iPhone images from Boat Harbour - North west Tasmania (remember, the best camera you have is the one you have on you!) I spent a wonderful 4 days at Boat Harbour, north west Tasmania, and was lucky enough to have a perfect day for photography when the sea was calm, when the water was a ‘stained glass’ azure. Everyone I met there was friendly, except for the knobheads that felt an irresistible urge to kick my little sculpture of found objects into the sea. ‘They're not from Tassie', said a passing lady who saw it. I rebuilt the sculpture and many others loved it. Some even took photos! More people are joining the ‘vancamerawoman’ blog every week and to answer a couple of their questions..... How much did the Mouse House cost? A van build will cost whatever you have to spend on one. I sold my house to have my tiny house in a van so I possibly spent more than others would if they were occasional travellers. I knew what I wanted and chose to go with the best I could afford in most things like the solar system, the stove/oven, the compost loo, the insulation, the rain sensor vent, the large skylight, the HW system etc. You can have it all, or you can have a bed and a bucket. To answer this question definitively is very difficult. Write a list of things you’d like to have, find out how much those things would cost and then find a builder if you cannot do it all yourself. Add it all up. Can you afford it? If not - reduce something. I will say though, if you are spending a lot on your van, the insulation and hard fittings like stove and compost loo, don't skimp on the light switches or the cabinet fittings. These may seem like little things but they can be a bit annoying when they don't work properly. Why am I doing it - living and travelling in a tiny house in a van? Why no house in the ‘burbs’ with endless hot water on tap and electricity to run a big fridge, washing machine and every other ‘thing’? Because..... How do you ‘really’ see the places I am seeing without going to them, sitting still a while, walking around, chatting to locals...If you don’t go? How do you relax without worrying about what is happening ‘at home’? Easy. Take your home with you. Take clothes for all seasons, food for all ‘fancies’, cookware and utensils for all whims - or a ‘fat wallet’ and take the chance on buying all your meals but watch out for ‘rumbly tummies’. If this happens to you cut out all dairy for 5 days. Eat brown rice with soy sauce (it’s nice). Eat a banana if you can find a ripe one and eat steamed veggies...no butter of course. I’m doing this because I am an artist, a photographic artist, who really does love to spend my time with my art. I can take photographs and then edit (or turn some into masterpieces) in my van...anywhere. It’s lovely to look out on a different view as I work. I’m also doing this to see what living ‘off grid’ with a tiny footprint is really like.
Photographs (slide show) from the 'real' cameras 🤗 My top 10 tips for vandwelling.... 1. To see the best of a place.....Go in the opposite direction from most others. Go to Tassie in the Spring or Autumn, far fewer people travelling and the chances of getting a great camp spot with views is much more likely. The sun still shines - ok the breeze is a little cool but with the right range of clothing you’ll have it covered! You won’t have to wait so long for anything - the chairlift, coffee, parking spot. It just makes sense doesn’t it? 2. Talk to the folk in the information centre. They really are full of local knowledge and are very friendly and helpful too. Many thanks especially to Mel, at the Arthur Pieman conservation area info centre. I learnt a lot and really enjoyed your company Mel. 3. Talk... if you want to but take the quiet if that’s what you would rather have. (Photographers and artists like to be immersed in trancelike states at times). Go for walks by yourself. See what you want to see. Take as long as you like. If you have a (folding) bicycle, get it out, meander along flat country roads - not necessarily a cardio workout - just for pleasure. 4. Have a craft or some art supplies with you. I have copper wire and fiddle about with little sculptures of ‘found’ objects’. Maybe take a little instrument too. Have fun. 5. Join ‘Borrow Box’ at your local library (if they have it) before you head off. When you have a little bit of wifi you can download books and audio books. I’ve read some great books on the road. I also have some movies and watching one can be nice on a rainy evening. 6. Avoid the news on radio, tv and papers. Constant re-enforcement of bad news can’t be good for the ‘wandering’ soul. Someone (or everyone) will tell you if you need to know something important. 7. Avoid social media. Too time consuming and really, do you need to know every detail about so many people’s life? Stick with one group that ‘lifts’ you, that makes you feel good. 8. Keep in touch with one really good friend or family member - someone you can chat to fairly regularly. Do this and you won’t feel isolated or lonely. 9. Don’t forget to wash! If you don’t have a shower, or access to one, or you are using yours for extra storage space, a bucket bath is fine. Wash behind your ears, between your toes and all the bits in between. Stay clean! Smell nice. Feel good 😊 10. Don’t get cold. Have more bedding than you think you’ll need. You can always sleep on top of it! Remember tip 1 Think ahead a little bit but don’t plan too much. ‘The best laid plans of mice and men will oft times go astray’. Remember that one?
3 Comments
Aleasa
29/9/2018 04:22:15 pm
I look forward to your blog Clare. I am lovin it.
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Clare
29/9/2018 08:34:30 pm
Great to Hear you are enjoying this little blog Aleasa.
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9/6/2020 02:57:14 am
Enjoyed your Tassie photos, I lived in Herrick/Derby for 6 years. Saw a number of places in your photos I'd been to... I'm thinking of getting a van & living in it. To be mobile. I live in Alaska now. Coming up to retiring soon, so want to get out there & photograph more - that's my hobby... thanks for the memories & all the best! Oh, yes, I really like your van but wonder if it isn't quite heavy with all the nice woodwork & such that you have in there... Also wonder how you find campsites/places to park. Is that easy to do? Thanks for your work - blessings - David
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