Wandering in wonder

We’re Peter and Tara, a couple driven by adventure and creativity. Our passion lies in travel, photography, the great outdoors, hiking, and immersing ourselves in diverse cultures. We believe that every experience enriches not only our lives but also our professional journeys. Tara is a professional dancer and artist who discovered a newfound love for architecture and design while attending graduate school in California. That was where we met. Peter was working as a builder, designer, and mechanic at a construction firm in the Bay Area, sharpening the skills that would later shape our journey.

Just weeks after we crossed paths, Peter shared a dream of transforming an old bus into a travel camper for our adventures across the United States. The bus was a mere shell at the time. It had only been purchased a month before we met and required an extensive overhaul. The engine could not support the kind of journeys we envisioned, and we knew a significant amount of work lay ahead of us.

Amid the blossoming of our relationship, we made the bold choice to stay in California together and take on the renovation. It was a monumental commitment, but deep down we knew it was the right path. Over the next two years, we poured our hearts into restoring the bus, which we affectionately named Wonder. The project demanded a new engine, a braking system, tires, electrical work, and a complete interior transformation. Every evening after work and every weekend, our hands were busy and our hearts were full as we worked tirelessly on our dream.

In pursuit of this vision and feeling worn down by the fast-paced Bay Area lifestyle, we longed for a slower and more meaningful existence. Although the decision was not easy, we knew it would be the perfect adventure to begin right after our wedding. The journey gave us time together and helped us build a stronger bond. It also taught us how to shape a future as a couple while bringing our dream bus to life.

With Tara’s roots in Mississippi and Peter being a multi-generational Californian, we both understood that the journey ahead would be transformative. We made a pact to not only renovate a bus for travel but also to search for a place that felt like home. Whether it lay somewhere between our two worlds or in an entirely unexpected place, we were ready to follow the road wherever it led.

Two years later, with wedding plans complete and our bus finally ready, we took the leap and left our jobs behind. Our spirits bloomed as we set out to embrace new experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of unknown challenges. Along the way, we collected moments and memories that would last a lifetime.

Our journey began on July 5th along the stunning California Coast, where majestic mountains meet the ocean. With no set timeline, each day brought new surprises. Adapting came naturally, but not without its quirks. The gas gauge on our bus never worked, so we had to learn how to track mileage and plan fuel stops carefully.

As we roamed through national parks, we realized the importance of planning. Gas stations were often few and far between, and wild camping was not always safe or permitted. Tara quickly became a savvy camp spot scout, uncovering hidden gems and balancing between breathtaking locations, convenient pull-offs, and the occasional letdown.

With unreliable service, we began setting aside research days during the week to make sure we were always headed toward something worthwhile. A little foresight helped us make the most of every adventure. Together we handled challenges from adjusting valves to troubleshooting an overheating engine in the Utah desert. Each small fix became part of the journey and brought us closer together. Our first year of marriage became a lesson in resourcefulness and connection.

What started as a simple two-month adventure stretched into four, then six, and finally seven months. As two perfectionists immersed in the rhythms of van life, we found new ways to channel our motivation. Tara developed a deeper passion for photography, and together we took on tough hikes in the national parks. Our culinary skills took on delightful twists, and we honed our organizational talents. The skills we gathered were abundant, but the true treasures lay in the invaluable lessons we learned about marriage, insights we feel passionately compelled to share.

Without that deep friendship, challenges will inevitably surface. While we were not always perpetually joyful, our bond proved resilient in the face of van life's complexities. We made time to enjoy each other’s company by hiking, cooking, playing music, drawing, and giving each other space when needed. Peter found solace in reading, while Tara often turned to writing.

It is essential to realize that the journey is not always adorned with sunshine and roses. There were chilly nights in the van when our only remedy for warmth was snuggling up close and relying on firewood to keep the cold at bay. Those harsh moments tested us, yet our positive outlook helped us navigate the difficult times like a guiding star.

Teamwork is paramount. In the realm of van life, no one can shoulder the load alone. Peter took charge as the driver while Tara charted our course. He ignited the fire while she prepared delightful meals. He assembled our cozy bed while she tucked everything away with care. This division of roles was foundational to our success. A harmonious partnership thrives when both are aligned. This principle propelled us through our van life adventure.

To keep things fresh, we welcomed new experiences whenever the routine started to feel stale. At times, the monotony of daily routines wore us thin. When finding campsites felt more like a chore, we sought out charming local spots to invigorate our journey and ensure we never felt completely off the grid.

There is a tapestry of lessons we have gathered, but here are a few that truly stood out during our travels.

The West Coast graciously offered us more of these serene spots. Never impose a rigid timeline on your national park adventures. Let each park’s distinctiveness guide you and embrace the freedom of traveling at your own rhythm.

Though we are still on our journey, nearly a year into our van life saga, we recently found a place that resonates with us as home.

And so, this chapter of our adventure unfolds. Stay tuned for what lies ahead.