Video - Interior of Sprinter

First Published December 2013
I'm re-posting this blog post. The Sprinter trek was the one that convinced us that Yep, we want to own a camper van and do this again, and again, and again.  I've also added the label "video" to posts which contain an embedded video segment.  Doing this allows the viewer to arrange all posts that contain videos.

December 24, 2013
How large or how small is the interior of a "19 foot" Sprinter camper van? This video provides a brief view. It was taken by my spouse during our October trek (Trek 1).

As you can see, it is essential to use every square inch of the space provided. For example, during the daytime we put the pillows for sleeping into large plastic trash bags and then placed them in an overhead storage bin, above the driver's and navigator's positions. Our coats were usually draped over these seats when we were "camping" and at that time we placed the backpacks on these seats. In this van the front seats did not swivel and so it seemed practical to use them for storage.  Hiking boots when removed could be placed in the area adjacent to these seats, or in the slot that was created when the side door was closed. The large bench seats in the rear provided ample seating space for two.

When stationary we would use a portion of the rear area of the bench seats as an area to place things. The dining table was only put into position when it was needed. The cooler was our overflow pantry. It was more convenient than some of the other storage as it was easier to spot things quickly. One thing about living in a new space is that it is helpful to be consistent when putting things away for temporary storage.

Tying the cooler to the rear door handles with a sliding strap was clever, but in Zion National Park this created a problem. Parking in Zion is at a premium and people don't always stay within the lines. On return from a walk, we found a car pulled against our right side and ditto for the left. It was very, very difficult to get into the vehicle. The driver's door was impossible to open and so I used the slide door on the passenger side. Of course, I could have simply used the rear door, but I had tied the cooler to it! Thereafter when parking in potential crowded situations I released the cooler prior to leaving the vehicle. At Arches we parked at the welcome center and a truck camper pulled next to us. That too was a bit tight, however Zion was the most crowded situation.

Our experience was a very positive one. The Sprinter was a lot of fun and we adapted very quickly to the interior space.

Capulin Volcano - Going in Circles

I could have titled this "one of our volcanoes is missing, " or "GPS Circular Adventure."

Last year we decided to take a side trek to the Calulin Volcanic Monument. We had a few laughs and some frustration when our GPS not only couldn't find it, but after circling and with the volcano in sight, the GPS yet again insisted we again turn around.

I've put together a short video.

Remember Winter?

It was only a few months ago that we were driving from cold to warm. Winter was upon us and with it snow and ice.  Lest I forget, here is what we were doing mid-January:

In the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area spans southern Washington and northern Oregon. It runs from the mouth of the Sandy River to the Deschutes River. It is designated as a National Scenic Area and encompasses nearly 300,000 acres.

The gorge offers many beautiful vistas, hikes and waterfalls.  These photos were taken on our west coast trek.

Storms are all a part of RVing

We drive through sunshine and sometimes through storms. Its all a part of trekking. Here is one long afternoon and evening driving through a fairly nasty thunderstorm.

We made it fine and this was certainly better than snow, sleet or ice.

Advantages of Induction Cooktop

Cooking in an RV can be challenging. The smaller the RV, the more the challenge. We like to do a lot of original cooking and baking. We're not into living on fast food, or packaged and reheated meals.

Our RV is a small Class B. Of course, cooking methods used in a smaller RV can be upscaled and applied to larger ones and at home. We also cook in a "home" kitchen which measures 9 ft x 10 ft, or 90 square feet. That's smaller than the kitchens in some Class A RVs. Yet, we have entertained and cooked (from scratch) for 15 guests. It really isn't what one has; it is how one uses the talents and resources one has.

The photo shows a stainless steel pot on the portable induction cooktop. To make this work, we need to use a ferromagnetic disc under the pot, which is not ferromagnetic. This is not the most efficient way to cook with an inductive top. Much better is cast iron, which is ferromagnetic. It does not need the intermediate disk. We take two Lodge cast iron skillets with us when we travel.

I want to live a life of moderation. Doing so requires choices, but does not necessarily require sacrifice.  One of my choices has been to cook smarter. Perhaps we'll save the planet, one meal at a time? While that sounds nice, it probably is not realistic.

Breckenridge, CO

We made it to Breckenridge and spent a couple of days of R&R. Mornings were crisp and cool, nights cold and mid-day was pleasant. Overall really enjoyed it. Quite a contrast to Moab.

We got a few suggestions of where to go for some sightseeing and food but had to delay until our next Colorado trek. However, we included the information in the video.