#dirtbagswag whips 001: The Vinson Van

Andrew, Bethany, and their big green van

I met Andrew in high school, and for a season of my life, we, for all intents and purposes, lived together. Skipping school, skateboarding, listening to punk music, and eating honey butter chicken biscuits; we were, at that moment, living the dream. 

But dreams change and I think that's a good thing. I moved away to grad school and his band started to get to get serious. So he bought a big green van. They toured a little bit. They were living the dream. 

But dreams change and Andrew fell in love and got married. They had a little house, a little cat, and they still had a giant green van. All in all, they were living the dream.

But dreams change and now they're selling their things, moving into that same giant green van, driving across the country, working at Yosemite Park, and living every dirtbag's dream.

Andrew and Beth are teaming up with ACMNP (A Christian Ministry in the National Parks) to help lead Sunday services for staff and guests, while also serving the park's rangers, hospitality staff, and the

hundreds of other people employed there. They'll be there all summer and through the fall, leaving with the last bit of committed, cold-weathered climbers. Andrew prefers surfing, but I have a feeling he'll send The Freerider in a day within months of moving there.

Dreams change and I think that's a good thing. And I think this one is totally awesome. They leave at the beginning of May and you can follow their adventures through the eyes of Gatlin, their garden gnome totem to all things fun on instagram @gatlintravels

WHIP SPECS
make and model: Ford Econoline 150 Hi-Top Conversion Van
under the hood: 5.4L Triton V8
gas mileage: "not great"
dirtbag mods: took out the passenger seats and put in a raised double bed with storage space beneath; surf board rack; privacy curtains.
Andrew's favorite: the comfy captain seats
Bethany's favorite: the handmade curtains (not pictured)

@gatlintravels