Most of us are aware that homelessness is a major problem in the United States. But what about those who purposefully forgo a traditional home life and instead opt for a nomadic life on the road?Every January, many of these travelers seek refuge from colder climates on the warm beaches and bays of southern California. Here, they regroup, reconnect, and plan ahead for their next move.
Photographer John Francis Peters began documenting these travelers for his series, California Winter, after spending time in San Diego and observing people living off the grid, hitching rides, camping, and communing with each other.
"I found these scenes in the context of San Diego’s landscape to be strangely beautiful, intimate and surreal," Peters says.
Peters began frequenting the places where these travelers hung out and began meeting, speaking with, and photographing these modern nomads, learning about their travels and lives, and gaining insight into the motivations and choices.
We asked Peters to share some their stories.
-Mike, who is originally from New Jersey, wakes up along the boardwalk early one cool December morning. During the winter months, San Diego becomes a temporary home for nomadic travelers from across America. Some will stay anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, while others call San Diego home for an extended period after connecting with the traveler community.--Mike from Tallahassee sits on a sand dune while he takes in his first view of the Pacific Ocean. This was Mike and his girlfriend’s first time in San Diego, having just arrived after slowly making their way across the country. For many travelers, San Diego is a “turn-around town” – it's as far south and west as they can go — so the setting becomes a place to rest, reflect, and contemplate their next move.--Karina and Tex, from Canada and Las Vegas, met on the road. Here, they cuddle during the early morning in a park where they camped out for the night. Karina had been traveling for an extended period across Canada and into the US and was continuing on toward Mexico and South America.-
See the rest of the story at Business Insider Reported by Business Insider 3 hours ago.