The Convenience of Cracker Barrel:

Why it’s a Top Choice for Van Travellers

Barreldocking or Crackerdocking  |  Which is right?

The ability to pull into a Cracker Barrel Restaurant and go in, use their facilities, have a meal if I want to, and get permission to overnight in their lot, is fantastic. Knowing that you are off the road for the night, tucked into a spot, under a light, by a curb, away from a garbage container (noisy when emptied during the night), with the location open until 10pm, with people inside long after, cleaning and/or prepping, makes for a very secure and safe feeling.  

I stayed at Cracker Barrel five out of the six nights I was traveling from Eastern Ontario, Canada to Florida, and they were awesome. I always asked permission from the cashier, if overnight travelers were welcome and I never had a problem, it was almost assumed that travelers would stay, because Cracker Barrel endorses it.  

There were never any issues with vandalism, or trouble makers.  I did find that the weekends were much louder later after closing than during the week, but nothing was bad enough that I chose to move locations. 

I love that they have a story book for sale called….. ‘Good Night, Cracker Barrel’.  

On the take of “Good Night, Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown.

I may have to ask Santa for one for Christmas….hmmmmm🎅🎄❄️

Boondocking and Embracing Freedom

For those of you that are not familiar with the term boondocking…it means parking overnight in your vehicle without hooking up to electricity.  It also can be referred to as ‘Stealth Camping’.

The ability to cook a simple meal, have water at the touch of my pump, make a coffee, use my portable toilet, and have a good night’s sleep without leaving the coziness of my vehicle is a total dream come true.  This enables me to go to many places without worrying about giving up my personal needs. Going to the beach, park, grocery store, seeing an event…all of my belongings are at my fingertip when I need them.

The Joy of Resourcefulness:

Making Every Mile Count in My Van

Warmth and Comfort | Creating Cozy Spaces

Once I am set up and in sleeping mode, I turn on my heating blanket under the sheets to warm my bed.  I always ensure I have a full fuel tank at night, and then I can freely start the vehicle to warm up the interior with the automotive heater.  

I sleep with a winter hat, thick wool socks to keep my feet warm, and two Mexican blankets over my double flannel quilt and flannel sheet.  In the bitter cold, I put a microfibre towel under me and a fleece blanket over me, insulating and surrounding me with my body heat.  

I blanket the front and the rear of the vehicle so that I’m only heating the middle bedroom area, keeping myself as warm as possible. 

I keep “Job Cloths” handy to wipe any condensation that may gather on the windows.  These dry nicely and can be reused many times.  

I also have a small electric heater that runs off my Jackery 1000 or shore power when required.  I have a pair of USB rechargeable hand warmers that make a huge difference when my hands are cold.

Sizzling Self-Sufficiency | Thriving in Summer Heat

I have two fans, so I can set them up for cross-ventilation. I keep the screens on all windows so I can open them for a draft. I can close the windows, start the vehicle, and use my air conditioner if it’s really hot and humid. 

I have cooling sheets, a gel cooling pad, and neck coolers with silicone gel inside. They stay cool when soaked in water and placed in my electric cooler. I rotate these during the day and night, keeping me nice and comfortable. I also keep a hand fan close to my bed if I feel overheated, and then I can create my own breeze to cool down.

Always carry more than double enough drinking water… always keep hydrated Folks!

See you down the road, Debbie 🐝