Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 26 | August 1, 2025

Camper Vans gathered at a campfire at sunset

Hello, STORYTELLERS! Welcome to the 26th issue of Galactic Adventures -- our community-focused, community-informed newsletter.

This issue's featured photo comes to us from MODE Owner, Anne Marie Ehrentraut

If you would like to see your photo or story featured in Galactic Adventures, please send an email to emma.walsmith@storytelleroverland.com. We love to hear from you!

🚐 Days of Wine & STOs in Oregon

Wasif Sattar, MODE Owner

The "Days of Wine & STOs" Walla Walla meetup was everything we love about the Storyteller community—laid-back, meaningful, and full of small moments that make a big impact. Organized by the generous and wonderful Gordy & Dolly, this weekend was truly perfect.

Everyone stayed at a gorgeous lavender farm, a peaceful Harvest Hosts location that made the whole experience even more memorable. It was the perfect basecamp for reconnecting, relaxing, and soaking in the beauty of the Walla Walla area. Every evening was spent around firepits with drinks flowing and laughs all around!

We kicked things off on Friday with a visit to a beautiful local winery, thanks to Scott Isaacs and his local connection. The setting, the sips, and the company made for the perfect start to the weekend. That evening, we gathered back at camp where Kendall Payne serenaded us at sunset with a soulful acoustic set. The sing-along brought everyone together and created a moment of connection that carried through the days that followed.

Saturday was all about fun in the sun. We kicked things off with a visit to a classic drive-in burger joint that’s been open since 1952. The burgers and shakes were amazing, and we all enjoyed a nice lunch outside on the patio. After lunch, we found a beautiful swimming spot along the river where people cooled off, relaxed, and enjoyed the simplicity of being off-grid with good friends. We somehow were able to fit all our vans and even a couple Hilts in the parking area! There were plenty of laughs, wagging tails, and conversations the entire afternoon. Later, a raffle added some extra excitement with lucky winners walking away with cool prizes. Special thanks to all the vendors who graciously donated items for the raffle.

Although we had to roll out a bit early, we heard the adventure continued into Sunday where everyone went to the local drive-in and enjoyed watching the new F1 movie—a fitting close to a weekend well spent.

And finally, a heartfelt thank-you to Gordy and Dolly for their warmth and hospitality, your generosity helped make this gathering truly special.

✨ Vanlife the Storyteller Way

Milton Inman, Big Fan

Having grown up with an adventurous Mom, I naturally developed a passion for

exploration. About six years ago, I joined the overlanding community, and after many

van events in my Lexus GX 470, I set out to have my own van built, a Sprinter AWD

170—though not through Storyteller. At Overland Expo East in 2024, my friends and I

met Lee Conn, who welcomed us to camp with the Storyteller group, deepening my

appreciation for their community.

By July 2025, my fiancé and I were traveling to Colorado for The Nadas Best Weekend

Ever, where Jason Walsmith connected us with Jeremy and Sarah Sanchez. We

camped with the Storyteller crew, and their camaraderie and knowledge reminded me of my mom.

My mom was always looking to travel somewhere and even when she came to visit me, she had another suitcase packed just in case she didn’t want to go back

home and travel somewhere else. As we were coming across I-70, we saw a lady driving a Storyteller van, and I realized how safe and supported my mom would have felt with this group.

The inclusive and welcoming culture of Storyteller makes me grateful to be part of their journey.

☀️ From the HQ: Holiday OFF Road Adventure Van Expos and Overland Expos

We are huge fans of both the Adventure Van Expo (AVE) and Overland Expo (OVE) event series. Both AVE and OVE provide incredible resources to the overlanding community-- opportunities to find your dream adventure rig, learn from industry experts and connect with fellow explorers.

There are a few more AVEs and OVEs through the end of 2025 and as a part of our Holiday OFF Road Tour, we'll be displaying units at some events, camping at most and offering test drives at others. Here's what you can expect:

August 16 - 17 - AVE Bozeman - Bozeman, MT
Camp with fellow STORYTELLERS.
Ride & Drive - Experience EVICTUS.

August 22 - 24 - Overland Expo Mountain West - Loveland, CO
Camp with fellow STORYTELLERS.
Explore the CREW MODE and GXV HILT at the Storyteller booth.
EPIC viewable at Storyteller campsite.
Test Drive the GXV HILT

September 6 - 7 - AVE Enumclaw - Enumclaw, WA
Camp with fellow STORYTELLERS.
Ride & Drive - Experience EVICTUS.

September 20 - 21 - AVE Tahoe - North Lake Tahoe, CA
Camp with fellow STORYTELLERS.
Ride & Drive - Experience EVICTUS.

October 3 - 5 - Overland Expo East - Arrington, VA
Camp with fellow STORYTELLERS.
Explore the CREW MODE and GXV HILT at the Storyteller booth.

October 4 - 5 - AVE San Juan Capistrano - San Juan Capistrano, CA
Camp with fellow STORYTELLERS.
Ride & Drive - Experience EVICTUS.

We’re hitting the road in 2025
and we hope you’ll come with us!

Please note some events require ticket purchase and/or pre-registration.

July 15 - 17
Beyond the Pavement - Moab, UT to Montrose, CO

July 26 - 27
AVE Evergreen - Evergreen, CO

August 16 - 17
AVE Bozeman - Bozeman, MT

August 22 - 24
Overland Expo Mountain West - Loveland, CO

September 6 - 7
AVE Enumclaw - Enumclaw,

CHECK OUT FULL TOUR

Life's Greatest Luxury is saying YES to the Next Grand Adventure!

We'd love to hear your stories and see your pictures from the road!
Send to Emma at:

Emma.Walsmith@storytelleroverland.com