Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 36  |  December 23, 2025

We hope you have the

hap-hap-happiest Christmas....

This holiday season, we took adventure a little further. Decked out in full holiday glory, hit the road, and let a little Cousin Eddie energy guide the way. We’re grateful for the adventure, the joy, and the community that makes our journey together so meaningful. We can’t wait to hit the road with you in the year ahead! 

NorCal x SoCal Deck The Vans

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The 3rd Annual NorCal x SoCal Deck The Vans, brought the van community together for an unforgettable weekend of connection, generosity, and good vibes. Set in a new location with expanded camping options, the event welcomed vans from near and far and once again partnered with the SoCal Fire Department to support the Spark of Love Toy Drive—turning holiday spirit into real impact for kids in need. From shared meals and laughter to reconnecting old friends and meeting new ones, the weekend was a powerful reminder of what makes this community so special. None of it would be possible without the heart, hustle, and next-level hosting of Peter Esparza and Evelyn Mendoza, whose dedication continues to make each gathering even better than the last.

That same giving spirit carried beyond the campsite, with attendees rallying together to donate three full boxes of toys to Ventura County Fire Department Station 41, an incredible jump from last year and a heartfelt reminder of the impact this community makes when it comes together. This wasn’t just an event, it was family, friendship, and the kind of magic that keeps us all counting down to the next one. 🚐❤️

Spontaneity With Our Storyteller GXV Hilt

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Kashy Ghazzagh – HILT Owner

Since I'm retired but my better half is still working, and that she gets 4 days off in a row every two weeks, we always try to plan adventures and excursions with our GXV Hilt for her days off.

 

In early December, we decided to plan our first ski trip to the Lake Tahoe area with the Hilt. We had our skis waxed and gear packed and ready, rig dialed in and set up for the trip. However, we were dealt unusually warm temperatures in the mountains this year and no snow to speak of so far in 2025. So, as the dates approached and no snow in sight, we decided to pivot to a different type of adventure and head for Yosemite National Park. Having had our Hilt since this past summer, we can always rely on its capabilities to take us wherever and be self sufficient. This really allows us to be spontaneous with our adventures and direction. And although we normally take our dog with us on these adventures, and that most national parks are not very dog friendly, we know we can always find ways to keep her busy, active, entertained and then safe in the rig while we leave her behind when we are not allowed to have her with us.

We headed to a Goat Medow Sno Park, just inside the south entrance for our first night as we had a 6 hour drive to get there. We typically get an annual Sno Park pass for our ski season to be able to spend nights in the park and ski during the day. In this case we were just looking for a place to camp out before we explore the park the next day, and the Sno Park pass was also valid here. The Hilt got us there in style, providing us a comfortable first night at this fairly large parking lot surrounded by giant trees. The next day we headed deeper into the park and did some sight seeing and picture snapping as our departure was delayed by our dog who decided to roll all over the poop she found in the woods that morning!!!!  Thank goodness we had our external spray port to provide her with a warm shower/bath outside before we could let her back in the rig!! I can’t tell you how grateful we were for this highly functional tool. To have a pump switch, and hot and cold mixture valve right outside was just priceless.  We had her all cleaned up, dried, and managed to have a late breakfast before we rolled.

It was fairly surreal to be in Yosemite in December with no sign of snow anywhere, even on mountain peaks. Yet the park was so light in crowds and traffic. I had never experienced the park in the winter and had never seem so little “tourists” in the park before. After some light hiking and exploring, we tried to find a campsite in the valley, but unfortunately all were booked, although it looked to be 50% empty! So, we trekked back out of the valley to Wawona Campgrounds which we know was first come first serve and fairly empty as It is about 35 minutes away from the valley floor of Yosemite. However, the campground offers a beautiful stream and striking beauty. 

The next day we drove into the valley again as we had planned a  long hike towards the Vernal Fall and then to above Nevada Falls. This trail is also the one you would typically take to climb to the top of Half Dome. In all we hiked over 9 miles and climbed close to 3,000 vertical feet while experiencing indescribable beauty.

We spent our last day mainly on the road taking the scenic way home, exploring roads we had never traveled before. The Hilt concurred some very tough, steep and windy roads for 4 days like a boss while providing the two of us and our dog the utmost luxury and comfort. 

 

Looks like with several days of rain and snow in the mountains on the way, we will be heading up to Lake Tahoe next to try the rig in the snow for the first time and to spend several days in the slopes soon. We absolutely love the comfort and confidence the Hilt gives us to go anywhere at any given time.

Happenings in HQ: December Team Member Spotlight: Jason Ruha

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For the final month of 2025, we are proud to highlight someone whose leadership, integrity, and heart have had a profound impact on both our team and our customers: Jason Ruha, Director of Customer Experience for our Performance & Accessories (P&A) division.

 

Jason is the kind of leader people remember — not because he demands attention, but because he lifts others up. His teammates describe him as the most considerate and helpful supervisor they’ve ever had. He leads without ego or noise. Instead, he leads with authenticity, integrity, and heart — creating an environment where people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
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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 Daniel at:

daniel.mojica@storytelleroverland.com

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