Part 2/9:
The story begins with the decision to move to Arkansas in 2012, initially without a clear plan but with the determination to start fresh. The narrator first stayed with a friend but soon realized that staying permanently was inevitable. They purchased a 26-foot 1980 JCO travel trailer, paying close to $900 over time, which became their primary residence during the early stages of property renovation.
The camper's vintage build—over 40 years old—proved surprisingly durable yet presented multiple challenges. Living in it meant adapting to the trailer’s leaky roof, lack of insulation, and constant need for repairs. Despite these hardships, the trailer was a vital stepping stone, offering shelter and mobility as they gradually improved the land and prepared for a new home.