Well, I returned home yesterday afternoon to start a fairly easygoing stretch. Two days home, then out on the road for some volunteer work, followed by at least one job, then heading out on vacation. I have two easy jobs scheduled on separate days during vacation, so there will still be some income coming in (I am still looking for more); it just won't be as much as when I'm going after it full time.
I went to sleep sometime between midnight and 1AM last night, and woke up at 9:30 (this aside from a short nap after returning home). Eight and a half hours' sleep; easily the most I've had at one stretch since heading out on the road. I imagine the sleeping will get easier once I've settled into a routine, but the uninterrupted sleep and hot showers are both welcome comforts of home.
We are still working towards the goal of finding an RV so that we can take the whole family along, but in the shorter term, I am going to begin decorating Townes for the road. I have some plans in store that I think folks will like! I thought about doing a decoupage over the entire van, but have concerns about long term durability. I think you'll like what I have in store.
In the meantime, I need to get tires before Okemah. And I basically have one day to do it (Next Thursday; I'm pulling off the road for the day to take care of that and some other errands). Our Fourth will be spent packing out and rolling to Okemah, one of our favorite places on the planet. I'll still post updates, but they'll probably be a bit more pedestrian!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Fear and Privilege
It's been a long road trip. One of the things I am enjoying about it is that it is helping me to gain a clarity of purpose moving forward.
One of the things I had to address when I started this was fear. Fear of washing my hair in a public restroom. Fear of sleeping ion a public place. Fear of criticism, fear of judgment, and probably a whole list of other fears that I hadn't thought of.
It's amazing how quickly some of those fade in light of need. As the cold water splashed soothingly on my sun baked head last night, I reflected on this, and how some of my actions going forward would be directed specifically at my fear.
The driving force, however, is privilege. There's a lot of PC talk about "white privilege", "male privilege", etc, and while I still don't like the way the term is appropriated, I do understand it. But they only scratch the surface. Basically, if you're born in America, you likely own some sort of privilege. The Bill of Rights, for instance. Guantanamo Bay showed us that what we've long believed to be "rights" are actually a set of privileges, revocable to those we deem "the enemy". And if you're reading this from any place other than a public library computer, I guarantee you enjoy a high level of privilege (even access to the public library computers, largely unfiltered, could be construed a privilege).
As I have reflected on this, I have decided that the face of every homeless man, woman and child stands as an indictment against me, both on my faith and my privilege. The face of every refugee in every war torn country stands as silent witness against my silence, my complacency in the face of injustice. The hungry, the imprisoned, the widowless and orphans all forge the chains I wear like a modern Jacob Marley. And it is my job to be about the business of rectifying that, not about the business of building my perfect comfort and security.
This afternoon, I am going to go home. I'm going to rest. I'm going to spend some time with my family. But in the fog and confusion of waking up by the roadside for several days in a row, I have discovered something: I'm in the wrong business.
One of the things I had to address when I started this was fear. Fear of washing my hair in a public restroom. Fear of sleeping ion a public place. Fear of criticism, fear of judgment, and probably a whole list of other fears that I hadn't thought of.
It's amazing how quickly some of those fade in light of need. As the cold water splashed soothingly on my sun baked head last night, I reflected on this, and how some of my actions going forward would be directed specifically at my fear.
The driving force, however, is privilege. There's a lot of PC talk about "white privilege", "male privilege", etc, and while I still don't like the way the term is appropriated, I do understand it. But they only scratch the surface. Basically, if you're born in America, you likely own some sort of privilege. The Bill of Rights, for instance. Guantanamo Bay showed us that what we've long believed to be "rights" are actually a set of privileges, revocable to those we deem "the enemy". And if you're reading this from any place other than a public library computer, I guarantee you enjoy a high level of privilege (even access to the public library computers, largely unfiltered, could be construed a privilege).
As I have reflected on this, I have decided that the face of every homeless man, woman and child stands as an indictment against me, both on my faith and my privilege. The face of every refugee in every war torn country stands as silent witness against my silence, my complacency in the face of injustice. The hungry, the imprisoned, the widowless and orphans all forge the chains I wear like a modern Jacob Marley. And it is my job to be about the business of rectifying that, not about the business of building my perfect comfort and security.
This afternoon, I am going to go home. I'm going to rest. I'm going to spend some time with my family. But in the fog and confusion of waking up by the roadside for several days in a row, I have discovered something: I'm in the wrong business.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Road Trip Is Almost At an End
About two more working hours, plus some hard personal business. About 21 actual hours. By this time tomorrow, my head will probably be firmly planted on one end of the couch, and there will be reports of seismic activity in Northeast New Mexico due to my snoring.
This trip has had its ups and downs, but it has also been a near lethal dose in reality. I debate just how in depth to go, because there are lives involved here. Last night's encounter with the needy family at the rest stop left me with more questions than answers, and I hope and pray that wherever they are on the road today (likely somewhere in Central Arkansas if they didn't have any unplanned detours), that they are safe and well fed. And that the road they're heading down treats them kinder than the road they left behind.
This trip hasn't always been pleasant, but it has had a constant purpose. I am at a point where I can always fall back on the safe, well known path, but am finally finding the courage to reject that. And it is often not easy, and never convenient.
I'm sleep deprived and find myself making "stupid" typos. Constantly tired, never quite fully oriented. I am just getting my "road legs", though, and after a couple weeks' respite, will be back at it. Only as time goes by, I'm hoping to become more efficient.
I am getting ready to crawl off for agood whatever night's sleep I can muster. After a little downtime with the guitar.
This trip has had its ups and downs, but it has also been a near lethal dose in reality. I debate just how in depth to go, because there are lives involved here. Last night's encounter with the needy family at the rest stop left me with more questions than answers, and I hope and pray that wherever they are on the road today (likely somewhere in Central Arkansas if they didn't have any unplanned detours), that they are safe and well fed. And that the road they're heading down treats them kinder than the road they left behind.
This trip hasn't always been pleasant, but it has had a constant purpose. I am at a point where I can always fall back on the safe, well known path, but am finally finding the courage to reject that. And it is often not easy, and never convenient.
I'm sleep deprived and find myself making "stupid" typos. Constantly tired, never quite fully oriented. I am just getting my "road legs", though, and after a couple weeks' respite, will be back at it. Only as time goes by, I'm hoping to become more efficient.
I am getting ready to crawl off for a
The Hardest Part of Being on the Road
I had an excellent discussion last night with several very creative, engaged folks in the Amarillo area. I'll bring down a few snarky remarks, and, no doubt, crossed fingers when I reveal that these were Unitarians, but, frankly, I've never been judged by Unitarians for my Christian faith, although I've seen many Unitarians judged by Christians for theirs.
Within the course of our discussion, it was suggested that I could use my presence in these modern day Hoovervilles as a bit of a unifying, possibly galvanizing force. Not directly, buit in the standard course of discussion that often leads to these epiphanies.
So this leads me to the new task of needing to organize some literature to direct campers to various resources, and is a good springboard to the relaunch of Hobo's List. All of this, of course, I need to do on a shoestring, as funds for these endeavors are in remarkably short supply.
I will probably check out the Church Under the Bridge concept when I am in OKC. I've been well aware of the ministry since I first read Shane Claiborne's mention of it, but I have to wonder how it's implemented. If it's serious, soul searching faith, I'd be glad to help. If all it is is an attempt at an open air megachurch, well, I wish them well, but it's probably not for me.
But As I was pondering the concept, I went by a building with a large overhang and several garage doors to one side. In my mind's eye, I envisioned putting the clothing and food components of the ministry in the bays behind the garage doors...and then simply throwing them open for the service.
Now to the titular point: the hardest thing I'm finding about being on the road is the delicate way certain situations should be handled. I encountered a family last night travelling across the country to a new place out east, with no prospects, just a hope....cannot help but think of the Okies and Arkies who rolled west during the Dust Bowl. and their crew was just as disshevelled. I want to tell their story, but there's a serious fear I might compromise their safety and security in doing so...and so I sit wondering exactly what to do.
For my part, I can say with fair certainty that I helped them as I could, but will always question whether I could do more. And, just because of some questionable (although, I must add, NOT indicting) things that were said, I did check Amber Alerts to see if there was something I should be concerned about. But that's as far as I will take it; I want to be concerned about the children's safety, but there is no need to jump the gun and make premature conclusions.
The one WalMart parking lot is a tale of two security guards: one is pretty easygoing, the other guy seems a little more suspicious of campers, or at least, of me. I'm not sure if I should find different digs tonight, but certainly will if requested.
Within the course of our discussion, it was suggested that I could use my presence in these modern day Hoovervilles as a bit of a unifying, possibly galvanizing force. Not directly, buit in the standard course of discussion that often leads to these epiphanies.
So this leads me to the new task of needing to organize some literature to direct campers to various resources, and is a good springboard to the relaunch of Hobo's List. All of this, of course, I need to do on a shoestring, as funds for these endeavors are in remarkably short supply.
I will probably check out the Church Under the Bridge concept when I am in OKC. I've been well aware of the ministry since I first read Shane Claiborne's mention of it, but I have to wonder how it's implemented. If it's serious, soul searching faith, I'd be glad to help. If all it is is an attempt at an open air megachurch, well, I wish them well, but it's probably not for me.
But As I was pondering the concept, I went by a building with a large overhang and several garage doors to one side. In my mind's eye, I envisioned putting the clothing and food components of the ministry in the bays behind the garage doors...and then simply throwing them open for the service.
Now to the titular point: the hardest thing I'm finding about being on the road is the delicate way certain situations should be handled. I encountered a family last night travelling across the country to a new place out east, with no prospects, just a hope....cannot help but think of the Okies and Arkies who rolled west during the Dust Bowl. and their crew was just as disshevelled. I want to tell their story, but there's a serious fear I might compromise their safety and security in doing so...and so I sit wondering exactly what to do.
For my part, I can say with fair certainty that I helped them as I could, but will always question whether I could do more. And, just because of some questionable (although, I must add, NOT indicting) things that were said, I did check Amber Alerts to see if there was something I should be concerned about. But that's as far as I will take it; I want to be concerned about the children's safety, but there is no need to jump the gun and make premature conclusions.
The one WalMart parking lot is a tale of two security guards: one is pretty easygoing, the other guy seems a little more suspicious of campers, or at least, of me. I'm not sure if I should find different digs tonight, but certainly will if requested.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
I Love a Rainy Night
I rolled out of Brownfield as soon as I could yesterday and shot up to Amarillo. Nothing scheduled, but I did want to be centrally located. I held on to see if any tickets would come through, but it wasn't happening.
I heard some devastating news about a friend, and headed on to a coffeeshop to sit down and absorb it. Then, back to the familiarity of the WalMart parking lot (I am saving the tourist info center for tomorrow night). The lot was unusually busy; probably 20 overnighters or so, and I talked with a singer/songwriter out of Nashville. I clued him in to what I could about the area (campgrounds, possible venues, etc), and suggested he take his show down to WoodyFest and play the open mics. Not sure if he's game, but it would be cool to see him there.
To say the least, the day was uneventful. With work 40 miles from home tomorrow, I have to admit, I was tempted, but there are reasons I'm sticking to my guns. About 4 AM the sky burst open, and sleep was pretty impossible beyond that point. What had been a gentle, soaking rain became a (much needed) deluge, and the parking lot was running with water.
I heard some devastating news about a friend, and headed on to a coffeeshop to sit down and absorb it. Then, back to the familiarity of the WalMart parking lot (I am saving the tourist info center for tomorrow night). The lot was unusually busy; probably 20 overnighters or so, and I talked with a singer/songwriter out of Nashville. I clued him in to what I could about the area (campgrounds, possible venues, etc), and suggested he take his show down to WoodyFest and play the open mics. Not sure if he's game, but it would be cool to see him there.
To say the least, the day was uneventful. With work 40 miles from home tomorrow, I have to admit, I was tempted, but there are reasons I'm sticking to my guns. About 4 AM the sky burst open, and sleep was pretty impossible beyond that point. What had been a gentle, soaking rain became a (much needed) deluge, and the parking lot was running with water.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Brother, Can You Spare a...SHOWER?
So, yesterday was longer than I'd hoped. With funds dwindling down and automatic deposits not coming in until Tuesday morning, I didn't have much extra mobility. This meant I really couldn't check into jobs in Lubbock or other area communities, in the interests of preserving extra petrol.
I made a pit stop in Brownfield on the way down and printed the work order signoff sheet. I then rolled out to Seagraves to scope out the job site and see if the campsite there was a possibility (it wasn't; I would have to roll on down the road).
Afterwards, I looked for a place to cleanup and quickly change. The best I could find was a park, far enough off the road that I'd be OK. But before I could do anything, a couple drove up and occupied the parking lot for awhile. Well, at least I was right on the privacy part; someone else saw it, too!
So I headed over to Denver City, but found the area surprisingly bereft of shade. I pretty much baked most of the day, although I did manage to get changed before heading to the job site.
It was pretty straightforward; we were done shortly before midnight, and I rolled up to Brownfield. I checked the ATM, the deposit had not come in. This wound up being a good thing, as a job came across at 3AM, and, had I had the gas, I would have rolled on it. As it was, it was probably better that I get some rest. So as I walked back to Townes from the Allsups store, I spied a bathroom, with running water (some of the park bathrooms are glorified porta potties). I cannot even begin to describe the luxury of being able to thoroughly wash one's hair when you're living on the road like this, and at 3AM, I was unlikely to be interrupted. So I was able to get truly freshened up before heading back to sleep.
That's the one thing I am finding. Sleep comes in short spurts, and an 8 hour stretch is a luxury. And that is within the confines of my safe coccoon; I cannot even imagine having to scout out a safe spot on the streets.
I had debated getting a hotel for one night, but as the goal is to make money, any money I spend on the road is money I can't bring home, so I try to be careful with it. That, and I attempt to follow the cardinal rule of not invoking privilege. This is because I am trying to gain a truly comprehensive grasp of some of the difficulties of homelessness, or borderline homelessness, and, while I'm not quite there (I have a home, although it is, at times, distant, and I have a safe sleeping spot!), I think it's fair to say I'm beginning to understand. And I also know many homeless are further handicapped by the burdens of mental illness and/or drug abuse/addiction, and I can't even begin to imagine that horror compounding a state of homelessness.
I'm currently at Lubbock McD's, being my location of choice because of the availability of wireless in all of their stores. Heading on to Amarillo to see if I can scare up some work today; if not, will be in Boise City tomorrow morning.
I made a pit stop in Brownfield on the way down and printed the work order signoff sheet. I then rolled out to Seagraves to scope out the job site and see if the campsite there was a possibility (it wasn't; I would have to roll on down the road).
Afterwards, I looked for a place to cleanup and quickly change. The best I could find was a park, far enough off the road that I'd be OK. But before I could do anything, a couple drove up and occupied the parking lot for awhile. Well, at least I was right on the privacy part; someone else saw it, too!
So I headed over to Denver City, but found the area surprisingly bereft of shade. I pretty much baked most of the day, although I did manage to get changed before heading to the job site.
It was pretty straightforward; we were done shortly before midnight, and I rolled up to Brownfield. I checked the ATM, the deposit had not come in. This wound up being a good thing, as a job came across at 3AM, and, had I had the gas, I would have rolled on it. As it was, it was probably better that I get some rest. So as I walked back to Townes from the Allsups store, I spied a bathroom, with running water (some of the park bathrooms are glorified porta potties). I cannot even begin to describe the luxury of being able to thoroughly wash one's hair when you're living on the road like this, and at 3AM, I was unlikely to be interrupted. So I was able to get truly freshened up before heading back to sleep.
That's the one thing I am finding. Sleep comes in short spurts, and an 8 hour stretch is a luxury. And that is within the confines of my safe coccoon; I cannot even imagine having to scout out a safe spot on the streets.
I had debated getting a hotel for one night, but as the goal is to make money, any money I spend on the road is money I can't bring home, so I try to be careful with it. That, and I attempt to follow the cardinal rule of not invoking privilege. This is because I am trying to gain a truly comprehensive grasp of some of the difficulties of homelessness, or borderline homelessness, and, while I'm not quite there (I have a home, although it is, at times, distant, and I have a safe sleeping spot!), I think it's fair to say I'm beginning to understand. And I also know many homeless are further handicapped by the burdens of mental illness and/or drug abuse/addiction, and I can't even begin to imagine that horror compounding a state of homelessness.
I'm currently at Lubbock McD's, being my location of choice because of the availability of wireless in all of their stores. Heading on to Amarillo to see if I can scare up some work today; if not, will be in Boise City tomorrow morning.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Littlefield, TX, I'm Gonna Miss Ya!
Unexpectedly great weekend in Littlefield, Texas. I was not looking forward to it, effectively a three day weekend, as the job on Monday doesn't begin until the night. I figured the Waylon Jennings stuff would only last so long (I was right on that score; like so many communities around here, the downtown, which is actually quite lovely, looked like a ghost town, and you could see the widespread poverty).
But I pulled in, and, as mentioned in my previous post, met the Hinkle Family, a group of missionaries who plays in nursing homes. They invited me to the small church where they were playing, and where there's good live music, I am there. So I went to the church, Littlefield Baptist Church, and enjoyed the music. The church was having a picnic the following day in Lubbock, and invited me along. So I spent Saturday playing volleyball in my own train wreck of a fashion, and returned for church on Sunday.
This was a truly spectacular group of people, and an answer to prayer to keep me from spending the weekend moping about how far from home I was. This is an amazing smaller church in a town that needs the ministry they provide, and I'll definitely keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I'm rolling on, but hoping it isn't very long before I can bring the family back down here. It was a great weekend.
So, tomorrow I'm going to have to stop in Levelland for the public library on my way to Seagraves to print out forms. I'm a little more energized now than I was coming into this, and ready for the week.
But I pulled in, and, as mentioned in my previous post, met the Hinkle Family, a group of missionaries who plays in nursing homes. They invited me to the small church where they were playing, and where there's good live music, I am there. So I went to the church, Littlefield Baptist Church, and enjoyed the music. The church was having a picnic the following day in Lubbock, and invited me along. So I spent Saturday playing volleyball in my own train wreck of a fashion, and returned for church on Sunday.
This was a truly spectacular group of people, and an answer to prayer to keep me from spending the weekend moping about how far from home I was. This is an amazing smaller church in a town that needs the ministry they provide, and I'll definitely keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I'm rolling on, but hoping it isn't very long before I can bring the family back down here. It was a great weekend.
So, tomorrow I'm going to have to stop in Levelland for the public library on my way to Seagraves to print out forms. I'm a little more energized now than I was coming into this, and ready for the week.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
West Texas Weekend
So, I wasn't sure whether to stay the weekend over in Littlefield or whether to hop around, as the Waylon Jennings RV Park offers up to 4 nights free. I met up yesterday with a family of musical missionaries who was playing at the Littlefield Independent Baptist Church, and headed out with them today for a church picnic. It was nice to get a chance to unwind and to play volleyball (horribly) for the first time in many years.
I had some good conversations with the folks I met, and will head back tomorrow for.Sunday AM church service. It's relaxing to get a chance to visit with folks.
They have a restaurant called "Classic Pizza" here, and I noticed it immediately because of the ld Pizza in "Spin man" logo (Enidite friends will kow EXACTLY what I'm talking about here). As I drove up, other similarities were obvious, so when I grrabbed dinner, I asked the waitress, and it was indeed an old Pizza Inn. The food wasn't too bad either.
I had some good conversations with the folks I met, and will head back tomorrow for.Sunday AM church service. It's relaxing to get a chance to visit with folks.
They have a restaurant called "Classic Pizza" here, and I noticed it immediately because of the ld Pizza in "Spin man" logo (Enidite friends will kow EXACTLY what I'm talking about here). As I drove up, other similarities were obvious, so when I grrabbed dinner, I asked the waitress, and it was indeed an old Pizza Inn. The food wasn't too bad either.
Littlefield, Texas
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| At the entrance to the horseshoe pit. |
 | |
| More horseshoe pit |
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| Good thing I got it from this side. Otherwise, it would be "Sgninnej Nolyaw". And we can't have that! |
 | |
| It is, in fact, the 5th largest forest in West Texas (sorry, couldn't resist!) |
 |
| Well, after complainin that they just kept showin his hands and not his face on TV, you'd think they'd choose handprints! |
So I had determined ahead of time that I was going to utilize the Waylon Jennings RV Park in Littlefield, Texas. A few days on the road has made me a tad weary, though, and it was a little more difficult making it there than I expected. But I did, and as I did, I encountered the Hinkle Family, a group that ministers in nursing homes, as they were making camp. They were playing a small independent Baptist church and invited me to join them. I did, and it was a wonderful group of people. I wasn't sure if I was going to stay the weekend here or try campsites up the road, but I think I'll stick around. Because there are no shower facilities, though, I am considering heading to a campsite closer to Seagraves (Monday night's worksite) for Sunday night. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, though.
All in all, this road trip has been a resounding success. We have enough to comfortably get through vacation (even though I have two jobs currently booked on "open days" during the vacation), and I've decided we need to start an RV fund. I can do these trips with my family, but I'm not going to enjoy them too long.
Above are some pictures from the campgrounds.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Just the Good Ol' Boys
So today was a good one. I hit the job in Amarillo, took a little longer than I hoped, but I still had time to make Clovis due to deliberately playing the time zone in my favor. I had to wait for a shipping label to be sent for the Amarillo job's return parts, though, as the store had misplaced it. They have a FedEx ship center in Clovis, but no copy/print. I was able to email the shipping label to the FedEx guy and get it out of my hair. Done and done.
I headed down the road to Littlefield, met a seemingly nice family of musicians, going to go listen to some picking for the night, staying at Waylon Jennings RV Park. Not too shabby.
I should have some road pictures before the weekend's out, but for now gotta split!
I headed down the road to Littlefield, met a seemingly nice family of musicians, going to go listen to some picking for the night, staying at Waylon Jennings RV Park. Not too shabby.
I should have some road pictures before the weekend's out, but for now gotta split!
Oklahoma BOOKED!
One of the hardest things about what I am doing is the obvious uncertainty But if life has taught me anything, it's that nothing is certain. The Great Recession taught us that, if we didn't already know.
And so, with vacation coming up, I have been trying to book work out that way early in the week. Yes, I'll have to break away from camp, but I need to take advantage of all of the work I can, and this will be before most of the festivities start. I still have a request in for Wednesday night, which would be a little bittersweet, but again, I can't let these opportunities pass by.
My hope is that during our week in Okemah, I can land enough work that we don't actually have to pay out of pocket for travel, meals, and lodging. Even better would be getting paid, but we'll settle for a break even vacation. These two jobs put me about halfway to that goal.
I thought briefly about pulling the request for the Wednesday night gig, but landing it will put me about 80% towards the goal. The Monday and Tuesday jobs are morning jobs, so there's still time to book in the afternoons. And I do have a request from a buyer to let him know when I'm in the area. So making money on this trip isn't too farfetched.
And so, with vacation coming up, I have been trying to book work out that way early in the week. Yes, I'll have to break away from camp, but I need to take advantage of all of the work I can, and this will be before most of the festivities start. I still have a request in for Wednesday night, which would be a little bittersweet, but again, I can't let these opportunities pass by.
My hope is that during our week in Okemah, I can land enough work that we don't actually have to pay out of pocket for travel, meals, and lodging. Even better would be getting paid, but we'll settle for a break even vacation. These two jobs put me about halfway to that goal.
I thought briefly about pulling the request for the Wednesday night gig, but landing it will put me about 80% towards the goal. The Monday and Tuesday jobs are morning jobs, so there's still time to book in the afternoons. And I do have a request from a buyer to let him know when I'm in the area. So making money on this trip isn't too farfetched.
Awake Way Too Early
Got to test out the new sleeping accommodations last night. We put a foam mattress pad in the back, as a more comfortable alternative to sleeping stretched out on the back seats. I would have tried it Wednesday night, but didn't want to get too comfortable, lest I oversleep and miss my assignment.
Not the best sleep I've had, but not the worst either.
When I decided to do this, one of my reasons was to gain a clearer perspective on a whole subculture we often ignore. And I believe I'm getting that in spades. The irritability, the frustration, all of it is a part of what a lot of people suffer every day. It's certainly helping me to establish a more compassionate perspective, as the old saying goes, we really can't understand someone until we've walked a mile in their shoes.
I miss my family. I miss routine. I miss hot showers, my front yard, and the coffeeshop. McDonald's coffee (the cross I must bear in order to crib free wifi and usually electricity) is just, frankly, not the same, and, let's face it: there's a dearth of healthful options on the value menu.
I woke up at 3:30 this morning, and made the most of it. I had a good opportunity to get cleaned up in the spacious restrooms of my chosen nightly pit stop, and that is a major plus. I would have liked to sleep longer, but I figure I'll make it up on the back end.
I've noticed that in playing everyday, I am beginning to pick up a lot of tunes "organically". I am far from being an accomplished guitarist, but starting to believe I can actually make it as a busker once I find both the courage and the opportunity to try. I'm not sure what I will encounter busking randomly in Texas.
I have two assignments today, so it's back to Kinkos to make some copies. Ergh. I miss small town libraries as well.
Not the best sleep I've had, but not the worst either.
When I decided to do this, one of my reasons was to gain a clearer perspective on a whole subculture we often ignore. And I believe I'm getting that in spades. The irritability, the frustration, all of it is a part of what a lot of people suffer every day. It's certainly helping me to establish a more compassionate perspective, as the old saying goes, we really can't understand someone until we've walked a mile in their shoes.
I miss my family. I miss routine. I miss hot showers, my front yard, and the coffeeshop. McDonald's coffee (the cross I must bear in order to crib free wifi and usually electricity) is just, frankly, not the same, and, let's face it: there's a dearth of healthful options on the value menu.
I woke up at 3:30 this morning, and made the most of it. I had a good opportunity to get cleaned up in the spacious restrooms of my chosen nightly pit stop, and that is a major plus. I would have liked to sleep longer, but I figure I'll make it up on the back end.
I've noticed that in playing everyday, I am beginning to pick up a lot of tunes "organically". I am far from being an accomplished guitarist, but starting to believe I can actually make it as a busker once I find both the courage and the opportunity to try. I'm not sure what I will encounter busking randomly in Texas.
I have two assignments today, so it's back to Kinkos to make some copies. Ergh. I miss small town libraries as well.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
The Dark Side of the Road
Warning: this article is going to be a bit darker than normal. If you want full time happiness, please google "mommy blogs". You will probably be much happier with the results.
I love the road; I genuinely do. But by the time I roll in my driveway next Friday, I will be ten days away from my family. With the exception of last summer's trip to Australia, I have never spent that much time at a stretch away from my kids, and I had one along with even on the Australia trip.
Never. In nineteen years. And yet, until I can afford to load my family up and take them on the road, this is the new reality.
But I'm not supposed to talk about that.
When I left the house my wife had to assure the kids that I was coming home. They see so much uncertainty around them that when I'm gone, they live with the fear that I'm never coming home.
But I'm not supposed to talk about that.
Every night I pass on the road, I have thousands of people pass me by. Statistically, most are Christians, or claim to be. Even if just a small amount, just a fragment really are, not one of them stops just to talk, just to lend the companionship on a friendly voice. I find myself having to duck into stores and libraries to escape the blazing heat of the day that makes you feel half baked and disoriented by the time I turn in for the night. And yet everytime I address the reality, I'm criticized, condemned, and told what a rotten stinking negative person I am.
But you want fluffy bunnies.
It's this simple: if you can't be my friend in the rough times, I don't need you in the good times. I don't need money, don't need pity, just a pat on the back from time to time and a recognition of how hard I am working just to tread water.
When I commented that I couldn't make money in the community, a lot of folks laid into me. Some of those folks even claim to have tried to be my friend (although their definition appears to be "Facebook friend").
I'm actually not an overwhelmingly negative person. I try very hard to put a positive spin on things. But sometimes, when the hail is pounding on your van roof, and the winds are tearing away at your last shred of resolve, you have to give. Even Jesus did, and I can't expect to be any better than him.
So if you are my "Facebook friend", and you expect me to poop rainbows, do us both a favor, go to Facebook and unfriend me. I frankly don't need you.
For those of you still here, understand that the romance of what I am doing is there. But that romance of the road does not for a second detract from the fact that I am missing another day in the painfully short time I have with my children. And that's time I'll never get back.
I love you, even the asshats. But I don't love the fact that when I need a shoulder, I get turned away and called (yes, literally in at least one instance) a "crybaby".
I love the road; I genuinely do. But by the time I roll in my driveway next Friday, I will be ten days away from my family. With the exception of last summer's trip to Australia, I have never spent that much time at a stretch away from my kids, and I had one along with even on the Australia trip.
Never. In nineteen years. And yet, until I can afford to load my family up and take them on the road, this is the new reality.
But I'm not supposed to talk about that.
When I left the house my wife had to assure the kids that I was coming home. They see so much uncertainty around them that when I'm gone, they live with the fear that I'm never coming home.
But I'm not supposed to talk about that.
Every night I pass on the road, I have thousands of people pass me by. Statistically, most are Christians, or claim to be. Even if just a small amount, just a fragment really are, not one of them stops just to talk, just to lend the companionship on a friendly voice. I find myself having to duck into stores and libraries to escape the blazing heat of the day that makes you feel half baked and disoriented by the time I turn in for the night. And yet everytime I address the reality, I'm criticized, condemned, and told what a rotten stinking negative person I am.
But you want fluffy bunnies.
It's this simple: if you can't be my friend in the rough times, I don't need you in the good times. I don't need money, don't need pity, just a pat on the back from time to time and a recognition of how hard I am working just to tread water.
When I commented that I couldn't make money in the community, a lot of folks laid into me. Some of those folks even claim to have tried to be my friend (although their definition appears to be "Facebook friend").
I'm actually not an overwhelmingly negative person. I try very hard to put a positive spin on things. But sometimes, when the hail is pounding on your van roof, and the winds are tearing away at your last shred of resolve, you have to give. Even Jesus did, and I can't expect to be any better than him.
So if you are my "Facebook friend", and you expect me to poop rainbows, do us both a favor, go to Facebook and unfriend me. I frankly don't need you.
For those of you still here, understand that the romance of what I am doing is there. But that romance of the road does not for a second detract from the fact that I am missing another day in the painfully short time I have with my children. And that's time I'll never get back.
I love you, even the asshats. But I don't love the fact that when I need a shoulder, I get turned away and called (yes, literally in at least one instance) a "crybaby".
I'm Dog Tired, and So Are My Dogs!
One day, I figure, folks will get me. But then, sometimes I wonder where the fun is in that. Take yesterday/today for example:
Last night was booked out pretty quick. Under the old way of doing things, I would have headed back from last night's sojourn, and head out again tomorrow. In doing so, I would have missed today's assignment. Too little, frankly, to justify the drive to Amarillo, but good bonus money when I've made the decision to stay over. So the "road rules" mean not only saving money, but also making it, and a reasonable amount, to boot.
But it meant going in at 10pm last night, working until 5:30 in the morning, and crawling into the back of the van as the sun was begin to play peekaboo with all of the faces. To tell the truth, I was out so quickly I didn't even notice....with an alarm set for 9:30 AM.
Blast my luck, I woke at 8:30 AM. Plenty of time, though, to read up and get to the site. I did head to FedEx Kinkos, though, hoping that the business cards can be printed out right there, like, you know, the way a truly INNOVATIVE copy center would do business these days? Nope, you can print and order....for about twice what it would cost you with VistaPrint, with fewer design options.
What a deal, eh?
So the noon job would have in any other circumstances been pretty cush. Change out 5 PC's, with one of them being a wall mount XRay PC. I got this job literally because another tech was too nervous to put two lousy screws in the wall (that's it, folks, TWO screws), complaining he "doesn't do construction". Well, one, his loss, my gain; and two, there probably were more issues than that, truth be told. But it meant that I was on my feet for 12 hours out of an 18 hour stretch, and by the end, my ankles were screaming
I stopped by the Amarillo Museum of Art to view an exhibit from a friend (I do need to get out more), but finding no particularly intriguing venues for nightlife, will probably spend some quality time with my guitar and put in early. Tomorrow I am onsite at 10AM, and then have a drive down to Clovis to do the exact same thing, just further down the road. Mi Vida Grande!
Last night was booked out pretty quick. Under the old way of doing things, I would have headed back from last night's sojourn, and head out again tomorrow. In doing so, I would have missed today's assignment. Too little, frankly, to justify the drive to Amarillo, but good bonus money when I've made the decision to stay over. So the "road rules" mean not only saving money, but also making it, and a reasonable amount, to boot.
But it meant going in at 10pm last night, working until 5:30 in the morning, and crawling into the back of the van as the sun was begin to play peekaboo with all of the faces. To tell the truth, I was out so quickly I didn't even notice....with an alarm set for 9:30 AM.
Blast my luck, I woke at 8:30 AM. Plenty of time, though, to read up and get to the site. I did head to FedEx Kinkos, though, hoping that the business cards can be printed out right there, like, you know, the way a truly INNOVATIVE copy center would do business these days? Nope, you can print and order....for about twice what it would cost you with VistaPrint, with fewer design options.
What a deal, eh?
So the noon job would have in any other circumstances been pretty cush. Change out 5 PC's, with one of them being a wall mount XRay PC. I got this job literally because another tech was too nervous to put two lousy screws in the wall (that's it, folks, TWO screws), complaining he "doesn't do construction". Well, one, his loss, my gain; and two, there probably were more issues than that, truth be told. But it meant that I was on my feet for 12 hours out of an 18 hour stretch, and by the end, my ankles were screaming
I stopped by the Amarillo Museum of Art to view an exhibit from a friend (I do need to get out more), but finding no particularly intriguing venues for nightlife, will probably spend some quality time with my guitar and put in early. Tomorrow I am onsite at 10AM, and then have a drive down to Clovis to do the exact same thing, just further down the road. Mi Vida Grande!
Wake Up? I Barely Got to SLEEP!
Last night's work was an overnight assignment: work with the lead tech to reimage registers and PC's.
These are the kind of assignments I love/hate; they're good assignments, but when you are switching from a day schedule to a night schedule, they can be nerve wracking. Especially when you live on the road.
I got to the site ahead of the lead, and waited. We had a few glitches through the night, which led to us finishing at 5:30 AM. My itinerary has a dentist's office at noon, so this left me with barely enough time to head back to the WalMart parking lot (no luxurious travel information center for us tonight; saving that gem for tonight, as I'm rolling out between jobs tomorrow) and close my eyes before the sun come up.
Mercilessly, I woke up at 8:30AM. I was shooting for 9:00, to have enough time to shake off the fuzz and read through my notes before going to the site, but it is what it is, I suppose. The afternoon job is one that fell to me after the person who initially got the job refused to mount one of the PC's, insisting it was construction and beneath them. Bleh, nothing's beneath or above me, and if your check clears, I'm happy to do it.
That's the beauty of this particular arrangement. It's refreshing to go to work and enjoy what I am doing because I am working to live and not living to work.
This trip would have been good to have the family on, so I'm hoping that we can work our way towards a decent RV and a tow behind car to eventually do that; at least on the trips my family wants to come along on. It would be a small matter to work Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell into the trip, but just the time in West Texas should be fun enough.
I have purposed to bring Townes back with a bit of bling. We will be doing a sort of initiation here before too long. Stay tuned.
These are the kind of assignments I love/hate; they're good assignments, but when you are switching from a day schedule to a night schedule, they can be nerve wracking. Especially when you live on the road.
I got to the site ahead of the lead, and waited. We had a few glitches through the night, which led to us finishing at 5:30 AM. My itinerary has a dentist's office at noon, so this left me with barely enough time to head back to the WalMart parking lot (no luxurious travel information center for us tonight; saving that gem for tonight, as I'm rolling out between jobs tomorrow) and close my eyes before the sun come up.
Mercilessly, I woke up at 8:30AM. I was shooting for 9:00, to have enough time to shake off the fuzz and read through my notes before going to the site, but it is what it is, I suppose. The afternoon job is one that fell to me after the person who initially got the job refused to mount one of the PC's, insisting it was construction and beneath them. Bleh, nothing's beneath or above me, and if your check clears, I'm happy to do it.
That's the beauty of this particular arrangement. It's refreshing to go to work and enjoy what I am doing because I am working to live and not living to work.
This trip would have been good to have the family on, so I'm hoping that we can work our way towards a decent RV and a tow behind car to eventually do that; at least on the trips my family wants to come along on. It would be a small matter to work Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell into the trip, but just the time in West Texas should be fun enough.
I have purposed to bring Townes back with a bit of bling. We will be doing a sort of initiation here before too long. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Of Highways, Happiness, and a Van Named Townes
I have a confession to make: I never much liked what we've come to call "work".
Oh, don't get me wrong; I don't mind real work, the kind that leaves you either physically exhausted, emotionally satisfied, or both, at the end of the day. But I never did well slogging along in a drone's like existence, simply churning out more because the insatiable demand of a consumerist society demand it. I always felt I was investing in someone else's happiness rather than my own. Thing is, I never saw a way out. The alternative to that, our society likes to tell us, is sloth, and that's a bad thing.
So, door #1 = drone. Door #2 = drudgery.
Thank goodness for door #3!
In the past few months, I've had a lot of folks directing me to door #1. Better to spend your life doing something you hate, as long as the paycheck clears, than to truly dream, aspire, and soar to better heights. Although I still have a ways to go in this new paradigm, I am increasingly glad that I didn't pay attention to conventional wisdom.
The money's been good; the jobs are steady. They were always steady, the problem is they were too far out and offered at too low a rate for me to head out there. So, in figuring out that I am losing money on the return trip and staying out for stretches at a time, I am saving a good deal of money; in the hundreds in this week alone, a week that saw me working every day of the week at decent rates.
I decided something on the road, though: before I travel further, the van needs a name. I've never been much on naming vehicles, but this one is not only my transportation, but my home and companion. And will be until I can get things together enough to bring the whole family on the road, or at least on select road trips (more on that; stay tuned).
The van's name is Townes. If you know me well, it needs no explanation. If you don't, it's named after Townes Van Zandt, a fellow who occupies the upper echelon of singers/storytellers. Townes wrote the classic "Pancho and Lefty", a ballad that I feel is wholly appropriate to anyone living on the road. But I digress.
I'm so glad I decided to find door #3. It's a whole lot nicer this side of it than I ever found it on the far side of the other two!
Oh, don't get me wrong; I don't mind real work, the kind that leaves you either physically exhausted, emotionally satisfied, or both, at the end of the day. But I never did well slogging along in a drone's like existence, simply churning out more because the insatiable demand of a consumerist society demand it. I always felt I was investing in someone else's happiness rather than my own. Thing is, I never saw a way out. The alternative to that, our society likes to tell us, is sloth, and that's a bad thing.
So, door #1 = drone. Door #2 = drudgery.
Thank goodness for door #3!
In the past few months, I've had a lot of folks directing me to door #1. Better to spend your life doing something you hate, as long as the paycheck clears, than to truly dream, aspire, and soar to better heights. Although I still have a ways to go in this new paradigm, I am increasingly glad that I didn't pay attention to conventional wisdom.
The money's been good; the jobs are steady. They were always steady, the problem is they were too far out and offered at too low a rate for me to head out there. So, in figuring out that I am losing money on the return trip and staying out for stretches at a time, I am saving a good deal of money; in the hundreds in this week alone, a week that saw me working every day of the week at decent rates.
I decided something on the road, though: before I travel further, the van needs a name. I've never been much on naming vehicles, but this one is not only my transportation, but my home and companion. And will be until I can get things together enough to bring the whole family on the road, or at least on select road trips (more on that; stay tuned).
The van's name is Townes. If you know me well, it needs no explanation. If you don't, it's named after Townes Van Zandt, a fellow who occupies the upper echelon of singers/storytellers. Townes wrote the classic "Pancho and Lefty", a ballad that I feel is wholly appropriate to anyone living on the road. But I digress.
I'm so glad I decided to find door #3. It's a whole lot nicer this side of it than I ever found it on the far side of the other two!
What "Day off" Means Now
Technically, today is a day off (because my work today is at night). But that would be too much to expect, really. A long list awaits, including cleaning out and putting a sleeping pad down in the van for the next road trip, which will probably range from a week to ten days. I also have an assortment of tools, which is why I came back off the road in the first place, so I get to sleep cuddled up next to a 6 foot stepladder the next several nights.
As mentioned in my previous blog article, I will be in Amarillo tonight and tomorrow night, then will be between Clovis, NM and Seagraves, TX through the weekend. I took a look at the cash position last night and am happy to report it's a little better than I hoped, but rather than deplete it and destroy the momentum I'm building by staying out on the road, I'll let the weekend give me a much more solid boost. We won't be rich for awhile, but when the jobs pay out, we should come out of this weekend better off than we've been in awhile, certainly in this year.
My hope is to eventually be able to haul my family on some of these road trips, and, in a few years to live on the road full time, using a dingy attached to the back of an RV to service my calls. But we've got a long way to go to get there, and even little decisions, like driving back 200 miles to sleep in a real bed, can make a difference. We're keeping our eyes on the prize here!
I will also be taking in my cans this weekend so I'll be able to boost the funds for the 30 days on a Greyhound project. Thanks to Jeremy and Pam Cook for their contributions. Meanwhile, if you want to help with that, save your cans and I will tell you more on that page what you can do. Since it takes me off the road, I have to meet the $5,000 goal before I can head out.
As mentioned in my previous blog article, I will be in Amarillo tonight and tomorrow night, then will be between Clovis, NM and Seagraves, TX through the weekend. I took a look at the cash position last night and am happy to report it's a little better than I hoped, but rather than deplete it and destroy the momentum I'm building by staying out on the road, I'll let the weekend give me a much more solid boost. We won't be rich for awhile, but when the jobs pay out, we should come out of this weekend better off than we've been in awhile, certainly in this year.
My hope is to eventually be able to haul my family on some of these road trips, and, in a few years to live on the road full time, using a dingy attached to the back of an RV to service my calls. But we've got a long way to go to get there, and even little decisions, like driving back 200 miles to sleep in a real bed, can make a difference. We're keeping our eyes on the prize here!
I will also be taking in my cans this weekend so I'll be able to boost the funds for the 30 days on a Greyhound project. Thanks to Jeremy and Pam Cook for their contributions. Meanwhile, if you want to help with that, save your cans and I will tell you more on that page what you can do. Since it takes me off the road, I have to meet the $5,000 goal before I can head out.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Weird Schedule Ahead!
So, tomorrow night I show up at the jobsite at 10PM. Work up to 8 hours (though I've usually found these 8 hour jobs are 5 or 6 hour jobs if you keep the nose to the grindstone; and I bid flat rates so that I get paid the same either way), then I have to do a dentist's office at noon (hoping for a little naptime in between), then have a job Friday in Amarillo followed by one in Clovis.
I bid a job in Seagraves on Monday night hoping to follow it with a job in Monahans, Texas on Tuesday night. I got the Seagraves job, but not the Monahans job. So that puts me in a pickle, and we could be doing the money dance before I get back from Seagraves. Unless....
Yup, unless I stay the weekend in Clovis, or somewhere between. Then we'll be in a better money spot, with the added bonus of increasing the now paltry amount I stand to make off of the job (unless I can piggyback between now and next week).
I am scouting out some free campsites, right now the front runner is Waylon Jennings RV Park in Littlefield, because, DUH! Just wishing they'd make you sing "Lukenbach, Texas" to get in.
At any rate, I'm a little road weary, as it was a long drive home. Hoping a good solid night's sleep tonight will make tomorrow night a tad more tolerable. Also for some sleep on Thursday.
It's amazing what we take for granted.
I bid a job in Seagraves on Monday night hoping to follow it with a job in Monahans, Texas on Tuesday night. I got the Seagraves job, but not the Monahans job. So that puts me in a pickle, and we could be doing the money dance before I get back from Seagraves. Unless....
Yup, unless I stay the weekend in Clovis, or somewhere between. Then we'll be in a better money spot, with the added bonus of increasing the now paltry amount I stand to make off of the job (unless I can piggyback between now and next week).
I am scouting out some free campsites, right now the front runner is Waylon Jennings RV Park in Littlefield, because, DUH! Just wishing they'd make you sing "Lukenbach, Texas" to get in.
At any rate, I'm a little road weary, as it was a long drive home. Hoping a good solid night's sleep tonight will make tomorrow night a tad more tolerable. Also for some sleep on Thursday.
It's amazing what we take for granted.
Homeward Bound
My major goal in working as a migrant tech is to stay booked. I rolled to Amarillo yesterday, where I spent the night, and finished work there and rolled to Garden City afterwards. On the road, I received an assignment for Thursday afternoon; in Garden City received an assignment for Wednesday overnight.
So let's see, that's 5 days out of 5 booked. And since Thursday's job requires tools I don't have on hand (and I will be staying in Amarillo Wednesday until Friday morning), time to head home. A rest in my bed prior to working an overnight shift will be more than welcome.
I don't have the final totals yet, but it looks like staying out on the road is saving me 600 miles of travel this week (vs. driving back and forth). Plus...it gives me the opportunity to accept tickets at a lower rate, as I am already in the area. This week should be my second most profitable week....and considering I had NOTHING booked before Monday morning (and nothing besides Friday booked until Monday afternoon), I'm pretty content with that.
So let's see, that's 5 days out of 5 booked. And since Thursday's job requires tools I don't have on hand (and I will be staying in Amarillo Wednesday until Friday morning), time to head home. A rest in my bed prior to working an overnight shift will be more than welcome.
I don't have the final totals yet, but it looks like staying out on the road is saving me 600 miles of travel this week (vs. driving back and forth). Plus...it gives me the opportunity to accept tickets at a lower rate, as I am already in the area. This week should be my second most profitable week....and considering I had NOTHING booked before Monday morning (and nothing besides Friday booked until Monday afternoon), I'm pretty content with that.
A Morning View of the High Plains
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| Amarillo Travel Information Center on Airport Road |
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| Here there be cows.... |
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| .....and SNAKES! Why'd it have to be SNAKES?!? |
I discovered the Amarillo Tourist Information Center on Airport road. For roadside overnight accommodations, this was like a luxury hotel. A great view of Amarillo from the east, large comfortable restrooms, picnic pavilions, and wifi. Well, allegedly wifi; I never got it to work right. That probably had to do with the number of truckers in the truck lot, rather than the wifi itself.
I got in a few really good hours playing, and hit the sack, feeling remarkably refreshed upon awakening from the roadside camping. And I did get a couple of pics from this one:
Rolling back up to Garden City today, not sure where from there (before Friday, which is Amarillo and Clovis)
Monday, June 16, 2014
The Learning Curve
Tonight, I am overnighting in Amarillo...will have to jet up to Garden City, Kansas, mid morning. After that it may be a case of deja vu all over again, as I have nothing definite up that way Wednesday or Thursday, but roll out to Amarillo and Clovis on Friday.
I'm giving serious consideration to driving over to Dodge City for the music. Last week was fun.
At any rate, I am beginning to redefine what "normal" is. Remarkably, on the road, I have had a few less worries than I had staying at home. And tomorrow alone I am saving 80 miles of driving, good both because of limiting road stress, and because 15 passenger vans aren't the picture of fuel efficiency.
It's taken some persistence in staying the course, though, and I've found it interesting. Oddly, the very same people who tell you all of your life to learn a trade or go to college to learn a career rather than work a job are the same ones that expect you to abandon that career for a job once there are bumps on the road. I've had a few people who obviously don't understand why I do what I do. My answer:
1. Because I get paid more on an hourly basis doing what I'm doing than I would at local jobs. Most weeks, in fact, I get paid more period.
2. Because this is the career, which I've trained for, rather than the job, which I do for mere survival.
3. Because this allows me to grow and develop as an artist.
I could reply with a simple "none of your business", but I'm certain that most people are asking from a point of respect rather than criticism. And with that in mind, a respectful answer is fitting.
The single best thing about the road, though: I cannot remember the last day that I DIDN'T play guitar. And that is the coolest answer of all!
I'm giving serious consideration to driving over to Dodge City for the music. Last week was fun.
At any rate, I am beginning to redefine what "normal" is. Remarkably, on the road, I have had a few less worries than I had staying at home. And tomorrow alone I am saving 80 miles of driving, good both because of limiting road stress, and because 15 passenger vans aren't the picture of fuel efficiency.
It's taken some persistence in staying the course, though, and I've found it interesting. Oddly, the very same people who tell you all of your life to learn a trade or go to college to learn a career rather than work a job are the same ones that expect you to abandon that career for a job once there are bumps on the road. I've had a few people who obviously don't understand why I do what I do. My answer:
1. Because I get paid more on an hourly basis doing what I'm doing than I would at local jobs. Most weeks, in fact, I get paid more period.
2. Because this is the career, which I've trained for, rather than the job, which I do for mere survival.
3. Because this allows me to grow and develop as an artist.
I could reply with a simple "none of your business", but I'm certain that most people are asking from a point of respect rather than criticism. And with that in mind, a respectful answer is fitting.
The single best thing about the road, though: I cannot remember the last day that I DIDN'T play guitar. And that is the coolest answer of all!
The Best Laid Plans...
So, today was going to be a slow day until an early afternoon ticket asking me to be onsite in 3 hours in Amarillo (a 2 hour drive). Because of the way we're running this, it meant a dash to throw things together to get ready for the trip. I have to remind myself that these things take time, and to be patient.
I arrived onsite, the issue is firmware, and they're not sure whether I am supposed to do that or the customer, so I'll know tomorrow. In the meantime, I may be driving back to Garden City, Kansas in the morning. There are several Kansas tickets up that way, but for whatever reason, I'm not having any luck getting scheduled out on those. Oh well, c'est la vie, eh?
So tonight it's roadside in Amarillo, as the two hour drive back diverts money we can use into the gas tank. Even if I don't need to return tomorrow (they pay for separate visits) and need to drive straight through to Garden City, I'll still save 80 miles. I'll take that any day of the week.
I have a route to run on Friday, and will pick up almost anything on that route. Going to Amarillo, then Clovis, then back on in home. That puts a lot of territory in play.
Next week isn't working out quite how I'd like it, but we'll get it sorted out one way or another. I have overnight work about 300 miles out. I tried to book another site in that direction the following night, but it went out to another provider. So I have the one job, which will make me some money, but not as much as I'd like (still, grateful for the little things), so I see myself camping out looking for work/gigs next week. So far I've had good luck with roadside camping; it's possible things might be a bit more dicey out that way, but, we'll see.
Vacation is two weeks from Friday, though, so there is some respite on the horizon.
I arrived onsite, the issue is firmware, and they're not sure whether I am supposed to do that or the customer, so I'll know tomorrow. In the meantime, I may be driving back to Garden City, Kansas in the morning. There are several Kansas tickets up that way, but for whatever reason, I'm not having any luck getting scheduled out on those. Oh well, c'est la vie, eh?
So tonight it's roadside in Amarillo, as the two hour drive back diverts money we can use into the gas tank. Even if I don't need to return tomorrow (they pay for separate visits) and need to drive straight through to Garden City, I'll still save 80 miles. I'll take that any day of the week.
I have a route to run on Friday, and will pick up almost anything on that route. Going to Amarillo, then Clovis, then back on in home. That puts a lot of territory in play.
Next week isn't working out quite how I'd like it, but we'll get it sorted out one way or another. I have overnight work about 300 miles out. I tried to book another site in that direction the following night, but it went out to another provider. So I have the one job, which will make me some money, but not as much as I'd like (still, grateful for the little things), so I see myself camping out looking for work/gigs next week. So far I've had good luck with roadside camping; it's possible things might be a bit more dicey out that way, but, we'll see.
Vacation is two weeks from Friday, though, so there is some respite on the horizon.
A New Week begins
It's hard to describe the uncertainty of working the way I am. I finish a job not knowing how long it will be until the next job, hustling assignments and putting in bids, hoping that there's not an underbidder sitting out there on the road. And there often is.
But what I've noticed is, there's always "enough" work, if I'm willing to travel and wait it out. Uncertainty and patience are the order of the day. And my laptop and cell phone have become trusty friends, as I depend heavily upon them on the road.
At this point, the next certain job I have is Friday, and I have a full day booked. Enough to cover expenses for the week, so anything that comes in between now and then is the gravy. It's a rough life, to be sure, but I am quickly discovering the appeal of the open road.
I have some work that I'm trying to schedule out next Monday and Tuesday that will land me in an area where I suspect I can land some gigs. I have a couple of connections down that way, and might be able to land an open mic or two.
Meanwhile, I played a jingle for coffee. Well, that wasn't the proposed arrangement; the deal was the first person to go to the radio station and sing on air was going to win a five pound bag of coffee from the local coffeeshop (which brews their own). So I headed down and asked the DJ what he wanted me to sing and it evolved from there. He proposed "If you're happy and you know it", and I wrote a short jingle promoting the coffeeshop. After some banter, knowing the shop owner is a Johnny Cash fan, I wrote a parody of "Folsom Prison Blues" plugging the shop, and played it on the air.
Now, coffee may not seem like much of a payment, but first off, it is my life's elixir, the one vice that I cling to. Second, it bears mentioning that the word "salary" comes from a time when folks were paid in salt. And I'd much rather have some good coffee beans than salt any day of the week!
But what I've noticed is, there's always "enough" work, if I'm willing to travel and wait it out. Uncertainty and patience are the order of the day. And my laptop and cell phone have become trusty friends, as I depend heavily upon them on the road.
At this point, the next certain job I have is Friday, and I have a full day booked. Enough to cover expenses for the week, so anything that comes in between now and then is the gravy. It's a rough life, to be sure, but I am quickly discovering the appeal of the open road.
I have some work that I'm trying to schedule out next Monday and Tuesday that will land me in an area where I suspect I can land some gigs. I have a couple of connections down that way, and might be able to land an open mic or two.
Meanwhile, I played a jingle for coffee. Well, that wasn't the proposed arrangement; the deal was the first person to go to the radio station and sing on air was going to win a five pound bag of coffee from the local coffeeshop (which brews their own). So I headed down and asked the DJ what he wanted me to sing and it evolved from there. He proposed "If you're happy and you know it", and I wrote a short jingle promoting the coffeeshop. After some banter, knowing the shop owner is a Johnny Cash fan, I wrote a parody of "Folsom Prison Blues" plugging the shop, and played it on the air.
Now, coffee may not seem like much of a payment, but first off, it is my life's elixir, the one vice that I cling to. Second, it bears mentioning that the word "salary" comes from a time when folks were paid in salt. And I'd much rather have some good coffee beans than salt any day of the week!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Have Tech Tools, Will Travel
Are you frustrated by the high cost of computer repair? If you run a business with a single IT person, do you worry what you will do while on vacation?
Well, you're in luck, especially in a good chunk of Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Although if the price is right, I will travel much further.
I have 8 years' experience in IT, serving as break/fix, doing home and business PC repair, Network Management, and strategic planning in the home, small business, education and health care sectors. I understand CIPA, HIPAA, and EMR.
What I am not interested in is a full time assignment. We have a home, and do not want to relocate permanently. But I will accept temporary interim assignments, and can prepare a custom quote for your needs. In addition, although you may not have much advance notice, while I am in your area, I will perform onsite PC work at reduced rates.
I can quote flat rates, hourly, daily, or weekly rates. Weekly rates are all inclusive; daily and hourly may include travel costs, although I will divide the cost for multiple assignments.
If you are interested, contact me via EMAIL, or look for business cards and flyers in your area. I look forward to serving you.
Well, you're in luck, especially in a good chunk of Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Although if the price is right, I will travel much further.
I have 8 years' experience in IT, serving as break/fix, doing home and business PC repair, Network Management, and strategic planning in the home, small business, education and health care sectors. I understand CIPA, HIPAA, and EMR.
What I am not interested in is a full time assignment. We have a home, and do not want to relocate permanently. But I will accept temporary interim assignments, and can prepare a custom quote for your needs. In addition, although you may not have much advance notice, while I am in your area, I will perform onsite PC work at reduced rates.
I can quote flat rates, hourly, daily, or weekly rates. Weekly rates are all inclusive; daily and hourly may include travel costs, although I will divide the cost for multiple assignments.
If you are interested, contact me via EMAIL, or look for business cards and flyers in your area. I look forward to serving you.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
So I have bids on some work for the week, but may not hear about them until Monday. Thing is, I bid out hoping to run the whole week (well, four days of it anyway; leaving the 5th open for contingencies. Not being scheduled out can count as a contingency!)
If the bids go through, it will be back to Kansas. So I at least have a good idea of my accommodations. But still needing to shore up the road hygiene issues and pack food along so that I can spend most of my time NOT in stores/restaurant. I will try to use library WiFi during business hours for the same reason.
With just under four weeks until vacation, this could put me in a decent spot. But I'm planning on a working vacation if at all possible, and will print and make materials ready for my stops. I'm not expecting to get rich, just to get a little farther down the road.
I'm trying to weigh out the balance between figuring out additional revenue streams and spreading myself too thin. I won't lie; at this point more money would be a good idea, but I kind of want to avoid trying on too many hats so that I don't have to figure out where I am at any given time.
So the priorities right now for the road trip are:
1. Road menu (has to be food that doesn't need to be prepared for now; that may change on down the road);
2. Hygiene supplies: I am going to carry out 10 1-gallon buckets of water per trip (not counting drinking water!). I can use as little as 2 gallons/day if am unable to resupply
3. Places to play: looking for busking opportunities as well as places that will be receptive to the educational side of the program. Open mics and jams are also cool, as long as I get to play and listen.
But other than that, things are going swimmingly!
If the bids go through, it will be back to Kansas. So I at least have a good idea of my accommodations. But still needing to shore up the road hygiene issues and pack food along so that I can spend most of my time NOT in stores/restaurant. I will try to use library WiFi during business hours for the same reason.
With just under four weeks until vacation, this could put me in a decent spot. But I'm planning on a working vacation if at all possible, and will print and make materials ready for my stops. I'm not expecting to get rich, just to get a little farther down the road.
I'm trying to weigh out the balance between figuring out additional revenue streams and spreading myself too thin. I won't lie; at this point more money would be a good idea, but I kind of want to avoid trying on too many hats so that I don't have to figure out where I am at any given time.
So the priorities right now for the road trip are:
1. Road menu (has to be food that doesn't need to be prepared for now; that may change on down the road);
2. Hygiene supplies: I am going to carry out 10 1-gallon buckets of water per trip (not counting drinking water!). I can use as little as 2 gallons/day if am unable to resupply
3. Places to play: looking for busking opportunities as well as places that will be receptive to the educational side of the program. Open mics and jams are also cool, as long as I get to play and listen.
But other than that, things are going swimmingly!
Getting Ready to Ride out Again
Probably the biggest difficulty in what I am trying to do is that there is a shortage of successful business models to follow. The best way I can describe what I do is: part street peddler, part traveling repairman, part poet, part minstrel. And it's going to take me awhile to learn how to market each successfully, not wear too many hats, and make sure there is no conflict between the various means of making a living.
One thing I've discovered, though: it sure makes you ready for the off days. There's a lot of work in trying to get work, and just the job of scoping out that night's lodging is a vocation in itself. I have the luxury of bringing my shelter with me; a lot of folks do not.
So I'm trying to develop marketing materials, because a $50 virus clean can sure make a trip more lucrative. And as I can build a reputation for service and reliability, maybe I can increase that over time. I'll just have to make contacts while I am traveling.
I think I'm going to print up some online business cards; I will publish some of my itinerary on the FB page, but it's going to take a little luck and a lot of favorable winds to really get things into high gear. In the meantime, I am trying to find gigs in the Okemah, OK - Oklahoma City area between July 6-13, as I will be away at WoodyFest, our family's annual pilgrimage.
I am gaining a much greater respect for the fathers who spent months at a time away from their families in railroad, in the oilfields, and in war. I have the luxury of returning home more often, and as weary as I am at the end of the week, I can barely imagine the fatigue that occurs after months, or years, at a time.
One thing I've discovered, though: it sure makes you ready for the off days. There's a lot of work in trying to get work, and just the job of scoping out that night's lodging is a vocation in itself. I have the luxury of bringing my shelter with me; a lot of folks do not.
So I'm trying to develop marketing materials, because a $50 virus clean can sure make a trip more lucrative. And as I can build a reputation for service and reliability, maybe I can increase that over time. I'll just have to make contacts while I am traveling.
I think I'm going to print up some online business cards; I will publish some of my itinerary on the FB page, but it's going to take a little luck and a lot of favorable winds to really get things into high gear. In the meantime, I am trying to find gigs in the Okemah, OK - Oklahoma City area between July 6-13, as I will be away at WoodyFest, our family's annual pilgrimage.
I am gaining a much greater respect for the fathers who spent months at a time away from their families in railroad, in the oilfields, and in war. I have the luxury of returning home more often, and as weary as I am at the end of the week, I can barely imagine the fatigue that occurs after months, or years, at a time.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Pulling in Early
The night before last was brutal. I couldn't pull in to the WalMart to camp early because it was just too blasted hot. In the middle of the parking lot, I was a sitting duck. Fortunately, the windstorm that came later that night gave me some respite.
But at the end of the day yesterday, I didn't want to take chances. I had a down day on the road, but used it for research purposes. I pitched my educational folk music program to the library, but wasn't really in the best shape for a good presentation. I am still trying to sort out hygiene issues in the van, as I camp where there is no "free" water available. Going to start saving milk/water jugs for hygiene and smaller water bottles for drinking.
I came up with a tolerable quick breakfast, going to start using granola as one of my staples on the road. If I can stay out of restaurants, except for wifi, I will be doing well. And when I use restaurant wifi, it's my intention to be courteous and at least buy something. Not only is it the way I was raised, it's just good old common sense. Most places don't mind you sitting there with an iced tea for two hours (although there are some with posted limits, which should be respected); they do mind you sitting there with nothing.
I was able to pirate electricity all week, and returned home with a full laptop battery. All in all it was a good week.
I returned home with a few takeaways:
But at the end of the day yesterday, I didn't want to take chances. I had a down day on the road, but used it for research purposes. I pitched my educational folk music program to the library, but wasn't really in the best shape for a good presentation. I am still trying to sort out hygiene issues in the van, as I camp where there is no "free" water available. Going to start saving milk/water jugs for hygiene and smaller water bottles for drinking.
I came up with a tolerable quick breakfast, going to start using granola as one of my staples on the road. If I can stay out of restaurants, except for wifi, I will be doing well. And when I use restaurant wifi, it's my intention to be courteous and at least buy something. Not only is it the way I was raised, it's just good old common sense. Most places don't mind you sitting there with an iced tea for two hours (although there are some with posted limits, which should be respected); they do mind you sitting there with nothing.
I was able to pirate electricity all week, and returned home with a full laptop battery. All in all it was a good week.
I returned home with a few takeaways:
- Bedding: I have GOT to clear the seats out of the van for the air mattress. I slept, but not comfortably; one of the deciding factors in returning home early
- Hygiene: water is most abundant at home, so I'm going to have to start carrying my own. I can probably fill up, if I'm creative and polite, but have to leave with a supply
- Food: although this was a productive week, I spent FAR too much money at restaurants using wifi. I need to scope out the free wifi hotspots before leaving and try to avoid restaurants as much as possible. I need to figure out ways to bring shelf stable, healthy, and decent tasting food along for the ride...and establish a strict budget for perishables.
- Time efficiency: too much downtime. I need to familiarize myself with historical sites, libraries, and other facilities in the areas where I am working. This process, like the others, will improve over time.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
A Day in the Life
I Walmart camped last night through the storm (see previous post), and was a little dismayed this morning to see nothing in the vicinity to schedule out. I had been debating yesterday whether or not to return early, and decided to stick it out as I need to get used to this as "the new normal". I am thinking through strategies for future trips, including making cards as "the High Tech Hobo" and offering discounted services whenever I am in an area (because of the limited availability).
But I paused and thought it through, as I am still adjusting to what this recent change means to me on a practical level. As a folk muscian/storyteller, it seems foolish to waste an opportunity for research. A stop at the library for some print materials (and the plus of an open electric outlet to charge up, and high speed Internet), then I will head off to scope out the museum, and possibly the zoo. The bonus is I'm really not under a time crunch, so I can stop and look things through...and maybe get my name out there a bit.
I didn't bring the mattresses with me as I was more focused on having a good spare in the back of the van than a good mattress. My back is fast reminding me I need to fix that.
At the library, I was pleased to see I still know my Dewey Decimal system to know precisely where the music books are located. It was a good day, although I would be lying if I said I'm not eager to leave this humidity and get back to higher ground.
Oh, and...if you live somewhere that doesn't have a lot of great IT options, I DO hire out. Daily and hourly gigs will require some mileage compensation (although generally not full compensation, as I head out for 3-5 days at a time), weekly gigs include mileage. Also available on the music side for house concerts and small coffeeshop gigs (I even bring my own sound system). EMAIL me for more details.
But I paused and thought it through, as I am still adjusting to what this recent change means to me on a practical level. As a folk muscian/storyteller, it seems foolish to waste an opportunity for research. A stop at the library for some print materials (and the plus of an open electric outlet to charge up, and high speed Internet), then I will head off to scope out the museum, and possibly the zoo. The bonus is I'm really not under a time crunch, so I can stop and look things through...and maybe get my name out there a bit.
I didn't bring the mattresses with me as I was more focused on having a good spare in the back of the van than a good mattress. My back is fast reminding me I need to fix that.
At the library, I was pleased to see I still know my Dewey Decimal system to know precisely where the music books are located. It was a good day, although I would be lying if I said I'm not eager to leave this humidity and get back to higher ground.
Oh, and...if you live somewhere that doesn't have a lot of great IT options, I DO hire out. Daily and hourly gigs will require some mileage compensation (although generally not full compensation, as I head out for 3-5 days at a time), weekly gigs include mileage. Also available on the music side for house concerts and small coffeeshop gigs (I even bring my own sound system). EMAIL me for more details.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
At the Garden City IHOP
So, cleared out Dodge quickly and rolled onto Garden City. I sat agonizingly watching as a job "close to home" (3 hours) price out higher and higher, with me having no way to do it. It would require a 6 hour drive, and that's about the time till I needed to be there. As if that wasn't enough, it was an overnight job, so by the time I finished I would be 24 hours up, with a 6 hour drive in the heat in between. Not good.
Still, it killed me when that one went in.
There were two places I could put in for the night; the WalMart and a truck stop on the north side of town. I chose the WalMart and was glad I did, when a storm rolled in with hurricane force winds blowing from the north. The highway provided a berm that minimized the wind effects in the WalMart lot. Still strong, but not as strong as it would have been without a windbreak.
I stood outside in the wind and the storm (no rain yet, just a lot of wind and fireworks off to the east. I have to admit, the kid part of me wanted to run inside the WalMart and by a Thor costume, but I have a strong feeling that would have acquainted me with the community's fine mental health facilities.
I had to stop at the library, where the printer is down due to a "hardware issue". Thinking about stopping by to offer my services on "no risk" terms; if I don't fix it, they don't pay. It's worth a shot at least, I guess.
Walking to the IHOP after the storm, I couldn't help but notice a large banner stuck to the fence. I couldn't help but smile. Some years ago, I happened across an older homeless man digging through a construction dumpster trying to salvage materials to build a kite that would set a world record for altitude. I don't think he ever made it, but I'm certain he would have loved that banner. It was well constructed.
His story has always served to remind me that everyone has dreams. Even if they don't matter much in our eyes. I tried to write a song about it, but, well, the verdict wasn't good. I've advanced a bit in songwriting since, though, so I may have to give it a go again sometime.
Still, it killed me when that one went in.
There were two places I could put in for the night; the WalMart and a truck stop on the north side of town. I chose the WalMart and was glad I did, when a storm rolled in with hurricane force winds blowing from the north. The highway provided a berm that minimized the wind effects in the WalMart lot. Still strong, but not as strong as it would have been without a windbreak.
I stood outside in the wind and the storm (no rain yet, just a lot of wind and fireworks off to the east. I have to admit, the kid part of me wanted to run inside the WalMart and by a Thor costume, but I have a strong feeling that would have acquainted me with the community's fine mental health facilities.
I had to stop at the library, where the printer is down due to a "hardware issue". Thinking about stopping by to offer my services on "no risk" terms; if I don't fix it, they don't pay. It's worth a shot at least, I guess.
Walking to the IHOP after the storm, I couldn't help but notice a large banner stuck to the fence. I couldn't help but smile. Some years ago, I happened across an older homeless man digging through a construction dumpster trying to salvage materials to build a kite that would set a world record for altitude. I don't think he ever made it, but I'm certain he would have loved that banner. It was well constructed.
His story has always served to remind me that everyone has dreams. Even if they don't matter much in our eyes. I tried to write a song about it, but, well, the verdict wasn't good. I've advanced a bit in songwriting since, though, so I may have to give it a go again sometime.
June 10, 2014
The best laid plans to write notes "real time" and update when I have Internet access were stymied when I left the notebook sitting on top of a stall in a McD's bathroom in Liberal, Kansas. I got the job done onsite, and successfully bid out another Kansas job because I am available and can chop off the usual mileage fees. That is, after all, the idea of these road trips.
All told, I spent about half a day in Liberal before rolling out to Dodge City. Because the jobs aren't until tomorrow, had some time to spend at Boot Hill. I don't mind tourist traps; I just wish they would take more effort to preserve their historical integrity. It's hard to think of the Earps, Doc Holiday and Bat Masterson when a large sign in the window of a show of the historic district that was built to replace Front St. screams "Envios de Dinero". And, fake though it is, I'd like to see more of a Griswolds version of Dodge City than a city trying to be modern with history preserved as an afterthought.
I did manage to scope out two free campsites in the vicinity, but opted for the truck stop as the sites were a bit outside of town. Maybe sometime when I don't have an "early" wakeup. The first site was a lake about 5-7 miles outside of town; unfortunately, the website information is not wholly accurate, as it does have a fee system. Because the lake was closed for everything except hiking and biking (I really didn't want to ask about dry camping; not at this juncture), I headed on to check out the roadside park. Nice enough, and a definite one to keep in mind for future stays. No shade was the biggest drawback I could find.
I had thought about scoping out Boot Hill as a busking place, as it would be nice enough, but I'd like to feel out the community a bit first. Thinking I could pitch the idea well enough if I kept to old cowboy songs; may call ahead for a future visit.
So, thanks to the wonder of the Internet, I scoped out local parks, only found one really viable one and headed towards it, initially to sit and pick. As I drove up, I saw a sign saying there was a "Cowboy Band" performance at 7:30PM on Tuesdays, and the band members were setting up.I took a couple of shots, but the limited Internet may mean I need to wait until I am back home to upload them as an edit.
The concert was enjoyable; the band dates back to 1879, and the band shell was 80 something years old. Nice to see something so nice for the community, and well attended.
I played a fw songs at the gazebo before I left the park; rolled out to the truck stop and played a bit more before rolling in for the night. I'm keeping a steady written diary, good for notes, and will put in direct passages where relevant.
Facts I learned today WITHOUT the interwebz:
"Home on the Range" is Kansas' state song (halfway ashamed I did not know that!)
The "Washington Post March" by Sousa was commissioned by the Washington Post (I figured that much), and because it was a two step, became very popular in dance halls in Europe, where the two step was known as "The Washington Post".
All told, I spent about half a day in Liberal before rolling out to Dodge City. Because the jobs aren't until tomorrow, had some time to spend at Boot Hill. I don't mind tourist traps; I just wish they would take more effort to preserve their historical integrity. It's hard to think of the Earps, Doc Holiday and Bat Masterson when a large sign in the window of a show of the historic district that was built to replace Front St. screams "Envios de Dinero". And, fake though it is, I'd like to see more of a Griswolds version of Dodge City than a city trying to be modern with history preserved as an afterthought.
I did manage to scope out two free campsites in the vicinity, but opted for the truck stop as the sites were a bit outside of town. Maybe sometime when I don't have an "early" wakeup. The first site was a lake about 5-7 miles outside of town; unfortunately, the website information is not wholly accurate, as it does have a fee system. Because the lake was closed for everything except hiking and biking (I really didn't want to ask about dry camping; not at this juncture), I headed on to check out the roadside park. Nice enough, and a definite one to keep in mind for future stays. No shade was the biggest drawback I could find.
I had thought about scoping out Boot Hill as a busking place, as it would be nice enough, but I'd like to feel out the community a bit first. Thinking I could pitch the idea well enough if I kept to old cowboy songs; may call ahead for a future visit.
So, thanks to the wonder of the Internet, I scoped out local parks, only found one really viable one and headed towards it, initially to sit and pick. As I drove up, I saw a sign saying there was a "Cowboy Band" performance at 7:30PM on Tuesdays, and the band members were setting up.I took a couple of shots, but the limited Internet may mean I need to wait until I am back home to upload them as an edit.
The concert was enjoyable; the band dates back to 1879, and the band shell was 80 something years old. Nice to see something so nice for the community, and well attended.
I played a fw songs at the gazebo before I left the park; rolled out to the truck stop and played a bit more before rolling in for the night. I'm keeping a steady written diary, good for notes, and will put in direct passages where relevant.
Facts I learned today WITHOUT the interwebz:
"Home on the Range" is Kansas' state song (halfway ashamed I did not know that!)
The "Washington Post March" by Sousa was commissioned by the Washington Post (I figured that much), and because it was a two step, became very popular in dance halls in Europe, where the two step was known as "The Washington Post".
Monday, June 9, 2014
Livin' on the Road, My Friends...
One of the things I have discovered in the years of research for Hobo's List is what the freegan culture already knows: As long as you have a vehicle, you're usually fairly close to a reasonable safe and free campground.
This doesn't mean you ignore the pay campgrounds; let's face it, there's something to be said for a hot shower and sleeping without the sounds of large semis rolling past your lovely roadside campground. But you can economize with a variety of free or low cost campgrounds.
Most folks know about Wal-Mart; what they don't know is that many larger cities no longer allow overnight camping. That's probably a good thing, as it's not a particularly secure location, and safety should be a major concern.
The first thing to remember about camping at WalMart is that the lot is there for commercial business. You'll be a better neighbor if you "dry camp", and don't put out slides, lawn chairs, or otherwise set up campo in the lot. There's a good article on WalMart camping HERE.
You can also find camping at http://www.freecampgrounds.com/, although this is primarily for RFV camping. Another great site is http://freecampsites.net/, which offers a lot of BLM lands in its offerings out west. There are also reviews and a lot of great etiquette information on these sites.
If you have to go on the road, it's always good to know where to go. They may not leave the light on for ya, but they won't pull the rug out from under you either!
This doesn't mean you ignore the pay campgrounds; let's face it, there's something to be said for a hot shower and sleeping without the sounds of large semis rolling past your lovely roadside campground. But you can economize with a variety of free or low cost campgrounds.
Most folks know about Wal-Mart; what they don't know is that many larger cities no longer allow overnight camping. That's probably a good thing, as it's not a particularly secure location, and safety should be a major concern.
The first thing to remember about camping at WalMart is that the lot is there for commercial business. You'll be a better neighbor if you "dry camp", and don't put out slides, lawn chairs, or otherwise set up campo in the lot. There's a good article on WalMart camping HERE.
You can also find camping at http://www.freecampgrounds.com/, although this is primarily for RFV camping. Another great site is http://freecampsites.net/, which offers a lot of BLM lands in its offerings out west. There are also reviews and a lot of great etiquette information on these sites.
If you have to go on the road, it's always good to know where to go. They may not leave the light on for ya, but they won't pull the rug out from under you either!
Week of June 9: Dodge City - Garden City, Kansas
I am starting this site to help secure work on the road. I am an IT tech, and am hitting the road for tech work and as a folk musician to support my family. As I post locations, please feel free to help me find sites where I can busk, gig, or anything else to bring in a few extra dollars.
I will be rolling to Liberal, Kansas on June 10. If I can find gigs in Liberal, I will overnight there; otherwise I will roll out to Dodge City, where I will start my day on June 11. I will finish the day on June 11 in Garden City.
If anyone knows any small corner coffeeshop that would tolerate a folksinger for short sets, or busking friendly parks, that would be appreciated. If there's work, I will hang out in/around Garden City through Friday; if nothing happens, I will roll out back home.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. You can email me HERE.
I will be rolling to Liberal, Kansas on June 10. If I can find gigs in Liberal, I will overnight there; otherwise I will roll out to Dodge City, where I will start my day on June 11. I will finish the day on June 11 in Garden City.
If anyone knows any small corner coffeeshop that would tolerate a folksinger for short sets, or busking friendly parks, that would be appreciated. If there's work, I will hang out in/around Garden City through Friday; if nothing happens, I will roll out back home.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. You can email me HERE.
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