A sunset reflection in Sedona, AZ.
Passed in a Flash
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve already been on the road for a month. In some ways it feels like I just left home, and in other ways it feels as if I’ve been on the road for ages. Maybe it’s all the miles I’ve covered and the numerous places I’ve already visited that’s skewing my sense of time. Maybe it’s the fact that I feel completely at-home in my van which has helped the time pass smoothly. Or maybe it’s the fact that I’ve been having so much fun that the entire concept of time seems to have disintegrated. Whatever the reason, the first month passed in a flash.
I’m proud to say that the van has held up really well so far (knock on wood), and apart from a couple pieces of trim that appear to have jostled loose, as well as a cabinet door that has warped slightly in the varying climates I’ve passed through, the rest of the van build is holding strong and functioning as intended. In fact, with the help of a friend in Sedona, as well as a separate project I tackled on my own, the van has actually received a few welcome upgrades since leaving home.
After having lived in it for a month, I’m particularly happy with the van’s layout, as I don’t feel at all cramped, even in such a relatively small space. In fact, one night while camping with friends we were driven inside by unruly mosquitos, and all three of us were able to very comfortably eat dinner in my van, with enough seats and counter space for all of us to enjoy our meal. It was really rewarding to see some of the details and decisions I made during the building process be put to good use while hosting my friends for dinner.
As I begin my second month on the road, I sense a shift coming and I'm intrigued to see where it leads. For perspective, the first month was spent almost entirely with friends and predominantly in places that we were relatively familiar with, which has has been lovely (and probably a great way for me to dip my toes into van life). This second month, however, I'm finding myself being pulled further east than I initially planned on going, which is taking me farther from friends and family and into regions unknown.
The inevitable surprises and unknowns of this coming chapter both intimidate and excite me. I’m certain I’ll miss the comfort, safety and companionship of my friends, but I’m feeling ready for the challenge and excited for the adventures and lessons that are synonymous with traveling alone. I expect, at the very least, I'll be left with plenty of new stories and photographs to share.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
P.S. For the sake of safety I've been intentionally vague with my location until I've already left that place. But soon enough I'll share more about where I'm currently camping and where I'm headed next.
Thank you for reading!
If so inclined, below are a few ways to help support me and my art:
