Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 03 | AUGUST 2, 2024

Camper Vans gathered at a campfire at sunset

STORY MENU

Solo but not alone

Hellllooo August! Has this summer flown by or what?! While the summer is winding down, adventures surely don't have to. There are still plenty of shows, events and gatherings to get to in the second half of the year! So much to explore, so little time!

This issue's header image was submitted by Stealth owner, Ryan Hall. Can you say COZY?! Not much better than a night under a clear sky.

🚐 Solo but Not Alone

Written by Tara Hall, 2021 Stealth MODE Owner

I’ve been traveling solo full-time in my 2021 Stealth MODE for almost 3 years. Whenever I get asked by a stranger in a parking lot if I like the van, I tell them without a shadow of a doubt that it was the best decision I ever made. The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve enjoyed along the way have been life changing.

When I was first asked to write this article, I started making a list of all the tips/tricks for solo vanlife that would be beneficial for someone considering or just starting out with vanlife. I’m sure you’ve heard them before…trust your gut, back into parking spaces/camp spots so you can leave quickly if necessary, share your location with friends/family, carry a gun or pepper spray, etc.

I can share all my tips about how to stay safe on the road as a solo traveler, but it’s the same stuff you’ve probably heard over and over. What I’d like to share is how to travel solo, but not alone. One of the main reasons I chose to buy a Storyteller (besides it having all the features I was looking for) was the community that had been built around these 4x4 adventure machines.

One month after getting my van I decided to join a small group of other STO owners going down to Baja. I didn’t know anybody, but I knew the only way to meet other owners was to dive head first into any event or trip I could find. Days were filled with beachside camping, pina coladas from the Coco Loco truck (IYKYK), late night bonfires, great conversation….and last but not least a little food poisoning for this one.

It hit hard and fast causing me to pass out in my van due to massive dehydration and nearly sent me to the hospital. Not to fear, all the owners rushed to my aid giving me electrolytes, charcoal and made sure my radio was on and powered so I could call out for help to anyone in the group in the middle of night if I needed any assistance. Even though I was technically traveling solo, at that moment I realized I wasn’t alone. I was part of this amazing STO family and I was so excited to travel all over the country with these people.

That was just the beginning. Since then I’ve made more friends and felt more connected to this community than any other place I’ve physically lived. So what is my advice for you as a solo vanlifer? Get connected to the community!

Go to events like expos, meetups or planned trips like Baja. Most of them are listed on the community Facebook page. If you’re traveling in a certain area, reach out on Facebook to see if anyone wants to meet up. I did this the first winter in my van while I was in Tahoe and wound up meeting other STO owners who I traveled with the rest of the season as we chased the powder from resort to resort.

Stay flexible, don’t be set in your plans. Some of the best memories I have are from unexpected changes to my “itinerary” when I changed my destination in the blink of an eye after repeatedly hearing, “we’re going here, you should come.”

As an introvert at heart, I can still have my solo traveling time, but whenever I feel the need for some company all I have to do is reach out to the community to see where everyone’s at. Start small, meeting one or two owners multiplies over time because you meet their friends and then friends of their friends and so on.

Most of all … don’t overthink it, enjoy the journey!

☀️ An Unforgettable Journey Of Discovery Beyond The Pavement On The Lost Coast

Written by Craig Arrant, 2023 Stealth MODE Owner

If you’ve ever dreamt of embarking on an adventure that takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of nature’s untouched beauty, look no further than Beyond The Pavement, a premier event from Storyteller Overland and hosted by Back Road Van Adventures. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of California’s Lost Coast, this journey traverses Humboldt and Mendocino counties, weaving through mountain ridges, creeks, and rivers, all while navigating the rugged terrain in Storyteller Overland adventure vehicles. Here’s a quick glimpse into why this event is a must-attend and what you can expect to gain from this unforgettable experience.

Community

At the core of Beyond The Pavement is the incredible sense of community that forms when adventurers come together. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself immersed in a group of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration and the great outdoors. The event fosters an environment of camaraderie, where participants bond over shared experiences, stories, and challenges. The collaborative spirit is evident in every interaction, whether you’re strategizing over a campfire, sharing tips on navigating terrain, or simply enjoying a meal together. This community building not only enhances the experience but also helps create a network of fellow adventurers who can support each other long after the event ends.

Storyteller overland gxv hilt pick up day

Confidence

One of the most empowering aspects of Beyond The Pavement is the opportunity to gain confidence in handling your vehicle. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll learn the ins and outs of your vehicle, from simple basics to off-road techniques. The event’s structure ensures that you become familiar with your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. By the end of the journey, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to tackle challenging terrains, turning any future road trip into a confident and thrilling adventure.

Knowledge

Navigating off-road trails inevitably comes with its challenges, and knowing how to recover from potential mishaps is crucial. Beyond The Pavement includes a recovery class and live demonstration led by seasoned professionals. The session covers essential techniques such as airing down tires, using recovery boards, proper use of equipment, and other practical skills necessary for safe off-road travel. Through these teachings, you’ll not only learn how to handle unexpected situations but also gain a sense of preparedness and security that enhances your overall confidence in exploring beyond the ordinary.

Nature

There’s something truly magical about venturing into areas that are off the radar for most travelers. The Lost Coast, with its untouched landscapes and remote beauty, offers a unique opportunity to experience nature in its purest form. As you traverse winding trails, cross serene creeks, and navigate rugged mountain ridges, you’ll witness vistas and hidden gems that few have the privilege to see. This sense of discovery and the thrill of taking the road less traveled make the adventure not only exhilarating but also deeply rewarding. It’s a reminder of the vast, uncharted wonders that await those who dare to go beyond the pavement.

Friendship

One of the most cherished aspects of Beyond The Pavement is the lasting friendships that are forged through shared experiences. The challenges and triumphs of the journey create a strong bond among participants, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. Whether you’re navigating the trail together or simply sharing stories around the campfire, the connections made during the event often extend far beyond the final day. Many participants leave with a newfound network of friends who share their love for adventure, offering support and inspiration for future explorations.

Beyond The Pavement is not just an event; it’s a transformative experience that brings together a vibrant community of adventurers, enhances your confidence in navigating your vehicle, equips you with essential skills, and allows you to explore the hidden wonders of this amazing planet. The bonds you create and the friendships you form add a personal touch to an already extraordinary journey.

Storyteller Overland is proud to present Beyond the Pavement in partnership with Back Road Van Adventures and Warner Vans of Utah. Stay tuned to StorytellerOverland.com and our social channels for more exciting opportunities to go Beyond the Pavement.

🎶 A Note from the Road: Max & Brittney Flinn

TAXA Woolly Bear Owners

Howdy! We are Max & Brittney Flinn, a husband-and-wife musician duo based in Houston, TX. Every summer, we live life on the road, playing shows throughout the Western states and exploring the great outdoors.

Our summers are filled with backpacking, fly fishing, cycling, trail running, and more outdoor fun. To make our travels smoother, we decided to go with the TAXA Woolly Bear trailer this year, and it’s been a game-changer!

The Woolly Bear helps us keep our music gear, merch, and clothing organized in the car while storing all our adventure essentials in the trailer. Setting up camp and unhooking before gigs is a breeze. It’s so easy to tow, we almost forget it’s there!

After a recent backpacking trip in Yosemite, I caught myself saying, 'I can’t wait to get home' – and I wasn’t talking about Houston!

Storyteller overland campervan campfire mode

Our Woolly Bear truly feels like a home on wheels, and we can’t imagine hitting the road without it. Here’s to more music, more adventures, and making memories together!

To learn more about Max & Brittney Flinn’s music and to follow their continued adventures, check out their website: maxflinn.com

🌲 On the Road from Evergreen, CO

We had an amazing time at the Adventure Van Expo in Evergreen, Colorado last weekend. There were 12 Storyteller MODEs and our two first HILTs came out to say "hey" too!

L to R: Harrison Tarabella, Graham Nash, Tiera Saltros, Captain Morgan, Abbey Paucke, Summer Trammell, Christina Linton, Kyra Swarts, Brock Ryhmer, Ryan Lowis

Saturday night, we co-hosted a delicious taco dinner alongside Adventure Van Expo and Upfitters Wholesale. There's not much better than having all of the AVE vendors and Storyteller owners come together for an amazing meal after a long day! Despite the sporatic Colorado rainfall...