Tag: Van Life
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I Replaced My 400W Solar Blanket With Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
After selling my van and switching to a 2025 Toyota 4Runner, one of the things I missed most was having (almost) unlimited power. During my first month-long road trip through Colorado and New Mexico, I relied on a combination of a Bluetti AC70, a 12V charger, and a 400W Renogy solar blanket to keep my…
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I Got My Van Stuck. I Wasn’t Making That Mistake Again.
Last year, I got my van stuck in a snowdrift. I was able to get out, but it taught me an important lesson: it’s better to have recovery gear and never need it than need it and not have it. In this video, I’m installing traction boards on my 2025 Toyota 4Runner before my next…
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Turning my 4Runner into an Adventure Vehicle
This video is part of my 4Runner build series as I prepare for longer adventures with Blaze. This isn’t really just about installing a roof rack. It’s about building toward something bigger. After spending a year traveling in my self-converted Ford Transit camper van, I learned that eventually you stop building for aesthetics and start…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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A Dog-Friendly Adventure at Petrified Forest National Park
My aunt, who is a pastel artist, told me to check out this place. She participated in an artist residency, and said it was beautiful! So, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. And really, I think you can’t go wrong with visiting any of the national parks. They are all unique with their diverse…
Michelle and Blaze 