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vanlife hiatus for 2026


On the 10th I signed a 12-month lease for an apartment a few miles outside of El Paso, TX. I talk about the reasons in this blog post. Mainly I was having trouble scheduling some medical procedures when I couldn't stay in one area for months to make appts and followups, and had no place to recuperate from surgeries. I also have a wiring problem (fscking mice) that could take a long time for a mechanic to ID and fix.

I basically took everything from the camper into the apt and commenced living without drama. One thing that's struck me is how easy it is to live in a normal dwelling, assuming one has the money to pay for it. Flush toilets and running water are pretty great. Hot showers on demand, a small yard for Muffin to run around in, full size fridge with freezer, etc.

I have no definite plans for 2027 when the lease is up. But if I take early social security in 2028 I'll have even less financial reason to move back into the campervan.

PS: it's not all good news -- during the move I got caught between objects and crushed my right calf so hard that the whole lower leg is bruised all the way down to below the ankle. The degree of swelling would have been hilarious if it weren't so scary and painful. Since I was already getting spinal xrays friday the VA added in images on that leg in case I busted something. Ooooh, just realized I can see the results online by now; the results came back good:

Exam: RIGHT X-RAY TIBIA & FIBULA 2 VIEWS AP and lateral views.
History: right leg injury.
Findings: No acute fracture

At any rate, I'm doing fine and taking the apartment is a tactical rather than strategic move. It'll help me get done what I need done in the next year. We'll see what happens after that.
in reply to Frater Mus

Just wanted to say I love reading your blog even though you've hung up your spurs for the coming year. Hope the surgeries go well for you 🙏
in reply to Frater Mus

Some time in an apartment makes you appreciate having a fixed place of abode but also reminds you of the things you enjoy on the road...
in reply to abeorch

Agreed. As someone said (can't remember, pre-coffee) "there are no solutions, only tradeoffs". Years in the campervan taught me to leverage resources when I find them, and the apartment is certainly full of resources.