Van-life in reality

This past summer my husband and I packed up our house in Philly, sold 60% of our belongings, stored the rest, and moved into a 21ft Sprinter Van.

Yes, I know we are not the only ones who have done this. There is a huge movement of folks that are trying this lifestyle out and wishing to save money, explore more, simplify, live off grid, and feel personal freedom.  

But for us - it was a means to an end. We wanted to leave the city life and move to an area that had more yard space and outdoor activities readily available to us.

Our issue was that we were unsure where that ‘ place’ was.  There wasn’t any place on the map that was calling our name so this is what I suggested.  To buy a Van and call it our home, while we searched for our next home! 

Coos Bay, OR

Maybe having this as our main focus was our mistake.  We have a mission. An end goal that is slightly daunting.  We are not having those picture perfect vanlife moments that are showcased on most Instagram feeds.  You know the ones where the couple is laying around half naked with the backdoors of the van open staring into a mountain scene or valley full of stars.  You can feel that there are no cares in the world while you look at the picture. Seems dreamy!   Though this might happen here and there, we are more focused on where to next. Or were can we sleep? The bigger picture and goal of our Journey weighs on our shoulders because we do desire a home base. 

Our Van

We both love to travel, see new things and be adventurous. But when you leave your home and don’t have anything to return to, and  things get difficult or look different than you thought they would, it can make one feel very lost. No community, no routine, no personal space.  

Though I don’t want to paint a picture that it is all bad to do something like this either. Just was very different then we expected and has been very eye opening.  It’s full of personal lessons and discoveries.  And each of us have very different takes on how this experience feels and how we are responding to it.  Yet, you’re in a small space to sort through those feelings and adapt.  Because at the end of the day, it is a beautiful thing to have the capability to do what we are doing.  But just because we feel grateful doesn’t mean it was the right way to go about our quest.

Washington

With all that being said, when you can be present and mindful, and not allow thoughts take you away from the present moment, it is powerful and magical. In anything you are doing or trying to accomplish.  There is always a lesson waiting for you.

And when that big picture quiets down and we just look out into a valley with windy roads and hill tops, clear nights filled with stars, or ocean waves breaking in the sunlight you know it is all truly worth it.  We are remarkably lucky and blessed.  And I encourage others to take a risk. Step out of your comfortzone and push limits.  Within those limits you may find your personal limits. And then you can choose to fordge ahead or not.  But I do suggest that you should take time to see the beauty that this country holds. 

Every chance we get to truly immerse in nature is when we find our feet again.  If it’s witnessing the magic of wild animals roaming on mountain ridges, waves crashing on rock cliffs during sunset, or double rainbows filling the sky that bring us back to how we ended up in a Van to begin with. 

Cannon Beach, OR

San Fran, CA

Yosemite National Park