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Michelle and Blaze

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  • The Skills That Changed My Life | 4Runner Side Step Install

    For years, I dreamed about building a van and living on the road full-time… but I almost didn’t do it because I didn’t think I had the skills, tools, or knowledge to make it happen. In this video, I’m installing side steps on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner while reflecting on everything my parents — especially…

    May 24, 2026
    4Runner Camping
  • DIY 6th Gen 2025 4Runner Sleeping Platform

    This is a throwback video to when I built the sleeping platform in my 2025 6th-generation Toyota 4Runner. My setup has changed multiple times since this video, but I thought it was still worth sharing. It is time to get this new rig set up. Because I leave in a month for a big trip…

    May 17, 2026
    4Runner Camping
  • I didn’t recognize myself after van life

    I didn’t realize how much van life impacted my nervous system… until I stopped. After stepping away from full-time van life, I expected to feel calm again.Instead, I felt restless, on edge, and disconnected from myself in ways I didn’t fully understand. In this video, I’m sharing the side of van life that doesn’t get…

    April 19, 2026
    Hiking with Dogs, Van Life
  • This Trip Felt Different… (And I finally know why)

    This trip felt different. Not because I wanted it to… but because it had to be. I had a timeline, a few places I wanted to see, and two deadlines I couldn’t miss — which meant moving faster than I normally would. And somewhere along the way, I realized how much pace changes the way…

    April 5, 2026
    Hiking with Dogs, Van Life
  • I sold the van… and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

    Over a year ago, I set out to live full-time on the road in a van. In many ways, it gave me exactly what I was looking for — freedom, adventure, and a deeper sense of self-trust than I had ever experienced before. But over time, something shifted. In this video, I’m sharing where I’ve…

    March 23, 2026
    Van Life
  • 21 mistakes and counting! | Ford Transit Van Build Debrief Part 2

    I recorded this video back in June of 2025 and have sat on it ever since. I’m not sure why. But I’m finally editing it into two videos. Part 1 is all about what we got right on the van build, which I published last week. Part 2 (this video) is about what we got…

    February 16, 2026
    Van Life
  • 16 Things We Got Right | Van Build Debrief Part 1

    I recorded this video back in June of 2025 and have sat on it ever since. I’m not sure why. But I’m finally editing it into two videos. Part 1 is all about what we got right on the van build. Part 2, which will be published next, is about what we got wrong or…

    February 11, 2026
    Van Life
  • I can’t believe this place exists in Virginia!

    Join Blaze and me as we explore the infamous slot canyons of the East in Virginia with my good friend Thoai and her dog Blu.

    February 11, 2026
    Hiking with Dogs
  • Backpacking to Mt Leconte Lodge

    Join me as I backpack up to Mt Leconte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with my good friend Sheila. We decided to hike the Trillium Gap Trail up to the lodge. It’s the one the llamas take. Unfortunately, we missed them on this trip. We covered 6.7 miles and gained 3,300 feet…

    February 4, 2026
    Backpacking Adventures
  • I messed up!

    Blaze and I were having a great time exploring the area near Bryce Canyon National Park when I realized that I desperately needed an oil change (among a handful of other chores). So, we set off to find the nearest quick lube. But unfortunately, it was 1.5 hours away in the opposite direction that I…

    November 2, 2025
    Van Life
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