RIP Rusty - The search for a new van begins
Summer is approaching… slowly! And the search has begun for a new family van, because our loved and ‘trusted’ red T4 kicked the bucket last year… due to summer exhaustion. I say family van; its my mums – she is the poor soul who has to pick up the pieces whenever it breaks down! So why a van? Why not pack your kit and sleep in a tent somewhere further away from a road? I asked exactly that when we first got the van a few year ago, but van life is so much fun and only enhances accessibility to the outdoors. A van becomes your own portable base of warmth and safety, as well as your mode of transport. It provides storage, cooking facilities, shelter, a place to charge your tech… and you can always tuck your tent away somewhere for more adventurous nights.
The positives of van life
Freedom – the ability to go where you want when you want for as long as you want.
Cost effective holidays – you can eliminate the cost of hotels, restaurant bills, flights, public transport, tickets, organised entertainment! Some cash for fuel and food is all you need.
Simple living – Living in such a small space allows you to cut out nonessential items that clog up your average day – having a level of simplicity discards distractions that tend to melt away time day after day (Netflix, instagram, doing your hair and make up)!
Forces organisation – not essential, however a messy van is pretty awful. Once things have a place, it makes finding them again much easier!
Inspiration – new people, places and thoughts. I think it’s always nice to notice how your thoughts change depending on where you are and what you’re doing; at home I’m guilty of toxic rational thinking – but when I remove myself from certain environments I think I become more logical, creative and adventurous!
Waking up to awesome views and fresh air – waking up and being outside immediately is the most refreshing thing (unless its raining and howling)!
Negatives
Planning ahead – almost everything requires a bit of planning and preparation, going for a shower, to the toilet, cooking, washing up…
Loneliness – it’s always a nice idea to run away and be by yourself, but being alone without much human contact even through social media can quickly become a little too isolating – find someone to share adventures with!
Time goes slow – although this can be good, the weather always gets bad and you can be stuck in a small space with not a lot to do. Always remember to pack a few books, and even more wine!
Breaking down is expensive! It’s bound to happen at some point, so be prepared with some tools and good breakdown cover. Just try to break down somewhere beautiful, with waves to surf while you wait!
Things to pack and things to do
Surfboards, bodyboards, SUPboards – something that gets you in the water. They’re easy to strap on the roof, so don’t take up any precious inside space… and if anyone forgets their sleeping bag, a board bag is your next best bet!
Snorkel on rainy days – because it doesn’t rain underwater!
Open water swimming to rinse off that funky perfume that you develop from living in a van for too long!
Catch yourself some dinner while you’re in the sea!
Warm yourself up, get the blood pumping and head for the hills –
Check out a west coast music festival – even when your siblings aren’t thrilled to be getting drunk with you for a 4th night in a row!
Search for magical fresh water pools to wash the salt away –
Meet the local wildlife –
And finally – hang out with your fam, they’re the best friends you’ll ever have!
If you fancy a peep at some of our adventure videos (that are extremely amateur) – follow these links!
48 hours on Tiree // April 2017 Tiree Ultra 2017
Thanks for reading Oidhhe Mhath R x
Rona McMillan 
Thanks for sharing Rona…my van envy has become even more serious! Great blog x
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