Life is an amazing journey. Here we share our experiences on the open road. Come along for the ride.
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.
Rain in San Diego?
It rained today in San Diego—or at least, that’s what the weather app claimed. In reality, calling it rain might be a stretch; it was more like the sky decided to test out its mister setting. Just enough moisture to dot the windshield and make the air smell fresh, but not enough to justify an umbrella.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.