What a wonderful way you brought us along to share your brothers passing. My favorite song is by Jim Brickman called Glory. I’m a retired van lifer too. I, along with my X companion, Dave, converted 2 Chevy 3500 passenger vans. We had a queen sized platform bed, cassette toilet, solar panels on the roof, 2 storage racks for clothing, non perishable foods, toiletries, campstove, dometic refrigerator & 2 Max fans. We traveled the USA many times. I had a vlog too. I miss traveling so much, now. I subscribed to follow you and will live my life vicariously through, you.
When I was a little kid spending the summers with my grandparents and mom in Madras, we would go camping at Smith Rocks. It was covered in tracks and fire rings. It was BLM or forest service land back then. It is amazing how much it changed in the last 20 years.
Deb, your skill is combining music with fantastic views ALWAYS brings pleasure. You and John are so blessed with the physical ability to walk amongst the tall trees, mountains and trails with beautiful views, THANK YOU for sharing your experiences !
What a beautiful posting Deb. I loved the scenery and the music was spot on. Thank you for sharing your insight and creativity with us. Safe travels in your gorgeous van.
Looking forward to a video showing how you organize and pack the van. I’m sure there’s some crossover from the PW but new spaces usually mean new creative approaches. And, you always find the best solutions!
Wonderful to see you spent priceless moments with your family. 💗 Personally, it's always my favorite time spent. Definitely looking forward to John's playlist, I'm sure a lot of people shared some awesome music. 🎵 Loved your trip, the music, scenery and the history of places visited, just wonderful! Continued blessings, Yvonne 🥰
Glad the new van is working out for the most part….Nephews wife’s brother worked as a firefighter for the forest service, quit as it wasn’t worth it….I haven’t been in Oregon 395 since 2013. Looks the same. Shasta was completely covered by smoke then.
I hiked down into the Mt. Lassen Summit Crater with the Cal State Fullerton Geology Club back in 1973. It was an amazing experience to wend our way between the huge blocks of cooled and cracked basalt. Around the crater rim were bright yellow outcrops of sulphur. The view across to Mt. Shasta was spectacular. Your video brings back lots of memories of one of our lesser-visited national parks. My Wife and I have placed it on our bucket list! Thanks.
Really enjoyed this video. Your choice of music is always a perfect match to what you’re doing in the video. “Sway Together” is such a pretty song and the instrumental on your hike was beautiful. Thanks for the time you put into your videos.
We live close to Lassen park. It’s so quiet and peaceful in the off season ( our favorite time to go ). Yes, you can camp in the parking lot if you’re self contained. It’s the same price as a campsite and you can use your senior discount.
Mom and Dad loved Pendleton blankets, she was buried in her Pendleton robe. Your travels always inspire new travels, trigger great memories and connect with wildlife.
Okay, 2 minutes into this episode and I have already become envious. Country Mercantile, I would loose my mind and buy more goods than can fit in the food bin and frig. HAHAHA!
The van looks awesome😍 So happy to see you freewheeling & untethered. Really enjoyed this route and the info about Lassen. We’ll be passing nearby but will need to watch the weather. I didn’t realize the elevation was high on the park road. Looks like you timed it perfectly!
We haven't been back to Lassen since the fire. Very useful to see the resulting landscape. We have to make the bed each morning in our Promaster-based RV but since we live in a condo we can't have an RV longer than 18 ft. and that's what this is.
You were close to my hometown when you were in Pendleton and Pilot Rock, OR. Enjoyed your video and took notes of the camping areas. Your van looks great.
Ha, ha, I was dodging the SoCal heat wave too. Did you see that a section of 395 was closed in Sept. to install 2 wildlife crossings? Looks like you're having a really good time in that new campervan and I'm enjoying watching you do it. Thanks for the share and enjoy the ride.
Yes, we were paying attention to the closure because we thought it might impact our travel. There is still a one lane closure but looks like they'll be finished soon.
We love Lassen NP. We think it's one of the most underrated parks there is (but don't tell anyone, wink, wink). In the spirit of going somewhere new, we are off tomorrow to Sedona for a few days. I find nature therapy is the best way to heal.
We stayed at Clyde Holiday a few years ago! Cool you went to Smith Rock (we have not been there and weirdly enough a very good friend is a ranger there). And also, a bit weird, we just left Manzanita Lake at Lassen this morning!
Looking forward to your review of the new rig ride quality, quietness, and mpg. Will you need to California smog register this rig? You need to get a posi traction rear? Did you buy the AWD version? Can you tell us the dates you were in Lassen so we can know that weather/temps? Will you go up Tioga Pass, Lee Vinning to Saddlebag lake, find out how the new rig likes it. And you can see/hike that beautiful area. Be ready for cold night if you stay there. Thanks for another good road trip suggestion.
We were in Lassen October 3. Our van is currently not lifted so will baby it until we get that done the end of the month. We even drag on curb cuts. Yes, we got the AWD and were really hoping to be able to install a locker but that's the way it goes sometimes. Registration will be this week and we'll include info in a future video. For now, it's tons of projects ahead.
I have the Transit (2023 Storyteller Mode LT - the PFDI (non-Echoboost) version) and do not get that message. IDK if you’ve done it already but we replaced our front seats with the Scheel-Mann seats and they are a game changer.
Thanks for the tip. The swivel gets installed next week and I'll pass on your tip to John. We may want to get new seats down the road but I think we'll probably get these dirty first.
@@FromShetoMe what suspension are you getting? We have the VC Stage 4 TOPO 2 w/ adjustable rear shocks. We’re The Russo’s recently did a TH-cam on a Quigley (I think) that I’m considering. I’ve been off-roading at The Lost Coast and Grand Staircase Escalante though and pretty happy with what we have.
@@ozzywon Yes, we saw their video. We've gone back and forth on which suspension to get and that video clinched the deal for us. We're going with the Q-lift, in part because it is approved by Ford and Agile will install. Also going with the Bilstein B6 shocks. We've worked with Agile on a number of upgrades so feel confident in their work. I suppose you could have your suspension inspected to see if there is any premature wear and then go from there.
@@FromShetoMe I didn’t know Agile will install the Q-lift so I’m glad I asked. I’ll look into that further. Wasn’t really wanting to drive all the way to PA for something like that. 😂
@@ozzywon Tell them I sent you. 😄 I don't get a kick back but it's nice for them to know where leads come from. I will have a video on our upgrade within a few weeks.
Check out the sport antenna or stubby antenna for the Transit Van. Neighbor has one and they are very happy with performance. Hope you are enjoying your new van and satisfied.
We have followed you guys for years, but just learned you are from Cincinnati originally. My wife wants to know what HS you went to? We also had a Pleasureway Van, similar to yours and are looking forward to seeing George's Walk Through Van Tour! Just a note on your last Oil Change. After 60 years in the Automotive Service Business, I would strongly suggest that you use only "Original Equipment Manufacturer" (OEM) Parts, especially on a new vehicle. The reason is Warranty! I've seen to many Oil Filter failures that have caused complete Engine failures which were not covered by the Vehicle Manufacture's Warranty, because they were not OEM Parts. I would recommend that you get your Van Serviced at a Ford Dealership or at the very least use their OEM Parts.
Thanks for the tips. John tried to have the oil changed at the Ford dealer in Spokane but they said they don't do that anymore on the Transit because they've had too many accidents in the parking lots. Sounds weird to me. Our warranty expires December of 2025, but we'll look into getting OEM parts. Actually, originally I am from Texas (dad was in the Navy) but my formative years were in Cincinnati. My oldest siblings went to Indian Hill High School. We moved west when I was 12. So many fond memories of growing up there.
Thanks as always! We were wandering around many of the same areas as you were. The skies weren’t clear in Bend for us though! So many fires. I’ve started watching more of “Nick on the Rocks”, his short form geology talks about Washington. Thanks, also for that tip! Lassen Park is a marvel, we’d like to go back too. Do you watch The Lookout TH-cam channel about fires? I think his name is Zeke Lunder. He has so many interesting things to say about fire management and he grew up right near Lassen so has a long history in the area. So much to learn-too bad the LA Times writers didn’t try harder to educate themselves. There were so many funny toilet comments on the New Jersey guy’s quick TH-cam tour of your van! I had to laugh but wonder myself about how that’s working out for you 😅😂😂. Obviously you make it work well for your needs. Take care! Happy that you have the healing wilderness at your fingertips. ✌️ Betsy C
I have a 2019 Transit and I was able to turn off the reverse horn in the dash menu. Your visit to Smith Rocks reminded me of TH-cam channel Nick Zentner. He's a geology prof. at Central Washington University and has some great videos on the PNW. He's very entertaining using technical terms like German Chocolate Cake and Pizza Boxes. Some great videos to watch are: Smith Rock Volcanic Tuff Supervolcanoes of the Pacific Northwest Geology of the Columbia River Gorge Huge Floods in the Pacific Northwest How did the Rocky Mountains Form?
Yes, I've been a Zentnerd for a number of years. We even did an episode traveling to one of the locations he mentioned in a lecture. And we especially loved the bakery where people would order stuff and have it sent to his classroom. So yummy.
Another beauty of a video. The music was wonderful. Oregon is definitely on our list to see. And, we don’t have that message on our Transit van…must be the dash cam?
Going to a high school football is such fun! Let me add my condolences to the others. I'm sure your brother will be missed. You all seemed close in heart. I know you love not having to pull out the bed every day! The van looks awesome!
Bumpass Hell is named for early explorer Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, who discovered it in the 1860s. Unfortunately, he discovered it by stepping in and severely scalding his leg-it was later amputated.
Great video, love the Bend area of Oregon. Probably a silly question, I always see you putting an envelope for campsite payment at different sites, do they only accept cash or do you carry checks with you, these days we rarely carry either 😊
Unless we have to register on line, we use cash. However, a lot of campgrounds post a QR code that you scan and pay for at the kiosk. Of course, there is a fee to do that but if you don't have the cash or check, it helps. We carry an envelope of assorted small bills and change to pay for sites.
@@FromShetoMe Hopefully they standardize the payment system in the National forest/parks/BLM/Corp of engineers before long. On our last trip they were all different. Like you said , carry lots of small bills.
Great video again, I’m dying to see how you use this new van ( using your oven and all the other toys you purchased) Are those skip marks right before entering the tunnel @29:11 ? I guess it must be some maintenance equipment and not some crazy person doing wheelies at the entrance of the tunnel 😂. See you next week.
No. Up until we reached Tahoe, there wasn't an opportunity to ride. When you consider having to remove and replace 7 locks when they were on the back of the van, it isn't much more time than before and we rest a lot easier knowing they are protected. Many times John would stay with the van when I had to go into a grocery store. Now we can both go and not worry.
I love them; have reordered several times from REI. Made by Altra and they specialize in wide toe boxes. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 Trail-Running Shoes
@@FromShetoMe thank you for the response really appreciate that, and yes you are correct this time of the year weather is kind of crazy in those Northern California, Southern Oregon area's.
Hi Deb, can you recommend a good place in SoCal for Sprinter windshield replacement? We’re going in circles with Safelite. We have windshield coverage with Progressive. Thanks! ❤
We had issues with the last installer. If you have insurance then go to Mercedes because they have to do the calibration and Safelite won’t do that. Fletcher Jones had to calibrate for us anyway. But they will also then give you a long list of things that also need to be done which we ignored per our mechanic.
Thanks for another great video. I have a question about the title. A new way in a new van? I’m dying to know why? Is there something about the new van that allows you to take your travels at a slower pace? Or is it something in your family/journey that is motivating you to slow down? Thanks!
@@FromShetoMe Thanks for explaining that. It makes sense now. I’m guessing you swapped the generator in your PW for batteries in your new rig. How big did you go in your battery pack?
There are so many things: bikes are inside, bed is amazingly comfy, no more black tank, no generator, no propane, bigger batteries, bigger fridge, more storage, AWD.
South Dakota is one of the few states where you don't have to live there to register it there. You also don't have to take it to them for it to be registered. I'll explain more about it in a future video. Of course, now that we are back in California, we will be registering it here.
Your solar panels look like they will often be partially shaded by the side lights and other objects. Are these standard solar panels? Typically, most solar panels can lose almost all of their output if even just a tiny portion is shaded. There are many video demos of this on TH-cam.
@@FromShetoMe I'd be very curious to know which brand/type of panel George has selected. Some of the new types have diodes throughout each panel that can really minimize the losses of partial shading.
You misspoke, Cal Fire does not pay more than city fire departments 😂! Maybe National Forest departments. Those positions are overpaid anyway and should be brought into the private sector to keep costs down for the taxpayers! We should go back to all volunteer system where they still get paid, but they're not getting their million dollar pension +! Great video!
I don’t think u misspoke. I heard u say Cal Fire vs NFS. And BTY, they don’t get million dollar pensions, but maybe they should for their hard work and risking their lives.
What a wonderful way you brought us along to share your brothers passing. My favorite song is by Jim Brickman called Glory. I’m a retired van lifer too. I, along with my X companion, Dave, converted 2 Chevy 3500 passenger vans. We had a queen sized platform bed, cassette toilet, solar panels on the roof, 2 storage racks for clothing, non perishable foods, toiletries, campstove, dometic refrigerator & 2 Max fans. We traveled the USA many times. I had a vlog too. I miss traveling so much, now. I subscribed to follow you and will live my life vicariously through, you.
Thank you. If your vlog is still on line, share the link if you like.
@ my vlog is now being used by my X. I’m battling stage 3 cancer so my traveling days are over for now.
@@lynnwilliams7875 I wish you the best for a full recovery and return to what you love. In the meantime, happy to have you along on our ride.
When I was a little kid spending the summers with my grandparents and mom in Madras, we would go camping at Smith Rocks. It was covered in tracks and fire rings. It was BLM or forest service land back then. It is amazing how much it changed in the last 20 years.
Deb, your skill is combining music with fantastic views ALWAYS brings pleasure. You and John are so blessed with the physical ability to walk amongst the tall trees, mountains and trails with beautiful views, THANK YOU for sharing your experiences !
Yes, our time is limited and we are grateful for every additional day that our bodies will carry us up and down trails.
What a beautiful posting Deb. I loved the scenery and the music was spot on. Thank you for sharing your insight and creativity with us. Safe travels in your gorgeous van.
I like your video. It’s about the journey
Thanks for your video. I have enjoyed your trip from the other side of the screen! I am looking forward to your new van travels and experiences.
Looking forward to a video showing how you organize and pack the van. I’m sure there’s some crossover from the PW but new spaces usually mean new creative approaches. And, you always find the best solutions!
Thanks. I'm muddling through it now. All the projects are a bit overwhelming...but fun.
Wonderful to see you spent priceless moments with your family. 💗 Personally, it's always my favorite time spent. Definitely looking forward to John's playlist, I'm sure a lot of people shared some awesome music. 🎵 Loved your trip, the music, scenery and the history of places visited, just wonderful! Continued blessings, Yvonne 🥰
Glad the new van is working out for the most part….Nephews wife’s brother worked as a firefighter for the forest service, quit as it wasn’t worth it….I haven’t been in Oregon 395 since 2013. Looks the same. Shasta was completely covered by smoke then.
Beautiful scenery thanks for sharing this absolute beautiful ❤
I hiked down into the Mt. Lassen Summit Crater with the Cal State Fullerton Geology Club back in 1973. It was an amazing experience to wend our way between the huge blocks of cooled and cracked basalt. Around the crater rim were bright yellow outcrops of sulphur. The view across to Mt. Shasta was spectacular. Your video brings back lots of memories of one of our lesser-visited national parks. My Wife and I have placed it on our bucket list! Thanks.
We will be returning as well as there is so much we didn’t see.
Really enjoyed this video. Your choice of music is always a perfect match to what you’re doing in the video. “Sway Together” is such a pretty song and the instrumental on your hike was beautiful. Thanks for the time you put into your videos.
You are so welcome.
We live close to Lassen park. It’s so quiet and peaceful in the off season ( our favorite time to go ). Yes, you can camp in the parking lot if you’re self contained. It’s the same price as a campsite and you can use your senior discount.
Thanks for the verification.
Thank you for sharing. Blessings
Debbie . I am enjoying your nice and relaxing video after our hike back from phantom ranch in GC. Thank you
Congratulations on getting a permit and finishing a hike I would love to do.
I hope you guys are loving the new van! Great video as always!
You bet we are.
Mom and Dad loved Pendleton blankets, she was buried in her Pendleton robe. Your travels always inspire new travels, trigger great memories and connect with wildlife.
How interesting. Thanks.
Beautiful film. I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks for the shout out! It was great to get the chance to meet you at Manzanita Lake.
Wish we could have chatted longer.
Okay, 2 minutes into this episode and I have already become envious. Country Mercantile, I would loose my mind and buy more goods than can fit in the food bin and frig. HAHAHA!
Thankfully we have a bigger fridge and storage for just such stops. 😅
The van looks awesome😍 So happy to see you freewheeling & untethered. Really enjoyed this route and the info about Lassen. We’ll be passing nearby but will need to watch the weather. I didn’t realize the elevation was high on the park road. Looks like you timed it perfectly!
We lucked out for sure.
We haven't been back to Lassen since the fire. Very useful to see the resulting landscape. We have to make the bed each morning in our Promaster-based RV but since we live in a condo we can't have an RV longer than 18 ft. and that's what this is.
At least they allow you to have a van.
You were close to my hometown when you were in Pendleton and Pilot Rock, OR. Enjoyed your video and took notes of the camping areas. Your van looks great.
I can't wait to find out what you did with your old van. Plus a guided tour of the new van.
Ha, ha, I was dodging the SoCal heat wave too. Did you see that a section of 395 was closed in Sept. to install 2 wildlife crossings? Looks like you're having a really good time in that new campervan and I'm enjoying watching you do it. Thanks for the share and enjoy the ride.
Yes, we were paying attention to the closure because we thought it might impact our travel. There is still a one lane closure but looks like they'll be finished soon.
We love Lassen NP. We think it's one of the most underrated parks there is (but don't tell anyone, wink, wink). In the spirit of going somewhere new, we are off tomorrow to Sedona for a few days. I find nature therapy is the best way to heal.
Love Sedona and what a beautiful time of year to be there. Hopefully it won't be too hot.
The antenna can be replaced with a shorter one. Sorry to hear about your brother - prayers for comfort and healing.
We stayed at Clyde Holiday a few years ago! Cool you went to Smith Rock (we have not been there and weirdly enough a very good friend is a ranger there). And also, a bit weird, we just left Manzanita Lake at Lassen this morning!
Oh wow. Would have been fun to bump into you guys.
Looking forward to your review of the new rig ride quality, quietness, and mpg. Will you need to California smog register this rig?
You need to get a posi traction rear? Did you buy the AWD version?
Can you tell us the dates you were in Lassen so we can know that weather/temps?
Will you go up Tioga Pass, Lee Vinning to Saddlebag lake, find out how the new rig likes it. And you can see/hike that beautiful area. Be ready for cold night if you stay there.
Thanks for another good road trip suggestion.
We were in Lassen October 3. Our van is currently not lifted so will baby it until we get that done the end of the month. We even drag on curb cuts. Yes, we got the AWD and were really hoping to be able to install a locker but that's the way it goes sometimes. Registration will be this week and we'll include info in a future video. For now, it's tons of projects ahead.
❤praying for you at this time of loss. 🙏🏻
Thanks so much
Thanks for the video. I was in Lassen and stayed at Manzanita lake campground Sept 16. My Hat Creek videos up now Lassen will be up in a few weeks.
Thanks. Will check them out.
I have the Transit (2023 Storyteller Mode LT - the PFDI (non-Echoboost) version) and do not get that message. IDK if you’ve done it already but we replaced our front seats with the Scheel-Mann seats and they are a game changer.
Thanks for the tip. The swivel gets installed next week and I'll pass on your tip to John. We may want to get new seats down the road but I think we'll probably get these dirty first.
@@FromShetoMe what suspension are you getting? We have the VC Stage 4 TOPO 2 w/ adjustable rear shocks. We’re The Russo’s recently did a TH-cam on a Quigley (I think) that I’m considering. I’ve been off-roading at The Lost Coast and Grand Staircase Escalante though and pretty happy with what we have.
@@ozzywon Yes, we saw their video. We've gone back and forth on which suspension to get and that video clinched the deal for us. We're going with the Q-lift, in part because it is approved by Ford and Agile will install. Also going with the Bilstein B6 shocks. We've worked with Agile on a number of upgrades so feel confident in their work. I suppose you could have your suspension inspected to see if there is any premature wear and then go from there.
@@FromShetoMe I didn’t know Agile will install the Q-lift so I’m glad I asked. I’ll look into that further. Wasn’t really wanting to drive all the way to PA for something like that. 😂
@@ozzywon Tell them I sent you. 😄 I don't get a kick back but it's nice for them to know where leads come from. I will have a video on our upgrade within a few weeks.
Check out the sport antenna or stubby antenna for the Transit Van. Neighbor has one and they are very happy with performance. Hope you are enjoying your new van and satisfied.
Awesome tip. I will definitely look into it. Thanks.
Check out the sport antenna or stubby antenna for the Transit Van. Neighbor has one and they are very happy with performance.
We have followed you guys for years, but just learned you are from Cincinnati originally. My wife wants to know what HS you went to?
We also had a Pleasureway Van, similar to yours and are looking forward to seeing George's Walk Through Van Tour!
Just a note on your last Oil Change. After 60 years in the Automotive Service Business, I would strongly suggest that you use only "Original Equipment Manufacturer" (OEM) Parts, especially on a new vehicle. The reason is Warranty! I've seen to many Oil Filter failures that have caused complete Engine failures which were not covered by the Vehicle Manufacture's Warranty, because they were not OEM Parts. I would recommend that you get your Van Serviced at a Ford Dealership or at the very least use their OEM Parts.
Thanks for the tips. John tried to have the oil changed at the Ford dealer in Spokane but they said they don't do that anymore on the Transit because they've had too many accidents in the parking lots. Sounds weird to me. Our warranty expires December of 2025, but we'll look into getting OEM parts.
Actually, originally I am from Texas (dad was in the Navy) but my formative years were in Cincinnati. My oldest siblings went to Indian Hill High School. We moved west when I was 12. So many fond memories of growing up there.
👍🏻
Thanks as always! We were wandering around many of the same areas as you were. The skies weren’t clear in Bend for us though! So many fires.
I’ve started watching more of “Nick on the Rocks”, his short form geology talks about Washington. Thanks, also for that tip! Lassen Park is a marvel, we’d like to go back too.
Do you watch The Lookout TH-cam channel about fires? I think his name is Zeke Lunder. He has so many interesting things to say about fire management and he grew up right near Lassen so has a long history in the area. So much to learn-too bad the LA Times writers didn’t try harder to educate themselves.
There were so many funny toilet comments on the New Jersey guy’s quick TH-cam tour of your van! I had to laugh but wonder myself about how that’s working out for you 😅😂😂. Obviously you make it work well for your needs.
Take care! Happy that you have the healing wilderness at your fingertips.
✌️
Betsy C
Ha, I haven't seen his video so I'll go find it. Yes we watch The Lookout and yes, the toilet is working perfectly (and no odors whatsoever).
I have a 2019 Transit and I was able to turn off the reverse horn in the dash menu.
Your visit to Smith Rocks reminded me of TH-cam channel Nick Zentner. He's a geology prof. at Central Washington University and has some great videos on the PNW. He's very entertaining using technical terms like German Chocolate Cake and Pizza Boxes.
Some great videos to watch are:
Smith Rock Volcanic Tuff
Supervolcanoes of the Pacific Northwest
Geology of the Columbia River Gorge
Huge Floods in the Pacific Northwest
How did the Rocky Mountains Form?
Yes, I've been a Zentnerd for a number of years. We even did an episode traveling to one of the locations he mentioned in a lecture. And we especially loved the bakery where people would order stuff and have it sent to his classroom. So yummy.
Another beauty of a video. The music was wonderful. Oregon is definitely on our list to see. And, we don’t have that message on our Transit van…must be the dash cam?
You probably have an OEM radio. Maybe our audio guy can sort out the constant chit chat of the radio.
@@FromShetoMe haha, it must feel like you are travelling with me….chatty Cathy
Going to a high school football is such fun! Let me add my condolences to the others. I'm sure your brother will be missed. You all seemed close in heart.
I know you love not having to pull out the bed every day! The van looks awesome!
You’ve got that right!
staying high is subject to being misconstrued....ha ha
Bumpass Hell is named for early explorer Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, who discovered it in the 1860s. Unfortunately, he discovered it by stepping in and severely scalding his leg-it was later amputated.
Ewww. But thanks for the background. I love stories like this.
Great video, love the Bend area of Oregon. Probably a silly question, I always see you putting an envelope for campsite payment at different sites, do they only accept cash or do you carry checks with you, these days we rarely carry either 😊
Unless we have to register on line, we use cash. However, a lot of campgrounds post a QR code that you scan and pay for at the kiosk. Of course, there is a fee to do that but if you don't have the cash or check, it helps. We carry an envelope of assorted small bills and change to pay for sites.
@@FromShetoMe Hopefully they standardize the payment system in the National forest/parks/BLM/Corp of engineers before long. On our last trip they were all different. Like you said , carry lots of small bills.
@@genetownsend8847 I just hope they never move it all to on line reservations.
Great video again, I’m dying to see how you use this new van ( using your oven and all the other toys you purchased)
Are those skip marks right before entering the tunnel @29:11 ? I guess it must be some maintenance equipment and not some crazy person doing wheelies at the entrance of the tunnel 😂. See you next week.
I hadn’t noticed them.
FYI - last winter I installed an ARB locker on my2017 2WD 250 Transit. (not a duly)
Interesting. We’ll do some more investigating. Thanks.
@@FromShetoMe Agile Off-road will know
@@TerryManitoba Yes, and we will clarify when we are down there in a few weeks.
@@FromShetoMe After my lift - having the Locker give you another level of confidence to go a little further out there!!! Good luck
@@TerryManitoba For sure!
Great film making as usual. Do you find you don’t ride your bikes as much because you have to take them out and put them together?
No. Up until we reached Tahoe, there wasn't an opportunity to ride. When you consider having to remove and replace 7 locks when they were on the back of the van, it isn't much more time than before and we rest a lot easier knowing they are protected. Many times John would stay with the van when I had to go into a grocery store. Now we can both go and not worry.
You're probably not still in Lake Tahoe, but you should take time to see Virginia City, NV if you haven't already.
We did that years ago but should do it again on one of our trips.
Deb, pray tell, what brand hiking shoe are you wearing with the roomy toe box?
I love them; have reordered several times from REI. Made by Altra and they specialize in wide toe boxes. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 Trail-Running Shoes
@@FromShetoMe thanks a bunch! 💐😊
Debbie may i ask the time frame you took this trip. We love exploring during the off season as well.
That was the first week of October. This time of year you never know what kind of weather you'll encounter but we were very fortunate.
@@FromShetoMe thank you for the response really appreciate that, and yes you are correct this time of the year weather is kind of crazy in those Northern California, Southern Oregon area's.
Have u ever done Pendleton underground? I loved it. So interesting. Especially about the bombs still being found.
Never heard of it but now you’ve piqued my interest and will look into it. Thanks.
Hi Deb, can you recommend a good place in SoCal for Sprinter windshield replacement? We’re going in circles with Safelite. We have windshield coverage with Progressive. Thanks! ❤
We had issues with the last installer. If you have insurance then go to Mercedes because they have to do the calibration and Safelite won’t do that. Fletcher Jones had to calibrate for us anyway. But they will also then give you a long list of things that also need to be done which we ignored per our mechanic.
At min:9, you say, " and then there are these". It looked like a lending library, but with crutches and a ladder. Curious what the story is for that
Yes, crutches and a carry basket. I guess they’ve had their share of injuries. Or maybe it serves as a reminder to be careful.
Deb, did I see SD plates on the new van? Going full-time????
Ha. No, I’ll explain in a future video but we’ll be re-registering this week.
Thanks for another great video.
I have a question about the title. A new way in a new van?
I’m dying to know why?
Is there something about the new van that allows you to take your travels at a slower pace?
Or is it something in your family/journey that is motivating you to slow down?
Thanks!
Being able to boondock for longer periods because of bigger batteries, bigger solar, bigger tanks. Titles are definitely a challenge sometimes.
@@FromShetoMe Thanks for explaining that. It makes sense now. I’m guessing you swapped the generator in your PW for batteries in your new rig. How big did you go in your battery pack?
@@ccartee1 630AH. Feels like the perfect size.
@@FromShetoMe I think you're going to love it. Nothing better than firing up the microwave or airconditioner and not having to fire up a generator.
So what are the top 3 things that are better about the new van versus the old one ?
There are so many things: bikes are inside, bed is amazingly comfy, no more black tank, no generator, no propane, bigger batteries, bigger fridge, more storage, AWD.
@@FromShetoMe What replaced the black tank function ?
@@billwilliams5889 A separating toilet.
I am curious to know how you were able to register the van in South Dakota?
South Dakota is one of the few states where you don't have to live there to register it there. You also don't have to take it to them for it to be registered. I'll explain more about it in a future video. Of course, now that we are back in California, we will be registering it here.
We live very close to Smith Rock and would’ve loved to host you on our property! If you ever pass through again, let us know!
Thanks. We just might take you up on that.
Been hiking it for 50 years. It's BumPass Hell not BumpAss
Is it Hank Williams Jr. High School or Hank Williams Junior High School?
Have you heard from your friends Owen & Lynn Poteat? How are they doing?
Yes, we checked in with them after the hurricane and they said they are fine.
Thanks.
Congress always points the finger in the wrong direction!
It's pronounced Bump'-us. You didn't show the Kings Creek Falls. I know the observatory platform was burned, but I thought it wss rebuilt?????
Certainly a strange name. I think it is rebuilt but due to time constraints we’ll save it for a future trip.
Your solar panels look like they will often be partially shaded by the side lights and other objects. Are these standard solar panels? Typically, most solar panels can lose almost all of their output if even just a tiny portion is shaded. There are many video demos of this on TH-cam.
I asked George about this and he said the technology has made that less of an issue. When I get some time, I’ll experiment on the roof.
@@FromShetoMe I'd be very curious to know which brand/type of panel George has selected. Some of the new types have diodes throughout each panel that can really minimize the losses of partial shading.
I haven't heard back from George but when I do I will let you know.
500 watts RICH SOLAR SLIM solar panels with 2 solar controllers
You misspoke, Cal Fire does not pay more than city fire departments 😂! Maybe National Forest departments. Those positions are overpaid anyway and should be brought into the private sector to keep costs down for the taxpayers! We should go back to all volunteer system where they still get paid, but they're not getting their million dollar pension +!
Great video!
I must have misspoke. I was comparing Cal Fire to USFS. Thanks.
I don’t think u misspoke. I heard u say Cal Fire vs NFS. And BTY, they don’t get million dollar pensions, but maybe they should for their hard work and risking their lives.
@@scottmalan1223 Thanks.
How is the engine power up & down the passes?
Lots of power and the ride is quieter and smoother, even on dirt roads. We’ll see what happens after the suspension work.
@@FromShetoMe thank you.