Being in limbo for so long, we started to wonder if travel was possible any longer.
We knew we didn’t want to give it up but the height of the pandemic hit when we were starting work to build up new travel funds. All of our plans for an exciting year had now been cancelled. As we became accustomed to a new everyday life, that fire for travel started to diminish a little.
Don’t get me wrong, we had great time finding new places near to our driveway stop! (Click Here to see what we found!) But over all, it became about basic survival as things were changing daily.
Chance Encounter
But then a conversation catching up with friends suddenly saw us able to move to the comfort and security of some private land. We had been lucky enough to be staying on a relatives driveway but the opportunity to be tucked away couldn’t be passed up. Initially we thought it might be great to help find work as well, being in a different location.
We were a little apprehensive about the journey as travel was still limited. However, once we got on the road we both felt that familiar spark of excitement!
The sound of silence
We didn’t have any luck with the work but we did feel amazing waking up surrounded by fields and animals everyday, hearing nothing but the birds. It sounds corny as hell but it was a welcome change from the sound of people walking by. Or cars racing up and down the road at all hours (I didn’t think Boy Racers were a thing anymore?).
Best of all there would be no one knocking on Jon’s Sister’s door alerting her to the fact that there are Cats in the van. Or, as one gentlemen did, warning her that there are people in the van. Did she know? and Is she ok? I’ve never been accused of stealing my own van before so that was a new one.
The first time all over again
Now able to relax, we found ourselves enjoying all the things we loved about this lifestyle again. It’s not always lush, rural settings, gathered round a campfire. There are some other very real sides to living in a van full time. But being there was like going back to the start. To the first night away in the motorhome or the first meet up.
We had a blissful couple of weeks and then even more good news came up. We were offered the chance to help out at an independent motorhome sales business. It was only for a couple of weeks but it would certainly help. Plus there was a campsite next to it which we would stay on while we were working. We gladly accepted and set off two days later.
On to pastures new
to see new places again
We were sad to leave our bubble of re-discovered van life. There was also a part of us though that was excited to hit the road again. To be going somewhere new. One thing lockdown showed us was that we were not ready to settle in one place yet.
Work went well and we seemed to slot straight in. The feeling must have been mutual as we were asked if we wanted to stay on for a bit longer. We decided to but as soon as campsites began to re-open, we couldn’t help but want to get back out there.
Wanderlust
We called up our camp mates, who had now left to travel along the East Coast, to see if we could tag along for the weekend. That short trip fully ignited our travel passion. It left no doubt in our minds that this lifestyle is what we want to continue with.
We had an absolute blast and just 2.5 days of travelling felt like a week. It was fantastic, doing a mini tour around Norfolk. We felt refreshed and decided to try and get away every weekend for as long as we are working.
Our new norm
This has been our life now for quite a few weeks. Jon has been asked to stay on further, which is fantastic. I am no longer needed but that actually works out. It means I can focus on writing, building this blog, making videos and generally keeping house.
We don’t plan to do this for too long but we also won’t pass up the chance to earn money and have somewhere comfortable to stay at the same time.
As for what’s next in terms of adventures, we have no solid plans. We would ideally like to make it to Scotland over the coming month but for now we are rolling with it. We always say we don’t like to plan so in such uncertain times, why start now?
Great to see what you have been up to.we are inching to get out more house is just about finished so can’t wait to get it sold and off we go.booked on the shuttle end of August don’t have a plan.you must be desperate to get travelling again.
That sounds awesome, sometimes no plan is the best plan! Yeah we really want to get back out but we’re grateful to have a little work on, we are hoping to get to Scotland next month all being well!