Frugal, Happy Living

Once again I'm preparing to head out. This winter I'm going to try sticking to a single locale in the desert southwest, snowbird style. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with many sunny days. Unfortunately, John remains unconvinced that traveling to warmer climes is preferable to staying at our PNW house. So, once again, I'm going solo.  

Mid-Day shade, Ehrenberg, AZ, January 2014  

I seriously considered taking our Class C RV, but have settled on living out of my Prius again. The Class C is too big for just me. And, I so enjoy the minimal, frugal living experience in the hybrid hatchback. But, since I will probably be staying put for months at a time, I will bring a few more amenities to make living outside more homey – rug, small kitchen table, shade umbrella, bathroom tent – assuming everything will store well in the Prius when the winds kick up. I also got a small solar panel system to help keep my tablet and phone charged.

Morning view, Cottonwood, AZ, March 2014  

Not only am I looking forward to living simply in nature's back country, but I'm also looking forward to spending time with friends who enjoy doing the same. Yearly we gather for the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in Quartzsite, AZ.

The still at sunrise, RTR in Quartzsite, AZ, January 2014  

The RTR's host, Bob Wells is currently featured in the documentary “Without Bound: Perspectives on Mobile Living.” The producer is Michael Tubbs, videographer and adjunct professor at a Texas State University. Click here for the trailer; but, if you have time, please watch the 50-minute feature below. The film is well done and does an excellent job exploring the motives and passions of those who choose to live frugally in nature. You'll hear the word “freedom” a lot.  

Also, click here to read Bob's blog regarding the documentary for extra insights about the lifestyle.

Some of the people in the documentary have a website or blog:

   - Bob Wells - cheaprvliving.com
   - Randy Vining - mobilecodgers.blogspot.com
   - Josh and Meisha Manwaring - vagabloggers.com
   - Steve Ballee' - www.arizonaexplorations.com

I call most folks in this documentary like-minded friends … most of whom I look forward to seeing in a little more than a month.