We have thoroughly enjoyed the past week parked at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Not only have we gotten lots of rest and relaxation in – we’ve also been able to catch up on some research projects, hung out with friends, went to an intense yoga class (ouch!) and handled some business projects.
Oh, and there’s been some hiking, writing, swimming, getting a haircut at our lawyer’s office while we updated our estate planning and lots of fresh vegetables!
Our friends in the area pointed us to the local farmer’s markets, and we were immediately in love. This place stocks tons of very fresh produce, and some varieties we’ve never seen before. We’ve had fun trying out new vegetables we haven’t cooked with, and adding new flavors to our diet.
Like, did you know that traditional eggplants are white? I mean, duh – that’s how they got their name. They really look like eggs! And they are super delicious. The other evening I made an amazing vegan masaman curry with white eggplant and purple yams, and it felt like opposite color day!
We’re definitely looking forward to returning to shopping local produce and markets as we embark on our future adventures, we’ve been devoid of much of that lately.
Aside from cooking at home lots, we’ve also been catching up on lots of projects. Chris has been delving deeper into research on solar panel research, a project we hope to tackle this summer. And he’s been catching up on the latest iOS application development, as we’re about to approach our next major iPhone/iPad app for travelers. More on that later as we get closer to launch. But we’re very excited about it!
The other evening I was also starting to update the next chapter in our blog series No Excuses: Go Nomadic that is sort of a brain dump of the frequent logistical questions we get asked about (ya know, like getting mail, income sources, pets, family, healthcare, etc). The Mobile Connectivity chapter was in need of a major updating (it still references 3G as the latest and greatest!), plus I wanted to expand the content and follow a more structured format than the 10 tips.
As I outlined it and started writing, I noticed that our brains have a lot to dump on the topic. After I had written several pages just on cellular data (not even getting to WiFi, satellite, routers, boosters, alternative options, managing bandwidth, setting expectations, etc.) – we decided this was probably a topic deserving its own eBook.
So, we find ourselves in the polishing stages of finishing up a dedicated eBook about mobile internet options for US based nomads. Given the number of questions we get about this topic, it’s a much needed resource. If you’re curious about your internet options on the road, and assembling your own personal arsenal of tools – stay tuned. We’ll hopefully have a pretty darn comprehensive book out soon (it’s over 60 pages long so far, and we haven’t even started putting pictures in!). It’ll be available here on the blog, and I’m looking into what is needed to make it available in Amazon’s Kindle store, and Apple’s iBook market.
Oh, and speaking of writing projects – we’re featured in this month’s Bus Conversion Magazine. I submitted a version of our Full Timer’s Perspective on Fuel Costs blog post that got published as Pouring Rent in the Tank. We continue to be super impressed with the new crew who has taken over the magazine – the issues keep getting better and better each month. If you have any interest in bus conversions, make sure you’re subscribed! (And tell them ‘Technomadia’ sent ya!).
We’ve been quite productive this past week – this chilling stuff is a lot of work!
Tomorrow after we sign our estate documents with our lawyer, we’ll pull out of the Orlando area and head northward a couple hours to wherever our next destination might find us. It’s a pretty cool feeling to not have any firm plans for the next few days!
Check out GasBuddy … they have an app for that :>) for the cheapest local diesel prices. It is a little tricky, you need to do an advanced search, then select fuel type diesel.
As you have plenty of time you may even go “out of your way” , so save a few tens of cents.
cheers
We love GasBuddy ! The article linked specifically mentions that as one our tools to help save a few bucks on a fill up… it can add up, and at least pay for dinner 🙂
You’re famous, published authors, now! And to think we knew you when!
Now get lots of practice on that chillin’ until you get it down right… :cD
We do apparently need more practice with this chilling thing.
Looks like a VERY productive “chill” time!! Looking forward to your travels out of FL.
Nina
Soon.. our posts will start to look like we’re converging 🙂 Can’t wait!
‘Busy chilling’ and doing it well!
*bow* Thank you!
I just finished read your article in BCM. I had talked to Jim and Rene from LiveWorkDream and they pointed out that their yearly gas is not much more then when they had to commute. I commute almost an hour each way, so I could save money in gas every year.:-)
I look forward to reading your Mobile Internet E-book.
I don’t know which one of you I was chatting with the other day, but I have decided to go propane free as well. So I will have to factor that into my diesel usage as well.
Hi William… Chris used to commute an hour each way when he lived in CA. In a Prius. During our first couple years on the road, our fuel expenses were also cheaper than his commute bill. (Not true anymore, now that we drive a diesel guzzling bus… but we have slowed down our pace).
We are jealous of you both! We love Wekiva Springs. Beautiful place to chill. The turtles are here in Florida as well – I am working the BlackBerry Live 2013 event while Momma Turtle and the rest of the little turtles hang by the pool. Wish we had time to swing by and say hello but I will be buried for 16 hours a day on this one. If you are interested in seeing the BB Live event…send me a note 🙂
-Sean
BTW – Cannot wait to get my next issue of BCM!!!!
Sorry we missed rendezvousing with you guys.. hope your event went well!