Why are we choosing the van life in our early retirement years?!

1/11/2026, Update! 

As I was preparing to write my first blog post for the new year, I spent time reviewing this website. In doing so, and because it is apparent that our mindset has shifted since we began this journey, I wanted to provide this update…

It turns out that off-the-grid is not as easy as it sounds; not only are overnight camping spots that are just off in the woods somewhere out a dirt road not very plentiful, but they may be trashed, or not level, or just not feel very safe. I had been deeply opposed at the thought of camping in a formal campground when we committed to this lifestyle, but in reality, that is just where we have landed — happily. County, State, and National Park campgrounds are nearly always on a lake, river, or ocean, or nestled into a magnificent forest. We want to wake up in nature, hike and bike during the day, yet the true priority is for John to have water nearby for sunrise and sunset photos — which we have found in most of the official campgrounds at which we now stay. In addition, there are hot water showers, potable water with which to refill our 20-gallon tank, and most of the campgrounds have electricity which is a boost to our energy consumption while cooking, etc. It is true that some of the campgrounds are crowded, yet we have found more consistently that being tucked into a campsite, among the trees is more often than not our experience. So dear readers, I have converted to a dedicated campground camper, happy to pull in for the night or the week, able to explore the natural wonder all around us, talk to our neighboring campers (if we feel like it!), and avail ourselves of the conveniences offered. 

This is what I wrote at the end of 2023, just before we began our #vanlife; see above for an update About version: We’ve been outdoors-y for all of our 28 years together; we use to backpack the Sierras every year, we’re avid hikers and bike riders, and we have discovered the joy of birding and wildflower identification in our more mature years. What better way to enjoy the majesty of Mother Nature than to drive slowly, stop often, and camp off-the-grid? We intend to live this lifestyle for 5-ish years. Join us, by following this blog…