One week of full time van living. No house to go back to, no base, just life on the road and I love it! I’ve known for a few years now that this free roaming lifestyle is my goal and what I’m pulled to do. We attempted it a few years ago, however then our plan was to leave our home town and it didn’t work out. But one thing I learnt from that experience was how liberated I felt to sell all I had and live on the road. I knew it wouldn’t be long before I had to find a new way to live the way I knew I wanted to, and here we are.
So one week ago we waved goodbye to our home we had lived in for 2 and half years (we’ve moved every two years, sitting still really isn’t for us) and we all piled into our Mercedes sprinter van ready for a new adventure, in the snow!
I know some people will think were bonkers, a family of 4 in a panel van, but we love to try new things and hunt out adventure. We never have been happy just settling with life, we like to switch things up and jump in head first if it’s something we are excited for. We don’t hold back, we give something our all, and I’ve learnt to love that about myself instead of feeling I should hold back, because what’s the point in being alive if your not going to live.
We’ve never been the materialistic type, we’ve always been content with the smaller things in life, but even this is a new leap for us. Living in a van with 2 adults, 2 kids and a boxer dog won’t be easy, we’re under no illusions, but I am ready for the challenge. I’m ready for the growth and all it has to show us. I’m ready for a brand new way of life. I’m ready to watch my matentality change like it never has before, and have fun along the way.
Luckily we’ve had some gorgeous weather this week so that has definitely helped as we’ve been able to spend plenty of time outdoors. Our week started off with sledging. I have never been sledging before so it was a new experience for me.
Out came the go bag, blanket on the floor, flask of tea out, bird style.
We slept up in Quernmore that night, in the hills and the moon was so bright.
The following day we had a drive out to Ribblehead, where we parked up in the snowy hills. No phone signal whatsoever, it was great! Theres really not much i love more than being off grid, in the quiet, away from the hussle of humanity. We stayed the night, the only people there, in the pitch black. You couldnt see passed the door it was so dark, but the sky was full of stars.
The rest of the week was spent in our home town Morecambe, or around that area. We had a drive out passed Halton and found a nice little lay-by next to a forest where we park for an afternoon. Camping chairs came out, Frances had a nap and we sat in the woods reading our books. That was a good day.
Halle turned 5 towards the end of our first week. We put banners up in the van, ate cake for breakfast and hung out at the park. She’s a unique kid, happy with the simple things in life, a beautiful sole.
And we finished the week off with a bath for Frances, how she still fits in the sink is beyond me but she had fun.
We had a wash day mid week where we parked up in Morrison’s car park and used the washing machines they have there. I love the lack of conveniences, not having things on hand, having to be mindful about the daily chores. It really is mindful living, and I like it.
Yes I think il stick with this van life a little while longer.
Comments