Let’s build an internal structure

So it is time to start building. There as been a lot of discussing and planning and at some point you just got to build and problem solve along the way. This is our official pandemic project and Dennis definitely needs a project. He has pretty much finished every home improvement project we had. Dennis is a really good woodworker and with a a chop saw, our neighbor’s table saw and a pocket hole jig we are ready to start.

We started with the outside structure. Each framing side has to take into account the 4.5 degree angle of the floor. The two sides are braced together near the front seats. With these three sides in place it is time to scrape off all of the contact paper. Now we have a very shiny floor!

Next the framing for the pull out elements needed to be built. There are two pullouts. The first pullout is on a 48” full extension. This is part serves two purposes. The first it is a hatch to access the storage area below. The second will be a counter that extends outward.

The second pullout is a dry storage box for dry food and pans, bowls, etc. This one will run along the floor line and not be level in order to maximize the storage area in the drawer.

Here is the interior framing in place with braces on the top.

The drawer extensions are taking forever to arrive but we have decided to start the drawer elements with out them and hope they are the dimensions that was stated.

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Let’s make some drawers

As I wrote in the previous post, there are two “drawers”. One is an actual drawer and the other is a access hatch/counter extension. Dennis is a pro with the pocket hole jig. Not sure what we would do with out it. In addition to building the drawers, he also built the side cabinet for the back. We are using narrow cabinet pullouts for organization and ease for retrieving things from the back. Here he is in action. This day the smoke was pretty bad in the air so we are all wearing masks. Before installing any more items, we are screwing the structure down to the metal floor. The vacuum serves as a way to prevent metal shavings from going everywhere. This structure is going no where. The drawer works and locks in place. Here is the back of the van so far. Cooler on the left, drawer (pulled out) in the middle and cabinet on the right. It’s coming together.

Gualala Point Campground

Armed with warm clothing and our new Carsule, Dennis and I were ready for another adventure. Dennis’s coworker, Cheryl, recommended Gualala Point Campground (part of Sonoma County Regional Parks). Dennis found a spot available for Friday and Saturday night. Gualala Point is next to Sea Ranch on the Pacific Coast off of Hwy 1. Figuring it will be about a 3.5 hour drive, we scooted out the driveway about 1pm. Sunset is about 4:30pm and we are trying not to setup in complete darkness. We stopped at a bakery on the way up for some cookies and then continued to our spot. The campground is located right before you cross the bridge into Gualala. It is tucked back in the redwoods next to the Gualala River. The sites are close together but situated in a way that you don’t feel you are on top of your neighbor. A ranger came over shortly after our arrival to give us the lowdown on the facilities...the host is on vacay, firewood is self serve and our campground pass gives us free ...

Joseph Grant Park Camping Trip

As I mentioned in the previous post, our maiden voyage was to Grant Park near Morgan Hill (Lick Observatory sits about the park). A one night trip to test out the equipment, we picked a place close to home that also had availability. The drive up Mount Hamilton was steep, narrow and curved. As you reach the top, you drop in the valley behind and you find golden rolling hills spotted with oaks. We arrived before the 3pm check in and took a nice stroll in the valley bottom because there is no early check in. Our walk was flat and easy. The woodpeckers were very busy storing acorns in the giant oaks. The van and our build worked great but where we lacked in “equipment” was in warm clothing. It was cold and windy and we did not bring the right clothing. The rechargeable hand warmers that Dennis bought were a warm blessing. The park and campground itself was very nice. We had a great spot with no immediate neighbors. The bathroom was a quick walk down the hill and was very...

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