The new [old] van!

So, after managing to live without a vehicle for nearly ten years, I've purchased a van to live in for the summer [and hopefully longer]. It's something I've wanted to do for years but could never summon the courage. The idea of road tripping/camping alone, especially as a woman, is a bit intimidating. I also have a dog, so that adds a few more restraints and concerns on top of the obvious ones. But the timing probably couldn't be more perfect...I have so few obligations–I'm not happy in my job, I'm not in a relationship, I don't have a mortgage, and I have no credit to pay off aside from student loans. I don't have as much money saved as I'd hoped for, but I can make do.

So, my plan is to leave Denver in June and head through Yellowstone and Glacier Natl Park, onward to Banff Canada. Then travel to Vancouver and drop down through the West Coast until I reach Baja. I'm WWOOFing along the way and working on a photo essay documenting the farm lifestyle.

Back to the van...with my limited means, I originally wanted to buy a used van that has a raised top and convert it into a stealth camper. Lay down hardwood flooring [no dog haired carpet for me, thanks], install a small sink and hand pump for water, a counter and twin size bed and a fridge. I also wanted to install a solar panel/inverter/battery for off-the-grid living, which I plan to do a lot of. However, that didn't work out as planned and I found this van in Pagosa Springs, CO....me and a buddy drove the 6 hours downstate to pick it up. While certainly not stealth, it will at least give me a taste for living on the road and if I should decide to continue at the end of the summer, I'm gonna make good on that custom van dream.