Gone With Buck! A #Vanlife Podcast

Kelly is back with me today, and we are doing the van life quiz. From the perfect parking spot to showers and hygiene, we will cover a lot of territory.  And of course, we will cover a few shiny objects and an occasional rabbit hole. Also, an old trick that still works, and might get you a cell signal in an emergency.

This episode is a discussion of a bucket list item of mine, through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. It's a combination of my thinking out loud and presenting the idea with my daughter, Kelly.  Call it a bit passive-aggressive if you'd like, but Kelly was free and more than willing to go into a subject totally unknown to her. She was also pretty objective about it. There are so many angles to this dream. Timing, money, health, gear, and some serious trip planning are just the beginning.  Can I dedicate 7 to 10 grand to an adventure that's just my dream? Can I be away for 6 months or more to complete the task? Do I actually have the physical and mental ability to pull it off? What are the actual statistics for people over 60 or 70 to complete the entire 2,200-mile trek? The stats certainly shocked me, but I can't say they deter me in any way. Also, I have a new email if you have questions or comments. [email protected] is the new email home for all things Gone With Buck. Thanks for listening, Buck

This episode is about my cargo trailer build and how you can avoid a few pitfalls along the way. Specifically, windows, 12-volt refrigerators, and diesel heaters. With windows and refrigerators, it's what you need to know before you order to avoid the mistakes I made. With the heater, it's more about what your budget can afford and where to install the components.  No links, no promotions, and a ton of opportunity to learn from my mistakes.    

A short discussion of my past and current adventure vehicles, including likes and dislikes. I've owned nearly 200 cars in my (almost) 65 years, but I've narrowed the list to 4 vecicles, spacificly chosen for adventures, long and short. 1973 vw bus - I'd love to have it now, but it did have it's issues. 2010 Chevy HHR - Compact, great fuel milage and dependability, room to sleep, but... compact. But, I did handle living in it for weeks at a time. 2111 Chrysler Town And Country - Still stelthy, but plenty of room. With back seats folded into the floor, or removed for extra storage, you are left with an easy 4' by 8' footprint, plus enough room to easily sleep, and sit up properly for meals, reading and relaxing. 2013 Jeep Wrangler 4dr - Now, my daily driver and van life travel vehicle. Tight, but doable. I've done several overnight and 2-3 day trips in this one, and its a bit of a compromise feom the van. But the tradeoff is pure fun. Buck  

Just a quick trailer for the new podcast. Hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW, depending on your podcast player. Episode 1 will be up in a few days, with new shows publishing weekly.