Ideas wanted -- hitting the road

In the last year I have lost my wife, job and now my home.
I must be out of here by July 1, 2003. Instead of becoming a homeless street person I fixed up a chevy van good enough to live in. I intend to hit the road in search of a better tomorrow. I am skilled as a window restoration artist so I can go anywhere to work.
I am also an avid treasure hunter / metal detectorist. My adventure across the U.S. will be working when I can and metal detecting when I'm not. I will start out from western Massachusets heading west and staying north until it gets cold at which time I'll head south. I will be avoiding major cities as I am a country boy.
I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing all of America.
Good advice on surviving such an adventure would be welcome as well!
PEACE & LOVE .... JOHN