Call it softroading, overlanding, or vanlife; to me, it’s all about adventures. Every outing is an adventure whether it’s just an afternoon escapade or a week-long journey - a hundred-mile loop from base camp or a thousand-mile trek through the Sierras – let’s hit the road!
It’s been a wild ride this week—amazing in moments, but honestly, pretty discouraging overall.
For months, I’ve been told that the van would be ready for pickup on June 20th. So I made the call: sold the RV, rented a box truck, packed everything I’d need, and made the 1,000-mile drive from Southern Oregon—where Ruby and I spent most of the winter and spring—back down to San Diego.
Hey there, I wanted to share a little update with you. On Monday, Ruby and I will start our journey back to San Diego to pick up our van from the mechanic. It’s supposed to be ready by the 20th, and while I’ve heard that before—thanks to the delays with warranty payments, parts availability, and labor over the past six months—I’m feeling cautiously optimistic this time around.
After two months on the market—and dropping over $10,000 from my original asking price—Sheldon is officially sold.
They say the two greatest days in the life of a boat or RV owner are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. Today marks that second day of joy. Sheldon is off to his new owners, and I’m genuinely excited to see what kind of adventures they’ll have with him.
Gout sucks. Like, really sucks. For the past week, I’ve been down hard with a brutal flare-up. Couldn’t walk. Couldn’t drive. Could barely move. Ruby (my golden girl) and I had to hunker down and ride it out.
I’m not sure where I first heard the phrase “everything happens for a reason,” but I’ve believed in it for most of my life. We may not always know or understand the reason something happens, but I truly believe there’s a greater purpose behind everything we experience.
If you're looking for a road trip that combines breathtaking scenery with a rich tapestry of history, the Historic Columbia River Highway is a must-visit. This highway is not just a route; it's a celebration of nature and engineering marvels.
As travelers, we cherish the freedom to explore the open road, discover new places, and connect with the stories that make this country unique. But that freedom didn’t come without sacrifice.
I recently took a trip from the Rogue Valley to Klamath Falls for a few days. While I was there, I was able to take care of some errands—picking up mail, visiting the storage locker, doing some banking, taking care of some medical stuff, and visiting my mom’s grave for Mother’s Day. It was nice to stop in, see my hometown, and catch up with a few familiar faces.
However, this trip felt different.
It’s been 135 days since the van broke down. That’s four and a half months, over 19 weeks, 3,240 hours… but who’s counting? Me. I’m counting—and honestly, I’m starting to get frustrated.
Life is a roller coaster, isn’t it? Full of ups and downs, twists and turns – but they eventually return to the station and riders can get off. However, my life feels like it is stuck on the track going round and round – with a lot more dips lately. I want to start off by saying, I am putting my pride to the side and asking for help. I had to get a food box this week. Something, I had hoped I would never have to do again.
I have been unemployed over six months now. It has been over half-year since I have had any meaningful work.
Today we continue our look at the top locations on the Oregon Coast. In this blog we look specifically at the Northern Coast between Cape Perpetua and Astoria.
Hey everyone! I wanted to give you all a quick update on my van situation.
I first want to say thank you all for following our journey and for your support during this time!
As many of you know, my van broke down 119 days ago on Christmas due to a blown engine, which will cost $16k to repair. Thankfully, an extended warranty is covering the balance.
Today, we explore epic coastal spots nomads must visit on the Southern Oregon Coast. Uncovering hidden affordable adventures for the frugal nomadic traveler.
It's been a couple of weeks since my last update, and I'm thrilled to share the latest adventures and musings from the road. Life has been a delightful mix of relaxation and responsibilities - with Ruby and I making the most of some fantastic campground deals and a few unexpected twists…
Whether you're a first-time camper or a seasoned traveler, visiting Crater Lake National Park is a bucket list destination. Finding affordable and scenic places to stay near the park can be challenging for any adventure seeker.
If you're cruising through the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a must-visit for any #vanlife enthusiast. With its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and welcoming communities, Oregon offers…
If you find yourself passing through Klamath Falls this March, I've got some exciting news for you! Two fantastic local RV parks are offering discounts until the end of the month, and trust me, you won’t want to …
There have not been much to report this week as it has been pretty quiet - which after several weeks of chaos, I appreciate. Since learning that I will be forced to live in the moho for a bit longer than I anticipated, I have begun making things a bit more comfortable for Ruby and I.
Today, I had a great conversation with Roy, the mechanic who’s been working tirelessly on our beloved van, Georgia. As is often the case in life, we again find ourselves in a good news, bad news scenario. Let me share the details with you.
As I continue to share the incredible journey of Ruby and me on OpenRoadNomad.com, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our very own affiliate program! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect even more and share some of our favorite products and services with you.
As I sit here, I find myself in a bit of a holding pattern, eagerly awaiting news about Georgia. Life, as we all know, is a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. Lately, it feels like …
Wishing you a day overflowing with love and the adventures you crave. Embrace the journey and cherish every moment! Safe travels and happy exploring! 🌍❤️
Wow, what a week it's been here in the Klamath Basin! We've been buried under three feet of snow, and the temperatures have dropped to the bone-chilling single digits. Ruby and I are doing our best to stay cozy and warm amidst this winter wonderland.
Happy Saturday from the snowy wonderland of Klamath Falls, Southern Oregon.
This past week, we've been buried under about three feet of snow at our base camp. It's been quite the sight! But as the snow finally takes a break, we're faced with a classic good news, bad news situation.
Hello, fellow adventurers!
Today, Ruby and I received news regarding our Promaster's repairs. The extended warranty company, Zurich, has…
While we wait on Georgea the Van to get repaired at the mechanic down in San Diego, Ruby and I have moved back into Sheldon, my 30 foot class C motorhome.
Yesterday was National Golden Retriever Day, and I can’t let it pass without celebrating my sweet, beautiful girl, Ruby. She’s more than just a dog—she’s my heart, my constant companion, and the brightest part of my days. I truly don’t know what I’d do without her unconditional love, endless loyalty, and that joyful spirit that lights up my life. Love you, my precious princess. ❤️ 🐾
Last time, Georgia (the van) wouldn't start, leaving us stranded in San Diego. After a week of waiting for a dealership, I found a local shop that let me stay on-site while they worked on the van, thanks to a recommendation from another nomad. With Collin's help, I moved the van to a nearby spot, and the next day, we were towed to the mechanic.
The new head for the engine has finally arrived! This was the last major part needed before the engine could be reassembled. But wait—there’s another issue. And yes, all of this was supposed to be in stock before I drove down here last month.