u/brewpewb

A year ago I was staying at a hotel for a company event, and the hotel had a fence that went around the perimeter of the property, with the exception of an open gate in the front for cars/pedestrians.

I was walking back to the hotel from the bars heavily intoxicated from a work event, and I decided that rather than walk all the way around the building, I would just hop the fence as a shortcut.

Waiting for me on the other side of the fence was a police officer in his car. He got out, yelled at me to walk over to him, and demanded to see an ID. I pulled out and gave him my room key (my drunken rational was that the room key would prove we were allowed to be there) and then gave him my ID when he repeated the question.

He questioned us for a while and gave us a hard time. Eventually, when he had determined that we were in fact allowed to be there and that we had not broken any trespassing laws, he told us that he would go easy on us and condescendingly told us to go to our hotel rooms and stop causing problems.

My question is; was anything I did actually illegal or warranting his response? I do not believe I was trespassing because I was allowed to be there, public intoxication is not illegal in the state we were in, and while hopping the fence was suspicious, I was not being loud or disorderly. I understand the reaction he had before he knew we were staying at that hotel, but his response after he determined we were guests there seemed unnecessary.

Was there any crime I actually could have been convicted of in this case?

I’m 23 years old, recently debt free of student loans, with $19,000 in the bank and no idea what I want to do with my life. I’ve always wanted to try vanlife, and have taken multiple weekend trips in my Honda with nothing but window covers and an air mattress to try it out.

Recently, due to some medical issues, I had to quit my job and relocate to Wisconsin temporarily to seek treatment. Once my treatment is over, I will essentially have no obligations, dependents or long term plans. I figured this is the easiest it’ll be to take a multi-month trip and explore.

My current plan is to make a beeline from Wisconsin to Seattle, and then slowly work my way down the west coast until I get to San Diego, staying at BLM land and casinos.

My main question is what gear I should buy for a trip like this. For examples: I’m stuck between going all out with a solar/battery/refrigeration setup, or sticking to a cooler and non-perishable food. I’m also trying to decide if I invest in a camping toilet/sanitation kit or if I just use a bottle and public restrooms.

As stated previously, I have $19,000 in the bank, but with no income, I want to spend as little of it as possible. Looking for advice on what the necessities are for a tolerable quality of life, not luxury.

I’m no stranger to weekend trips, but long term living is uncharted territory for me, so I would very much appreciate any input.

Best,
brewpewb

I’m 23 years old, recently debt free of student loans, with $19,000 in the bank and no idea what I want to do with my life. I’ve always wanted to try vanlife, and have taken multiple weekend trips in my Honda with nothing but window covers and an air mattress to try it out.

Recently, due to some medical issues, I had to quit my job and relocate to Wisconsin temporarily to seek treatment. Once my treatment is over, I will essentially have no obligations, dependents or long term plans. I figured this is the easiest it’ll be to take a multi-month trip and explore.

My current plan is to make a beeline from Wisconsin to Seattle, and then slowly work my way down the west coast until I get to San Diego, staying at BLM land and casinos.

My main question is what gear I should buy for a trip like this. For examples: I’m stuck between going all out with a solar/battery/refrigeration setup, or sticking to a cooler and non-perishable food. I’m also trying to decide if I invest in a camping toilet/sanitation kit or if I just use a bottle and public restrooms.

As stated previously, I have $19,000 in the bank, but with no income, I want to spend as little of it as possible. Looking for advice on what the necessities are for a tolerable quality of life, not luxury.

I’m no stranger to weekend trips, but long term living is uncharted territory for me, so I would very much appreciate any input.

Best,
brewpewb