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Planning, Packing, and Perseverating!

August 2020 we ordered our Sprinter van, a.k.a. RED, which arrived 1 year later.  Greg was on a mission to have the van converted to a camper by our retirement date of January 18, 2022.  The vansformation commenced.  It was an epic feat to modify this empty cargo van into a cozy camper.  Greg worked day and night. I worked day! 😉   December 2021 RED van conversion is complete and we take our first test run.  Huge success!  We LOVE our van!

Rig is dialed

Slide out bike rack is key

Blank slate to start

Cozy interior complete

One pot cooking is pretty fun (so far)

We are hoping the winter months of cold and snow are doable in our van.  Our only question is water - will our water jugs freeze?  We shall see!  Otherwise, our van is warm and we have our sleeping bags as back up.

Lessons learned....
- Never chase a tandem or try to keep up with Greg
- Taking a saw to the side of the van is not really a problem
- Make sure your Scrabble board can fit on your van table
- Coffee in the van is a risky proposition
- Be patient if your partner is in the way
- Gas fill ups are not for the faint of heart!
- Fridge fits 58 beers - a fact completely lost on the Hanlon's
- Bed is cozy.....down blanket, reading lights, ear plugs, eye covers, ahhhh!
- Rig is dialed for recharging..... shore power, solar power, alternator power

Head West!

On Tuesday, January 18th, we plan to head out of town after our last official day of work.  We have worked over 30 years for this date and cannot wait.  While we fully enjoyed our careers, we are happy to be done and now we can PLAY!  👫 

We plan to back country ski in British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah. Then we head to the desert for some much needed warmth!  There we plan to mountain bike, canyoneer, and hang out in the heat! 💥

Perseverating!

Don't get me wrong, I like to back country ski, but there is the the fact that it is winter, it is a very small space inside the van, and it will be very cold.  Maybe I'm not as hearty as I used to be.   See below -circa 1997.... our old van life almost 30 years ago with no heat.

 
Next post..... ROAD TRIP!!  Thanks for joining me here and stay tuned....




 

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Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 15, 2022 at 7:07 AM

    Go gettum!!!!
    So happy for you
    Enjoy every minute

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 15, 2022 at 7:09 AM

    First comment was jack.
    Won't be anonymous next time

    ReplyDelete
  3. MarthaJanuary 16, 2022 at 4:12 AM

    SO psyched for you guys. Happy, powdery trails! ... and warm, cozy nights.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 16, 2022 at 4:25 PM

    Looks SO FUN. I love the red color. Jackie Pogue

    ReplyDelete
  5. KristinFebruary 7, 2022 at 3:33 PM

    Here for the trips to the mountains and your rig! You guys have everything and I too, love the red <3

    ReplyDelete

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