Sophie and Richard are from New Zealand and flew into Vancouver where they bought a van and spent a few weeks equipping it for their adventures. They specifically chose a van without windows to be incognito and installed shelves and a bed. They’re traveling in the U.S. for 3 months and then plan to work and travel in Canada for two years. They like to seek out places where they can spend time climbing, which is what brought them to Joshua Tree.

Their sentimental objects included a stuffed animal of a kiwi bird (the national bird of New Zealand), a spiral necklace pendant, and a robot wall decoration. I was impressed with their organization in the back, they built three divided units under their bed to separate and organize their gear efficiently with different plastic containers. They said they’re still perfecting the set up in their van and plan to install a wood burning stove eventually. They have a van at home in New Zealand but have mostly traveled for a few weeks at a time and this will be their longest journey living on the road.