Mile: 0
It’s hard to believe the time has come for me to drive out of the driveway and begin this adventure. For the last three months I have been getting off work, running by Home Depot, scarfing some dinner, and getting to work on the van. So much has happened to that little van. Well, she prefers to be called by her name, The Black Pearl, Pearl for short. If I were to condense the last three months of after hours and weekend work into a few sentences it would be this; After ripping out all the stock interior I insulated her and installed the framing followed by the sub flooring and the western cedar paneling on the walls and ceiling. Cutting the hole in the roof was a little bit nerve wracking, the point of no return you might say. After that I installed the bed frame and began the wiring. The trim work and ends of all the cedar paneling had to be the most challenging with no straight angles in the van to work off of. The vinyl flooring came together quickly which was very different than welding the roof rack together, yikes.
It pains me to give that brief and cheap of an explanation of the last three months of working on her. I might give a more in depth detail of the build out later. But what must be said is a major thanks to Gordon and Tim for helping me work on the van, dream up layouts, teaching me how to wire the electrical, and to laugh along the way. There were some late nights leading up to the launching of this venture pulled by both and I am so very thankful for that.
So, here I am, having left my job and with everything at home squared away, I am road ready. Let’s see what adventures three months of living in a van traveling the western half of the US can drum up...
So excited for you!! Live your best life, don't get eaten by a Grizzly, and remember your roots!! Much love and prayers for safe travel sweet neighbor!! We can't wait to hear all about it. JKPate
ReplyDeleteI should be gone long enough for yall to move back to the neighborhood, naturally, because you’ll miss it too much! Ha!
DeleteI’m so excited and happy for you- what a dream adventure! I wish you all the best. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It’s been amazing so far!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry I couldn't find any way to edit my comment. So here is the edited version:
DeleteThe adventure of a lifetime! We are all living vicariously through you my friend. I hope what you find in this greatest of nation's lives up to your dreams. Good luck and godspeed my friend.
This sounds awesome! I'll have to catch up with you in 3 months. Preferably over a hot fire with some tasty meats involved. I've been keeping up with your van progress and look forward to hearing about your adventures.
ReplyDeleteJuan! Yes! That would be a blast. But maybe no “bonus cup” this time. That’s a young man’s game. But I do want to get together when I get back! Or you could come meet me out adventuring....
DeleteLook at you rubber tramping it up. Be safe, have fun, make memories!
ReplyDelete- Tony
Just call me Supertramp!
DeleteSo excited to see you adventure! Have fun!I can't wait to follow along
ReplyDeleteJaala! So good to hear from you! I hope all is well! You are no stranger to adventure. If yall are out west in the next couple of months doing some epic hike, maybe the CDT?? Then let me know!
DeleteWhat part of the world are you in today? We all want to know.
ReplyDelete