NOMAD’S NOTEBOOK
Tales of our journey on the road where we share experiences over things, news & updates, as well as tips & tricks for more fun and adventure.
Van Repairs Update: The Good, The Bad, and The Journey Ahead
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.
Will Georgia to get a New Heart?
Hello, fellow adventurers!
Today, Ruby and I received news regarding our Promaster's repairs. The extended warranty company, Zurich, has…
Van Life Update
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.
Incredible Times at DCA
Hello again, fellow nomads! Day 8 of my California winter road trip brought me to the magical world of Disney as I woke up just outside the Disneyland Resort. With a day full of excitement ahead at Disney's California Adventure, let me take you through the highlights of this fun-filled day that started a bit moist.
Rediscovery
Hello again, fellow nomads! Day 7 of my winter road trip was nothing short of exhilarating as I woke up on the shores of Malibu and set my sights on Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. With a day full of adventure ahead, let me take you through the highlights of this fun-filled day!
US101 Southbound
Welcome back, fellow nomads! Day 6 of my winter road trip down the California coast took me from the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway to the beautiful Malibu coastline via US101 and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). While the journey was filled with anticipation, it also came with its fair share of challenges. Let me take you through the highlights of this adventurous day!
Santa Cruz
Welcome back, fellow nomads! Day 5 of my winter road trip down the California coast was filled with beautiful sights and memorable experiences as I traveled from Sausalito to Santa Cruz along the iconic CA-1. Let me take you through the highlights of this adventurous day!
Traveling the San Andreas Fault
Welcome back, fellow adventurers! Day 4 of my 2023 winter road trip along the California coast was nothing short of spectacular; as we followed the northernmost section of the San Andreas Fault from Mendocino to San Francisco. I started the day off greeted by a beautiful sunrise that painted the sky in vibrant hues, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
Giant Redwoods and Bill Cypher
The Winter Road Trip 2023 adventure continues as I dive into the second and third days of my trip through the California Coast. After a restful night in Crescent City, California, I woke up on to a stunning sunrise next to the harbor. The vibrant colors painted across the sky were a perfect start to the day, setting the tone for the adventures that lay ahead.
Kicking Off A Winter Road Trip
Hey there, fellow adventurers! As the holiday season rolls in, I decided it was the perfect time to embark on a winter road trip. On December 23, 2023, I set off from Klamath Falls, Oregon, with my sights set on Crescent City, California. The journey promised stunning coastal views, fresh ocean air, and a much-needed escape from the daily grind.
A Night Out with My Son
Not all adventures require venturing into the backcountry. Sometimes, the best experiences come from spending quality time with loved ones. Recently, my son surprised me with tickets to see Gabriel Iglesias at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
A Cozy Night in the Oregon Wilderness
Last night, I parked on some public land near Sisters, Oregon, and it turned out to be a perfect spot for a restful night. I slept soundly, lulled by the soothing sound of rain falling on the roof of the van.
Foggy Sunrise
Good morning! While this isn’t where I spent the night, it’s certainly where I witnessed a breathtaking foggy sunrise in the Oregon Cascades. The serene beauty of the landscape was truly captivating.
Stretching Georgia's Legs
Today, I took the opportunity to stretch Georgia’s legs with a scenic drive around the county. The journey began in Klamath Falls, where I set off towards Fort Klamath, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way (as seen in the picture).
Rust Removal
This weekend, I dedicated some time to addressing rust issues in the cargo area of our van. Thankfully, it’s all surface rust, which is a relief. However, I’m facing a bit of a challenge with …
First Milestone
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve hit our first significant mileage milestone in Georgia—77,777 miles! This exciting moment occurred at the intersection of Campus Drive and the Crater Lake Parkway in Klamath Falls.
First Overnight Adventure
We recently embarked on our first overnight trip in the van, and it was an exciting experience! To prepare, we tossed a mattress in the back along with a few overnight essentials, ready for a little adventure.
Georgia on My Mind
After much contemplation, research, and heartfelt discussions, we are excited to announce the name we’ve chosen for our van: Georgia. At first glance, this name might seem simple, but it holds a deep significance for us. Georgia is named after my mom, and I’d like to share the story behind this choice.
Let’s Demo
As I dive into my latest build project, I wanted to share some progress on prepping the cargo area. Here’s a look at the before and after of my initial steps.
Vanlife Begins
Today has been a bittersweet day. The Suburban had begun to show its age this summer and rather than spend a ton of money to keep it going I decided to trade it off on a new project - 2015 Ram ProMaster 2500 ecoDiesel.