About

I am retired and my passion is traveling in our national forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and seashores. I am a full time nomad, wandering  in my 22 foot RV that I pull with a Ford Van. A few summers ago, I also traveled for 4 months by car, wandering into British Columbia, The Yukon, Alaska, and back. I wander and hike with my dog Tango. Wandering is in my blood, or I should say my genes! Thanks to recent studies, scientists have identified a “wanderlust” gene, DRD4-7R.

One thing I learned while I traveled and explored new places is that I was also traveling towards an inner place that needed healing. Travel is like that. On one level it is about seeing the world. On another, is about finding yourself. And if you don’t want to get to inner places, don’t ever travel alone for months with just a tent and a dog to wild and wonderful Alaska. Like a frozen water pipe, at the top of the world, everything bursts open thanks to an impossible mix of unspeakable beauty and raw, terrifying wilderness. Nothing stays the same. Period. In my case, I came to realize that I needed to deal with being surrounded by alcoholics all my life. I started attending Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings in the Fall of 2018 and am finding great insights and new wisdom. It is an ugly, stinky journey but I am thankful that I am able to navigate with the help of other terrified but strong people.

In 2019 I began living within a strict carbon budget. I was certain that, even with my travels, I could live within a much smaller carbon footprint than the average person who lives in and heats/cools a regular home.  I live off the grid most of the time, thanks to a robust solar system on my RV. I have also made a decision to travel within a smaller area which also helps me live at least 50% below the average carbon footprint for one individual. I am proud of my achievements in this area. You can find my posts about carbon use and footprints using the search box.

Janes Journals has changed considerably over the years as my life has changed. Over 1000 posts live here, covering gardening, sewing, camping, RV maintenance, simplifying, American culture, books and so much more. Starting in 2020, I changed my focus and am writing now on the people I meet along my nomadic journey. I started painting recently and plan to include my digital paintings is most if not all of my new posts! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

13 thoughts on “About”

  1. We share an interest in gardening. I mainly do flowers… tried vegetables, but we have too much wild life to contend with. I’m impressed that you grow enough to barter with… very nice!

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    • I was intrigued by your sewing and patterns choices. I am starting to sew again…just doing simple skirts, tops, pants for now. Also doing some t-shirt transformations. Hope to graduate to some nicer things some day!

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  6. I just finished reading your first book!!!! I LOVED IT!!!! My Sister and her husband, live in Wheatland, Wy., and he bought her this book, for Christmas. I read it before she did!!! I LOVED your sense of humor, and all the while, reading it, I thought-“I bet her sermons are fun to listen to”. I was sad to see that you have moved on. My Sis wanted to come to your church, to hear your sermons. Have a blessed wonderful life dear lady, you truly sound like a PIONEER WOMAN!!!!

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  7. I just stumbled across your blog. I’m 74 retired, a 21+ year Al-Anon (I write a regular column for the local AIS newsletter), who loves camping. I’m trying to work out the logistics of going full time on a shoestring. I have a 13 year old Jeep and a 1965 vintage 13 foot travel trailer. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    • Thanks for contacting me and reading my blog. It is a fun lifestyle. I took the winter off from traveling but am getting ready to go again! You can find me on Facebook as Jane Willis, Sequim WA. I have a green cap on in my profile photo at the moment

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