It’s time.

Stay tuned folks for what I am hoping will be an epic adventure. I am on my way to pick up my van – a Mercedes Sprinter LWB named Fern. Fern Van Gogh – pronounced as if you are singing: 🎶 Can you hear the drums Fern Van Gogh 🎶

My sister, Jodie, her pooch, Leo and I set off from Melbourne on a mini road trip to Gerringong in NSW to pick up Fern. Leo is never too sure about being in the car, but he travelled like a trooper in his cozy back seat set up.

We stayed at a farm stay at the half way mark – complete with cows and goats… Leo was a bit beside himself.

We stopped a couple of times to take in the local wares and for Leo to stretch his little legs. This pretty little house below was right next to the Gumnut Patisserie in Berrima where I ordered a chicken and leek pie and Jodie ordered a roast vegetable pie. Jodie took the pies to find a place to sit while I waited for the coffees and by the time I found her, she was half way through what very much looked like a chicken and leek pie. “This vegetable pie is delicious, but I think it has chicken in it.” I went back to purchase another pie.

We got to Gerringong and headed straight to pick up Fern. My new best friend Callum from South Coast Van Fitouts was waiting to give me a comprehensive lesson on how everything works…. I think I took most of it in. Callum suggested we film him talking about some things – especially the electrics – I will admit I have watched it back a couple of times already. She’s so lovely to drive and the craftsmanship on the fit out is excellent! Exactly what I wanted.

Now the fun stuff – unpacking and sorting and trying to fit it all in.

And working out how to attach everything to the power and water… and learning not to leave your chairs and table under a tree 😬🦜💩

My favourite spot in the van so far – on the cosy bed watching the sky and the rain…

Emptying my first ever toilet into my first ever dump point. It was all fine – Emergency number 1s only. I’m no rookie.

And then a little sparkle to finish the day at the Gerringong Bowlo next door to the Werri Beach Holiday Park. We had to sit outside because Leo was with us and the management couldn’t accept that he is an inside dog, so my first sparkle had to be in a plastic cup…. not complaining though, I could have been sans sparkle altogether!

I feel like this day has been a very long time coming. For years I’ve been dreaming and planning and researching and scrolling through insta profiles and following people who are out there doing #vanlife. I can’t quite believe it’s finally happening. I think Me Jen and especially Col would have been very proud. Col would have had a LOT of “advice” and shared with me what he would have done differently, but deep down he would have been proud.

Let’s see where we end up next…