WELCOME TO
WILDHEART WANDERS.

Safer. Smarter. More soulful life on the road.

Weather wisdom, RV systems, workamping guidance, and real-world nomad life from full-time RVer and author Stormy Shafer.

I’ve been living full time in my RV since September 2018.

I travel with my beautiful, sassy cat, Binx, across the continental United States. We’re in search of the real America…through its people. I try to capture our beautiful vistas in watercolors, original drawings and photographs.

I’m a freelance writer, published author, public speaker, marketing consultant, UGC creator, metal detectorist…and weather weenie.

I work on the road via the Internet—a “digital nomad.” And I’m teaching others how to live this lifestyle safely, affordably, and successfully as solo or group travelers.

SEVERE WEATHER

 A longtime emergency management volunteer, SkyWarn Storm Spotter, and sometime tornado chaser, I’m dedicated to helping fellow nomads understand our unique vulnerability to severe weather, and what to do to stay safe from it. Learn about:

• Severe weather
• Radar interpretation
• RV storm safety
• Flash flooding
• Heat/cold
• Forecasting basics
• Nomad weather planning

RV & OFF-GRID SOLAR POWER

I’ve had solar power systems in every one of my four rigs, helped build my second one, and built the last two myself with a little help from some pros. As you might guess, I learned a LOT. Now I want to teach you, so you don't have to make the same mistakes. 

• Solarwhelm™ Slayer
• RV Batteries
• Wiring
• Energy budgeting
• Practical setups
• Troubleshooting
• Field guides/tools

 

WORKAMPING & NOMAD LIFE

Let me put my considerable experience as a remote worker and workamper to work for you. Learn about funding your road life and living smart and safe:

• Remote work realities
• Finding jobs
• Interview prep
• Deciding if this life is for you
• Campground considerations
• Budgeting
• Mental/emotional wellness
• Road routines
• Tools & Resources
• Gear & Equipment
• Nomad tips & tricks

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ROAD MAGIC

I'm enjoying road life. I've had a blast, and I've had it hard…just like when I lived in a sticks-n-bricks home. The road is just another venue for life’s experiences. I share my personal stories of:

• Strange places
• Even stranger people
• Weather memories
• Roadside beauty
• Driving excitement
• Americana
• Road humor
• Critter adventures
• Road hobbies
• Scary stuff

 

What The Heck Am I Doing?

When I reached a certain age and acknowledged that little in my life was what I really wanted, I knew the only one who could change that was me. I had always wanted to see more of the United States, and realized I was never going to be any younger or healthier than I was right then. It was time to make the leap while I could still fully enjoy it.

Since I’d already been self-employed for nearly two decades, and my work is portable, that was the easy part. Everything else? Not so much. But I jumped in, and here I am. It’s a challenging life, but it’s worth it. Best decision I ever made for myself.

If you think this might be the life for you, too, you’ve come to the right place. No fake van life perfection or theoretical fantasies here. You’ll get 100% real nomad life, from one who’s lived it for the better part of a decade. 

What People Are Saying

“Some people who accomplish a dream are content to settle into their accomplishment and live their lives. And some, like Stormy, reach back to others coming up behind them, offering the wisdom they have gleaned through their experiences to “newbies,” helping them reach their goals. I’m one of those newbies. Smart and strategic, there is seemingly no question Stormy can’t answer, and if she is unsure, she will do the research necessary to get it for you. Stormy has helped me become more confident in my choices. Her voice is always in my head when I come to a crossroads of indecision. Now, she has decided to offer her know-how to a wider world of nomads, those who are already on the road, as well as wannabes. I highly recommend her as a mentor and guide—for her expertise based on experience and her diligence in helping others learn, grow, and realize their dreams. 

– B.L., Pennsylvania

“I'm deeply grateful for Stormy’s recommendation when I thought my Class B campervan fridge had died. I envisioned thousands of dollars to replace it. She directed me to find maintenance vids on Youtube. She nailed it. [What I learned there] worked like a charm! Aside from the helpful tech advice, my greatest inspiration comes from following her road stories. I've learned from Stormy not to melt down when a problem arises. Problems are inconvenient, but there's ALWAYS a resolution.     

– S.R., Colorado

 “Before my husband  and I plunged into full-time RV living, we met Stormy for a consultation lunch and she was a fount of knowledge and stories! It was a Master Class. Stormy answered so many questions we didn't even know to ask. We were better schooled about the dangers and tricks of the trade. We felt so much better prepared to move forward.”

– S.F. in Pennsylvania