Life is an amazing journey. Here we share our experiences on the open road. Come along for the ride.

San Diego Vibes
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

San Diego Vibes

There has not been much to update with the van. We are still waiting on parts this time a couple of gaskets needed to put the engine back together - but that does not mean there is nothing going on.

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Engine Installed
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Engine Installed

As of Sunday, July 27, the rebuilt engine is finally back where it belongs—under the hood! This is a huge milestone and a major step forward for the van. But of course, in true vanlife fashion, there’s a catch: we’re once again delayed, this time due to missing parts.

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Ruby’s Gone Social
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Ruby’s Gone Social

Well, it was only a matter of time... Ruby—my sugar-faced sidekick, golden retriever extraordinaire, and queen of campsite cuddles—has officially gone social!

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Paradise Lost
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Paradise Lost

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.

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Back in San Diego
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Back in San Diego

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.

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Back on the Road, Monday
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Back on the Road, Monday

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.

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Sheldon is Sold
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Sheldon is Sold

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.

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When Gout Stops You in Your Tracks
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

When Gout Stops You in Your Tracks

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.

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Everything Happens for a Reason
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Everything Happens for a Reason

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.

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Drive Oregon: The Gorge
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Drive Oregon: The Gorge

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.

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Welcome Home?
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Welcome Home?

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.

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Frustration Setting In
Members Brian Gailey Members Brian Gailey

Frustration Setting In

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.

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Life is a Roller Coaster
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Life is a Roller Coaster

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.

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The Long Road to Repair, Vanlife Update
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The Long Road to Repair, Vanlife Update

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.

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Discover 7 Oregon Vanlife Destinations
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Discover 7 Oregon Vanlife Destinations

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…

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