Van Tales: Vanlife Stories from the Road artwork

Van Tales: Vanlife Stories from the Road

21 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★ - 2 ratings

"Van Tales: Vanife Stories from the Road" is a podcast about vanlife, travel, history, libations, gaming and all things fun. It's filled with stories about places, people and interesting van specific challenges and solutions.

Places & Travel Society & Culture History vanlife van tales van stories from the road stories road van life vandogger van dogger travel
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Episodes

A 3D Print for the Van, A Goonies Roadtrip and Fort George Brewing in Astoria!

May 17, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.55 MB

In this episode I’ll be sharing with you a 3D print solution that I’m using in the van, I’m also heading to Astoria and Cannon Beach where I retrace the Goonies' adventure,  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy a very unusual beer at the Fort George Brewery! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Episode Links: Prusa 3D Printer: https://www.prusa3d.com/original-prusa-mini/ Flavel House Museum: https://astoriamuseums.org/explore...

A Little Van Organization, Tamanawas Falls, Double Mountain Brewery plus The Goonies and a Hazy IPA!

May 10, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.44 MB

In this episode, I’m organizing my storage area, trying to find a place for my bike inside the van and doing some deep spring cleaning in anticipation of a Van Tour! I’ll also take you NE from Jacksonville, OR through Salem and on to the East side of Mt. Hood to Tamanawas Falls, And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy some cleverly named refreshment at Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw E...

A Little Van Organization, Tamawanas Falls, Double Mountain Brewery plus The Goonies and a Hazy IPA!

May 10, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.44 MB

In this episode, I’m organizing my storage area, trying to find a place for my bike inside the van and doing some deep spring cleaning in anticipation of a Van Tour! I’ll also take you NE from Jacksonville, OR through Salem and on to the East side of Mt. Hood to Tamawanas Falls, And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy some cleverly named refreshment at Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw E...

Stuck in Oregon, Exploring Jacksonville and an Historic Cemetery

May 03, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.27 MB

In this episode I’m going to provide an update on my license plates (spoiler: they still haven’t arrived!), I’ll also take you on a trip Jacksonville now don’t get too excited, not Florida, but Jacksonville, OREGON,  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I explore the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Episode Links: Jacksonville Historic Cemetery: https://www.jacksonvilleor.us/151/Cemetery Britt Fest...

Top 5 Annoying Boondocking Problems, WWOOF’ing in Central Oregon and Golf?!

April 26, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.59 MB

In this episode I’ll talk about  my top 5 annoying things about boondocking, I’ll also take you on a trip to Southern Oregon where I work on an organic farm for the week And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I go golfing! Kinda.. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Episode Links: WWOOF: https://wwoofusa.org/ *Harvest Hosts: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/susanowens (get 15% off an annual membership with this link!) contact: vandogger@v...

The Bunk and Brew: A Hostel and Vanlife Mecca, Crater Lake National Park and an Alpaca Farm!

April 19, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.57 MB

In this episode I’ll talk about my trip to Bunk and Brew a hostel and van life mecca in Bend, OR. I’ll also take you on a trip to McCredie Hot Springs and ultimately to Crater Lake National Park.  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I visit an Alpaca Farm full of movie stars! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Episode Links: Bunk and Brew: https://www.bunkandbrew.com/ Red Oak Farm (Alpacas): https://www.redoakfarmsalpacas.com/ co...

An Unsecured Cabinet Disaster, Hood River Hospitality and Hunting a Killer!

April 12, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.59 MB

In this episode, I’ll tell you about how forgetting to close your cabinets before driving can be a big bummer. I'll also take you from Angel's Rest Trailhead in the Columbia Gorge into Hood River and finally solve a murder playing "Hunt a Killer: Death at the Dive Bar"! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw contact: [email protected] Affiliate Links: Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5o Hunt a Killer: T...

Top 5 Regrets of My Van Build, Snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows and Easter Egg Dying!

April 05, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MB

In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 biggest REGRETS about my van build, and I’m also heading up to the Mt. Hood Meadows for some snowboarding! Finally, since it's a holiday I'm celebrating by dying some Easter eggs and having some fun with some new decor! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw contact: [email protected]

10 Things I LOVE about my Van, TCOB in Town and Meeting Friends for Happy Hour!

March 29, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

In this episode, I’m sharing the top 10 things that I LOVE about my van, and I’m also heading back into Portland to take care of some business! Finally, since I’m in town I’m heading to the local pub to meet up with my friends social distance style after more than a year! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw contact: [email protected]

Boondocking Woes, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and Relaxing in Camp!

March 19, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 7.8 MB

I had a bit of trouble finding a good place to sleep recently but that didn't stop me from exploring the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Units of Painted Hills, Sheep Rock and Clarno. Plus to even things out I had a fantastic stay at two other campgrounds! YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Specific YouTube videos: Painted Hills: https://youtu.be/ZE5VE860RlI Sheep Rock: https://youtu.be/qqXuEWwSbq4 contact: [email protected]

Back on the Road! Crooked River and Misery Ridge

March 12, 2021 17:00 - 8 minutes - 6.17 MB

In this episode I’ll talk about getting the Samwise Vangee back on the road, I’ll also take you on a trip to Crooked River National Grasslands.  And make sure to stick around as I hike Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park. Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Episode Links: Smith Rock State Park: smithrock.com Contact: [email protected]

Making the Van Feel Like a Home, A Rocky Butte Sunset and My New GoPro

March 05, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.45 MB

This week I'm adding a comfy touch to the van, taking you on a trip to Rocky Butte, an inactive cinder cone for a beautiful sunset and I'll also talk about my new GoPro. Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVw Episode Links: Rocky Butte: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Butte The Grotto: https://thegrotto.org/ Nick's Famous Coney Island: https://www.facebook.com/Nicks-Famous-Coney-Island-120178271327944/ EVA-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier: https...

Keeping Dry, Tunnel Beach and Five Rivers Coffee

February 26, 2021 06:00 - 10 minutes - 7.22 MB

In this episode I’ll talk about how to keep your van dry even during humid weather, I’ll also take you to Oceanside where we’ll traverse a tunnel to a secluded beach.  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy the best coffee in Tillamook. Links: EVA-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45R EVISWIY 150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1 *Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commi...

Internet on the Road, Heceta Head Lighthouse and The Three Capes Scenic Tour

February 19, 2021 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.93 MB

I'm exploring Heceta Head Lighthouse this week as well as the Three Capes Scenic Tour which includes Capes Kiwanda, Lookout and Meares. Plus I'll give you some info on getting internet while on the road so that you can stay connected! YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/C90MJ8r4Yqs Heceta Head B&B: https://www.hecetalighthouse.com/ The Eugene Register - Guard article dated May 16, 2002, by William Sullivan (describing the supernatural history of the lighthouse residence):  https://news.googl...

Where are my Tags?, Inspiration for Frank Herbert’s “Dune”, and a Prehistoric Garden!

February 12, 2021 02:00 - 12 minutes - 8.48 MB

Join me as I continue to travel north along the Oregon Coast. Leaving Brookings and heading up to Port Orford and Florence, I found some really cool things there including the inspiration behind Frank Herbert’s Sci Fi Cult classic, Dune!  And you’ll want to stick around for Something Different as I go back in time to see some dinosaurs! YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/b5hDZ6YdOpI Port Orford: https://portofportorford.org/ Dune (the Novel): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_(novel) Prehi...

A New YouTube Channel, Natural Bridges at the Oregon Coast and Groundhog Day!

February 04, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

I’m heading to the Southern Coast of Oregon to hike the Redwoods and discover Natural Bridge Cove, which showcases you guessed it some natural bridge formations in the ocean.  And this is an exciting episode because I’ve created a YouTube video (https://youtu.be/ZoeYCSoS9IM) with my dashboard cam where you can actually see some of these places. Last but certainly not least,  make sure to stick around for Something Different as I wedge a whole slice of cake in my mouth in honor of Groundhog D...

Van Upgrades, Hiking Multnomah Falls in the Gorge and a Relaxing Soaking Pool!

January 29, 2021 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

In this episode you can hear about some new van upgrades I purchased this week to make my tiny home even more comfy! I’ll also take you on a short road trip to the Columbia Gorge and hike the Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls trail.  And make sure to stick around as I give you the inside scoop on  where to find a hot soaking pool in town! Links and additional information McMenamin's History:  https://www.mcmenamins.com/history McMenamin's Kennedy School Soaking Pool: https://www.mcmenamins....

Top 10 Van Life Sacrifices, A Cycling Tour of Sauvie Island, OR and the Hunt for the Best Donut in Town!

January 21, 2021 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

In this episode, I talk about what it really means to live in a van full time and what sacrifices you should be prepared to make, if you're interested in vanlife. I also take you on a cycling tour around Sauvie Island, OR.  And join the hunt as I search for the best donut in town! Links and additional information Sauvie Island: https://sauvieisland.org/ Bybee Howell House: https://sauvieisland.org/visitor-information/historical-areas/bybee-howell-house/ NOLA Doughnuts:  https://www.noladoug...

Keeping Warm in the Winter, Oregon Wine, Music and a Beer Festival Too!

January 14, 2021 22:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

Join me today as I explain what I do to keep toasty in the van during winter. I'll also bring you with me on a journey into Oregon Wine Country where I'll listen to some great music and even tell you a bit about how wine became a thing in Oregon. Stick around for a fun beer festival too!

Boondocking, the Alberta Arts District and Donut Pizza!

January 08, 2021 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB

In this first official episode, you'll hear about boondocking and van safety, walk through the Alberta Arts District in Portland, OR and join me for some delicious van pizza!

The Journey from House to Van! (and Boardgaming?)

January 01, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

In this pilot episode hear how I left the corporate world behind to live in a van. The weeky rotating segment talks about some recent boardgame experiences too!