Van Tales: Vanlife Stories from the Road

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"Van Tales: Vanife Stories from the Road" is a podcast about vanlife, travel, history, libations, gaming and all things fun. It's filled with stories about places, people and interesting van specific challenges and solutions.

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    • May 17, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 15m AVG DURATION
    • 20 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Van Tales: Vanlife Stories from the Road

    A 3D Print for the Van, A Goonies Roadtrip and Fort George Brewing in Astoria!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 12:19


    In this episode I'll be sharing with you a 3D print solution that I'm using in the van, I'm also heading to Astoria and Cannon Beach where I retrace the Goonies' adventure,  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy a very unusual beer at the Fort George Brewery!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:Prusa 3D Printer: https://www.prusa3d.com/original-prusa-mini/Flavel House Museum: https://astoriamuseums.org/explore/flavel-house-museum/Oregon Film Museum (Jailhouse): https://astoriamuseums.org/explore/oregon-film-museum/Lower Columbia Bowl: https://lcbowl.com/Fort George Brewery: https://www.doublemountainbrewery.com/*Harvest Hosts: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/susanowens (get 15% off an annual membership with this link!)contact: vandogger@vantales.comhttps://www.vandogger.com/*Van Life Essentials:Auto Pour-Over Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3aDovi8Omnia Oven: https://amzn.to/3sonU9SRenewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45RHot Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/2Puh993150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Miscellaneous:Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5oHunt a Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery Complete Box Set (6 Episodes): https://amzn.to/3s1D70d*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    A Little Van Organization, Tamanawas Falls, Double Mountain Brewery plus The Goonies and a Hazy IPA!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 12:12


    In this episode, I'm organizing my storage area, trying to find a place for my bike inside the van and doing some deep spring cleaning in anticipation of a Van Tour! I'll also take you NE from Jacksonville, OR through Salem and on to the East side of Mt. Hood to Tamanawas Falls, And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy some cleverly named refreshment at Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:Tamawanas Falls: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/tamanawas-falls-trailDouble Mountain Brewery: https://www.doublemountainbrewery.com/*Harvest Hosts: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/susanowens (get 15% off an annual membership with this link!)contact: vandogger@vantales.comhttps://www.vandogger.com/*Van Life Essentials:Auto Pour-Over Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3aDovi8Omnia Oven: https://amzn.to/3sonU9SRenewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45RHot Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/2Puh993150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Miscellaneous:Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5oHunt a Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery Complete Box Set (6 Episodes): https://amzn.to/3s1D70d*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    Stuck in Oregon, Exploring Jacksonville and an Historic Cemetery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 13:24


    In this episode I'm going to provide an update on my license plates (spoiler: they still haven't arrived!), I'll also take you on a trip Jacksonville now don't get too excited, not Florida, but Jacksonville, OREGON,  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I explore the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:Jacksonville Historic Cemetery: https://www.jacksonvilleor.us/151/CemeteryBritt Fest: https://www.brittfest.org/WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms): https://wwoofusa.org/contact: vandogger@vantales.com*Van Life Essentials:Auto Pour-Over Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3aDovi8Omnia Oven: https://amzn.to/3sonU9SRenewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45RHot Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/2Puh993150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Miscellaneous:Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5oHunt a Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery Complete Box Set (6 Episodes): https://amzn.to/3s1D70d*Harvest Hosts: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/susanowens (get 15% off an annual membership with this link!)*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    Top 5 Annoying Boondocking Problems, WWOOF'ing in Central Oregon and Golf?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 13:50


    In this episode I'll talk about  my top 5 annoying things about boondocking, I'll also take you on a trip to Southern Oregon where I work on an organic farm for the week And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I go golfing! Kinda..YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:WWOOF: https://wwoofusa.org/*Harvest Hosts: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/susanowens (get 15% off an annual membership with this link!)contact: vandogger@vantales.com*Van Life Essentials:Auto Pour-Over Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3aDovi8Omnia Oven: https://amzn.to/3sonU9SRenewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45RHot Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/2Puh993150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Miscellaneous:Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5oHunt a Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery Complete Box Set (6 Episodes): https://amzn.to/3s1D70d*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    The Bunk and Brew: A Hostel and Vanlife Mecca, Crater Lake National Park and an Alpaca Farm!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 12:24


    In this episode I'll talk about my trip to Bunk and Brew a hostel and van life mecca in Bend, OR. I'll also take you on a trip to McCredie Hot Springs and ultimately to Crater Lake National Park.  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I visit an Alpaca Farm full of movie stars!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:Bunk and Brew: https://www.bunkandbrew.com/Red Oak Farm (Alpacas): https://www.redoakfarmsalpacas.com/contact: vandogger@vantales.com*Van Life Essentials:Harvest Hosts: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/susanowensAuto Pour-Over Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3aDovi8Omnia Oven: https://amzn.to/3sonU9SRenewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45RHot Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/2Puh993150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Miscellaneous:Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5oHunt a Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery Complete Box Set (6 Episodes): https://amzn.to/3s1D70d*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    An Unsecured Cabinet Disaster, Hood River Hospitality and Hunting a Killer!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 10:59


    In this episode, I'll tell you about how forgetting to close your cabinets before driving can be a big bummer. I'll also take you from Angel's Rest Trailhead in the Columbia Gorge into Hood River and finally solve a murder playing "Hunt a Killer: Death at the Dive Bar"!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwcontact: vandogger@vantales.comAffiliate Links:Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar (standalone 1 episode): https://amzn.to/3cYjm5oHunt a Killer: The Moon Summit Mystery Complete Box Set (6 Episodes): https://amzn.to/3s1D70dAuto Pour-Over Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3aDovi8Omnia Oven: https://amzn.to/3sonU9SRenewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45RHot Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/2Puh993150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    Top 5 Regrets of My Van Build, Snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows and Easter Egg Dying!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 14:56


    In this episode, I'm sharing the 5 biggest REGRETS about my van build, and I'm also heading up to the Mt. Hood Meadows for some snowboarding! Finally, since it's a holiday I'm celebrating by dying some Easter eggs and having some fun with some new decor!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwcontact: vandogger@vantales.com

    10 Things I LOVE about my Van, TCOB in Town and Meeting Friends for Happy Hour!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 15:05


    In this episode, I'm sharing the top 10 things that I LOVE about my van, and I'm also heading back into Portland to take care of some business! Finally, since I'm in town I'm heading to the local pub to meet up with my friends social distance style after more than a year!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwcontact: vandogger@vantales.com

    Boondocking Woes, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and Relaxing in Camp!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 11:18


    I had a bit of trouble finding a good place to sleep recently but that didn't stop me from exploring the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Units of Painted Hills, Sheep Rock and Clarno. Plus to even things out I had a fantastic stay at two other campgrounds!YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwSpecific YouTube videos:Painted Hills: https://youtu.be/ZE5VE860RlISheep Rock: https://youtu.be/qqXuEWwSbq4contact: vandogger@vantales.com

    Back on the Road! Crooked River and Misery Ridge

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 8:55


    In this episode I'll talk about getting the Samwise Vangee back on the road, I'll also take you on a trip to Crooked River National Grasslands.  And make sure to stick around as I hike Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park.Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:Smith Rock State Park: smithrock.comContact: vantales@vandogger.com

    Making the Van Feel Like a Home, A Rocky Butte Sunset and My New GoPro

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 12:14


    This week I'm adding a comfy touch to the van, taking you on a trip to Rocky Butte, an inactive cinder cone for a beautiful sunset and I'll also talk about my new GoPro.Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVugkF8HGXruPdjkA0aCKVwEpisode Links:Rocky Butte: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_ButteThe Grotto: https://thegrotto.org/Nick's Famous Coney Island: https://www.facebook.com/Nicks-Famous-Coney-Island-120178271327944/EVA-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45REVISWIY 150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Contact: vantales@vandogger.com

    Keeping Dry, Tunnel Beach and Five Rivers Coffee

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 10:26


    In this episode I'll talk about how to keep your van dry even during humid weather, I'll also take you to Oceanside where we'll traverse a tunnel to a secluded beach.  And make sure to stick around for Something Different as I enjoy the best coffee in Tillamook.Links:EVA-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3dKc45REVISWIY 150LBS Rare Earth Magnets (with hooks): https://amzn.to/37Mn4w1*Disclosure: The above are affiliate links and if purchased, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Tunnel/Star Trek Beach: https://www.beachconnection.net/news/oceanhist092916_402.phpStar Trek episode, "City on the Edge of Forever": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708455/Tunnel Landslide: https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article247672105.htmlTunnel/Star Trek Beach History: https://www.beachconnection.net/news/maxwell_point_tunnelbeach_oceanside.phpFive River's Coffee: https://www.fiveriverscoffee.com/Contact: vantales@vandogger.com

    Internet on the Road, Heceta Head Lighthouse and The Three Capes Scenic Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 12:50


    I'm exploring Heceta Head Lighthouse this week as well as the Three Capes Scenic Tour which includes Capes Kiwanda, Lookout and Meares. Plus I'll give you some info on getting internet while on the road so that you can stay connected!YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/C90MJ8r4YqsHeceta Head B&B: https://www.hecetalighthouse.com/The Eugene Register - Guard article dated May 16, 2002, by William Sullivan (describing the supernatural history of the lighthouse residence):  https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=20020516&id=NHUVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4288,4231450 Visit www.vandogger.com for episode specific companion information, photos, van gear and more stories.Email: vantales@vandogger.comCredits: “You Live in a Van?!” soundbite by The Best Sister Ever!

    Where are my Tags?, Inspiration for Frank Herbert's “Dune”, and a Prehistoric Garden!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 12:17


    Join me as I continue to travel north along the Oregon Coast. Leaving Brookings and heading up to Port Orford and Florence, I found some really cool things there including the inspiration behind Frank Herbert's Sci Fi Cult classic, Dune!  And you'll want to stick around for Something Different as I go back in time to see some dinosaurs!YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/b5hDZ6YdOpIPort Orford: https://portofportorford.org/Dune (the Novel): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_(novel)Prehistoric Gardens: http://www.prehistoricgardens.com/Visit www.vandogger.com for episode specific companion information, photos, van gear and more stories.Email: vantales@vandogger.comCredits: “You Live in a Van?!” soundbite by "Mom"

    A New YouTube Channel, Natural Bridges at the Oregon Coast and Groundhog Day!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 18:26


    I'm heading to the Southern Coast of Oregon to hike the Redwoods and discover Natural Bridge Cove, which showcases you guessed it some natural bridge formations in the ocean.  And this is an exciting episode because I've created a YouTube video (https://youtu.be/ZoeYCSoS9IM) with my dashboard cam where you can actually see some of these places. Last but certainly not least,  make sure to stick around for Something Different as I wedge a whole slice of cake in my mouth in honor of Groundhog Day! Visit www.vandogger.com for episode specific companion information, photos, van gear and more stories.Email: vantales@vandogger.comCredits: “You Live in a Van?!” soundbite by Nephew #1

    Van Upgrades, Hiking Multnomah Falls in the Gorge and a Relaxing Soaking Pool!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 21:15


    In this episode you can hear about some new van upgrades I purchased this week to make my tiny home even more comfy! I'll also take you on a short road trip to the Columbia Gorge and hike the Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls trail.  And make sure to stick around as I give you the inside scoop on  where to find a hot soaking pool in town! Links and additional informationMcMenamin's History:  https://www.mcmenamins.com/historyMcMenamin's Kennedy School Soaking Pool: https://www.mcmenamins.com/kennedy-school/soaking-pool 2017 Columbia Gorge Wildfire: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/crgnsa/fire/?cid=fseprd567631&width=full Visit www.vandogger.com for episode specific companion information, photos, van gear and more stories.Email: vantales@vandogger.comCredits: “You Live in a Van?!” soundbite by Hartdog

    Top 10 Van Life Sacrifices, A Cycling Tour of Sauvie Island, OR and the Hunt for the Best Donut in Town!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 26:25


    In this episode, I talk about what it really means to live in a van full time and what sacrifices you should be prepared to make, if you're interested in vanlife. I also take you on a cycling tour around Sauvie Island, OR.  And join the hunt as I search for the best donut in town!Links and additional informationSauvie Island: https://sauvieisland.org/Bybee Howell House: https://sauvieisland.org/visitor-information/historical-areas/bybee-howell-house/NOLA Doughnuts:  https://www.noladoughnuts.comDoe Donuts: http://www.doedonuts.com/Blue Star Donuts: https://www.bluestardonuts.com/Shine Distillery: https://shinedistillerygrill.com/Pips Original: http://www.pipsoriginal.com/Delicious Donuts: https://www.deliciousdonutspdx.com/Visit www.vandogger.com for episode specific companion information, photos, van gear and more stories.Email: vantales@vandogger.comCredits: “You Live in that Van?!” soundbite by Bezelfor

    Keeping Warm in the Winter, Oregon Wine, Music and a Beer Festival Too!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 24:37


    Join me today as I explain what I do to keep toasty in the van during winter. I'll also bring you with me on a journey into Oregon Wine Country where I'll listen to some great music and even tell you a bit about how wine became a thing in Oregon. Stick around for a fun beer festival too!

    Boondocking, the Alberta Arts District and Donut Pizza!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 19:04


    In this first official episode, you'll hear about boondocking and van safety, walk through the Alberta Arts District in Portland, OR and join me for some delicious van pizza!

    The Journey from House to Van! (and Boardgaming?)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2021 23:32


    In this pilot episode hear how I left the corporate world behind to live in a van. The weeky rotating segment talks about some recent boardgame experiences too!

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