Life is an amazing journey. Here we share our experiences on the open road. Come along for the ride.
Merry Christmas
This year didn’t go as planned — but it brought perspective, gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope. A Christmas reflection from the open road, centered on community, resilience, and what truly matters.
When the Vlog Ends: Remembering Adam the Woo
A heartfelt reflection on Adam the Woo’s legacy, his early vlog about life and death, and how his approach to storytelling inspired Open Road Nomad. A personal tribute honoring a creator who made everyday adventure meaningful.
Stuck Between Gears
Another pause on the road has brought Ruby and me back to Southern Oregon, where stalled repairs and warranty delays have tested our patience. While the van sits, life continues—through family support, familiar faces, and steady progress behind the scenes.
The Transmission Failed. The Journey Didn’t.
We made it to Thanksgiving, but not home. Stranded in Arvin, California with a whining engine and a seized transmission plug, Ruby and I found ourselves bouncing between tow trucks, dealerships, fogged-in solar, and unexpected kindness. This is the story of how a blown transmission pushed us off course — and still led us back home.
Beautiful People
This Thanksgiving week reminded me just how many beautiful people are out there. From a tow truck driver pushing through intense pain, to a service crew who worked with heart, to two friends whose generosity changed everything — their kindness carried Ruby and me through breakdowns, uncertainty, and the long miles north.
Limp Mode Living
Another week in limp mode meant late-night moves through quiet streets, uncertainty with a missing mechanic, and searching for a way forward. But in the middle of it all came a few unexpected moments of kindness that reminded us we’re not alone on this road.
A Long Detour
Ruby and I are still moving through this long detour — one day, one step at a time. But even in the hard moments, a few good things have come our way lately, and I want to say thank you.
When the Road Stops Moving: A Call for Help
The road has stopped moving. After months of mechanical setbacks and financial strain, Brian and Ruby face their hardest chapter yet. In this deeply personal post, they share the truth behind the breakdown — and a humble request for help to keep the dream of Open Road Nomad alive.
Turning the Page
Life has a way of humbling you — and teaching you — all at once. After loss, failure, and a few unexpected detours, I’ve learned that starting over isn’t the end of the story; it’s just another chapter. This post is a reflection on finding wisdom through adversity, the quiet strength that comes from being stripped down to the essentials, and the simple truth that even when all we have left is hope — it’s enough to keep turning the pages.
Van Update: A Little Good, A Little Bad
After months of setbacks, the van finally roared back to life — a sound we’ve been waiting to hear for far too long. The rebuilt engine is running strong, but a stubborn emissions issue still stands between us and the open road. Here’s where the journey takes us next.
Holding Pattern
Just when it looked like we were making progress, we ran into a classic repair snag—manpower. I’ve gotten to know the shop owner a bit, and it turns out the van’s issues are …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.