Living Like a Gypsy
Ranked #4,038 in Healthy Living, #72,362 overall
For nomadic people who are living on the road
Many people these days are living portably - meaning that they're living on the road. They have no fixed abode and live like gypsies, mostly in modern vehicles - trucks, trailers, fifth-wheels, vans, and RVs if they're lucky. If not in a car, or worse yet, walking.
There's a new class of people who have lost everything in the recession and now feel that wheels are superior to homeless camps. And there are the tried and true long-time pilgrims who desire no home but the road.
A close friend of mine has started to live portably so I've done some research and found a long-time periodical written just for people living on the road. It is called "Dwelling Portably" and all the back issues are available from Amazon in book form.
Allan Grant
Man Camping Alongside Highway 30
You can buy this at Allposters.com
Who writes Dwelling Portably?
...Burt and Holly Davis
Burt and Holly Davis have lived portably for thirty years. They have a yurt and are currently living near Klamath Falls, Oregon. They've published Dwelling Portably since the 1970s. They collect tips from people they've met, or people that write to them, and publish it in their newsletter.
The type of the newsletters is tiny and requires a magnifying glass to read! This apparently is meant to help save space.
The intended audience of their newsletters is people intentionally living on the road. They started sending copies of the newsletter to Microcosm Publishing and eventually Microcosm decided to republish them in the books seen below.
Dwelling Portably
1980-89
Dwelling Portably 1980-89
Amazon Price: $6.52 (as of 06/02/2012)
This is the first set of newsletters - from the 1980s! It includes sections on backpacking in Europe and the desert of Utah, bivouac bags, bear attacks, dog tracking, snake bites, the Appalachian Trail, disinfecting bedding, traveling on bicycles, reducing mildew on clothing, breathable rain wear, camping with children, alternatives to washing machines, starting a fire, blister prevention, and much more!
Have you ever lived portably?
...it could be fun...
Dwelling Portably
1990-99
Dwelling Portably 1990-1999 (Microcosm Publishing)
Amazon Price: $4.66 (as of 06/02/2012)
"Tips for staying free and effective." This is the second book - from the 1990s. 168 pages from Microcosm Publishing.
Dwelling Portably
2000-2008
Dwelling Portably 2000-2008
Amazon Price: $4.78 (as of 06/02/2012)
A reviewer says:
"Very informative."
"Filled with lots of practical information."
"For modern nomads about low budget travel."
"One of the best books I've read in a long time."
Is living portably good for families?
...your opinon is welcome here...
In your opinion, should children be raised in families living on the road?
Yes, they can be homeschooled and thrive.
bikerministry says:
Children need consistency and strong family values. They need security and real world survival skills. I believe all of this can be done in a portable home setting, but of course I'm a former hippie ... won't go into details here.
GonnaFly says:
I've never met anyone with children who is living on the road, but being a homeschooler who loves camping, I would say it could be a great experience.
TravelingRae says:
Depends on the family. I have met some incredibly well adjusted children for whom home is the open road.
LindaJM says:
I think children will do just fine in a portable home. They will learn a lot about people and places. Travel makes for good social studies lessons!
No, they need a set place to live in.
peppervel says:
I believe children need a set place to live in. Build up friendship. A sense of belonging.
Are you house-bound?
If you have a place to live, thank your lucky stars tonight and say a prayer (if you wish) for those less fortunate who have no place to call home anymore, and who are living portably, on the road.
Nomsa
...care to donate to help the homeless?
Nomsa works to restore hope and build community, as well as meeting the basic needs of the homeless, with the ultimate goal of holistic, sustainable life change.
Camping Lifestyle
...with a tree for shade and gas when you need it, why not?
Here are a few items you might find helpful while living portably...
Your comments are welcome...
...I'm always happy to hear from people who read my lenses.
-
-
anilsaini
Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:42 am | delete
- nice lens
-
-
-
bikerministry
Oct 10, 2011 @ 4:50 pm | delete
- I like this lens a lot, hope you do raise awareness for the homeless. That is a huge part of our ministry on the road. Thanks for doing this. Blessings.
-
-
-
TravelingRae
Oct 6, 2011 @ 11:15 pm | delete
- "those less fortunate who have no place to call home anymore, and who are living portably, on the road". My goodness!!! I live in an RV and still consider myself to have a home! It just happens to have an engine!
-
-
-
LindaJM Oct 6, 2011 @ 11:22 pm | delete
- That's cool, Rae! I meant to raise some awareness not just for those who live comfortably and willingly without a home, but also for the many homeless families who were displaced during the recession and may not be as happy about being without a house as you are. I think your lifestyle is fantastic and will do it myself one of these days.
-
Travel accessories
...for those who live on the road.
About Me
...gypsy at heart.
More on this topic...
Perpetual traveling, dwelling portably, travel via RV...
by TheSummerStore
Although I don't live portably, I love to travel. I write travel diaries for my website, Journey! California. more »
Explore related pages
Magnifying glass
...you need one to be able to read the small print in these newsletters!
Large 4" Magnifying Glass 4X Optics
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 06/02/2012)
Headband magnifier
...with a light!
SE Headband Magnifier W/Light 4 lenses
Amazon Price: $18.25 (as of 06/02/2012)
Pocket magnifier
...it's portable!
SE Folding Pocket Magnifier, 6X 2.5" Glass Lens
Amazon Price: $1.97 (as of 06/02/2012)
