For the latest installment of Gnomad Homies, we had the opportunity to chat with Parker Hilton and Jenelle Kappe from @togetherweroam! Parker, Jenelle, and Emma Mae (their mini Australian shepherd) are traveling around in a 1987 Chevy G20 named Scarlet JoVanson. They have an interesting story and some great perspectives on living the van life, so letโs dive right in!
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So, where are you guys from?
Originally weโre all from New Jerseyโฆactually, myself (Parker) and Jenelle are. Emmaโs from Florida and Scarlet is a mystery. Jenelle and I met on Instagram while I was on another trip into South America hiking the Inca Trail and she was living in Chicago. In a very serendipitous turn, Jenelle pointed out that we both have 732 area codes. The rest is history.
Where are you currently located?
Right now weโre actually sitting still for a minute in New Jersey. Weโve both been traveling pretty nonstop for the last 3 years or so. In order to catch up on life we decided to stay put for the winter and plan for the future. I can safely say that Iโm glad we did it but weโre both itching to hit it again.
What are you traveling in? Did you build the interior yourself, or did you buy it pre-built?
I bought Scarlet off Craigslist just over two years ago. She was tucked away in the woods in southern Jersey and from the looks of it, she was parked there a decade or so ago and hadnโt been touched since. That being the case I called the owner and told him if it could make it to the DMV near me, which was an hour drive, I would take it.
Sure enough, he rolled into the parking lot, we exchanged some pleasantries, I handed over the cash and I immediately took the thing home and gutted it. I worked it down to the frame all around and built it back up from there. Solar electrical system, hardwood floors, portable car fridge, bed loft and tons of storage. From there a ton of mechanical work has been done on her but thatโs way less exciting.
How long have you been living in this? Do you live in it full time or part time?
We were in her full time for just about seven months. We drove from NJ down to Key west, over to San Diego, down into Baja for two weeks, up to as far north as British Columbia, and back to Jersey. Since then weโve lived in here for a week at a time here and there but nothing as extensive as that first trip.
What made you want to choose this lifestyle? What was that transition like?
The transition was shockingly easy. I had done something like this before and Jenelle took to it pretty quickly. Thereโs always the occasional bump in the road or times where you miss a staple of home but then you just embrace whatโs ahead of you.
The fun side bar here is that Jenelle and I had only been dating for a few months before we decided to go on this trip together. That was trial by fire in the biggest way. We worked out the kinks in the relationship pretty darn quickly once we got in the van and as a result, weโre engaged โso I guess it worked out alright.
Whatโs your favorite part about living the van life?
The freedom. Without question. Being able to go anywhere and explore every inch of road that connects to wherever youโre currently parked. Thatโs an amazing feeling. I love the routine and vibrance of it too. If you don’t like where you are you can always drive a mile down the road to see whatโs up there. At the same time, making a fire every night and sharing storiesโฆthereโs no better way to end a day.
What is your least favorite part about van life?
Dancing that line between homelessness and adventurer. When you’re in the woods at an awesome camp spot you feel alive and vibrant. When you park in the middle of a city to make a grocery run or visit a friend it becomes very apparent that you’re operating at a different pace than the rest of the world.
What were you doing in life before you decided to do this?
I was a travel photographer/writer in South America. Prior to that, I was photographing fashion work in New York.
Jenelle, on the other hand, is a wedding photographer and our road trip happened to be during her off season. We now both photograph weddings together and travel whenever we get a chance.
What are your favorite features of your van? Anything specifically unique?
The wooden tailgate and the queen sized mattress. When I was building her out I paid zero mind to weight which ultimately proved to be a blessing and a curse. The comforts are all there but the gas mileage and the mobility definitely took a hit.
What do you do for income on the road?
To make money on the road, we write and photograph. I freelance for a few online publications and Jenelle and I both photograph products for outdoor brands.
What have been your favorite locations thus far, and why?
On this most recent trip there were so many that I loved for different reasons. White Sands, NM for sure. Weโre both suckers for Vancouver Island and Baja. I also think the badlands will hold a very special place in our hearts for a while to come.
What are some things you brought with you that you use nearly everyday? What are some things you brought with you that you ended up never or rarely using?
Camping hammocks almost never got used. They were just another thing to think about. However, camping chairs got used almost every chance we had.
Is there anything you miss from your former lifestyle?
Not so much. We have plans to slow down the aggressive travel that was last year but I don’t think at any point weโd go back to the way things were. Could you imagine going back to a 9-5 in New York after three years of traveling? Thatโd be a tough switcheroo.
What do you do in your free time? What are your favorite activities?
Iโd say we have less free time right now than before. Between planning our moves, cooking and setting up camp. There isn’t quite as much time to slack off and update your Facebook page. I wish there was time to read and chill, but between the two of us and work there always seems to be something to do.
What advice would you give someone considering traveling full time in a van?
I wrote a lengthy article for Uproxx about this. The quick breakdown is – consider your daily staples, think long and hard about your budget, know and understand your camping options, be ready to change plans, plan and prepare for situations that will make your travels easier.
(Editorโs note: We highly recommend checking out their article! It gives a very detailed and thoughtful perspective)
Whatโs your favorite meal to make in the van?
Weโre big on one-pot gluten free pastas or stews. There are some gems to be had there.