The Verne Van

05/29/2026

Van builds take time and planning, two of my least favorite things 😂 Luckily Jeff loves it. Finally working on installing windows!

05/25/2026

The world is a complicated and often troubling place, but there’s still beauty to be seen. Every mile we travel is a freedom someone fought for. Today we remember the heroes who gave everything. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Hoping to get phase 1 of the van done enough to take a little trip up to Michigan to see some family near then end of summer, and adding this to the list! Where else should we hit up?!

🚗 MICHIGAN’S LAKE MICHIGAN ROCK HUNTING ROAD TRIP
📍 Michigan | ~480 miles | ⏱ 4–6 days
Eight beaches. Endless colors.

This is one road trip where the best souvenirs are hiding in the sand. Along Michigan’s Lake Michigan shoreline, these beaches are packed with smooth stones, colorful treasures, fossils, and hidden gems shaped by years of waves and movement. Every stop feels like a treasure hunt.

🏖 STOP 1: Pier Cove Park
Granite, basalt, quartz, and beach glass often wash onto the shoreline after rough waves.

🏖 STOP 2: Pilgrim Haven Natural Area
A peaceful beach with rocky sections perfect for slow searching.

🏖 STOP 3: Deerlick Creek Park Beach
Known for its bright, smooth stones polished by years of water movement.

🏖 STOP 4: Magoon Creek Natural Area
One of Michigan’s most famous rock hunting spots, especially after storms reveal fresh finds.

🏖 STOP 5: Peterson Park
A rugged shoreline where granite, jasper, and pudding stones collect along the water.

🏖 STOP 6: Van’s Beach (Leland)
Rounded limestone and granite pebbles create one of the prettiest beaches on the route.

🏖 STOP 7: Fisherman’s Island State Park
Miles of quiet shoreline where you may find Petoskey stones, fossils, and chain coral.

🏖 STOP 8: Petoskey State Park Beach
The grand finale and home of Michigan’s famous state stone, often easier to spot after windy days.

📏 Distance: ~480 miles
☀️ Best time: Late spring through early fall
💡 Tip: Visit early after windy days because waves often uncover new stones overnight.

05/05/2026

Our battle was not at Peubla, but getting the damn floor finished! We had to spend DAYS waiting for paint to dry despite saying it would be ready in hours. Celebrated at a local spot and planning windows install next!

05/02/2026

Working overtime on the weekend on both vehicles! 😂 Replacing an auxiliary battery in the Jeep and finishing up the spray adhesive insulation (yep, you read that right, adhesive!)

05/01/2026

It’s our little pack’s birthday! Well, sorta! Roland’s is 4/30 and Lily’s is 5/1, and we have no idea about Romeo but took him in when my mom passed in April, so now everyone’s is 4/30 😂

04/29/2026

Doing a camper van build is not for the weak! We’ve had some setbacks and some learning curves, but don’t worry! We’ve been recording it all and will post details soon. Until then, thinking about our why (sorry teacher friends for making your cringe at that phrase 😂)

04/25/2026

Very hectic week, but a beautiful start to the weekend with some new friends 🦋