Welcome to the VanLife Newsletter: Edition 2

Thank you to everyone who read, responded and shared Edition 1 last week. We are excited to connect with each of you and appreciate you sharing the newsletter and your feedback. Never hesitate to let us know what you would like to see in future editions.

I. Upcoming Van/Nomad Events: With spring and summer upon us and more and more people getting access to vaccines around the world we wanted to share a few upcoming events that might interest you. Our team is already registered for one and we would love to connect and see you there.

May 14-16: TinyFest California in San Diego

May 28-31: Descend on Lost Sierra in Lost Sierra, California

*We will be there!!!!

June 4-6: Black Nomads Meetup in Warthen, GeorgiaJune

11- 13: Four Wheel Campers Rally & Campout in Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaJune 19- 20: Adventure Van Expo Series in Mt. Hood, Oregon

What events are you planning to attend or have you attended? We would love to hear your reviews of past events and share them with our community.

II. Sedona, Arizona: Located 1 hour south of Flagstaff, 2 hours north of Phoenix and approximately 2 hours south of the Grand Canyon, Sedona is a must see for any vanlife/nomad trip through Arizona. With its iconic red rock and amazing hiking options you will not be disappointed.

Hiking:

Devils Bridge Trail: Undoubtedly you have see the photos before but nothing beats having your own. Heavily trafficked 3.9 mile out and back trail and be prepared to wait a little bit for that perfect picture. Get there early as always to get a parking spot and beat the mid morning/mid day rush.

Birthing Cave: Classified as a moderate hike but only 2 miles in duration and much less crowded than Devils Bridge. Limited parking so plan accordingly.

Munds Wagon, Cow Pies & Hangover Trails: If you are looking for something a little further in duration, somewhat challenging and beautiful throughout definitely check this one out. 8.2 miles long and 1,171 elevation gain.

Camping: Plenty of camping options in and around Sedona and within close proximity to the majority of the hiking trails. For paid camping reservations check out https://www.sedona.net/camping.

If you are looking for dispersed camping we highly recommend heading southwest of Sedona and checking out the Forest Road 525 dispersed camping area. This is a very popular spot but typically there is plenty of room. Please do your part and practice leave no trace!!

Other highlights: Mountain Biking, Off Road Vehicle Tours, and Sedona Beer Co.

III. Building Healthy Nomadic Habits:

If you have been on the road for any amount of time I am sure that you have experienced the feelings of being isolated, lost, distracted, and not knowing what day it is. Whether you are working on the road, attempting to build a new way of life, or just doing your best to stay healthy while traveling it is important to build in healthy habits and routines.

I know, I know, when you hear the word routine you might want to immediately stop reading. The same personality traits that bring many of us to this lifestyle often bring us away from routine. I’m not recommending that you trade in your exciting way of life for the mundane and routine but instead add in habits and routines that work for you so that you can maximize your time, travel, and health.

I know personally that it is so easy when traveling with an awesome group to stay up late chatting by the fire, build community over a few too many beers, and get caught up in chasing the next perfect sunset or epic camping spot instead of slowing down to enjoy the ride and care for yourself. 

In an effort to help you stay healthy and happy on the road I have listed my top 4 ways to start building healthy and sustainable habits while traveling. 

*In case you are wondering why some vanlife traveler can give you advice on this topic, I am a certified health, nutrition and fitness coach in my other life. Let me know if you need more detailed help, always open to having a conversation and helping others.

1: Move Your Body Daily: For those of us working on the road and moving pretty regularly this one can be hard but the benefits are endless. This doesn’t have to be something drastic, go for a walk, spend 15 mins stretching, or hit a quick bodyweight workout. If you take care of your body and keep it moving it will take care of you.

Have wifi and need a workout? Try this one from my real life...

Try A Workout

2: Balance Connecting With Others and Staying Connected To Yourself: Connecting with others along the ride is one of the best parts of travel, being nomadic and vanlife. But the constant late night campfires, lack of privacy, and exciting reasons to partake in all sorts of adult substances can add up. Prioritize connection but know how to take a step back when you need it mentally, emotionally, and physically. Have boundaries and stick to them. 

3. Slow Down: It is so easy to get caught up in the race to visit every possible location you have seen online or heard another traveler mention. Fight the urge, take your time, truly embrace and explore the sights, sounds and cultures that you are visiting. We chose to live this way so that we have time to explore, give yourself that time. And by the way you don’t always have to be exploring, take time to cook a fun meal, spend a day reading a book, or just do nothing. Live life on your terms.

4. Build A Solid Morning Routine: Starting your day off on the right foot can be an absolute game changer. Start simple with building in a walk or re-hydrating your body with 12 ounces of water and add to it as you build comfort and confidence. I personally like to do the exact same thing every morning, it makes me feel in control and that I’m setting myself up for success for the day. I wake up, drink water, walk the dog, make coffee and read for 30 mins preferably in the sun. Try building your own and let me know what you come up with.

*Need help slowing down or connecting with yourself? Try building in a meditation or breathing practice as part of your morning routine. There are plenty of free app resources in this space.

IV. VanLife Recipe Corner with Brooke: Meals can get repetitive and boring on the road so when a fellow traveler asked if she could contribute a recipe to the newsletter I was excited to accept. Be sure to follow Brooke on Instagram and tag us both when you make this recipe.

VanLife Black Bean Tacos

Total ingredients: 

1 Tbsp oil

1 medium red onion

2-3 cloves garlic

1 can of black beans

1 Tbsp cumin

salt and pepper

Tortillas

Chopped cilantro

Crumbled cotija cheese

Optional avocado, guacamole, or corn salsa

Filling

1 Tbsp oil

1 can black beans 

1/2 - 3/4 sliced medium red onion (depending on how much you want to save for the topping!)

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp cumin 

salt and pepper

Toppings

1/4 or 1/2 diced red onion

Chopped cilantro

Crumbled cotija cheese

Optional avocado or guacamole

Saute red onion in oil over medium heat until translucent. Add in minced garlic and heat while stirring 30-45 seconds. Pour in a can of black beans, add cumin, salt, pepper, and a few tablespoons of water. Simmer over low heat, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be a bit runny. When the beans are soft, use a fork or spoon to mash about half of them. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, covered, to thicken up.

Warm up the tortillas in a skillet and fill with the bean mixture. Top with diced onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, and whatever else you like! 

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I hope you enjoyed this edition of the VanLife Newsletter. Please share it with friends and let us know what you would like to see in future editions. Be sure to follow the pages below and be on the lookout for a giveaway coming soon!

Nick

@Vanlife_newsletter

@Nomadic_volunteers