Three Nights in a Van – Part 1

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Stories

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope you all had a great week and are doing well! We had a wonderful time in the wilderness, and in such a beautiful area, I became so inspired that ideas for poems and stories flooded in. I couldn’t write them down in my journal fast enough. This is why I thought it would be fun to create a series of posts about our trip. I’ll share my writing and add some photos. I’m not sure how many ‘parts’ will comprise this series. I’ll let it happen organically. So, below is a short story I wrote to kick off this string of posts, and I hope you enjoy!

Three Nights in a Van

She told my husband and I that it was a queen mattress, but it sure looked like a queen wannabe. We didn’t think it would result in a restful night’s sleep for either of us, but we were pleasantly surprised to snuggle into each other and fit more comfortably than sardines in a can! What an illusion!

For over three decades, we’ve pitched tents, used pit toilets (reluctantly), carried packs on our backs, and dug holes for when mother nature called. Now in our seventh decade, we’ve seen many camper vans on the road, instantly intriguing us.  

What if we could pull into our campsite in the great outdoors, knowing that our wilderness home was already set up?

The concept of not having to loop or hook tent poles, hoping the tent would pop up like magic, admittedly, entertained the wheels turning in our minds.

So, after numerous conversations and the right time presenting itself, we finally did it! Just last week, our new adventure in the Sierra Mountains began in a rented Mercedes Benz Sprinter van named Clay. That’s right, the owner names his rental vans, and we chose Clay for the best layout. The name not only fit because of its light tan color, but its earthy tone blended in perfectly with the organic earth, granite, lake, and pine trees – the landscape that called us.

Clay, the camper van!

For our first experience, we agreed that three nights and four days would be long enough to become initiated into this somewhat nomad lifestyle. As we began packing, storage was not a problem in Clay. In fact, it was like entering into a huge walk-in closet! Ample space for all of the gear we wanted to bring with room to spare!

The driver and passenger seats swiveled for a living room effect, and a table could be set up in between. These features were appreciated when on one day, Mother Nature became irritable tossing around 40-50 mph winds. Besides hiking around camp and the surrounding forested area, we planned to spend time sitting at the picnic table or in our camp chairs on the shore of the stunning lake. Reading books and magazines, writing in my journal, and playing card games were on our agenda. Well, the gusts wouldn’t allow us to partake in any of these relaxing activities. Pages in books would flip faster than we could read, and cards would take flight with the birds!

Cheers!

Despite the unexpected (always expect the unexpected in the mountains), a great option was to utilize the van. So, we were in and out of Clay for the entire day with occasional hikes to stretch our legs and move our bodies. Being sequestered in the van, though, was more comfortable than being stuck in the tent sitting on the bed. When happy hour arrived, we enjoyed the shelter from the gusts while sipping Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. And the high point was when my husband looked at me and said, “Honey, just being with you is a pleasure.” Even after thirty-five years, he’s still got it!

Let’s backpedal a bit…the day we toured the van was the day we decided to rent it. Spontaneity at its finest! We went home and completed the online application and paid the fees. A few hours later, we returned to pick up Clay. The woman who gave us the tour, provided a crash course on the technology inside the van and placed the key fob in my husband’s hand. Did I mention ‘crash course?’ A variety of buttons for this and that! But her instructions were logical, and our memories kicked in with success.

Clay came with an inside shower and sink for running water. Both great features, especially the shower, even when we’re able to swim in fresh water. Oh, the comforts of home while camping!

Our cozy wine bar!

Decades ago, when we began camping together, cell phones didn’t exist. Of course, nowadays cell phones may as well be another limb! And yet, when we embark into the wilderness, whether with a tent or a camper van, we look forward to unplugging. The only music we enjoy listening to are the melodies of nature: birdsong, and caws and hoots from high in the pines! We set foot on the trail, soaking in the scenery, submerging ourselves in the refreshing lake water, letting our minds engage into compelling paperbacks, while simply enjoying the quietude and each other’s company. However, cell phones come in handy for taking photos, keeping family updated, and in the event of an emergency. Luckily, an emergency didn’t occur, and we brought our Spot satellite as a backup. Smart to be prepared!

See what I mean? Gorgeous!
Morning hike and look what we found!

A side note about soaking up the scenery…while reveling in that first cup of coffee one morning, my husband looked up at the nearest pine and saw something big! Was it a bear? After our eyes zeroed in, the white face of a bald eagle came into focus! We were amazed! We had never been so close to a bird of this majesty! I managed to get a few photos, but you’ll have to look closely. Seconds later, it took off in flight with a wingspan of around seven feet. I tried to capture the moment, but my fingers couldn’t move fast enough. So, we watched as it faded in the distance. What a memorable sighting!

This beauty is sitting near the trunk towards the top!
Look for its white face!

When the last day arrived and our gear was packed in the van, our bodies and souls thanked us, feeling rested and revitalized. Clay, the camper van, had done a fantastic job of delivering an adventure and experience full of beauty, ruggedness, comfort, and good company.

Do you ever get tired of sunsets?
We met some friendly campers.

Spending time in the mountains offers a sense of freedom from the debris in our minds, allowing tranquil moments to fill up the days and evenings. The stunning sunrises and sunsets made perfect bookends from the moment we sipped our good morning coffee to when our heads touched our soft pillows.

Reflection…

We look forward to getting on the road again, waking to the beautiful sun rising over the mountains, hiking the trails, dipping more than our toes in the magic of the lake, and witnessing the spectacular moon in the darkened sky as she bids us a peaceful ‘Good night.’ 

Moon magic!

© Lauren Scott – Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed the Sierra Mountains
through my words and photos. Stay tuned for Part 2!
I look forward to reading your posts again, too!
~ Lauren ❤️

The best of times…

110 thoughts on “Three Nights in a Van – Part 1”

    1. I know, Ian. After 35 years of pitching tents, the van was a nice and easier option. Nothing fancy, but we don’t need fancy. Just a little less work at this time in our lives. Camping is a lot of work no matter what. I’m glad you liked the photos. Thanks!

  3. Bravo you, two. Thank you for sharing your Sierra Mountain adventures. Wonderful! My daughter refurbished and lived in a van for several months a few years ago, traveling and working at art events and festivals. 🙌🏻

      2. Oh, I get it! Our son went on a 7-month road trip across country last year from the east coast to the west. Not in a van, but still, a wonderful experience visiting as many state parks as possible. He worked remotely. Anyway, it was all I could do to not worry! And if it had been my daughter, the worry would have been doubled. It doesn’t matter how old our kids are, does it? 😃 I’m glad she was safe and that now she has an incredible memory. 💓💐

      3. No, it doesn’t, though I worry less than I used to, for her benefit and mine. Thank you, I was relieved when she sold her van to a traveling poker player. 😌 Your son’s adventure sounds excellent!

      4. I do too, but if I do worry, I’m better at hiding it from them. LOL Glad she sold the van. 😀
        And thanks about my son’s trip. We’re glad he was able to do it. Cheers to our kids! Enjoy the rest of your evening, Michele. 💕

      2. I’ve felt that way when we’ve backpacked into the high country. But in the thirty five years that we’ve camped in a tent, we’ve never seen a bear. I wouldn’t mind seeing one from a distance though. 😃

    1. Thanks, Ernie, all that you mentioned is what we embrace when we’re there. And the camper van made it less work this time. 🙂 I would like to hike on the PCT next year though, so that would require sleeping in a tent again. We shall see. I’m happy you enjoyed this part of the series. 😊

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed my story and photos, Robbie. We were happy to have the van in that wind. We’ve had a lot of fun tenting in the mountains, but now that we’re older, more comfort and less work is nice. Although, I do have a dream of hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, so we’re thinking of doing it next year if our bodies allow. If so, then a light backpack and backpacking tent will be the accommodations. 🙂 But I’ll be fine with that if I’m pain-free. Anyway, thanks! 🥰

  16. Welcome to our world, Lauren. Before we bought our travel trailer, Peggy and I owned two Pleasure Way travel vans over a period of 25 years including living and traveling it them for a year once and three years another time! We loved it. You captured the essence of the experience well!

    1. Hi Curt, how fun! For a year and three years! How was that? We’re thinking of doing that for a few months when we retire. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words, and I’m glad you enjoyed and could relate to the wilderness element.

      1. Any time I find myself in a beautiful Sierra Nevada location I’m happy. It’s ‘home’ to me Lauren. Thanks for taking us along. As for our extended trips the first was a sabbatical, more or less. The second was how we celebrated our retirement. Now such escapes fit the category of doing what comes natural. Grin.

      2. We feel the same, except, we haven’t entered retirement yet. But a van adventure is what we’re thinking too for celebrating that new chapter. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed. I always enjoy your posts too. 😊⛺️🚐

  18. Wow Lauren, that looked like a slice of heaven being out in fresh air and staying in luxury camping! That’s the way to travel. Good for you both. I look forward to part 2. Hugs ❤

    1. Hi Debby, sorry for the delay, but you landed in spam again! Sheesh! Anyway, thanks for your wonderful words, and I’m glad you enjoyed the scenery. The van was so nice, and we plan to do this again. Thanks again! Hugs to you! xoxo

  25. Oh, thank you so much for sharing your experience, Lauren. My husband and I have been discussing this as an option for a year. What a great idea to rent a van for four days and try it out. It sounds like it was a success. I’m off to read the next installment of your van adventure. 🙂

    1. I hope you get to go ‘camper van-ing’ soon, Diana! It was what we had hoped for! Now we’re thinking of buying one, but there are so many trailer and van options to choose from. Happy camping, my friend, and thanks for popping in! 💞

      2. That’s great, Diana. I hope your experience is a positive one like ours. We’ll probably try it again next summer, too. But we also have hiking the PCT on the calendar for next year, if our bodies allow. Distance is irrelevant. I just want to hike on it a little, which means sleeping on the ground in a tent again. 🙂 So, we shall see. Have you hiked the PCT?

  26. That looks & sounds nice. Tents are fun, but like you said, can be such a pain. Putting up, taking down, & trying to get it back in the bag. Looks like y’all had a great time.

      1. Yea, we went a step further. Have a cabin on a lake in Mississippi that we go to every weekend. Yea, it’s the same spot all the time, but so relaxing just being away from the city & work. Really relaxing out in the boat.

  28. That was great, Lauren! I feel like I was on the trip!

    It truly is beautiful up there.

    Hey, I like Clay! Do you think you’ll rent him again, or get one of your own?

    Look forward to more writing reading from your trip.

    xo🌹❦💓

    1. Thanks, Resa! I’m happy you felt like you were there! Mission accomplished! Clay was great, and right now, we’re thinking of buying either a van or maybe a trailer. There are so many options to choose from, so we’re not sure. It’ll take more research. But the van was a nice and easy transition from tenting. The only time I’ll sleep in a tent again is if my dream is fulfilled next year to hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Backpacking it in! We had planned to go this year, but then my health intercepted. I’m feeling good now, so I hope it lasts for us to hike even a mile or two on this trail. Fingers crossed. Hugs! xoxo

      1. Fingers crossed. xoxoxoxoxo
        You can always rent Clay or one his pals while you are researching.

        It seems like inspiration is teeming out there for you.
        xoxoxoxo

  30. What a ride Lauren! Looks like you found a nice friend with Clay – for sure it’s just the start of many new adventures. My sister and her husband bought a van this year as they love what it offers – the freedom of going wherever they want will all they need in one safe place.

    Thanks for the photos as well, and looking forward the next part.

    Have a sweet weekend!

    1. Hi Marie, it’s great to see you! And you’re right, Clay was a good friend and the start of many new adventures. Oh, I’m envious of your sister and her husband! We’re thinking of buying a van or a trailer, but need to do more research. So many options to choose from. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks, my friend, and wishing you a lovely weekend. xoxo

      2. Haha! It did not have a toilet. Our ‘model’ had an indoor shower, sink, and it came with a propane stove for cooking. But we had our camping gear, so we didn’t use much of what was provided. The difference for us was not having to pitch a tent, and being sheltered from the wind on one of the days. If we ever bought one, I’d swap the shower for a toilet. 🙂 Many people have outdoor showers, so that would be fine with me. But we had a bucket with a lid (bought from REI) that came in handy just in case. Otherwise, the pit toilets were very clean. 😍

  36. I love your photography! You must have had a fun time! Travelling in a van with your family looks like fun. At one point in anyone’s lives, they should go camping. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature & take a break from the hustle & bustle. Also, I very much enjoyed reading about your adventure. Have a great week! BBB

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