Our days include a lot of stops for photography so we try not to plan more than 3 hours driving per day. That allows lots of extra time for little side jaunts. I always enjoy seeing Bob’s shots later and what caught his artistic eye.
Our usual campground set up is to use the ‘front lounge’ as our dining room. Here Bob is checking on our plans for the day while I clean up after an oatmeal breakfast. I love the little kettle but only use it when we are hooked up to electrical power. Otherwise we boil water using the propane cooktop. Bob loves his AeroPress for making coffee and uses it all the time, not just when we’re in the van. We also use our Corkcicle tumblers constantly, on the road and at home.
But sometimes we eat dinner at the back at the van. When at home we cook larger quantities and plan for leftovers which are our preferred lunch. Cooking and shopping for van life, we have learned to cook just enough for two people with leftovers.
Our Lake Superior camp site with bbq set up and the all-important clothes line.The BBQ is from a marine supply store in Kingston. It’s called a SeaBQ, fits nicely in the ‘garage’ (back end of the van) and works great on the hook-up to our on-board propane tank. Nice that we don’t have to travel with propane canisters.
Most campgrounds have a picnic table on site but sometimes they are kind of grotty and require washing down. In this case the table was up to standards for use as Bob’s desk. If not, we have a folding table as a back up. The awning and bugs screens are great assets in many locations while traveling in the summer heat.
Bob’s office – when the driver seat is turned around and table flipped up, it makes a great workspace for Bob. Or, on this night, a spot for him to view one of the few Toronto Maple Leafs games in 2020 with Matthew, Katie, and grand puppy Tyrion on the phone. It turned out to be the last Leaf’s game of 2020.
Primo Campsite #1 – on the shore of Marie Louise Lake in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Very private sites that back onto lakefront access via wooden steps and mature trees dividing each site. With van doors open and the bug screen down we had a beautiful sunset view from our bedroom.
Lunch spots:
While traveling around we look out for great lunch spots. Even when not social distancing, we much prefer to make lunch in the van in a scenic spot and enjoy lunch there. In this case we found an old railway station in Ogema, Saskatchewan. The station is now a museum but of course was closed this summer. A favourite and easy lunch is grilled sandwiches.
Feeling like a sardine in this campsite in Port Hardy RV park. We actually drove past this site the first time because it was so small we didn’t see it. We had friendly neighbours who, given the proximity of our front door to theirs, couldn’t help but engage in conversation everytime we came out.
Primo Campground #2 – Jasper National Park, mountain view and backing onto the Athabasca River. Falling asleep to the sounds of rushing water is truly wonderful.
Sometimes we get very dirty. We discovered in the west the truck washes. Great fun for Bob to power wash the van
Your Pleasure-Way is wonderful. Thanks for posting tips. I watched a fun you tube of a woman who converted a Ford van, I think, and it was so fun to see all the clever storage. I’d not heard of AeroPress. Looks like a good stocking stuffer. And the SeaBQ but not in the stocking:) The sunset view from your camper is sweet. And now that I run my own pressure washer I get Bob’s delight! It’s also really great to get restaurant recommendations along the way. Especially the Mom and Pops you might miss. Finnish pancakes in Thunder Bay has great appeal!