Today I became a nomad.

Today I became a nomad.

I've been a traveler for most of my life, having lived in 11 countries including the one I was born in, Canada. I've lived in houses, apartments, condominiums, high-rises, low-rises, hotels, motels, hostels, a women's shelter, a farmhouse, serviced apartments, and even two apartments at once! Sometimes I lived in a very settled way, sometimes I lived out of suitcases. Some of my residences have been long-term (the longest has been 10 years), some short-term (the shortest was 1 month).
All of these places had something in common: I had an address. Today, this changed.

I now live in an '83 Dodge Ram camper van. This is now my new home, and it has wheels. This means that I can drive anywhere I want, stop anywhere I want, and I'm still home. I haven't quite fully come to terms with this yet, but I think when it finally hits me, it will be a shock as well as an amazing realization. I have come a few steps closer to complete freedom, if there is such a thing for humans on Earth.

About a year ago I read a book called The Sunhitcher, by Tomi Astikainen. This book changed my life forever. I also read a story about a man in Vancouver who decided to live in a van for a year. I had a plan. The inspiration I received from those two stories has led me to where I am now, sitting in the back of my camper on an acreage about an hour north of Edmonton, next to an earthship.

My goal is to drive all through North America, visiting all major cities in Canada and the US, spending time in alternative communities, contributing to projects, participating in festivals, and learning about myself and this vast continent. I will do so entirely out of the van and the homes of people who will accommodate me. I will dumpster dive for food when possible, and work to earn it when necessary. This trip may take me 2 years, or it may take 5. When the time comes, the journey will end and I will return to where I started. In the meantime, the road lies ahead of me, and it is mine to explore.

Follow me.