Change is the only constant in life. It’s almost hard to remember life before VanLife. I started “MyBasicJourney” in 2018 as a creative project to learn how to create videos. I wanted to create videos about veganism, minimalism and travel. That all changed when I got Bubsy, my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. A minivan that I built into a single-person camper so I could live on the road and travel everywhere.
Now, my channel became a VanLife channel and I have been living out my dream for the past two years as I snowbird around the U.S.; Chasing 70°F.
This website has pretty much became a hub for my shop as I haven’t written a blog in over a year. That changes today, because I am so excited that the next chapter of my amazing and ever-changing journey is about to start.
I got a new van!
That’s right, I got a Chevy Express Regent 2004. It has 124,000 miles on it and I am totally in love with it.
I drove almost 2,000 miles to Illinois from Arizona, and I’m starting my build to make it my “perfect” tiny home on wheels.
This van is everything I have wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I love my minivan, but I was really starting to feel how mini it really was. It was a great mini home for the last couple of years, but I am so stoke to me moving into a much bigger van. This thing feels like a mansion compared to the Caravan.
This time around, I plan on having all of the creature comforts for my future VanLife adventure.
I ordered a C-Head toilet so I never have to put up a privacy tent again in my life if I don’t want to. If you have watched my YouTube channel then you know how much this has been a struggle. Also, I won’t ever have to buy ice again, or have things get soggy in ice water because I got a new Dometic 12V fridge. I feel like I’m really going to be living the high life with those two improvements alone.
I will be doing the build DIY with some help from a very handy, family friend. Thinking about all of it gets overwhelming so I try to remember it’s not a race to get it done. I can take my time.
It feels weird to not be traveling, or sleeping in my minivan.
I actually slept in there my first few nights after I got to Illinois. Honestly, I’m almost sad to leave it behind. I hope that I can find someone who would really love it and take care of it.
Anyways, I wanted to write out this little update. I used to love the idea of having a blog, and when I first created my website I really enjoyed it. I just lost the direction I had with it. The blog started out motivational, and informational, and it transformed into somewhat of an online diary. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with it. Hense why it’s been over a year since I have written anything.
I hope that those of you who actually take the time to read this don’t mind that what is put up here isn’t always consistent or even relevant. I enjoy writing, so I write for the sake of writing.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or you can click here to contact me.
xoxo
Christa Simmons
4 Apr 2022So Happy for you and with you for finding this new Van. Watched the video last night. Does Joey like it or is he all confused with the situation. Looking forward to watching you fix it up.
I have lost my husband and whom I was taking care of for the past 5 years and I have built a small apartment in my Daughter’s home and just moved in. Once I’m settled will hit the road with my Subaru Forrester for my first long trip in 5 years. Freedom!!! I have lots of friends to visit and will see how my 78 year old body handles a 2K trip. If its a go, I will acquire a somewhat larger vehicle.
You have been an inspiration to this old lady and of course I am in love with little Joey. I hope to meet him and you some day. I have 2 small boys to take with me on the road also.
Best of luck and joy with your new Van.
Chantelle
6 Apr 2022That’s awesome, Christa! I hope your future travels are full of adventure. (:
Paula Kelly
4 Apr 2022Thanks Chantelle Great update, and I am very excited to watch your new build on YouTube. Hugs to Joey
Chantelle
6 Apr 2022I appreciate that very much, Paula.
Cheryl
4 Apr 2022Yay!! Good for you. I wish you the best of times in your beautiful new Van. 😆
Chantelle
6 Apr 2022Thank you, Cheryl! (:
Rita Jones
4 Apr 2022I’m so excited for you, your furbaby getting a new Van.
Yes it might be used but its new to you.
Enjoy every bit of that great van. Look forward to all the beautiful things you design for it.
You are 🌞 sunshine even on gloomy days.
Keep loving your self and the planet.
Rita
Chantelle
6 Apr 2022Such a sweet comment. Thank you so much, Rita!
fahad
27 Apr 2022good luck