So now that I've finished the build out of my van, it was time for a "shake-down run", or "shake-down cruise" as my Navy friends would say. It's a new van, so no worries with its mechanical condition, but I wanted to get a feel for how it drives with all the extra weight I've added and check for any squeaking, rattling or any leaks with my water system and roof fan install.
I drove from my home in Georgia up to Johnson City, Tennessee to visit my son and his family and it performed as expected - no problems whatsoever on that 300 miles plus round trip.
Let the adventures continue... where to go and what do do?
I spent the better part of last winter in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona along with approximately one million snow birds from the frozen north. The desert is so vast that one would hardly know that during the winter months, the desert becomes a temporary home to that many people.
Source: The city of Quartzsite, Arizona.
Sun setting over campers/snowbirds in the Sonoran Desert
Arizona has 12.2 million acres of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land that is open to the public.
Source: BLM Land Management.
Just a few miles from Yuma, Arizona lies Los Algodones, Mexico. I had researched a lot about Los Algodones which is known for its numerous vision and dental centers and inexpensive meds. I decided to pay a visit. On an average day, it's estimated that several hundred people cross the border into Los Algodones from the USA and Canada to take advantage of the excellent dental and vision care and Rx Meds. While there, I had my teeth cleaned for only $25.00. The doctor that cleaned my teeth went to school in the USA and was very professional and her office was immaculate.
I'm seriously considering going there again this winter. My plan is to drive up to Illinois and pick up Route 66 and follow it across to Arizona.
One of the many sights on historic Route 66
You would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle for road trips than a conversion van. You travel in comfort with everything you need, whether it's food, drink or a place to take a quick nap or camp and sleep in for weeks at a time.
Another great use for a converted van is for tailgating. Football season is here and tailgating is traditionally a part of that. So, just throw your portable grill along with some extra camping chairs and blankets into your van and call your friends to join you at the game.
Tailgating at the football game
Not only that but if you or your friends have kids and they play little league games, etc,
Little League game
how cool would it be to show up at the games in your converted van decorated in their team colors?
And then there's fishing. Just about everyone loves fishing. Personally, I love trout fishing in the mountains during the fall season. It's activities like this that cause me to get out and enjoy this wonderful country in a converted van. This past spring (before I got my present van), I drove my small van up into the Great Smoky Mountains and parked on the banks of a river. I was camped on dispersed land, which is free camping and had the river and all those trout to myself.
A great day for fishing
What a wonderful time.
And finally there's camping. We all need a break from our daily routines now and then and what better way to escape the cubicle, cell phone, computer, and daily grind of bumper to bumper traffic than going camping. Camping is an excellent way to get that much-needed breath of fresh air and relax with family or friends. Pitching a tent can be a chore, and sleeping on the ground quickly loses its appeal especially if it rains or snows. If you own a conversion van you don't have these worries as you have a dry, cozy bed in your van.
Source: Some of the photos in this blog are provided courtesy of pixabay.com.
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Until next time…