How to Live In Your Van…Ongoing And Added To From Time to Time

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Van Living Made Easy
Where to Camp and Park While On the Road

Why are you living in your van? Is it to see a certain geographic area or travel the country and beyond? Do you want to travel or stay in one place? Do you work or need to? Are you a city person or a country person? Do you thrive on change or routine? Are you trying to live on as little as possible or do you have money to spend? Once you assess yourself and your situation, it’s time to explore the options. I have been in all of those circumstances and more. Every year brings new goals and realities.

Rarely have I had unlimited money to spend. Even when I did, I tend to be frugal. The most I have ever spent was $100 a night for a spot in a crowded campground in the Florida Keys. I favor free or very cheap sites. Some years I have joined camping clubs such as Passport America or Camp Club USA.

I am considered permanently and totally disabled. One perk from that is reduced price camping in federal campgrounds and free or reduced price camping in several states. I own the Eastern and Western editions of Free Campgrounds. I also carry books about Corps of Engineer, National Park Service and National Forest Service camping. I like AAA CampBooks for finding state and federal campgrounds. There are Yahoo Groups on the internet about Boondocking, VanDwelling, WalMart parking and other free and cheap places to camp or park overnight. When I am travelling between cities and covering lots of ground, I almost always spend the night at WalMart, Cracker Barrel, Sam’s Club, Camping World, or a truck stop. These are great for pulling in, spending the night and getting going early. I try to spend some money at each place in appreciation.

Out west there are all sorts of free and cheap federal campgrounds. Here in the east, there are also free and cheap campgrounds, but they require more sleuthing to find. In New York state, you can camp on state land as long as you stay 150 feet from roads and water. Many forests have drive-up primitive camping designated by little yellow disks that say Camp Here. As far as I can tell, there is no way to find all these gems except by sharing info with other campers and exploring likely spots on the map. I stopped at the Department of Environmental Conservation and a ranger told me there is nothing written down about where they are. I guess this is to keep down over-use of the free primitive sites. Most of the ones I have stayed at are a zillion times better than sites in state campgrounds. If you have a list of free primitive sites in the Adirondacks, will you share them with me? I’ve decided to personally try them all out

I do not like spending a whole lot of time in towns and I generally avoid cities like the plague. For me, I prefer spending as much time as possible out in the boonies.

Setting Up Camp

A big advantage of dwelling in a van is simplicity. I try to keep my possessions to a bare minimum so there is a feeling of spaciousness in my van. I do not like camping vehicles with all the bells and whistles. I like having a permanent and comfortable bed, an organized space for clothes, kitchen utensils and food plus LOTS of flexibility. I have a folding camp chair and a $10 Walmart tray table for furniture. Sometimes I use the table inside, usually it’s outside to cook on, put the computer on and to rest books on. When I’m in a buggy place, I set up a screen house. It’s light weight, compact when stored and worth its weight in gold! I carry two 5 gallon water containers and a motley assortment of plastic gallon jugs that water and lemonade came in. One water holder is for pets and washing dishes, the other for drinking water. I cook on a one burner propane stove or use a campfire with my Dutch oven, cooking stick and pie irons.

I am travelling with a cat and a service dog, so need space for their things and them. The cat is leash trained so the cat and dog get tied out most of the day. In the wilds, I prefer bringing them in at night as there are coyotes, bears and smaller critters everywhere. Both like going for walks with me. At Camping World I bought a special water bowl that doesn’t spill when driving. It’s great! I used to use plastic grocery bags for cleaning up pet poop, but I don’t buy enough in stores for that to be practical, so I’m a big spender and pay $1 for fifty dog poop bags at the Dollar Store. The cat has a small litter box with those blue crystals in it. In a small space that’s the only litter that isn’t too messy and really absorbs odors. At night I put the litter box on the driver’s seat floor because there’s no carpet there and it’s farthest away from my nose ;-p

I love my porta potty. I like using that better than iffy and stinky outhouses. When it gets full, I find outhouses, lonely bathrooms or dump stations to empty it in.

Hmmm…what else do you want to know? I sleep with a CPAP machine, so need power to run it. I have a deep cycle marine battery good for about 4 nights. I also carry a Honda 1000 generator and gallon of gas plus a battery charger to generate larger amounts of power or charge the battery back up.  I have a small inverter to recharge my laptop from the car battery. When I want to get online, I look for free wifi at gas stations, hotels and libraries. I have several sizes of o2 Cool fans that can be run on batteries, AC power or a DC plug. If it gets really cold, I use a Mr Buddy heater that runs on small bottles of propane. Summer and winter I sleep under a down comforter.

If you live in your van, rent is gas and camping fees. When you stay at mostly free sites, that means you can travel more I make it a point to get all of an area’s free papers and to go to the chamber of commerce or tourist info office and pick up lots of papers, brochures and maps. Often you can find free bands or other entertainment going on, good deals on restaurants and other useful tidbits.

What do I do all day?

In all these years, I have not been bored. I read, write in my journal, write articles, sew, listen to music, watch the pet’s antics, walk and think a lot. When people are around, I love to visit and talk. I find I need lots of time to stare into space and ponder. On Sundays I find an LDS meetinghouse and spend three hours at Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School and Relief Society. Zeke, my service dog, is always a hit with the kids in each ward. We make friends wherever we go. Aleka cat rides on my headrest when I’m driving. Whenever I go slower through a town or on a backwoods dirt road, she puts her front paws on my shoulder and rides with her head out the window. Many people do a double or triple take

Today I am camped in a spot that is Wild Forest on one side of the road and 5 Ponds Wilderness Area on the other. It’s along the Oswegatchie River. I wish I still had the strength and stamina to canoe! The map shows campsites and lean-tos all along the nearby waterways. Back when I traveled with my daughter, we often had a canoe or kayak along.

What other supplies and gear do you have on hand?

If you want to be a real minimalist, read a book about backpacking. The gear needed for that is sufficient to live on, plus you need car care items. Because I have a van, my things are minimal compared to an RV’er or someone in a house, but downright luxurious compared to a backpacker. My goal is to be able to have what I need on board to live for a month. My weaknesses are ice and insulin. My dog is diabetic. Be prepared for what you might encounter.

Because I live in my van in an unpredictable part of the country, I need to have clothes suitable for 90’s to below freezing. It can be 90 degrees one day and freezing the next.

pair of jeans or comfy pants
sweat pants
long pj bottoms
shorts
skirts for church
short and long sleeved shirts
jacket
polar fleece or sweater
hat for warmth
hat for sun
gloves, mittens
sandals
Crocs
boots
bathing suit
underwear

Personal Care Stuff

toothbrush, toothpaste
floss
comb, brush
towels, washcloth
toilet paper
baby wipes
female supplies
medicines, vitamins
shampoo
soap
lotion
aloe lotion
sunblock
Q-tips
toothpicks
fingernail clippers
small sharp scissors
tweezers
baby powder
rubbing alcohol
hydrogen peroxide
first aid kit
lip balm
bag balm

All people should have a 72 Hour Kit by their door and in their cars, perhaps one where you work or go to school. You never know when you might need what is inside!

copies of all your important papers such as birth certificate, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, insurance info, emergency phone numbers, medical history, etc……
backpack, plastic tote, suitcase or other sturdy and portable container to store everything in
water purification tablets, water filter
square of plastic
garbage bags
cup, bowl, utensils
mess kit
Sterno or other backpacking stove
can opener
aluminum foil
washcloth, small towel
small fishing kit
funnel
pot holder
Asst Ziplock bags
drink container
3 days of food and water
tube tent or other small tent
emergency blanket
emergency poncho
nylon cord
duct tape
bandana
bug dope
polarized sunglasses
pair of latex gloves
change of clothes
waterproof matches
candle
lighter
dryer lint or cotton balls with vaseline in pill bottle for fire starting
flashlight or LED headlamp
spare batteries
light sticks
emergency radio that runs on battery, dynamo, AC/DC and solar
notebook
pens and pencils
jackknife or Leatherman type tool
stamped envelopes and postcards
whistle
compass
maps
soap
baby wipes
disposable razor
small bottle WELL LABLED bleach
sponge
coins and bills
spare keys
camera and film
deck of cards
safety pins
sewing kit
rubber bands
folding saw

Newbies to van camping and van living always seem to have lots of questions. I’ve been living in and around my vehicles for all my life…first as a kid, then in my own space. I grew up with a VW van camper. I thought it was pretty cool for travelling, but it didn’t take long for me to decide I’d rather sleep outside. Inside my parents got the big bed, my little sister slept over the engine, my brother had a cot that stretched over the front seats and I got the front seats…drooping brother touching me from above, lumpy seats, steering wheel and all. I took my pup tent and camped off to the side whenever possible ;-p

My first car was a huge 60’s era Chevy Impala. You could keep a small village worth of luggage in the trunk, so I kept it perpetually packed with camping gear and food. Then I got a VW bug. It didn’t take  long for me to realize I could turn it into a camper. I removed the passenger and back seats and replaced them with a plywood platform covered with foam. Under the front was just the right size to stash a Coleman cooler. The “well” in the back was crammed with food. Under the front hood was my backpacking gear. I lived in and out of that car for a year and a half. I got a nice basket sort of roof rack for the top and found a VW bus tent for sale in the newspaper. I could actually drive the bug in and zip up the doors

Over the years I owned several cars…all stayed packed and ready to camp on the spur of the moment. Once I had a GMC Jimmy and found a tent that attached to the back hatch and tailgate so I could sleep inside, but have ventilation and mosquito netting. I’ve owned a pick up truck with a topper and a pick up truck with a camper on the back, plus I have had two vans set up for camping. I have very fond memories of all my vehicles and the places they took me

Each vehicle has its advantages and disadvantages. Overall, van camping is my favorite. I like having everything inside one unified space. You can go from bed to the driver’s seat, without going outside, if need be. For almost two years I lived in an ancient 1974 RV “box on wheels” that was 19 feet long. It was a great living space but low on mpg and too big to get into remote areas. I like being able to explore semi wilderness areas and narrow dirt roads, so a van is a good compromise between size, gas mileage and convenience. The van I have now is a high top…not high enough to stand up straight, but high enough to stand up with my head bent over so I can put on my clothes 

Each time I have lived in my vehicle, it was a different sort of adventure. There are a zillion reasons for going on the road or camping out. This season, I have been camping all over the Adirondacks in NY. I left Florida the 4th of July with independence in mind. I want to make a new life in the north country. I have very little money and no home but a van to live in for now. I DO have my sister’s house as a home base. I go there to do laundry, take showers and visit with relatives every week or two. I have never travelled and camped like this before. I have things stashed in my sister’s basement so I can trade out books, leave part of my food there, take or leave clothes, etc. It’s much more flexible than my usual pack and go for months at a time.

My goal is to see the Adirondacks and camp all over, enjoying the summer and fall. Hopefully by winter I will have found an apartment or someplace to shelter for the winter. I do NOT want to find myself out there camping once it snows and temps stay at freezing and below!

I joined an Adirondack forum and asked about free primitive campsites. Folks came up with quite a few they knew about. I bought a special Adirondack and North Country Atlas that helps me find these places. So far the campsites have been both fantastic and FREE Many nights I have been the only camper there…nice and peaceful. These primitive campsites usually have a place to park and a campfire ring. One had a water pump down the road, one had an outhouse. Most are bare bones campsites, many are along lakes or rivers, all are on state land. The Adirondacks is about half private and half public land. Some of the private land is owned by paper companies and they often let the public use some of their holdings for recreational purposes.

I’m going to try to answer some questions that beginner or wanna-be van dwellers have. Please ask if you have questions! I will do my best to respond.

What do you eat?

Well, pretty much the same as I would eat anywhere else. I have a master list of basics to have on hand, then I supplement them with food gotten as gifts, at farm stands and from stores. In the Adirondacks, real grocery stores are few and FAR apart. When you do find a small store, they are generally expensive. There are Sav-A-Lot, Dollar Tree and Aldi stores that are within range sometimes. When I go to a town that has one of these gems, I stock up. I also have ordered food online that is cheaper than I could get here plus food that’s good for travelling that I couldn’t buy anywhere else.

GROCERY LIST
Flour
Baking Soda and Powder
Bisquick
Pancake Mix
Muffin Mix
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Cream of Rice
Cream of Wheat
Grits
Oatmeal
5 Grain Flakes
Basmati, Jasmine and other rices
Asst crackers
Raisins
Dried Apples
Fruit Leather
Dried Fruits
Assorted Nuts
Chocolate Chips
Powdered Cocoa
Olive, Peanut and Sesame Oils
Soy Sauce
Sprouting Seeds
Popcorn
Corn Meal/Polenta
Couscous
Ramen Noodles
Japanese Noodles
Pad  Thai
Noodle Cups or Bowls
Orzo
Mexican Vermicelli/Fideos/Stars
Mac & Cheese
Dried Beef
Beef Jerky/Meat Sticks
Hard Sausages/Summer Sausage
Non-Refrigerated Dry Chorizo
Canned or foil pack Tuna
Canned Chicken Chunks
Other Canned Meats and Fish
Bacon Bits
Various Dried  Beans
Split Peas
Lentils
Felafel Mix
Box of Tofu
Canned Beans
Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans
Jar of Roasted Red Peppers
Canned Chiles
Canned Corn
Canned Mixed Vegetables
Canned Hominy
Canned Sauerkraut
Canned Fruits
Chicken Noodle Soup
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Beefaroni
Chicken & Dumplings
Canned Tamales
Evaporated Milk
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Crema Media
Powdered Milk
Powdered Buttermilk
Powdered Cheese
Powdered Cheese Sauce
Potato Flakes
Stuffing Mix
Rotelle
Salsa
Pizza Sauce
Peanut Butter
Jam
Fresh Fruits
Fresh Vegies
Onions
Garlic
Butter
Eggs
Cheeses
Cream Cheese
Yeast
Cottage Cheese
Sour Cream
Maple Syrup
Honey
Molasses
Vanilla
Hot Sauce
Vinegar
Hot Chocolate  Mix
Lemonade Mix
Lemon Juice
Asst pkgs Koolaid
Nutitional Yeast
Asst Bouillons
Corn Starch/Clear Gel
Asst Herbs & Spices

KITCHEN STUFF
Cast Iron Frying Pan
Sauce Pan
Dutch Oven
Mixing Bowls
Wire Wisk
Metal Spatula
Asst Sharp Knives
Asst Silicone Spatulas
Mini Colander
Flame Tamer
Coffee Pot
Paper Towels
Napkins
Mug
Plate, Bowl
Asst Silverware
Chopsticks
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ladle
Funnel
Asst Mini Graters
Pot Holder
Propane Stove
Extra Propane
Matches
Lighters
Clicker
Can Opener
Bottlfe Opener
Cutting Board
Aluminum  Foil
Plastic Wrap
Plastic Tablecloth and picnic table clips
Asst Water Storage Containers
Dish Pan
Dish Washing Brush
Scratchy Sponge
Dish Soap
Kitchen Towels
Ice Chest

I believe in having food storage should an emergency come up. The basic foods a person needs for a year are..

300 lbs grains
75 pounds milk powder
60 lbs sweeteners
10 lbs salt
40 lbs fats and oils
60 lbs dried legumes
365 multi vitamins
garden seeds

When I store food in my van, it’s a combo of fresh, canned and dried foods. I try to keep a month’s worth on hand at any given time. If I were eating just from the bare essentials list that would mean approximately

25 lbs of asst grains
6 lbs powdered milk
5 lbs sweeteners
1 lb salt
3 1/2 lbs of dried legumes

I look at that and am fairly sure that is pretty generous at 40 pounds of dried foods. Of course I also have meats, fish, vegetables and fruits, etc. in my diet.

I encourage you to write to me and ask questions. When you do something often and are used to it, it seems easy. I can’t remember what I most wanted to know when I was a newbie. Write to me at wendy.s.martin@gmail.com

CAR CARE STUFF

Fix-A-Flat
air pump
jumper cables
extra fluids for van..oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, dry gas
gas can
funnel
asst tools
spare tire
jack
lug wrench
duct tape
electrical tape
asst nut, bolts, washers, screws, nails, hooks & eyes, hose clamps, velcro
magnet
gloves
fire extinguisher
flashlight
extra bulbs and fuses
light sticks
emergency road flares
road maps, atlas
various wires
WD-40
tire patch kit
sand paper
rubber bands made with old inner tubes
window scraper
snow brush
window cleaner wipes
orange cleaner wipes
rope, nylon cord, bungees
waterless hand cleaner

My food bill for a month…

I’d rather have more money to spend, but I don’t. So, the trick is to buy food that is mostly good for me, cheap and filling. When traveling or extra tired, ease of cooking is a big deal.

FOOD ON HAND WHEN I STARTED…

fideos, vermicelli
powdered milk
marshmallows
almonds
apricots
prunes
raisins
dry cranberries
dried blueberries
dried cherries
dates
dried pineapple
pecans
walnuts
Japanese noodles
trail mix
pad thai
Goldfish crackers
Slim Jim
canary beans
lentils
bacon bits
salsa
sauerkraut
chicken & dumplings
canned roast beef & gravy
Cajun dirty rice mix
spaghetti sauce
muffin mixes
peanut butter
oyster crackers
sweetened condensed milk
brown rice farina
clear jel
cheese powder
cheese sauce powder
garlic flakes
dried minced onions
canned turkey chunks
tuna
salmon
many varieties dried beans
asst herbs and spices
olive oil
corn oil
brown sugar
sugar
maple syrup

August

Sav-A-Lot   $59.84
2 pkgs sliced beef $1
2 pkgs sliced chicken $1
2 pkgs sliced ham $1
2 pkgs sliced turkey $1
2 cans generic beefaroni $1.58
3 pkgs food storage bags $2.97
biscuit mix $1.69
cocoa powder $1.79
1 lb butter $2.29
frozen portion chicken cordon bleu $1.19
chicken noodle soup .49
2 cans chicken chunks $1.98
1 can corn .47
cream of ’shroom soup .59
cream cheese .99
Cubanelle pepper .40
Lavender air freshener .99
chocolate frosting .99
hamburger buns .99
lemonade mix $1.49
canned ravioli .79
canned beefy mac .79
mac & cheese box .35
Muenster cheese $1.99
can mixed vegies .49
1 lb navy beans .99
beef lo mein noodles .79
1 lb northern beans .99
bag pb cups .99
1 lb pinto beans .79
1 baking potato
1 sweet potato .34
2 onions .17
pizza sauce .99
grits .79
3 beef ramen cups $1
1 lb split peas .49
shampoo .99
can peas .47
can sweet potatoes .69
4 tp rolls .99
1 box tissue .99
flour tortillas .99
12 oz luncheon meats $1.99
teriyaki noodles .79
1 qt vanilla yogurt $1.99
can diced tomatoes .49
Potsdam Food coop   $34.62
mung beans, adzuki beans, 2 Indian entrees in a pouch, oats, rice, a bunch of bulk grains, beans and stuff I can’t remember

September

Sav-A-Lot   $48.36  Ramen noodles, cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, canned vegies, beefy mac, baking powder and soda, etc
Dollar Tree $8.00   cornbread stuffing, cheese spread, roasted red peppers, lemon juice, sausage patties, meatballs, pb cookies, creamer
Shaheen’s Grocery $8.99   popcorn, corn meal, Grandma Brown’s beans, milk, etc
Price Chopper $15.48   things on sale, eggs,  etc
McDonalds 3 trips @ $8
Nice & Easy 5 trips @ $10    milk, bananas cinnamon bun
Aldi’s  $10.44   lemonade mix, potato flakes, flour, oyster crackers, etc

October

$70.61 on food so far from WalMart, P&C, Nolt’s Country Store
1 qt vanilla yogurt $1.67
sour cream $1.16
3 pkgs zipper bags $6
cheese crackers $1.38
M&M’s $3.50
pasta .36
bacon bits $1.74
ground pork $2
2 evaporated milk $1.88
flour tortillas $1.14
grits $1.22
cream of wheat $2.18
chocolate milk $1.98
lemon juice $1.92
can black beans .50
beefy mac .84
bacon $2.50
2 bananas .42
bag of apples $4.86
butter $2.29
seriously sharp cheddar $2
1 lb barley .99
pretzel pieces $2.50
stir fry vegies $1.69
1/2 peck apples $3
cheese bread $2.70
cookies $3.10
cheese balls 1.70
2 big winter squash $4
box of cherry tomatoes .75
10 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes $5
bunch of Concord grapes .75
dried vegetables for seasoning $2.50
a bunch of stuff I can’t remember

I think I am taking good notes each month, but they could be better Each month there are foods left over from the month before. When I took off from Florida in July, I had 2 totes of food in my van. Each month I build up a little bit more left over. I’m sure I could make it a couple of months with what I have on hand, but I would not like it ;-p  Heavy on the beans and grains. I need things to fill out the foods I have now such as meats, milk, eggs, fresh fruit and vegies. My sister’s family garden has provided me tomatoes, green beans, herbs, cucumbers, etc. Sometimes folks give me food like things from their gardens, a pot of bacon grease, a meal, etc….. Whatever I get, I find a way to use it.

When I’m down to no money and no fresh vegies, I try to still have a few onions and some cloves of garlic left. Cut up onion and/or garlic added to Ramen or canned things can make all the difference in taste, volume and mouth feel. I also always have a container each of dried garlic flakes, minced dried onion and assorted dried vegetables to add to ramen or soups or whatever. I take a multivitamin each day just in case. WalMart generic multivitamins are $4 per 100.

This summer I have generally been camping one place a week or so at a time. That saves on gas and gives me plenty of time to relax, read and observe the area. I have a few fresh things in the cooler and use those first. My ice generally lasts 4 days. I either need to take a trip to town for more, or use up what’s in the ice chest. I store bottles of water and Zeke’s insulin in the cold night air when the ice is gone, then put them in the cooler during the day.

TYPICAL MEALS

BREAKFAST
scrambled eggs, plain or fancy
omeletes in a ziplock bag
pancakes
potato pancakes
sourdough pancakes
corn fritters
grits with bacon or ham and cheese
oatmeal with apples and raisins
cream of wheat
brown rice farina
granola
sturdy dry cereals
fruit cobblers
tortilla with egg, cheese and sausage
rice pudding
cornmeal mush
sausage gravy on biscuits, toast or potatoes

MAIN MEALS

Ramen noodles with added vegies, meat, condiments
zucchini pancakes
fried zucchini with onions & peppers
corn chowder
beanie weenies…beans with canned sausages, hot dogs, ham cubes, SPAM cubes, etc
pb&j sandwich
lunchmeat sandwich
BLT…bacon, lettuce and tomato
meatball sub…at the dollar store there are bags of meatballs for $1 that fill 2 or 3 tortillas, add pizza sauce
tuna sandwich…tuna, celery, onion, parsley, diced pepper, mayo
ravioli…canned or frozen
spaghetti
beefy mac
mac & cheese
tamales
big salad
chicken & dumplings
pie iron toasted sandwiches, pizza, quiche, calzone
salmon patties
beef stew
tuna pea wiggle…pasta, cream of ’shroom soup, can of peas, can of tuna
Hoppin John
Sauerkraut and brats
chili…beans, sausage, salsa, chili powder with sour cream dollops
fried green tomatoes
tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole and sour cream
instant soup noodle cup
creamed chipped beef on bread, biscuit or potatoes
mashed potatoes and butter or gravy with or without a can of meat
pad Thai
stovetop stuffing with canned chicken or turkey chunks
Croghan bologna, cheese curds, apple
beans in the Dutch oven
lentil vegie soup

SNACKS

Trail mix
Fresh fruits and vegies..apples, bananas, carrots, etc
beef jerky
meat sticks
summer sausage
cookies
canned fruits
a spoonful of pb followed by a spoonful of chocolate frosting
anything chocolate
fruit leather
pudding
crackers
honey mustard pretzels
bread toasted with butter in the cast iron frying pan

DRINKS
lemonade
hot chocolate
water
chocolate milk
koolaid

Recipes On The Road

Here are some of the recipes I use…

Wild Blueberry Dumplings

One quart wild blueberries
Sugar
Lemon Juice
Bisquick
Water

In a sauce pan, Mix up blueberries, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Mix up Bisquick, water and some sugar a bit thicker than pancakes. Drop dough all over boiling berries. Cover and do not open for 10 minutes. Serve with evaporated milk as a breakfast or dessert.

Hot Chocolate Mix

6 cups powdered milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
2 cups non-dairy coffee creamer
2 big pkgs chocolate fudge pudding mix

Mix 1/3 cup hot chocolate powder with 1 cup boiling water. Add evaporated milk to cool.

Trail Mix

Dates
Dried Apricots
Prunes
Dried Cranberries
Dried Cherries
Dried  Blueberries
Dried Pineapple Chunks
Walnuts
Almonds
Pecans

This is what’s in my mix. Sometimes I add chocolate chips or M&M’s

GORP

Peanuts
M&M’s
Raisins

Addictive mix of Good Old Raisins and Peanuts.

Deluxe Ramen

Pkg of Ramen noodles
chopped onion
minced garlic
can of chicken chunks or 2 oz pkg of sliced meat
Tbsp peanut butter
bit of seasme oil
any bits of cut up vegies

Cook noodles as per instructions.  Add longer cooking vegies with noodles or add at end. Put in flavor pkt, pb and oil. Mmmmmm…..

Bacon and Cheese Grits

1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup grits
bacon bits
chunk of cheese, cut up or shredded
salt
garlic powder
hot sauce

Boil grits and water with bacon bits and salt. When cooked add cheese and garlic. Put hot sauce on top to taste.

Caramel Corn

bowl of popcorn
7 marshmallows
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar

Pop a big bowl of popcorn. In a skillet or sauce pan, melt butter, marshmallows and sugar together. Keep stirring, let boil a minute or so…the longer the crunchier the caramel. Pour over popcorn, stir together quickly. Form balls or spread out on cookie sheet to cool.

Corn Pancakes

1 pkg corn bread mix
2 Tbsp powdered milk
1 egg
1/3 cup water
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp oil

Combine together in Ziplock bag. Cut hole in bottom corner. Blob out mix into pancake forms. Cook. Even better with a drained can of corn added.

Potato Pancakes

a potato or 2 per person, grated
grated onion
egg
pancake mix
salt & pepper

Mix up grated potato and onion. Add egg and pancake mix to a somewhat soupy consistency. Stir in seasonings. Fry in hot oil.

Ziplock Omelette

eggs, 1-3 per person
milk
ham
cooked, crumbled bacon
onions
peppers
mushrooms
tomatoes
cheese
cooked sausage
whatever sounds good to you

In a freezer grade Ziplock bag, mix together eggs and milk. Add whatever omelette ingredients you like. Put sealed bag in boiling water. Cook until eggs are done. Watch out for steam when you open the bag!

Campfire Potatoes

Whenever I have a campfire at night, I put foil wrapped regular and sweet potatoes in the ashes and go to bed. When I wake up in the morning, the potatoes are done. I fry up a couple of the baked potatoes in butter, usually scramble some eggs and chow down for breakfast.

Chicken and Stuffing

can of chicken chunks or 4 oz slices
chopped onion
1/2 stick butter
stuffing mix

In a frying pan, melt butter and saute onion. Add meat and juice. Add water to boiling, then add stuffing mix. Let sit to fluff up. Eat.

Corn Chowder

olive oil
onion
bacon bits
potato
can of corn
evaporated milk
salt and lots of pepper

Saute onion in olive oil. Add bacon bits and diced potato. Cover with just enough water to cook potato. When done, add corn and milk. Season to taste.

Oatmeal

1/2 cup oats
2  cups water
1 apple, diced
handful of raisins
dash of salt
fresh grated nutmeg
brown sugar
evaporated milk

Put oats, water, apple dices, raisins and salt in pan. Boil, then simmer until done. Add nutmeg. Put in bowl, sprinkle with brown sugar, cover with evaporated milk and eat

Quick Beef Stew

I detest canned beef stew, but like this….
1 can mixed vegetables
1 can beef and gravy
seasoning…I’ve been using Celestial Seasoning’s tomato/spinach/basil

Heat through and eat. The vegetables and beef still have their own identities instead of smelling and tasting like dog food

Beanie Weenies

For a very quick and easy supper when you are tired and hungry. Use your favorite sort of canned beans…bbq is good for this. Put in a pan, add a can of drained, smoked, canned sausages, either cut up in bite sized pieces or whole. Heat through, chow down.

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

2 cups sugar
2 tbs cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1 stick butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
2 cups oatmeal

Combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and butter in a saucepan
and gently bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Add peanut
butter, vanilla, nuts and oatmeal and mix together. Drop
onto wax paper.

Here is an interesting website to read http://www.moshannonfalls.com/

Join my Van Living And Camping group on Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VanLivingAndCamping/