Thanks Janie, good solid advice. We have learned some of the same things.We keep the food simple. We also have this really cool gadget my husband knew about it...a little folding sterno stove. (He was a marine so he is pretty good in the camping dept.) We occasionally use MREs when we want hot and quick food as we go.We try to eat healthy and as much fresh stuff as we go as we can afford.

One of the great things about "now" is you are actually welcome to park at Walmarts (no endorsement implied or intended!) as well as Meier's and Walgreens, and Rite Aid I believe. We also have no problem with large truck stops/plazas, and they have showers for sale if you need 'em. We've used Walmart, a state park, onsite gig camping, and family and friends, this trip...so far. It's getting cold here in Georgia at night, almost time to head to Florida.

Can't do the dog thing, though I can see where it would come in handy making friends, and they make a great alarm system.

I do tend toward looking alternative (in an old folkie way) but I try to look very middle-class when we travel, strictly for the respect and help it gets us. We got pulled over by a cop the other nite and he was actually polite and friendly and didn't even ask for registration and all after he got a look at us. I think he was thrilled we weren't crazed van-livin' hippies! (lol!)

My daughter was pretty dismayed to think about her folks "livin' in a van down by the river" til she got a look at the set-sup when we came to visit. She and her friends were a little envious, and kept saying THEY wanted to do this!

Thanks openmike for the link, and Kat, any lead would be greatly appreciated!

p.s. our Northern Georgia gigs went great this past weekend! Times like that make it all worthwhile!