Another suggestion for equipment is if you know anyone in Boy Scouts (family, friends, etc.) see if any local troops are upgrading their equipment. Our troop sells the old stuff (used but well maintained) for very reasonable prices. You almost always have to know someone because these things are not advertised. Not to mention you get the chance to give back to scouting, some of the greates americans in history were scouts!
Twelve years ago, wife and I went from Louisiana to Grand Canyon and just had a Ford Windstar. I removed the back seats and got an air mattress and sleeping bags. Also had one of these Auto Tent which gave us lots of room and we didn't have to sleep on the ground. I also brought along a few pieces of mesh screen to cover the van windows to keep the bugs out, although we didn't have to use it since it was October and the weather was perfect. We made the same trip last year, but this time we had a TT.
2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 Double Cab with 5.7L V8 and Tow Package.
2007 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 21MB
Peaches - Lhasa Apso/Mut Mix
I cannot imagine why you would want to come to Virginia Beach. It is very touristy and way over priced. First Landing State Park is ok. It is the most expensive in the Virginia State Park system. We drove through a couple of weeks ago and saw people with a variety of equipment. Using your van will not be a problem. They provide "Site Occupied" signs so you will not have to worry when you are away in your vehicle.
2004.5 Silver Dodge diesel dually
2004 Sunnybrook 391 SUT Toy Hauler
1999 Harley Road King
Can you sleep comfortably in your Sienna? When we started out, there were not yet minivans, so we packed a $30 tent, 50 sq ft.
A minivan, all seats out except the two up front, would give you about 30 sq ft, but a much more solid roof over your head. Certainly enough space for a couple. I envied the friends who had a VW camper, or had an old Econoline outfitted with cots.
If not a tent, consider some camping equipment, e.g. a camp stove, some pots and pans and plates, a box for a pantry, and a good quality ice chest (went through too many cheap ones before we figured that one out, but once we bought the good one it has lasted 35 years).
Yard sales and flea markets can be good for used camping equipment, decent prices unless someone thinks he is selling "collectibles."
I've done this a few times in our wagon. The little vent visers on the windows were great. When it rained we still had ventilation, before that it was hit and miss with the rain and being comfortable. We rigged a screen over the rear glass area too with the window up. That was great.
Not sure about your state parks there, but ours seem very safe. The .38 in the pocket holster, .45 auto in the shoulder holster,a nd 9mm in the door pocket never hurt either.
On another note, I lived in Virginia for several years, and it is going to be dreadfully hot in Virginia Beach in the summer, even at night. Unless you are just set on the beach, you might want to consider taking the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. It's such a beautiful drive, and the nights would definitely be cooler. Just a thought.
* This post was
last
edited 05/10/08 10:07am by MotherOwl *
View edit history
Offline
Online
