• We had a great time in the lake with Dave and Reita. Got to also spend some time with Tonni and Jim.

    Jim is a bee keeper. So amazing what all he knows.

    Captain Jim
    The way my luck goes I should wear this all the time.
  • Dinner with Magnum PI!!

    How we called Tom in school. We decided it had been around 40 years since we had seen each other. Still picked up just like we left off. What a treat. So grateful he drove over from Grand Rapids.

    Tom, Lily, Teena, Jeff
  • MSU

    MSU

    Spartan adventure! We hadn’t been on campus for 20 years. Many things the same. Walks through campus, by the Red Cedar, Ivy Cover Halls. Got to go into the Nat Sci building by my professors are long gone. Grand Rive was totally changed. Didn’t even recognize it. The orientation for Lily to explore Spartan life was really fun. We all wanted to be students again.

    Stadium!
    Squirrel!!
    Go Green!
    College roommate reunion!
    Tom Smith
  • Gull Lake

    Gull Lake

    Stopping to see family, fish, and a bike ride! An evening at the Groovy Grouper (Nancy’s place), with her and Stacey was a high-lite….

    Girl loves to fish!
    Our old house
    Lap around Gull Lake
  • Lily in South Haven!

    Lily in South Haven!

    Ok. Departed NWA with our potential future Spartan in tow! Excited to get to have time with her. So bright and curious! Love being in South Haven.

    The peer!
    Nice dinner
  • The van electrical system is state-of-the art installed by Titan Vans of Boulder.  It has 3 -200 amp-hour LiFePO4 batteries.  They are charged four different ways:  1). off the grid up to 3600 watts, 2) via dual alternators at 300 amps total or also 3600 watts, 3) a Victron Phoenix European Charger at 750 watts, 4) by two solar panels at 230 watts.  So the main cabin runs essentially off of electrical power.

    There are 5 100v ac lines coming from the inverter. Microwave, AC/Heatpump, hotter heater, convection cooktop, and miscellaneous outlets.

    Heating is three ways: Webasto diesel heater, electrical heat pump, or diesel engine (have never used more than the Webasto).

    Cooling three ways: exhaust fan (usually used if nights are cool), AC powered air conditioner, or engine ac.

    Four ways to cook: Conduction cook top, microwave, insta-pot, JetBoil outside burner.

    Controls: Most all devices can be controlled remotely via an iPhone. Temps, burners, hotter heater, outlets, etc… Further the van can be started or stopped remotely or “halted – killed” if stolen. Naturally remote locks, alarms too.

    Automation: The Cerbo computer monitors and controls two main systems. Cabin over temp where it will auto start engine to provide emergency cooling, and battery state of charge monitoring. If house batteries drop below 30%, the engine will start at high idle to recharge the house batteries. All of this monitored and controllable via iPhone.

    Solar charger and fuses
    Three 200 amp/hr LifePo batteries (2 shown).
    Victron inverter
    Installed Victron Phoenix charger for European power grid.
    Installed Victron Cerbo GX computer controller and panel.
  • The adventure begins…

    Ok we are a go. Pulling out of STB. Planning 1 stop on the way to NWA to see the kids! We’ve planned for 4 months. Wish the dogs were with us, they are in spirit!

  • Photos for shipping

    Photos for shipping

    We had to limit what’s inside to ship due to regulations, so this is “as shipped”

    Plastic over mattress
    Galley
    Cassette Toilet below (tub just sitting on top). This works very well. Pull out at night (also as a step stool). Clean 3 gallons on top. Black water below. Top lifts off, bottom seals and carry into a bathroom to empty every few days. No mess no smell then restore.
    Storage and microwave above galley. 14 gallon fresh water with electric heater. 3 gallon gray water.
    White Kobalt cabinet is kitchenette above, current season closes below.
    WAN system for communications. Starlink, European eSIM, Verizon US hotspot. Whichever is better coverage.
    Emptied storage containers for shipping. Easy access and separation. Note shower connections in left. It pulls out with sprayer. More later on that.
  • Van photos outside

    Van photos outside

    These are outside photos at time of departure

    Slick lock – Extra security
    Second Alternator – switch on to use as a backup else it only is used as a shore battery charger