Bob, this was a great series. I’m not a nomad, but I love your videos and your enthusiasm is infectious and it makes me want to get out there and see the beautiful USA in a camper. I’m certain there are a whole lot of wanna-be nomads who watch your channel and feel just like I do. We are living vicariously through your videos.
Last fall we completed an 11,200 mile road trip. My most valuable tour guide was the Roadside America app. It used to be free but they did a lot of work on it and now charge $2.99. Worth ten times the price.
You never to cease to amaze me with your knowledge and suggestions. I love listening to your voice ...soothing. Your always so humble. Thank you for another great video.
That's a great point about REI! The folks who work there, and other outdoorsy stores, are typically passionate about what you're doing. Excellent advice.
For Northern California, check out Lee Foster's travel website. Lee was a travel writer for Sunset Magazine before retiring and publishing his own writing.
My biggest regret after living in southern California for 20 years is not "seeing the sights". I went a few places, like Disneyland, Ocotillo Wells, etc., but there are sooo many places that I regret not visiting. Now I live on the east coast and have a plan to travel and see everything I can see!! Don't be like me, get out there and have an adventure!!
Hi Bob (Newhart? time to drink) totally agree about the things in our backyards. My wife and I live in Miami, been to Key West ?? twice? Never been to Fort Jefferson but we do have a boat and got scuba certified. We're taking your advice. Last week we went to Islamorada just for lunch.
I used to get all the travel guides from AAA. That way I could research events during the time I was going to be in the area as well as background info on the area.
Hey Bob, it's Ron - laundry in Quartzsite. Got accepted as a volunteer on that mustang ranch I mentioned. Been here 2 days, they are moving their non-profit organization so I've been working like crazy. Hard work but 50 wild mustangs will be here on March 9. Awesome people that really love these animals. The old place was an hours drive on bad roads but the new place is right off I40 in NM. Thanks for the propane tank tip.
Just when I think I've got all the tools for adventure and enjoyment of this country, Bob shows us some more ideas. Speaking of tools, who are these people down-voting Bobs videos... he is spending his valuable time giving us resources to live a better life, and they are down-voting that?
Thank you so much Bob! I'm finishing up my 'rooftop deck' on my van & planning a trip next month. Been following you for a long time. A load of vital info.
Another great video. My husband has knee and back issues and can only do easy hikes. That "creaky knees" book sounds awesome. It will be a great resource for when he and I hit the road and head south next winter for our virgin snowbird trip. Do you know if they are available as a set? Also, great idea about the scenic drives; that's our speed. I'm really enjoying this long distance driving series you are doing.
I came across a book for WA state and amazing places after 35 yrs didnt know existed. So yes great ideas. South Dakota has some good new things to see. I'm aiming for 50 ' indian woman statue and the Mt.. Rushmore has really improved the area .Good viewing so I want to go back. Thanks Bob for all that you share.
This is one that I'll be watching again. Thanks for some great ideas! I think i used to have a collection of books like that, that I picked up at a garage sale only there were some for different countries too
Great Video Bob. I liked your cool, calm, collected voice and presentation in this video. It was soothing to listen to. I also like your more animated voice when you do a video outside and your voice is raised in pitch and volume to overcome the elements. You are versatile in your presentation skills. This one just stood out for me as it was very organized, linear and calm AND packed with useable content. Your spreadsheet that organized special interests by category was excellent along with all the resources you mentioned. Great job to you and your team who produce the videos.
Thank you Tim. I have a videographer who travels with me now and this has helped the production of the videos tremendously. He is doing an amazing job. KC does the thumbnails and tables and also does a great job. I am very glad to have their help! Thank you for your kind words!
Wow some great information and an interesting topic. I passed up a few gems along the way but try to go back to see them later sometimes it takes years. A friend who had his own plane took me to see Mount McKinley.
Great video Bob. Thanks for the reference tips. When I travel, my go to source are guides and books from Moon Publishing. Check them out if you haven't done so already.
Terry, usually if the map or handout is made or published by state or local governments they include that info. Most towns’ visitors centers have this information.
Thank you for the information! Do you have videos of how you picked a smartphone plan that would work best traveling all the time so you can stay connected to the web? Just curious about how nomads stay connected with a home on wheels and aren’t in the same spot for long periods. Thank you, Jon
If you take all the videos and try to find practical conclusions, what you said early about the size versus mobility matters a lot. If you think you are going to explore a lot of places, that 40 foot fiver is not going to be your friend. There are so many ads for SUV's these days on television, which leaves the impression that most of the beauty is down some 5 mph dirt path. That's become a thing, but I owned a 4x4 Tacoma for 7 years I'm not sure it's worth it. You can get a nice shell for a Taco, All Terrain or Four Wheel, etc. Necessity forces a more creative approach. I spent a year on the road in '94 and I could live in National Parks. Good luck with that any more. But you won't find the beauty per square inch of a Zion Park too many places. Within a few years after being on the road, I was fed up with the destruction of Utah and bought a small and cheap airplane. From the air, everything looked pretty good. But there are a lot of limits and the costs are out of control. Honestly, you need to see the bad stuff and ask if there is anything you can do. There's sort of a Marie Kondo thing to scenery. You own everything, but you should keep the things that make you happy. You have to find what you really like and make that a theme. If you buy something like a small van, you have maximum flexibility and you can often camp 'anywhere'. (arrive late, leave early). I'm not sure how seriously to take travel. I'm very bummed out by what we have done to nature. The impacts of climate change and invasive species are everywhere. People are pretty divided. If you start seeing this maybe you should go home? Or get a more robust self-editor. William Least Heat Moon had an attitude when he was on the road, but it served him well. He could engage with people in serious ways. The book is Blue Highways, a classic. You can pretend you are involved with something serious, see some of the problems, relate to the good and bad. Wherever you are, that's where you belong, at least for that moment in time. I guess try to always feel like you belong where you are. Don't shrivel up and feel out of place.
Hello George - What do you think is the "best" setup/rig for enjoying the back country nature experience for someone with a modest sticks and bricks home and modest budge that will be going out on 3 or 4 week "expeditions" several times a year in the West, solo, no pets, retired in very good physical condition and with these requirements. Rig will need to be used as a daily driver also when not being used in "expedition" mode. Rig must be able to carry a 290 lb motorcycle on either a front or rear class III trailer hitch mount. I would like to get off the beaten path with my rig but I will have the motorcycle to go much deeper on rough terrain and I have my legs and the desire and ability to hike for going even further where the bike can't go due to tougher terrain or regulations prohibiting motorized vehicles. The biggest rig I have considered is a 2006 Winnebago View with 5 cyl diesel. I like the high top Ford and Ram Vans (Sprinters 2006 and older but impossible to find a good one) and I like the 4x4 Tacoma/Tundra or Ford/Chevy half tons with "off-road" packages (small lift, bigger tires, 4x4). I do have an old and paid for Honda Ridgeline in great condition that will climb well with good AT tires but has 8.5" of ground clearance (lifting and or big tires have too many negative issues that don't justify the modifications in MY opinion) and the suspension cannot be modified or bags added. Ideally I'd like to keep the Ridgeline and accept I can't go quite as deep and I may get stuck more often due to clearance but I'm willing to consider trading it in for a used Tacoma/Tundra/F150/Chevy half ton. I'm 5' 10" and want to sleep inside my vehicle. AND, I am also not opposed to a high clearance light weight mini type trailer for sleeping (Runawaycampers.com) You have lot's of experience and specifically with the Tacoma, what would you recommend for my needs? And I too like Blue Highways by Moon
Hi bob, just curious, what would you say the ratio of c class, class a, and travel trailers you see on BLM land? Thinking about purchasing a travel trailer to pull behind my truck.
What kind of jobs are there in why, arizona or ertgenberg, arizona for a mid 30s single parent with a toddler? I want to get out there for my kid but need to have a steady stream of income and possibly create a tribe like yours but for single parents with only one dependent kid. The tribe would be for like minded and people in the same position as a single toddler single parent family. I know im not the only one being held back because of being a single toddler/infant single parent dad or mom. I lost my job where my boss allowed everyone to bring their kids/infants/teenagers/pets and he payed a very good wage so I was able to save a lot of money. Now that I see what the normal parent work life is...I know I cannot be a part of raising my kid if I stay put. Id have to work at the very least 2 full time jobs and never see my kid. I foolishly thought my boss would never retire and that I would be set to raise my kid with a humble income. Im working on getting my drivers license and hopefully finding a roadtrek like van. I just want to raise my kid while my child is still in the nest. I want to parent my child until at least the time comes where its time to leave the nest. No parent ever said “I hugged my child too much” and what better childhood to have than in the wild! Think Where the Wild Things Are, The Jungle Book, Huckleberry Fin, and Tarzan! Storybooks would come to life under the vastness of the twinkling speckled deep blue night sky 🌌
Bob, this was a great series. I’m not a nomad, but I love your videos and your enthusiasm is infectious and it makes me want to get out there and see the beautiful USA in a camper. I’m certain there are a whole lot of wanna-be nomads who watch your channel and feel just like I do. We are living vicariously through your videos.
Last fall we completed an 11,200 mile road trip. My most valuable tour guide was the Roadside America app. It used to be free but they did a lot of work on it and now charge $2.99. Worth ten times the price.
Great suggestions. Don't forget used book stores. I've often gotten great advice from folks- either from the shop owners or other customers.
You never to cease to amaze me with your knowledge and suggestions. I love listening to your voice ...soothing. Your always so humble. Thank you for another great video.
I'm from Wyoming and it is one of the most beautiful places in the world!!
That's a great point about REI! The folks who work there, and other outdoorsy stores, are typically passionate about what you're doing. Excellent advice.
We have AAA and they offer free maps and Tour Guides for different states/areas.
I hadn’t thought of travel books, that’s so genius! I always see them for cheap at thrift stores.
So slow down and smell the roses - been doing it for years but mostly on a motorcycle. Soon I'll get to do it in an RV. Can't wait.
Don't forget to visit libraries. :)
Always great stuff.
Stealth traveling helps plenty driving up to beautiful places. !
For Northern California, check out Lee Foster's travel website. Lee was a travel writer for Sunset Magazine before retiring and publishing his own writing.
This is a great video. I've wondered many times, when I get out on the road, how to learn about, decide and prioritize which places to explore.
Thank you, Bob. Love this particular series. Very helpful to me and well put together.
My biggest regret after living in southern California for 20 years is not "seeing the sights". I went a few places, like Disneyland, Ocotillo Wells, etc., but there are sooo many places that I regret not visiting. Now I live on the east coast and have a plan to travel and see everything I can see!! Don't be like me, get out there and have an adventure!!
Hi Bob (Newhart? time to drink) totally agree about the things in our backyards. My wife and I live in Miami, been to Key West ?? twice? Never been to Fort Jefferson but we do have a boat and got scuba certified. We're taking your advice. Last week we went to Islamorada just for lunch.
I used to get all the travel guides from AAA. That way I could research events during the time I was going to be in the area as well as background info on the area.
Thanks Bob for more great advice. Those books look very interesting.
Hey Bob, it's Ron - laundry in Quartzsite. Got accepted as a volunteer on that mustang ranch I mentioned. Been here 2 days, they are moving their non-profit organization so I've been working like crazy. Hard work but 50 wild mustangs will be here on March 9. Awesome people that really love these animals. The old place was an hours drive on bad roads but the new place is right off I40 in NM. Thanks for the propane tank tip.
Great suggestions and ideas, Bob.
Went to Amazon - the Creaky Knees guides are also available as Kindle downloads. Cheers!!
Just when I think I've got all the tools for adventure and enjoyment of this country, Bob shows us some more ideas.
Speaking of tools, who are these people down-voting Bobs videos... he is spending his valuable time giving us resources to live a better life, and they are down-voting that?
Hi Bob. Love the hat you had on at the beginning of the video. Beautiful colors. These videos are extremely helpful! Thanks.
Mountain men rendezvous! My dad and I participated in those many many times when I was a kid! I'll have to look them up.
Thank you so much Bob!
I'm finishing up my 'rooftop deck' on my van & planning a trip next month. Been following you for a long time. A load of vital info.
Another great video. My husband has knee and back issues and can only do easy hikes. That "creaky knees" book sounds awesome. It will be a great resource for when he and I hit the road and head south next winter for our virgin snowbird trip. Do you know if they are available as a set? Also, great idea about the scenic drives; that's our speed. I'm really enjoying this long distance driving series you are doing.
MJM we hope you enjoy your trip and that your husband's knees and back get better.
I came across a book for WA state and amazing places after 35 yrs didnt know existed. So yes great ideas. South Dakota has some good new things to see. I'm aiming for 50 ' indian woman statue and the Mt.. Rushmore has really improved the area .Good viewing so I want to go back. Thanks Bob for all that you share.
Awesome BOB Thankyou For Sharing ✌
This is one that I'll be watching again. Thanks for some great ideas! I think i used to have a collection of books like that, that I picked up at a garage sale only there were some for different countries too
Thanks Bob! A wealth of information!👍😊
You are welcome!
Wow this was a very helpful video! Thanks so much!
Bob, this is a great series you are doing! So helpful!
Bob is really good at this. Thanks!
Two awesome Hot Springs are: Glenwood Springs, in Colorado; and Crystal Hot Springs, in Utah.
Awesome advice. Bob these were resources I had not heard of. Thanks
Most larger cities have a Half Price Books store. They have everything CHEAP!
Love this series. Thank you Bob
I hope it is helpful for you!
Great Video Bob. I liked your cool, calm, collected voice and presentation in this video. It was soothing to listen to. I also like your more animated voice when you do a video outside and your voice is raised in pitch and volume to overcome the elements. You are versatile in your presentation skills. This one just stood out for me as it was very organized, linear and calm AND packed with useable content. Your spreadsheet that organized special interests by category was excellent along with all the resources you mentioned. Great job to you and your team who produce the videos.
Thank you Tim. I have a videographer who travels with me now and this has helped the production of the videos tremendously. He is doing an amazing job. KC does the thumbnails and tables and also does a great job. I am very glad to have their help! Thank you for your kind words!
Love the 'Creaky Knees' book! :)
Bob, do you use any device to boost your mobile signals when on the road? Thx for your great videos, btw.
Thank you Bob. Good vid.
Thank you Bob! 💓
Wow some great information and an interesting topic. I passed up a few gems along the way but try to go back to see them later sometimes it takes years. A friend who had his own plane took me to see Mount McKinley.
Great video Bob. Thanks for the reference tips.
When I travel, my go to source are guides and books from Moon Publishing. Check them out if you haven't done so already.
Excellent info .
How about how and where to find travel buddies?
You join the caravans listed on his web page.
Do any of these suggestions tell you if they are handicapped accessible?
Terry, usually if the map or handout is made or published by state or local governments they include that info. Most towns’ visitors centers have this information.
Thank you for the information! Do you have videos of how you picked a smartphone plan that would work best traveling all the time so you can stay connected to the web? Just curious about how nomads stay connected with a home on wheels and aren’t in the same spot for long periods.
Thank you,
Jon
So helpful🙋🚙
I love those books! Do you have an Amazon store? Thanks Bob!
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvliving
If you take all the videos and try to find practical conclusions, what you said early about the size versus mobility matters a lot. If you think you are going to explore a lot of places, that 40 foot fiver is not going to be your friend. There are so many ads for SUV's these days on television, which leaves the impression that most of the beauty is down some 5 mph dirt path. That's become a thing, but I owned a 4x4 Tacoma for 7 years I'm not sure it's worth it. You can get a nice shell for a Taco, All Terrain or Four Wheel, etc.
Necessity forces a more creative approach. I spent a year on the road in '94 and I could live in National Parks. Good luck with that any more. But you won't find the beauty per square inch of a Zion Park too many places. Within a few years after being on the road, I was fed up with the destruction of Utah and bought a small and cheap airplane. From the air, everything looked pretty good. But there are a lot of limits and the costs are out of control. Honestly, you need to see the bad stuff and ask if there is anything you can do.
There's sort of a Marie Kondo thing to scenery. You own everything, but you should keep the things that make you happy. You have to find what you really like and make that a theme. If you buy something like a small van, you have maximum flexibility and you can often camp 'anywhere'. (arrive late, leave early). I'm not sure how seriously to take travel. I'm very bummed out by what we have done to nature. The impacts of climate change and invasive species are everywhere. People are pretty divided. If you start seeing this maybe you should go home? Or get a more robust self-editor.
William Least Heat Moon had an attitude when he was on the road, but it served him well. He could engage with people in serious ways. The book is Blue Highways, a classic. You can pretend you are involved with something serious, see some of the problems, relate to the good and bad. Wherever you are, that's where you belong, at least for that moment in time. I guess try to always feel like you belong where you are. Don't shrivel up and feel out of place.
Hello George - What do you think is the "best" setup/rig for enjoying the back country nature experience for someone with a modest sticks and bricks home and modest budge that will be going out on 3 or 4 week "expeditions" several times a year in the West, solo, no pets, retired in very good physical condition and with these requirements. Rig will need to be used as a daily driver also when not being used in "expedition" mode. Rig must be able to carry a 290 lb motorcycle on either a front or rear class III trailer hitch mount. I would like to get off the beaten path with my rig but I will have the motorcycle to go much deeper on rough terrain and I have my legs and the desire and ability to hike for going even further where the bike can't go due to tougher terrain or regulations prohibiting motorized vehicles. The biggest rig I have considered is a 2006 Winnebago View with 5 cyl diesel. I like the high top Ford and Ram Vans (Sprinters 2006 and older but impossible to find a good one) and I like the 4x4 Tacoma/Tundra or Ford/Chevy half tons with "off-road" packages (small lift, bigger tires, 4x4). I do have an old and paid for Honda Ridgeline in great condition that will climb well with good AT tires but has 8.5" of ground clearance (lifting and or big tires have too many negative issues that don't justify the modifications in MY opinion) and the suspension cannot be modified or bags added. Ideally I'd like to keep the Ridgeline and accept I can't go quite as deep and I may get stuck more often due to clearance but I'm willing to consider trading it in for a used Tacoma/Tundra/F150/Chevy half ton. I'm 5' 10" and want to sleep inside my vehicle. AND, I am also not opposed to a high clearance light weight mini type trailer for sleeping (Runawaycampers.com) You have lot's of experience and specifically with the Tacoma, what would you recommend for my needs? And I too like Blue Highways by Moon
Hi bob, just curious, what would you say the ratio of c class, class a, and travel trailers you see on BLM land? Thinking about purchasing a travel trailer to pull behind my truck.
i looked up each state and had the tourist office of that state send me their info...................free. except Mass.
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
What kind of jobs are there in why, arizona or ertgenberg, arizona for a mid 30s single parent with a toddler? I want to get out there for my kid but need to have a steady stream of income and possibly create a tribe like yours but for single parents with only one dependent kid. The tribe would be for like minded and people in the same position as a single toddler single parent family.
I know im not the only one being held back because of being a single toddler/infant single parent dad or mom. I lost my job where my boss allowed everyone to bring their kids/infants/teenagers/pets and he payed a very good wage so I was able to save a lot of money. Now that I see what the normal parent work life is...I know I cannot be a part of raising my kid if I stay put. Id have to work at the very least 2 full time jobs and never see my kid. I foolishly thought my boss would never retire and that I would be set to raise my kid with a humble income. Im working on getting my drivers license and hopefully finding a roadtrek like van. I just want to raise my kid while my child is still in the nest. I want to parent my child until at least the time comes where its time to leave the nest.
No parent ever said “I hugged my child too much” and what better childhood to have than in the wild! Think Where the Wild Things Are, The Jungle Book, Huckleberry Fin, and Tarzan! Storybooks would come to life under the vastness of the twinkling speckled deep blue night sky 🌌
This video is giving me very itchy feet.