We got our first Vandoit LIV model in 2020 and loved it so much that we upgraded to the new MOOV model in 2023. Our goal has always been to travel the country and explore the road less traveled—camping in remote areas, state parks, national parks, and sometimes even RV parks when needed. We chose vanlife for these reasons, but over time, even more unexpected perks have emerged.
Our Van is More Than Just a Vehicle
We never realized how much our van would feel like home. One of the biggest surprises has been that, when visiting friends and family, we actually prefer sleeping in our van. As much as we appreciate the hospitality, our van is our space—it’s where everything is in its place, and we don’t have to pack and unpack constantly. While we enjoy the occasional break for showers, a dishwasher, or laundry, given the option, we always choose our own bed.
The Perfect Holiday Retreat
During holiday visits, our van has been a lifesaver. When there aren’t enough bedrooms for guests, there’s no stress about finding space for us. We have our own retreat right outside, offering a cozy, familiar space to relax after hours of socializing.
Traveling with Barry and Villa Nelle
Having our chocolate lab, Barry, and our almost two-year-old daughter, Villa Nelle, in the van has made traveling even easier. In places where dogs aren’t allowed indoors, Barry can stay in his familiar van environment, running and playing outside before settling in for the night. Even when we travel for Vandoit shows and the team stays in Airbnbs, we park outside and use the amenities but keep Barry comfortable in the van.
Villa Nelle also loves her van. It’s her play space, her safe space, and most importantly, her bed is always with her. No need to rush home for nap time—we just find a parking spot, set up, and get some work done while she sleeps.
Home Is Where the Van Is
We never expected to develop such an emotional connection with our van, but it has truly become our home. What started as just a vehicle to take us from place to place is now a space we love and never have to leave. And that’s the best part—home is always with us, no matter where we go.
We have been traveling in our Vandoit campervan since 2020. It started with me, my husband Derek, and our dog Barry. We hit the ground running when we got our first van and made our way from the Midwest to Maine, Canada, down to the bottom of the Baja Peninsula, and to the most western tip of Washington state.
Growing Family, Continued Adventures
We added our daughter to the mix in 2023. This year, after a short break to learn how to raise a child, we jumped back into the van and continued our travels. It was a different experience, but it didn’t slow us down or make us want to quit traveling in a van. In fact, it got us even more excited about our future travels.
Discovering Baja Peninsula
In 2022, we spent three months traveling the Baja Peninsula, driving all the way down to Cabo San Jose. We stopped at countless beaches for free overnight camping and snorkeled in the clearest waters. Along the way, we met some incredible people who were all doing the same thing: escaping winter while enjoying everything Mexico has to offer. The community of other van lifers and overlanders really made the trip even more fun.
Learning what motivated other travelers and how they were able to make this kind of adventure happen just solidified how much we appreciate the opportunity to travel as we do in our Vandoit van. I’ve never been as relaxed in my adult years as I was on that trip. In those three months, I was able to read over 20 books. It. Was. Amazing. We only counted 12 nights not waking up to our door facing the ocean.
Exciting Plans for 2025
Jump to 2025: We are going back! This time with our almost 2-year-old daughter, Villa Nelle, and our updated MOOV model campervan. We are coordinating with another Vandoit couple who will be joining us with a new MOOV Vandoit. They have never been, and we are excited to show them all our favorite places while exploring places we missed last time.
These updates in our van will make this trip more fun and give us the freedom to explore more places:
Updated lift with suspension gives us the clearance to explore places we couldn’t before.
Front winch will be super helpful when we get stuck in the sand. Not if, but when.
An indoor shower is perfect for keeping us clean after a sunny rinse-off day.
Swiveling front seats provide more space to escape the hot sun and get work done.
15-gallon water tank allow longer trips out of towns, enjoying secluded beaches longer.
Starlink is crucial for us remote workers, enabling work from any beach with no cell service.
Upgraded lithium battery setup means we don’t worry about power while at beautiful places.
We literally have everything we need for this epic adventure.
Summer and Beyond in Our Home on Wheels
When we get back to the States in May, we will do our summer rotation of visiting our favorite places in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, before deciding where to go next. The best thing about living in a van is no matter where we go, we are home. We get to decide as we are driving what we want to do next.
We can’t wait for this adventure and to share all the beautiful places we see and the amazing people we meet.
Baja. It’s become a popular paradise for overlanders and van lifers, and rightly so. Thousands of miles of remote beaches. Amazing street food. Intricate desert and coastal views. It’s a true gem for those wanting to explore the Mexican wilderness. However, hidden behind the beauty of it all is a lot of opportunity to get stuck. Especially in a larger van.
We recently spent time in Baja California for a work project. Over the course of 5 days and 6 nights, we would travel 1000 miles across the heart of the upper state of the Peninsula. During that time we would experience a gamut of road surfaces ranging from paved narrow coastal highways to deep salt, mud, and sandy off-road trails. There are 100s of miles of trails that will give you access to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches imaginable. During our time there, we took notes on the varying road conditions and what aided our van to effectively navigate through them. We may have even gotten stuck a time or two…for science. This is what we learned.
1. PLAN AHEAD
When choosing a destination to explore it can be a huge help in gathering information from those who have traveled there recently. Keep in mind that off-road trails are much more affected by erosion than paved roads and they can quickly degrade.
Our go-to method for trail recon is to do a quick Google search to see if any material has been posted online related to the area we would like to explore. We love using Google Earth. It doesn’t provide you with road conditions but it’s an extremely useful tool for familiarizing yourself with different landmarks and building a visual map in your brain for the geography of an area. We also like to utilize the search function of Facebook Groups to quickly find posts that may have intel on a specific region or trail. Lastly, using the Search by Location function on Instagram is a great way to find recent photos from a particular area to see what conditions might be just before setting off on your journey. Searching via social media also gives you the opportunity to connect with others and begin conversations with those who could give some useful insights.
2. BRING RECOVERY GEAR
We knew that our biggest nemesis in Baja would be sand. It’s quite easy to get stuck in sand and you can quickly find yourself beached with no traction. If you do get stuck in the sand there are two tools that can aid in self recovery: traction boards and a small shovel. We highly recommend carrying a set of traction boards. One per tire if space permits. A traction board works by providing additional traction when placed under the tire in the direction of travel.
During our time in Baja we beached the van twice on steep, slightly wet sand dunes on the trail. Having the appropriate recovery gear allowed us to safely, effectively, and quickly get moving in the right direction. A quick walk around the stuck vehicle will allow you to identify which tires need traction. Using a small shovel, you can remove any sand from in front of the problem wheels to allow for a less steep path for the tires. Once the traction boards are in place, you can generally crawl out of the obstacle in most cases. Be easy on the throttle to avoid excessive spinning of the tires, because you don’t want to dig any stuck wheel into a deeper hole.
Traction boards and shovels are highly recommended, but additional recovery gear can always come in super handy. You can learn more about other types of recovery gear [here].
3. AIRING DOWN
Prior to driving on sand or other rough surfaces, removing air from each tire will increase traction because more tire is in contact with the ground. For deep sand, we recommend running 25-30 PSI on your van. For other off-road surfaces, 35-40 PSI should provide extra traction and protect your wheels even when the tires compress while rolling over larger rocks. We used our 3 Gallon Kobalt air compressor to remove and add air to the tires. It works great when plugged into one of the van power outlets.
Keep in mind that being aired down on pavement will affect the drivability and tire wear of your van. You will also notice the numbness in the steering due to the added flex in the tire sidewalls. If you have to travel more than a few miles or at high speeds we recommend that you air back up before hitting the pavement.
4. CHOOSE THE CORRECT TRACTION MODE
Depending on the road surface type, it’s important to choose the most effective traction mode. On new models these modes are accessed through the infotainment system. On older models, simply push the traction mode button on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. When off-roading you want to maximize grip and the power available to you. We recommend using Mud/Rut mode for a hands off driving experience. In this mode, the van will disengage traction control and use lower gears to maximize available power output. If you prefer to have more control over the van then we recommend disengaging tracking control, using the default “normal” mode, and selecting gears manually. We find that the Mud/Rut mode hangs on a gear longer than we would like in most situations. It’s important to maximize fuel economy when traveling further into the wilderness; “normal” mode allows us to shift up when needed to preserve fuel.
5. MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Driving in sand is a lot like walking in sand. It’s harder to keep forward momentum and you expend more energy. Because traction is limited and stopping can increase your risk of getting stuck, you want to maintain a steady forward momentum at a safe speed. The deeper the sand, the more power you will need to apply to overcome the resistance it creates. In Baja, you encounter sand on beaches and on the trails. This sand can vary in traction levels and depth depending on the amount of moisture. We found on trails that maintaining speed and avoiding excessive turning allowed the van to crawl through even deep sand with little to no worries. On beaches, your best bet is to travel during low tide and on top of the hard-packed sand. This sand is found closer to the water’s edge and will support the weight of even a 10,000lb van without sinking. If you have to drive in the deeper sand due to a higher tide, you will want to make sure you have TCS off, select first or second gear depending on your speed, and maintain as much momentum as possible. This may mean that you are running at a higher rpm in first or second gear with a generous amount of throttle, so keep an eye on engine temps.
Our last tip is to be prepared to alter your driving methods based on the rapidly changing surface conditions. The amount of moisture and sand material can change very quickly during beach driving. We found ourselves driving in deep dry sand that would instantly change into wet slippery shallow sand, and back into a mixture of both within a few 100 feet. Keep in mind that for most vehicles, especially larger vans, sand driving amplifies the tendency to understeer. Understeer is what happens when the traction levels on the front tires are limited and cause the vehicle to push to the outside of a turn. You’ll want to account for this loss of front traction when turning and apply the proper amount of steering angle to maintain momentum and navigate the turn. We found in deep sand that rapid and sharp steering input helped the vehicle turn because it allowed the front tires to cut through the sand more effectively. On the same token, if the sand becomes wet and slippery, the rear of the vehicle has a tendency to slide. So, you may find yourself having to counter steer, or steer in the direction of the slide, to maintain forward motion. We recommend if you haven’t driven in sand before visit some sandier locations stateside to do a shakedown and get a feel for it. Southern California has quite a bit of area to experiment with driving on sand.
We didn’t let the chances of getting stuck deter us from enjoying all that Baja has to offer, and you shouldn’t either. Come prepared with recovery gear, the ability to air down and up, and keep your momentum up to get to those amazing beach campsites.
Our 24-day van adventure spanned over 4,500 miles, offering breathtaking views, fascinating history, and countless unforgettable moments. With nearly 4,000 photos and memories from every stop, this trip redefined road travel for us. From dispersed campsites overlooking crashing waves to learning about Norse history at Viking settlements, Newfoundland’s vastness and diversity left a lasting impression. Here’s a detailed recap of the trip, starting from our journey to the island all the way to our return home.
The Journey to Newfoundland
Through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Our trip began with a two-day drive from Massachusetts through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Along the way, we encountered unique stops like the Big Axe, Hopewell Rocks, and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Each destination offered something unique, from massive tidal bores to the legacy of an inventive genius.
The ferry ride from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, was an adventure in itself. The 17-hour overnight journey was comfortable, and waking up to Newfoundland’s rugged beauty was the perfect start to our island exploration.
Newfoundland: A Land of Wonder
St. John’s: History and Color
St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital, dazzled with its vibrant jellybean-colored homes and historical significance. We explored landmarks like Signal Hill and Cape Spear, enjoyed lively walking tours, and sampled local delicacies, including moose burgers. The coastal views and hiking trails just outside the city, like Sugar Loaf Head, revealed dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.
Bonavista Peninsula: Nature and History
The Bonavista Peninsula loop combined historical significance with jaw-dropping scenery. Highlights included:
Skerwink Head: Sheer 100-foot cliffs with no railings and only one weathered warning sign reminded us of nature’s raw power.
Dungeon Provincial Park: Dispersed camping here offered us unforgettable nights, lulled to sleep by crashing waves under a starlit sky.
Elliston’s Puffins: Observing these charismatic birds was a challenge, but with binoculars and a long camera lens, we captured their antics.
Spillar’s Cove: Towering cliffs and unique rock formations amazed us, especially the iconic “chimney” formation.
Tickle Cove Arch: Red rocks with incredible textures and colors were a photographer’s dream.
Twillingate: Icebergs and Culture
On our way to Twillingate, we stopped at the Beothuk Interpretation Center, where we learned about the Beothuk people and their tragic history. In Twillingate, the lighthouse museum, scenic coastal trails, and the boat-building museum offered a rich cultural experience. Watching skilled craftsmen steam-bend wood for boat construction was a fascinating look into the town’s heritage.
L’Anse aux Meadows: The Viking Experience
At the northernmost point of Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site brought Viking history to life—guided tours and recreated Norse buildings covered with peat provided insights into life over 1,000 years ago. Nearby, Norstead further enriched the experience with demonstrations of iron forging, boat building, and storytelling by knowledgeable reenactors.
Tablelands: Hiking on the Earth’s mantle, with its orange rocks and sparse vegetation, felt like stepping onto another planet.
Western Brook Pond: A boat ride through this fjord-like gorge revealed towering cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and pristine wilderness.
Lobster Cove Lighthouse: Coastal trails and unique rock formations added another layer of beauty.
The Journey Back
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
We detoured to PEI, exploring red cliffs at Cavendish, the quaint streets of Charlottetown, and fun stops like the Potato Museum and Green Gables Heritage Site. The island offered a change of pace but couldn’t quite match the rugged grandeur of Newfoundland.
Bay of Fundy: Tides and Trails
On our return through New Brunswick, we followed the coast along the Bay of Fundy. The dramatic tides at Alma, hiking trails at Fundy National Park, and stunning views from the Fundy Parkway made this leg unforgettable. Highlights included:
Reversing Falls in Saint John, where tides create a fascinating reversal of river flow.
Sea Caves at St. Martins, accessible only during low tide.
Reflections and Tips
Newfoundland Highlights
Unparalleled Camping: Dispersed sites like Dungeon Provincial Park offer unbeatable views and tranquil nights.
Viking History: Visiting L’Anse aux Meadows and Norstead provided a glimpse into the Norse influence on Newfoundland.
Unique Landscapes: From rocky cliffs to ancient mantle rock at Tablelands, Newfoundland’s geography never ceased to amaze.
Travel Tips
Plan for Wind and Weather: Newfoundland’s winds can disrupt ferry schedules and hiking plans. Be flexible!
Respect the Scale: Newfoundland is vast. Plan for long drives and multiple days in key areas.
Learn the Pronunciation: Locals emphasize “LAND” in Newfoundland—“NEW-FOUND-LAND.”
This trip reinforced the beauty of road travel. Newfoundland’s raw landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals made it a journey of a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity, this island delivers it all.
How our work van drove our business forward and families further.
Realizing the Need for Something Bigger
It’s 4 AM, freezing outside, and four adults stand around an SUV, scratching their heads in the dark, trying to fit heaps of gear inside. For years, this was our routine: a small team of adventure photographers and filmmakers, working with cramped SUVs and limited space. But as our business grew, so did our team and our equipment needs.
With our workload increasing, it became clear that our trusty SUVs couldn’t keep up with the demands of our projects. We needed a vehicle that could handle our expanding team and equipment, one that wouldn’t limit our growth down the road.
The Game-Changer: Our Vandoit Ford Transit
Just in time for a 14-day project spanning California, Utah, and New Mexico, we picked up our new 2020 Ford Transit 350HD EL from Vandoit. This was more than just a new vehicle; it was the beginning of a transformation for our team. For the first time, we had room to spare, even bringing along items that used to feel like luxuries.
From dispersed campsites to rough mountain trails, we’ve put our Vandoit to the test, logging over 100K miles across the U.S. and Baja, Mexico. The van has become our mobile basecamp, tackling both paved roads and rugged trails and making it to locations we never thought possible with an SUV.
A Multifunctional Tool for Business and Adventure
Beyond transportation, our Vandoit serves multiple purposes: it’s a gear hauler, a shelter, and a mobile billboard with our company’s logo on full display. Vandoit’s design allows us to adapt the van to each project’s unique requirements, transforming easily from work mode to a cozy family adventure setup.
The van’s modular design, featuring an 80/20 extruded cage and interchangeable components, makes it adaptable to our shifting needs. During the week, we fold the beds away to make room for gear. On weekends, we reconfigure it for family trips, taking full advantage of Vandoit’s flexible interior setup.
How Vandoit Changed Our Road Trips Forever
Our Vandoit has become an essential part of both our work and personal lives. Whether we’re out running work errands, filming in remote locations, or camping with family, the van enhances every experience. It allows us to work hard and play even harder, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.
In the end, our Vandoit van didn’t just solve our storage problems; it redefined our on-the-road lifestyle. With a dependable vehicle like this, we can focus on what we do best: capturing stories and creating memories that last.
During this road tour we’re all for spontaneous detours that lead to epic adventures, and discovering Crater’s of the Moon National Monument & Preserve after leaving Salt Lake City, blew our minds and our van doors wide open! This hidden gem wasn’t on our 6-month itinerary or our radar, but we happened to see it on Google Maps as we made our way from Salt Lake to Boise so we made a small detour to Arco, Idaho and spent 24 hours exploring this unique natural wonder!
This blog is your guide to discovering the other-wordly landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Arco, Idaho. From fascinating volcanic features to lava tubes and spatter cones, this unique natural attraction is (in our opinion) one of the most underrated National parks that you NEED to add to your bucket list.
The Unique Geology of Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve isn’t your typical national park. Volcanic activity over the past 15,000 years has carved a unique terrain of lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes. The park’s name is inspired by its lunar-like appearance, which made it an ideal training ground for NASA astronauts in 1969. To learn more about its fascinating history, explore the park’s website.
Today, you can experience the desolate beauty of Craters of the Moon by camping, hiking, and exploring its unique geological formations. During our visit, we hiked up cinder cones, peered into spatter cones, ventured into deep lava tubes and caves, camped under a star studded sky in our Vandoit, and explored the visitor center to learn about the park’s history and geology. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument boasts some of the darkest skies in the country – perfect for stargazing enthusiasts like us!
Must-Do Activities:
Spatter Cone Exploration: Walk along paved paths leading to the rim of these once-active cones and peer into their fiery depths.
Robert Limbert Visitor Center: Get park recommendations, explore the museum, get a permit to enter the lava tubes/caves and grab souvenirs.
Loop Road Scenic Drive: This 7-mile route winds through the park, offering access to viewpoints, trails, and campgrounds.
Inferno Cone Hike: Challenge yourself with a short but steep climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views.
Lava Tube Caves: Embark on an unforgettable journey through these fascinating geological formations. Free permits are required for cave exploration.
Hiking Trails: Choose from various trails catering to all skill levels, including Devil’s Orchard (wheelchair accessible), Broken Top Loop, Tree Molds Trail, and North Crater Trail.
Getting There:
Car is the most convenient way to access the park.
The closest major airport is in Boise (BOI), with smaller regional airports in Hailey (SUN), Twin Falls (TWF), and Idaho Falls (IDA). Rent a car from any of these locations for your adventure.
Guided tours from Twin Falls are available for those who prefer a hands-off experience.
Where to Stay:
Campgrounds within the park offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the volcanic landscape. Choose from Lava Flow Campground (open May-November) or backcountry camping with a permit. We stayed at Lava Flow Campground in our Vandoit and loved it!
Nearby towns have limited lodging options so consider these charming towns for a comfortable stay:
Hailey (1 hour drive)
Idaho Falls (1.25 hours)
Twin Falls (1.4 hours)
Pro Tips:
Visit the Park’s website for the latest updates on closures and weather conditions.
Pack your National Parks Pass or be prepared for the entrance fee. Entrance fees: $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle, $10/walk-in or bicycle.
Be prepared for high winds and dust, especially in the afternoons. Consider bringing a mask and sunglasses for protection. (the wind blasted us on our late afternoon hike to the caves)
The park is open 24/7, but the Visitor Center has limited hours.
Restrooms, select campsites, and trails cater to visitors with mobility impairments.
Audio and visual aids are available in the Visitor Center.
As a solo female traveler, safety is always top of mind. Anytime I pull into a campground I check for the following:
Where is the nearest bathroom?
Where is the camp host?
What are my neighbors and do they look sketchy?
I’ve been camping for much of my adult life, rotating setups as my desires and needs changed. From bike camping, to car camping, to a rooftop tent and now in a Vandoit, these basic precautions and listening to my gut have served me well over the years.
Living in the Vandoit: A New Sense of Security
After nearly three weeks of living out of the Vandoit, I recently had a realization about safety. I inherently think about it a lot less, especially when I’m getting ready to sleep. There are three main reasons for this:
I can lock the doors in the Vandoit
I can be stealthy in the van
I’m 100% self-contained in the van and can drive away quickly if needed
Reflecting on Past Experiences: The Rooftop Tent
I wasn’t always so lucky to be in a Vandoit. In fact, last year, I went on an extended road trip in my Kia Soul with a rooftop tent. While comfortable, I was often hesitant to camp due to safety concerns. When the rooftop tent is set up, it’s plainly obvious to anyone and everyone that someone is sleeping up there. If, for some reason, I needed to leave quickly, I simply couldn’t, as taking down the tent took at least ten minutes (on a good day.)
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Enjoying the Journey
Living out of the Vandoit has significantly eased my safety concerns as a solo female traveler, allowing me to focus more on the joys of the journey rather than the potential dangers. The ability to lock the doors, stay stealthy, and quickly move if necessary has brought a newfound peace of mind to my camping experiences.
While my rooftop tent provided many great memories, the Vandoit offers a level of security and convenience that truly enhances my sense of freedom and adventure. It’s a reminder that, while my setup might change, prioritizing safety and listening to our instincts remain constant keys to a fun, safe, and secure travel experience.
Rachael here to share our recent adventures with VanDoIt. We aren’t usually a long trip van fam mainly because of work and school and other obligations but we got the opportunity to take a two-week trip from the PNW back to Blue Springs and it was so much fun!
Who We Are and How We Got Here
We are a family of three. Rob (37-year-old barefooted hippie), Rachael (35-year-old therapist and not as barefoot), and Maddie (9-year-old soccer player hippie kid) usually travel in our BBV (Big Black Van) which is a 2019 mid-roof DO we purchased off VanDoIt’s inventory in 2021. We are getting ready to trade in for a 2023 high-roof, extended length MOOV. We were already going out to the PNW for the Overland Expo as an ambassador for VDI when it came time for our new van to be picked up (when we get back of course!). So, we extended our trip!
Rob drove our BBV (Big Black Van) down to Blue Springs then picked up a show van that has a similar layout to what our new van will have and drove solo out to Oregon where Maddie and I flew in to meet him. We spent the weekend chatting it up at the Overland Expo-PNW with so many amazing people. We met many who are current VDI owners, getting ready to be, and those just looking around trying to figure it out. We got to partner up with another VDI fam, the Newman’s who are old pros with VDI and on their second van. It was so much fun but also tiring. Since we were already in the PNW and have some friends in the area, we decided to make our work trip into a play trip.
While we love our BBV, we’ve simply outgrown it with Maddie getting bigger and Rob not being able to stand up in it. So, here we are, making the trek back to Blue Springs and making plenty of stops on the way.
So, Where Did We Go?
But First, a Detour…
What I love about van life is the ability to stay where we want and extend our trip at the drop of a hat because we have everything we need. We left the expo and were able to spend a few days with friends in the area who just had twin baby boys. When we weren’t snuggling babies, we were our exploring and adventuring. We did a few hikes, cooked meals in parks, visited the last Blockbuster on earth, and just enjoyed each other.
I think it’s so crazy that people will spend so much money on a hotel room they are only in to sleep. Did you know the average cost of a “family friendly” hotel room in the U.S. in 2024 is currently $214 a night? For a room you are just sleeping in and maybe using the pool! This trip would have cost us $3,852 if we had stayed in hotels and that doesn’t include food and shopping and everything else we did on our trip. I like my alternative better. We parked in a beautiful neighborhood (to be close to our friends) and woke up to birds singing and mountains right outside our door. In the past we have watched the sunset in an Upper Michigan marina, avoided traffic after fireworks but parking downtown in Wisconsin, camped in the “cheap sites” at huge campgrounds, had a wide-open view of Lake Michigan, and everything in between.
But Back to the Trip…
We stayed in Oregon with friends for a few days then made the drive toward Shoshone Falls, Idaho. Ever been? It is breathtaking! We pulled up to a massive waterfall, parked, made lunch and went for a hike, all while taking in the beautiful views and sounds of the waterfalls. Let me tell you about this road we had to trek down in the van. This was a skinny, winding, downhill road that I doubt a camper could go down. I’ve grown up camping; my family all still own campers and there is no way they could have done that safely and then also found a spot big enough to park at when they got down to the falls. This van takes us places other vehicles can’t and opens the doors for us to explore more.
We found a little swimming area at the lake next to the falls that also had a cool less-than-2-mile hike around the lake. We got to see some cool rock walls (scaled a few), beautiful views, and just enjoy nature. All because we had swimsuits and hiking shoes and plenty of snacks and food in our van. It’s so nice to just stop for the day without having anything set in stone or reservations we have to get to. I will say, having a shower is a nice plus of a hotel room but we went to a Planet Fitness and used their showers, so it worked out well for us!
I leave in two days for the adventure of a lifetime—a six-week road trip in a customized, absolutely incredible Vandoit. My mobile home for the trip is currently parked in my driveway, and all day, I’ve been shuttling my essentials into the van, searching for the perfect place to organize each item. Pot and pan in this drawer, Daisy Mae’s food in the Dometic fridge, shoes in the storage tower. In all likelihood, I’ll rearrange everything a million times before I figure out a system, but that’s all part of the fun, right?
I’ve taken road trips before. In fact, last year I went on an almost identical itinerary. Last time, however, I took the trip in my Kia Soul, sleeping in a rooftop tent. While it was quite the adventure, as a solo female traveler, I often felt vulnerable and exposed.
In the rooftop tent, it was clearly obvious that someone was sleeping up there. If I needed to leave quickly, I simply couldn’t. The tent took at least ten minutes to take down, with multiple steps and processes. In my Kia Soul, I was also very limited in terms of creature comforts. The back was filled to the brim with All Bodies on Bikes equipment, requiring a constant shuffling of gear.
The Vandoit, even though it’s clearly branded with All Bodies on Bikes and my sponsors, provides a level of safety and security I did not have last year. Real doors. Real windows. Locks. I’m going into this trip feeling confident that whether I’m sleeping in a designated campground or off-the-grid, I’ll be safe and secure inside.
The Top 5 Things I Am Excited About
To say I’m excited about this adventure in the Vandoit would be a vast understatement—I am over the moon. Here are the top five things I’m excited about:
1. Taking Daisy Mae with Me
Daisy Mae is my 14-year-old pup who is happiest when she is by my side, but with any trip of this nature, there will of course be times I need to venture without her. With the air conditioner, rooftop vent, and remote temperature visibility with Waggle, I can feel confident knowing that she’s safe and happy in the Vandoit.
2. Recording Episodes of the All Bodies on Bikes Podcast
My Vandoit is fully equipped to work from, with a full desk setup including a second monitor. The van also has a swivel passenger seat and a folding desk, making a perfect setup for a podcast guest to sit in and be interviewed! I’ve got five episodes lined up to be recorded as a special “Road Trip Edition” of the All Bodies on Bikes podcast and can’t wait to test the setup.
3. Living Like a Minimalist
I have a lot of stuff—as a sponsored athlete and influencer, I’m constantly being sent new gear and clothing. While an awesome perk of my job, lots of stuff is not the name of the game for van life. For this trip, I’m doing my best to live as minimally as possible. I’ve narrowed my ridiculous wardrobe down to what fits in a small duffle bag, am only taking four pairs of shoes, and two coffee mugs. Time will tell if I made good choices!
4. Showcasing the Vandoit at Stops Along the Way
My road trip is built around a number of gravel bike races, where I’ll get to showcase my custom van for anyone to see. At nearly all of these, there is an expo before the race, where I’ll be setting up the All Bodies on Bikes booth with the Vandoit, welcoming curious attendees to come inside and experience the magic of the Vandoit for themselves! I’m hopeful that this will spark both curiosity and conversation!
5. Returning Home to the Pacific Northwest
I moved from Seattle to Arkansas a little over two years ago, only returning once to the northwest. I cannot wait to breathe in the salty air, crane my neck skywards to take in the towering trees, and dip my toes in the freezing Pacific Ocean. On this trip, I’ll be meeting up with friends along the Washington Coast, one of my all-time favorite places in the world. I absolutely cannot wait to refuel my soul in this magical wonderscape, using the Vandoit as a home base.
Two more sleeps until I hit the road, which reminds me, I should probably decide which pillow I’m taking on my trip.
The first stop on our 6-month road tour was in Steamboat Springs, CO to meet the Hala Crew and pick up two new paddle boards to use as we travel. We’ve been using their paddle boards for our guided tours in Chattanooga for the past 4 years and absolutely love them. Hala offers a wide variety of paddle board options that accommodate a wide variety of paddling styles and body types, which was perfect for our guided tours and a big reason why we chose them over other brands.
It was awesome to finally meet Colleen and the rest of the crew in person. While we were there, we learned that Hala is now a woman-owned business! This made our hearts so happy! Colleen (the new owner) and Peter (former owner) invited us to join them on the local town run on the Yampa River.
The Yampa River flows 250 miles through northwestern Colorado and runs through the heart of Steamboat Springs, CO. It’s a free-flowing river with Class II-III whitewater rapids. Despite my experience as a whitewater rafting guide on the Ocoee River for 17 years, whitewater paddle boarding is a whole different experience. And Michelle doesn’t have much whitewater experience at all, let alone trying to stand through rapids. But, we decided to give it a try because when in Rome and when invited to hang with the cool kids, you say yes! Plus, this road tour is all about pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones and trying new things!
Colleen and Peter rolled out the red carpet by providing whitewater boards, dry suits, and a shuttle. We couldn’t turn down their generosity! They also made Michelle and I feel very comfortable by offering whitewater paddling tips and tricks as we paddled the river with them. Enjoy this video of our 5-mile paddle experience on the Yampa.
We only had 24 hours to spend in Steamboat Springs so here’s a breakdown of what we did.
Upon arrival in this quaint mountain town, we enjoyed lunch/brunch at Winona’s Restaurant and Bakery. This woman-owned business has been around for over 25 years and the food was phenomenal!
After filling our bellies, we enjoyed a short walk around town and checked out the river. Then we headed over to Hala to pick up our new boards and meet the crew. They gave us some recommendations on where to camp and play. After leaving the warehouse, we picked up some provisions at the Natural Grocer in town and then enjoyed a casual bike ride on the Yampa River Core Trail. The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved multi-use trail that runs through the heart of Steamboat Springs and along the Yampa River. The Core Trail ties all aspects of Steamboat together: it’s a straight shot from one side of town to the other, but more importantly, it brings people of all ages onto one path to enjoy the outdoors. We witnessed this firsthand as we passed folks using the trail, fishing, playing on the ball fields, or just relaxing by the river. We especially like riding on the little gravel trail that paralleled the paved trail and cruising around the boardwalk in Rotary Park.
As the sun was setting on our ride, we decided it was time to find a campsite. We tried to camp at Dry Lake Campground, which is located 8 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs on Buffalo Pass, but it was still closed for the season. So we ended up boon-docking in a pull-out nearby and happened to catch a fox catching dinner. It was quite the treat. Another camp option that was recommended was Strawberry Park Hot Springs. They don’t allow vans/RV’s so we didn’t choose this one, although we were tempted by the hot springs.
We cooked dinner and breakfast out of the van. We met up with Colleen and Peter for our paddle adventure the next morning and we ate lunch at Cruiser’s Sub shop after our paddle before rolling out. All and all, it was a really fun 24 hours in Steamboat and we wished we could have stayed longer.
If you’re in the market for a new paddle board, be sure to check out Hala’s lineup! You can even save $100 when you use discount code Sunshine at checkout. 🙂
LINK TO PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nJFuGC181Bk2vAxW7
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One year 0% interest
On select units
Applies for 1 year on our in house lease purchase program. Interest will apply at 2 points over New York prime after one year.
May be used in combination with or in lieu of other incentives
Minimum down payment will be required based on credit, price and other factors.
With approved credit.
“Travel On Us” All National Parks, all access free pass (1 year) may apply…ask your representative for details.
