Welcome to the VanLife Newsletter: Edition 3

This weeks newsletter is sponsored by Nomadic Consulting. If you have questions about how to start your nomadic life they are a one stop shop to help you along the way. Contact them here: https://www.nomadicconsulting.net/

1: Prize Giveaway: We want to reach more people and use our platform to help impact the environment through our For-Purpose program Nomadic Volunteers. So with that in mind we are launching our first giveaway. In 7 days we will be giving away a Jackery Portable Power Station 240. We will be posting this giveaway to our social media pages later today but you are hearing it first. All you have to do is complete the following and you are entered to win:

• Subscribe to the VanLife Newsletter (you already have this part)
• Follow @Vanlife_Newsletter on Instagram
• Follow @Nomadic_volunteers in Instagram
• Comment and tag a friend when you see the social post later today.

Good luck and thank you for helping us make an impact!

2: Destination Highlight: Idyllwild, CA

Sitting in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild, CA is a beautiful travel destination if you are into hiking, camping, and small town vibes. Just a few short hours from San Diego or Los Angeles this is the perfect weekend trip or can serve as a longer homestead for those looking to truly explore the town and surrounding trails. Visiting in April of 2021 I found the weather to be perfect with cool evenings and warm sunny days. 

Camping:  

Idyllwild Campground: If you are looking to camp closer to the city then we recommend checking out this place. Amenities include water, picnic tables, fire pits, flushing toilets, and paid showers. Rates range from $25-$45 based on the amenities that you need and can be reserved here: Idyllwild Campground Reservations

Stone Creek Campground: A little out of the city and close to the trailheads for multiple amazing hikes Stone Creek Campground proved to be our favorite spot to camp. Amenities include potable water and pit toilets. For $10/night you can’t beat this spot.

*There are multiple spots located nearby that feature yellow post camping but most of them are closed for a large part of the season and require 4x4 to get to them.

Hiking:

Suicide Rick via Deer Springs Trail: At just under 7 miles round trip this hike was our favorite of the trip. Varying landscapes, beautiful wildflowers, epic views and well kept trails made it worth the hard work. Parking near the trailhead is limited so we recommend arriving early and carpooling for groups.

Marion Mountain to San Jacinto Peak: If you are looking for more of a challenge this hike is for you. 11.3 miles out and back and only recommended for experienced hikers. Start early, plan accordingly and enjoy the views throughout. Keep in mind that if you plan to do this hike in the winter that additional planning and gear are required.

Other Attractions: Be sure to set time aside to stroll through town and check out all of the local shops. You are sure to find something to remind you of your stay.

Idyllwild Coffee Roasters: Located right downtown and serving up delicious organic coffee drinks and more.

Idyllwild Brew Pub: The only brew pub in town but with great beers, a full bar, and plenty of delicious menu options you won’t be looking for more. If you are making the trip during the spring or fall be sure to sit on the patio, you will not regret it.

3: Electrical Tip: Electrical Safety

Powered by @VanLife_electric

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is the industry term for gear that can keep you safe while doing potentially hazardous work. Many vanlifers pride themselves on being resourceful "do-it-yourselfers", though that shouldn't come at the expense of safety. Before doing any electrical work on your conversion project, consider purchasing the following PPE as an investment toward your safety:

• Multimeter: The number one tool for any person who plans to do electrical work is the multimeter. Use the multimeter to test components before you work on them to make sure they are no longer live. A quick YouTube search can get you up-to-speed on how to use this tool if you are unfamiliar.

• Rubber Insulated Tools: the rubber handles on insulated tools can protect you from electric shock in the event that your tool accidentally makes contact with a live system. An adjustable crescent wrench, screwdriver set with various heads, wire strippers, and crimpers would be a good start.

• Rubber Insulated Gloves: Similar to insulated tools, rubber insulated gloves can protect the wearer from electric shock if they were to accidentally touch a live system. Class 0 gloves are rated up to 1000 volts (AC)/1500 volts (DC).

• Safety Glasses/Goggles: Protecting your eyes from debris should be a priority regardless of the type of work that you are doing on your vehicle. It can seem like dust, dirt, shrapnel, splinters, and fasteners all aim for your face as you maneuver around the electrical components on your vehicle. An inexpensive pair of safety glasses will go a long way in protecting your eyes.

Follow @vanlife_electric on IG for additional tips, features, and gear reviews.

Disclaimer: although this content was informed by researched best practices, it was not drafted by a licensed electrician. If you are not comfortable working on electrical components, please hire a licensed professional. All images courtesy of Grainger Industrial Supply.

4: VanLife Recipe: 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls

Powered by @pettyprinethepromaster

Ingredients:

1 tube breakfast sausage (vegetarian sausage options work well, too!)

1 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix

1 ½ cups shredded cheese

(salt, pepper, or spices can also be added for more flavor)

Yields: approximately 36 sausage balls, great for sharing or for a pot luck!

Instructions:

Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly. It’s messy, but it’s worth it.

If the mix feels too dry, you can add water 1 tablespoon at a time.  Once mixed through, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.

Put the balls in a cast iron skillet over low-medium heat.

Once browned, turn the balls over and continue to brown all sides until cooked through, about 15 minutes or so.

Eat these plain or dip them in your favorite sauce. I love them with a spicy pepper jelly!

(If you have an oven, you can bake these on a greased baking sheet at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, turning once.)

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Thank you for reading this week's VanLife Newsletter. A special thank you to all of this week's community contributors, please follow and support them on their nomadic and vanlife journey.

If you would like to contribute to the newsletter please send us an email to vanlifenewsletter@gmail.com. See you next week.

-The VanLife Newsletter Team

@VanLife_Newsletter

@Nomadic_Volunteers

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