least in warmer climes (it snowed here very lightly this morning), and that your joyous adventures continue. Your post confirms that you and Mark will face this new challenge thoughtfully yet still cherish each day. Pet Zesty for me!
March 25, 2020 at 11:54
Hi Beth! Thanks for checking in. Yes, no complaints about the temperature in Northern Florida right now, except that it’s in the thirties Celsius these days; a tad hot for comfort and for the time of the year. We might head north quicker than expected. I can pet Zesty for you, but I think Maya would enjoy that better. 🙂
March 26, 2020 at 15:42
Your balanced post – and approach to life with its low-carbon footprint, careful living etc., is a lesson for us all. I just wish others had your adaptability. But I can feel for you over what to do about your family in Belgium. I’ve wondered about mine back in England since moving to the US, not as though we could ever go back anyway.
Since my wife and I have been tied to our house for almost four years, going our at most once a month, the change has been more in how her family behaves to us. Sporadic visits have been enough to…give us colds etc. Maybe that will be all.
As a green for decades, I see this crisis as Gaia defending herself – which echos what you said to someone. However, my politics don’t grant immunity.
Or do they?
March 27, 2020 at 11:12
Liesbet I can imagine that with smaller storage space shopping becomes more of a challenge. I’m glad to hear you found the things that you needed. Here the national parks have closed and all recreational facilities. Wishing you safe travels wherever the road ahead takes you. I will be thining of you both. Stay well.
March 28, 2020 at 16:40
Hi Sue! Thanks for thinking about us. Camping options are disappearing swiftly everywhere! Even primitive campgrounds without facilities are closing down. We are now in South Carolina, where the stores had everything we wanted food-wise, so that was a pleasant surprise and splurge. Each time in the last, we stocked up for two weeks and I have been topping our food supply off daily as we didn’t find anywhere to camp for a while. Maybe this afternoon we got lucky… We will see. The bugs are still biting! 🙂
March 31, 2020 at 15:02
Ha Liesbet,
That looks like our Aldi in Sebring…although they do all look alike, lol.
Been hunkered down here in our snowbird location and are anxious to return up north, but travel right now seems a bit dicey so we will stay put until May,
Have been reading in the RV sites and blogs about the difficulties full timers are having finding a place to stay. Many Boondockers Welcome host are opening up their locations for folks in a pinch – just a thought.
Stay safe and well!
April 1, 2020 at 15:04
Hello Nancy! Sebring sounds familiar, so I’m sure we drove through it on our curve around and through Florida, probably heading to Hickory Hammock. I think this Aldi was somewhere south of Jupiter. They do look alike everywhere, even in Belgium. 🙂
Thank you for the Boondockers Welcome suggestion. We are aware of them, but are currently not a member. If we get in a bind, we might sign up for the service. So far so good, as we have found a free spot to camp for a bit in South Carolina.
April 17, 2020 at 03:41
Hi Liesbet. You and Mark need so little in your lifestyle, but a place to camp — with wifi/cell service — is one thing that’s necessary. I can feel your frustration in this blog post, as one by one, all the camping places closed down. And hot and and humid with lots of bugs does not sound appealing at all. Of course, because I talked with you today, I know that you have made it safely to your in-laws’ place now, and I’m so glad.
Jude
April 17, 2020 at 16:36
Hi Jude! I guess today is “Roaming About” blog reading binge day. Haha. I love it!
As you detected correctly, Mark and I have had some challenging weeks behind us. To be honest – we are quite used to that. But, the COVID added extra difficulties… Usually, when it is too hot and buggy, we look for a better place. Unfortunately, there was only one viable option left.