Fourteen years ago today, I began my life as a full-time Technomad.
At the time I first set off – I was imagining RVing all around the country, exploring Alaska, paramotoring in Baja, backpacking internationally, and contemplating maybe eventually living on a boat.
My imagination was overflowing with dreams of all the potential adventures lying ahead, and there were countless places I was looking forward to exploring.
But…
I certainly never imagined that I would witness the entire country, and the entire world, grinding to a near halt.
What does it mean to be a nomad in a world where “social distancing” is the norm, travel is considered irresponsible (if it hasn’t been restricted entirely), and towns, counties, and even state-level borders are slamming shut to outsiders?
It certainly feels weird. Like the entire planet is in limbo.
And that just might be a good thing.
Before anything else – we need to put this fire out.
Stop, Drop, and Roll
A crisis like this is a time to stop, breathe, hunker down, and reach out to loved ones.
And that is what we are doing – settling in for what might turn into an extended stay in Sanford, FL.
After our winter here last year, we knew that we would want to return one-day – but we never imagined the circumstances would be like this.
Normally on April 1st of every year I write something amusing to celebrate my Nomadiversary, as you can see by the linked past posts below.
But this year – humor just doesn’t seem appropriate. What would I tease about at this point, that we’re settling down?
But what is appropriate?
I’ve been stuck trying to figure out what to write – and there just isn’t anything that feels right for the occasion.
Part of me wants to unleash a boiling torrent of rage at those who have been absolutely botching our nation’s response, or who have been propagating conspiracy theories and anti-science nonsense that will only lead to more needless death.
Another part of me wants to focus on sharing escapist fantasies of future travel and adventures.
And yet another part of me wants to aim for persuasion – unloading a ton of research and links to try and convince anyone reading this that has not been paying enough attention that a pandemic like this really is a big deal.
But mostly I’m just stuck, spinning around in my head...
This event is changing the world – and things will never ever be the same again.
The next weeks and months in particular are going to be some of the most tumultuous in history. The global impacts are already greater than 9-11, and the officially forecast “minimum number” dead in this country is already slated to nearly double the US losses in Vietnam.
That is sobering, indeed.
Be Excellent To Each Other
When we come out the other side – things will be different.
People (and nations!) will be in a place to re-think priorities – and if we are willing, we can rebuild a better world.
That is what I am hoping for the year ahead…
I don’t want things to “get back to normal” – I am hoping for a better normal.
And perhaps when my fifteenth nomadiversary rolls around next year, we will be back on the road and/or water – setting off to explore an entirely new world.
This tidal wave will hit, crash over us, and eventually recede. It may be three months, six months, a year, or even longer – but this will pass. And we will hopefully manage to learn and grow from it.
Along the way – stay safe, stay connected, stay hopeful, and be kind.
And try to find creative ways to make the best of social distancing…
Advice for Social Distancing, from way back in 1923…
”Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”
From The Prophet, by Khalil Gibran
Nomadiversary Memory Lane:
Today (April 1st, 2020) is my fourteenth Nomadiversary!
14 years (!!!!) on the road and water…
Here are some links to my (mostly) annual past posts.
Step back in time and check out some of our past adventures:
- Thirteenth Nomadiversary (2019) — I explain how we move our Mini Cooper between ports using prototype self-driving technology, summoning the car to us remotely.
- Twelfth Nomadiversary (2018) — Some mathematical analysis of the future trends in boondocking, extraploting out a future with millions of boondockers fighting over every scrap of desert as the suburbs turn empty.
- Eleventh Nomadiversary (2017) — We contemplate some innovative ways to bring Zephyr along now that we are living part of the year on the water.
- Tenth Nomadiversary (2016) — I share my past history traveling with a powered paramotor, and our future plans to renovate a Zeppelin to be a flying RV. Meanwhile, we were actually already secretly starting our hunt for a boat.
- Ninth Nomadiversary (2015) — Sharing test results of LTTE boosters. Not to be confused with cellular LTE boosting, LTTE boosting (Libation: Technology Tribulation Elimination) is an even more critical element of a technomad’s tech arsenal.
- Eighth Nomadiversary (2014) — Way too swamped and stressed with launching RVillage and dealing with Millenicom madness to write anything wistful or witty.
- Seventh Nomadiversary (2013) — At last revealing the real reason I first decided to hit the road…
- Sixth Nomadiversary (2012) — Reminiscing about all the changes over the years.
- Fifth Nomadiversary (2011) — Giving up nomadism and buying a condo (not!) in the Virgin Islands.
- Fourth Nomadiversary (2010) — Discovering the secret prize that comes inside every box of wine.
- Third Nomadiversary (2009) — Camped on a beach near Malibu, watching dolphins frolic.
- Second Nomadiversary (2008) — Working with Cherie to custom design our Oliver, moving up from a trailer ideal for one to one made for two.
- First Nomadiversary (2007) — Preparing to set out with Cherie, reminiscing about my first very eventful year on the road — setting off solo and finding an amazing partner along the way. (This links to my pre-Technomadia solo blog!)
Your desciption of the world being in limbo, and the resulting questions about what being a traveler suddenly does or doesn’t meam, really rang true. I’ve been fulfilling a lifelong dream of building a tiny house, before they were even called that. My dream also was to travel the world. Now, I’m wondering whether it makes sense to keep going. Maybe not, but I’m going to anyway to light a candle and curse the darkness. Thank you for giving me some needed perspective.
Chris, I’m keeping this post to reread every time I feel discouraged with this whole crisis craziness, While not your usual April first post, it is so full of insight and positivity, and that is what I needed today. You and Cherie – and Kiki – are a joy in my inbox. I’m glad this Technomediac Lifestyle is working out so well for you. I think your serendipitous attitude has a lot to do with it.
Stay safe, stay positive, and where ever you are, whatever you’re doing -, and keep sharing!
Love you guys, Patty-in-Pasadena
A truly EXCELLENT blog post.
Congratulations on your nomadiversary! I really enjoyed this post and share some of your feelings of anger and frustration. Hector and I are hunkering down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. btw, I must confess that I fell for at least two and maybe three of your April Fool’s posts, lol.
As always, another great read! Yes different to your usual trickster April 1st messages. But entirely appropriate for these times we are in right now. Happy 14th nomadiversary! Life is truly an adventure and this year is presenting rocky terrain for us all. But we will get through – and hopefully we will all be better people and create a better world from it.
Must admit, I was still looking forward to your creative 4/1 post, but extraordinary circumstances and all that . From another post, ”By the way, April Fools is cancelled. Keep your jokes to yourself because this whole year has been one already. We tired. Today is March 32nd.”
I’m glad you are both safe, sound, moored, and well! May the Covid 19 give you a miss.
Excellent article!
Anchored out in the river… how’s the fishing?
We’ve never been tempted to try fishing… Though with the new lockdown rules, boating might be forbidden unless you are “fishing” so we might have to grab a line and a hook to toss overboard in case we want to go anchor out again.
Thank you Chris for your post this morning. You have eloquently expressed my thoughts and feelings as well.
I also want to lash out at those who are not taking this seriously and the very sad response to this crises by our leaders. I am worried for our medical staff who do not have the necessary supplies to protect themselves and the ventilators to help their patients.
Maybe systems need to break before they can be fixed.
This morning a friend texted that her Dad was taking $200 worth of groceries to his car at Walmart in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Two men pushed him and stole the groceries. Guess everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings.
There are some good things happening during all of this, friends and family are staying in close touch via texting, phone and email. Before, there were large gaps in our contacting each other. Now that has changed for the better. I agree with you, Chris. When this is all over, we will hopefully have a better world.
I am glad you, Cherie and Kiki are safe on Y-Not.
Congratulations on your Nomadiversary. May there be many more.
Sherry
Thank you for this post. I especially liked the quote from the Prophet. I plan to share it. It is good to get this insight to your philosophy as it helps me understand why I resonate with you and am drawn to follow your postings. Stay safe. Stay positive, stay healthy and always be true to yourself. Love and Light.
Congratulations on 14 years! I continue to enjoy your content and look forward to many more years. Praying this virus takes a hard turn and gets lost quickly. All the best to temporary non nomads.
Nice words for a planet in ‘stress’ these days. We’re sittin’ this out here in our home in Mazatlan, Mexico. –Tim and Linda of ‘CasaRoll’
Happy stay in place versary. You’re right, things will never be the same. I think hand shakes will disappear, the French (inane) bises: double air kisses a thing of the past. (I’m French)
Telecommuting will be the norm -let’s hope – you guys will be heroes for all your internet wisdom.
As always, full-timers will be further ostracized. But we’ll rely more on our preparedness and survival skills.
Let’s hope the current suspicion climate will not last.
And seriously, let’s hope this virus does the right thing, leaves us alone and takes a long extended stay in DC. I mean, it had it right, starting in Washington. State you moronic virus, you’re supposed to go to DC, not Washington State. Virus can be so dumb and annoying.
Air kisses to you both.
Great post Chris. Interesting how events change our view point of life. Stay safe!
Some nice thoughts during a difficult time. While I do miss the humor, I appreciate the sentiments. Stay safe and may your Netflix subscription reveal plenty of as of yet undiscovered content. 🙂
Happy nomadiversary. May you enjoy this and many to follow with its own unique flavor. Happy trails, happy sails.
Congrats on your Nomadaversary! Today is my 4th!
April First is a wonderful day to start new adventures, isn’t it? 🙂