Originally Posted by
JoeyBike
After I gave up the car it took me one year to save up for a 5-month bike trip using the money I would have used for fuel, insurance, repairs, parking, etc., on my van. I also sold the van, a motorcycle, and my pop-up camper (all things I loved). I biked self-contained from New Orleans, USA to Vancouver, BC, then down the coast to Mexico. 5-months total. I brought a fishing pole and some light tackle. Seriously. I have photos to prove it.
I gave up several things I love to do, like canoeing, bow fishing, hunting, and surf cast fishing, for instance, when I decided I would be happier without a few activities if it meant ditching the gahdamn car. That was 1989. Nearly 30 years later I have no regrets. (I have also biked across the USA five times). If you don't mind being a slave to the car, or if you are rich, then you should not go car free if the car/truck enhances your life more than it detracts from it. Pretty simple.
Originally Posted by
Maelochs
I cut out all the slanted, self-serving, and derogatory parts and came up with what I would call an actual nugget of wisdom:
Wow! I have an on-site proof reader/editor! Free. I love it!
I was just trying to point out that no one really knows how going car-free will turn out without trying it. I kept my van for two years before I sold it, just in case I changed my mind. I killed the license and insurance then put it in a free storage spot I had lined up. Sold it to my little brother for $1 when I was sure.
Every single car-free person gives up something they love doing, or something becomes so inconvenient that they stop doing it. Welcome to the club Mr. Fisherman! In fact, I'm going to start a thread about this.
Feel free to proof/edit! I like it.