It looks very wonderful doesn’t it? Going anywhere, living out of a comfortable bedroom on wheels, waking up in the mountains. How can I play too?

I have a big old car. It is seems to pass its MOT every year 🤞 and it is built for adventures. It is even the one that was used in the original Jurassic Park films. This, I thought, is my ticket to freedom.

How it started:

I used the car to sleep at festivals or camping parties instead of using a tent. I had the a pile of yoga mats for a bed, a wheelie suitcase for outfits and for snacks I usually had a plastic wrapped tortilla and a bottle of Frank’s hot sauce. This was indeed a good time but not quite the ‘home on wheels that unlocks the freedom of the wilderness’ that I had imagined.

How it developed:

I travelled around the country last summer. I used it as a mobile office at lovely local pubs where I would stop for walks and lunches. I had the adventure mobile in action, exploring (pun) the countryside but not sleeping in it. Then winter came and were were making long trips into the highlands and I thought.. it would save a lot of time if we could just start at the bottom of the trail. Especially when daylight hours are limited.

First overnighter

OH BOY was I excited!

By this point I had invested in a specific car mattress, curtains for all the many windows, and I had been given a Jet boil for my birthday. I was ready for the wilderness. I packed a large number of duvets and pillows, as well as one dangly light to hang inside the car when it was dark. We drove out to Glencoe, stopping to eat at the Drovers Inn on the way out. No cooking was needed and we camped out under the stars.

Next morning – I made coffee, porridge AND tea, watched the sunrise, and set off for our hike. It was everything I had hoped for. I was incredibly happy all day. I had finally done the thing. I even made a short Vlog of it.

What next?

I would like some additional things. Having some chairs, a table? Cooking stuff, better storage / use of space (and organisation)… BUT – what is really getting in the way? Just doing it. Just getting out there. I have the Ford with me now. I am in the countryside. Maybe this weekend…