V is for Van

I always wondered why as a child the word Victor was said a lot. It always involved my last name and the spelling of it…e, r, v as in Victor. Uncommon names have a way of creating a cadence that helps get it captured right. Little did I know at the time it was a NATO phonetic thing. On the eve of my travel west to San Diego to purchase a new (to me) Sprinter Camper Van, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’ll just change it to “V as in Van” the next time I have to spell my last name. Of course, too many words that rhyme with van for that to really take hold, but you get the idea.

About a week ago I found myself doing another installment of reviewing my latest website muse: https://thevancamper.com/ I’d hit the Explore icon, see what new vans popped up, scroll through pictures and convince myself why I loved/hated that particular vehicle. Too much money, no shower, needs a toilet, lacks storage, amenities a plenty that I don’t want. Hundreds of vehicles, from bare bones 4 figure rigs all the way up to luxury rides that would give your 401k a scare.

Van not included

As I have been plotting out my timeline, my goal was to have a vehicle in hand by the end of January 2026. Here I was, a week into the new year wondering if I was suffering from analysis paralysis. I decided to act. Picked a favorite, found out it was located (un)conveniently in…San Diego, CA. One way ticket…booked. Owner reached, information exchanged. Targeted a couple more vans just in case this one isn’t the one. Connected with Amana Man Ed who is always proclaiming “come west, all” for transportation/hospitality and now, as it is the night before, I’ve got a semblance of a plan.

Thu: Fly out mid afternoon, super quick layover in Phoenix before arriving in Carlsbad, CA for an evening with Ed and his wife.

Fri: Likely drive to the Oceanside station, take the Coaster train down to San Diego (Old Town), catch an Uber and visit the first vehicle. Likely my runner up. About $7K more and missing some amenities I’d like. Hop 0.5 miles down the road to check out the second van. All goes well, sign/seal/deliver…van yours. Back to the house before a nice homemade dinner and the reality of what lies ahead.

Sat: Golf, not sure the tee time. Get on the road after, likely make it to the Tucson area.

Sun: Tucson to Midland, TX.

Mon: Midland to Jackson, MS with a hopeful stop in Dallas to visit a friend.

Tue: Jackson to Harrisburg, NC to figure it all out.

Thankful for Apple Maps reminding me “Route crosses time zones”

Almost 2,500 miles in total. I’ll get back my Planet Fitness membership, making sure to stop for some exercise, plus whatever else I need. And while I wonder where it will rank regarding most aesthetically pleasing drive, it’s nice to know I can stop wherever, whenever as I have no need for a hotel room.Timeline may change, I really just prefer to get back by Friday Jan 23. The bigger question though is…what do I pack? Moreover, what do I need for the drive back? Never lived like this, I’ve been minimal for a while now but this is next level. Likely I will want things I won’t have like…pillows. Silverware. Toilet paper. Good thing is all this stuff is able to be acquired.

Once back in NC, I’ll title/tag, then hopefully start living out of it come Feb 1. What’s the emotion for me? Nervous, perhaps. Leery, more likely. Here’s what I know — I’ll embrace whatever comes my way. I’ve learned what it takes to be resilient, rely on self-care and remind myself of what I can and cannot control.

I’ll journal daily for the next week or so. If you’re reading this, you’re likely trying to catch up on posts. I’ve kept everything in Draft mode until I officially launch my journey. You’re not behind. I’m just trying to get ahead.