How The Dream Be-Van

In October 2017, we bought a 1989 VW Syncro. Thus began our dream of joining the legions of “van-lifers.” We drooled over pictures and stories of people waking up on beaches and deserts with backdrops of mountains and blue skies. We devoured everything we could find about the “van life.” the vans looked so luxurious, and the vistas were dream-like. I wanted to live in this fairy-tale.

It was beautiful but lived up to the VW Vanagon reputation; it was at the mechanic more than it was with us. Finally, after many repairs and lots of money, it was running great; it just needed new brakes. Sadly, while waiting in the garage for the brakes to arrive, our garage burned down. Despite their reputation as fires waiting to happen, The Syncro was not to blame. Our van life dream was at the very least on hold.

Part of me was relieved. I dreamed of early retirement, but I was used to the security of owning my own home and having the financial security of a corporate job.

The Life-Changing Trip

Last year we decided to take a 2-week trip out west in his Delica with one of our dogs, Kelso. I had already purchased a solar panel, a Goal Zero generator, and a Dometic fridge. We built a bed and installed the solar panel on the roof rack.

We ambitiously planned on visiting Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and Utah during the 1st two weeks of August. Wildfires in Montana and Idaho upended that before we’d even left. Based on a recommendation from my mom, our first destination was The Badlands. (The photo at the top of Home page was taken there)

Since this post isn’t about the trip’s details, I’ll end by saying that I was sold on van life after those two weeks, including dispersed camping in Pike National Forest for about a week. (There may be a follow-up post with pictorial highlights from the trip.)