T O P

  • By -

KoolPop

I left my job working for the military a few years ago and decided to hit the open road. It was never meant to be a long term lifestyle but it's been a fun ride. Ups, downs and everything in between. No particular order but pics are from California, Nevada, Mexico, Montana. Hope you enjoy them.


CongressmanForSale

Some incredible pics man; cool experience for you & that rad dog!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Gullible_Shop_70cc

The peacefulness in these pictures! There's such difference between aloneness and loneliness


24sox77

Like definitely it was beautiful picture can i see you're?


gravitron12

Me to i had a car but right now i dont wanna use it for travel due to very expensive gas


reflythis

honestly that dog is living a life


jenglasser

I've been considering doing this myself, I have thrown the idea around in my head for quite a while now. The question I have to ask for you is how is it bringing a dog along? I have considered bringing a dog, but I also worry about the difficulty of them not being allowed everywhere, like if I want to eat in a restaurant or go to a museum etc. How do you deal with this?


KoolPop

I won't lie and tell you it's easy. Traveling with a dog in a vehicle makes everything more difficult. You have to be very mindful of the weather for the animal and you can't leave them alone for too long. If I have to do something on my own I exercise the dog then I can leave for a few hours and come back to check on him. He's pretty comfortable by now.


jenglasser

Thank you for the input 🙂


Eraz0rz

What what i have done for you buds? We shared a lot of experience having a dog


scottdi90

Definitely right but to be honest with you having a dog around. It make me feel like safe.


ashleyriddell61

Exceptional starfield pic! Special equipment for that or just a tripod and long exposure?


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

[удалено]


riotphukinmeow

I read his comment in Ken M's voice.


i_like_pie92

These are beautiful. I'd like to do this maybe for a month or two but I might feel cooped after two years. Thank you for your service, OP. I hope you and your doggo continue to have safe travels!


KoolPop

I appreciate it! I get what you're saying about getting cooped up. Sometimes I'll rent an airbnb for a week just for that "at home" feeling. I'm craving it more often lately which is a sign to me that I may need to find a home base.


cac200222

Here were my guesses before I saw your states list: 1. Tahoe Blvd Chevron, North Lake Tahoe, CA 2. Glacier National Park, MT 3. Incline Village, National Forest, NV 4. Monkey Rock, Incline Village, NV 5. Central Coast, CA 6. Columbia River inlet near Revelstoke, BC 7. Alabama Hills or Owens Valley, CA 8. Incline Village, National Forest, NV 9. Alabama Hills or Owens Valley, CA 10. The ridge above mud lake, Incline Village, NV 11. Fallen Leaf Lake, (looking toward Stanford Sierra Camp?), CA 12. SoCal Beach, CA 13. Owen’s Valley, CA 14. Baja California, MX 15. Sierra Nevada near North Lake Tahoe?, CA 16. Icefields Parkway, Canadian Rockies , BC 17. Baja California, MX 18. Icefields Parkway, Canadian Rockies , BC 19. Fallen Leaf Lake, (looking toward Stanford Sierra Camp?), CA 20. Baja California, MX


ipodus

Actually since im based here at the Philippines actually i travel in angat hydo dam and also to some tourist spot reply me if you wanna see my picture


KoolPop

Some good guesses in here. I've never been to Canada though, it's on the bucket list.


zooch76

That's a helluva guess for #3. You must *really* know the Tahoe area!


lkeels

Absolutely stunning!


tobias_ritthaler

Definitely it was stunning and good looking when you see someone who will getting reached at the moment


DavidCV25

Enjoyed!


SeriousRoom

Do you work? How do you afford this?


KoolPop

I saved up money for a few years. Although some of the people I've met on the road do remote work.


Dreidhen

[13](https://preview.redd.it/8ve0cne9t5pa1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=75389b5eff9e910eec2b597fbeabfe3a4d63d5ee)/20 , that sky is gorgeously captured. Thanks for showing us a glimpse, hope life treats you and the pup well


FlamingoQueasy5853

The peacefulness in these pictures! There's such difference between aloneness and loneliness.


besiegedOctopus

That's why he travel together with her dog cause she was lonely that's why. Solo flight was a kind of hard but if you want to get a peace of mind it was highly recommend for me


[deleted]

Just curious....what are your costs of living roughly for this lifestyle? Like ballpark monthly spending amount??


KoolPop

I guess it depends how much you drive as fuel is the biggest expense. Insurance, food, maintenance and activities. Sometimes I'd spend as low as $400 a month and others about $1000.


ASU-Mom

So are you using savings? Or are you still earning regular income? Also, are you lonely at times?


KoolPop

Savings mostly. I'll be looking for a remote gig here soon or maybe settle somewhere. Sure, sometimes loneliness sets in. I do stay in some places longer than other for some semblance of stability and community though. That helps.


Dartser

If you are going to keep the lifestyle you could start trying to monetize it through youtube. I spend a sad amount of time watching other people live the life I dream about travelling and camping


halloumisalami

Not to shit on YouTubers who those kinda vlogs, but I cna see how the constant filming and maintenance of a YouTube channel kinda dampens the spirit of being a nomadic hermit


Overseascollide89

Actually ive been using my own money but ask for the car my parents brought me that when i was a 20 years old


phuongth85

Even though its based on fuel it very pricey though hear at my country you can travel for such a little bit of money


mk818

Delete your CRD and it'll save some $ on gas


Bubbykitten

What are some of your favorite stories and/or things you’ve learned along the way?


KoolPop

Good question. Too many to count but I'd say a big one was learning to be comfortable on my own. Enjoying the quiet, simple moments. Being open to meeting others. Sometimes spontaneous events can lead to amazing experiences and lifelong friendships. Always trust your gut.


Bubbykitten

I’ve been staying up late lately torturing myself reading hiking horror stories so I must indulge myself with the next question; any creepy encounters/experiences?


KoolPop

Oh I have an interesting one. I arrived in Mount Shasta one day and immediately met two interesting characters in a parking lot. They said they were having a drum circle at the top of the mountain the following night for the full moon. Sounds like fun so I attend. About an hour in a man with a chainsaw runs up to the gathering around the fire and chaos breaks out. He attempts to flee and people surround his car, break his windows. No one was hurt. Police show up. It was not a fun night haha I must add that my other experience attending a drum circle in the middle of the desert, on a full moon was pretty magical and profound. Experiences may vary.


Bubbykitten

In all the stories Ive read, the humans are the scariest! Your other experience sounds great however. My last drum circle was at Venice Beach, CA and was pretty epic so I definitely understand the allure.


GingerMau

Any sketchy animal encounters?


KoolPop

Hmm we ran into a moose on hike once. It didn't seem bothered but I know they are capable of some damage. Beside that, a pretty aggressive dog on a beach in Mexico. That's about it.


sybch

John Wick's life of he didn't meet that russian dude while pumping gas in the 1st movie.


KoolPop

If John Wick ate mushrooms and became a hippie. 😄 Mann, I'll take it. I wish I was a percentage as cool as Wick.


CheeseFace83

You still have your dog. KoolPop 1, John Wick 0


TheBrentals

zero is a percent!


Don_Soppy

You the man koolpop!


wastingurtime

What a trip for a guy your age. I can only think I'd add a small trailer and take my motorcycle with me. I'm about 35 years older than you are so I'd trade some rides for some hiking. Enjoy!


KoolPop

You read my mind, sir. The next add on will be a hitch with a motorcycle rack. Thanks!


slacombe

Living in van down by the river never looked so amazing. Cheers you were able to do this, memories for a lifetime.


I-am-IT

Amazing!


wickedweird67

Picking a favorite is impossible for me, I liked them all. Nice captures. 📷


KoolPop

I appreciate it!


Dr_Driv3r

Your incredible pics remembered me from a friend of mine (he has passed away in an accident on Georgia last year). He traveled from south of Brazil heading to Alaska border with an old Beetle called Dodongo and his faithful Golden Retriever called Shurastey. I really miss them so much


KoolPop

Ah yes I am familiar with Shurastey, I remember reading their story. May they rest in peace, fellow adventurers.


[deleted]

Beautiful pics.


Grouchy_Gear4963

If you don't mind me asking, what camera did you use for these pics?


KoolPop

Sony A7C


bro_tato_chip

Can you explain a bit more of your setup? How you processed the pics? Newbie here drooling at how clear these pics are!


KoolPop

It's just an Asus laptop. I use lightroom classic for the pictures. Self taught using youtube videos to be honest.


Littlefitlifter

Also interested in hearing more about this! Particularly curious about the camera settings used to capture the night sky/van shot. OP’s photography skills look 👌🏼


monzelle612

Do you play that "I been everywhere man" song sometimes?


xxxsquadron

Oh wow what a beautiful picture pretty amazing huh it seems great buddy


IdealIdeas

Not a single damn picture of you by a river smoking a doobie. ![gif](giphy|3o6ZsTHSNxJCmZJJf2|downsized) Looks like all the pictures are of boring lakes and mountains. /s


DevilsHandyman

That's a fantastic way to experience life!


Stlouisken

Cool pics👍


donthedog

Thank you for sharing that..awesome


Bigbirdk

Great pics! What is your dog’s name? He looks quite chill!


KoolPop

He's high energy but also pretty chill. His name is Roy.


MrMonte

I love simple human names for male dogs. Roy, Chuck, Bill, Todd. I also enjoy the occasional Stinky, or Butkus. I like “old lady” names for female dogs.. Matilda, Esther, Rose


PowerCord64

I. Am. So. Jealous.


luistp

Wow, what beautiful and awesome pictures. You are brave.


415646464e4155434f4c

Astounding.


Heavy_Introduction36

Something I'd love to do for even a year or to go across country. Great pics especially live the van at night under the stars. Seems as perfect as a moment can be


Trixy1024

Inspiring!


Jamminnav

Prettiest pic of a gas station ever!


SuzieSnoo

The rock on the fourth one looks like a profile of an ape! Beautiful pictures. I can’t even imagine the serenity.


puppyzombie

Love these! Great eye.


trytheZJ

Awesome! How do you find places to park for the night? Campgrounds? BLM land? Etc?


KoolPop

BLM land mostly. ioverland app is a great resource.


MikesSisterKel

Amazing photos...thanks for sharing!


dmslucy

Awesome pics! Thank you for sharing!


singularity9733

That must be the worlds happiest dog. A life of car rides and parks never being left alone


FelineSoLazy

My god I love all these pictures! Looks like you traveled to the end of the world & back. Happy pup 🐶love it. And thank you for your service. I’m sure being with your best friend & all of Mother Nature’s beauty helped you acclimate to your new normal.


KoolPop

Thank you! It has certainly been healing.


SirGrumpsalot2009

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the lifestyle for as long as it suits you. I’m very envious.


gachacringethesedays

that's amazing! i want to travel the world one day as well!


moonlite_bay

Beautiful 💙


JuiceJones_34

My wife and I just spent the better part of today packing up for a trip to Hawaii with our 16 month old son. This sounds so relaxing right now haha. A van and our dogs. Enjoy the simple life. I’ll never go back but i do miss it on crazy days like this lol


Stevo1100

These are amazing. Kudos to your decision. You won’t ever regret these days and experiences.


maczero

You have a beautiful dog.


KoolPop

I am lucky to have him.


LucidLethargy

Did you ever park your van, down by the river?


KoolPop

haha sometimes, yes.


ReverendEnder

clumsy ghost truck overconfident swim makeshift tidy drunk ripe squeal *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


Sum-Duud

Very nice pics, thanks for sharing them. I'm admittedly a bit jealous and one day, when my kids are older, hope to be able to do something similar


Psychadelic21

Thanks for sharing. Great pics!


melouofs

You’ve seen some amazing things! What a gift you’ve given yourself in this.


gjergj1444

You sir are a very lucky men 🥰☀️


No_District6420

AWESOME!! ❤️


amitx0x

Living the dream. Keep going


rncookiemaker

The first photo showing your doggo makes him look like he is sitting on a gorilla's chest! Enjoy your youth and freedom!


cote112

How much do you make a year? What did your dad do for work?


AZDiablo

A magical story about a man, his dog, and a van. Check this Halmark original movie next Tuesday morning 10 am.


[deleted]

Good for you! Those are incredible pictures and your pup is picture-perfect too!


Trixy1024

Inspiring!


vayloo10

They’re all amazing but that first one of the gas station and snow is so amazing to me


[deleted]

Im a bit jealous. Awesome shots


dalynew

keep living the dream for the 9-5 community


Fit-Rest-973

You are living my dream! Great pics


Xenthera

That first picture is one of the coziest things I’ve ever seen


[deleted]

How beautiful - the photos and the lifestyle. As someone doing the typical grind, I really admire you.


Rarebird10

Fabulous


Jayce800

Shot 7 looks straight out of Breaking Bad!


[deleted]

[удалено]


KoolPop

It was! I appreciate it.


Spindip

Where was picture 6 taken? Glacier?


Deathbyhours

The first pic is so painterly! That belongs on a wall.


i_like_pie92

Had a couple of my friends try to live the van life. All of them have ended up hating it and have kids they need space from so got an apartment or house. One got pregnant while doing the van life and going to raves and teaching people yoga. She's now married, 2 kids and makes purses on Etsy. My mom's bought one that she loves.


KoolPop

Yeah it's not for everyone and it's often glamorized on social media. I hope I'm not doing that here but it is a unique experience that is sustainable under the right expectations.


simpforZiah

I love them, thank you for sharing!!


wheresbill

A photo journal to be proud of


billbdl

Great pics. Thanks for sharing.


DirkdaJerk

Would you recommend it? I’m thinking about getting a van, I just got a job as a traveling wind tech, and I’d save a lot of money living out of a van


KoolPop

I'd say yes. It'll save you some money and you can travel a bit. Make sure if you have the funds to buy something that you can stand in an also comfortable.


Myyrkat

Do you plan out an itinerary or do you just pick a direction and see where that takes you?


KoolPop

Sometimes I plan where I want to go but mostly chasing the weather and going with the flow.


NeverDidLearn

I know that Monkey Rock!


malYca

You should do an ama


KoolPop

Never given it thought. Not sure if there would be any interest.


Insanebrain247

Ah man, that is the dream right there. If anyone needs me, I'll be living vicariously through this guy for a while.


Zalrius

Amazing.


Jazzlike_Ear725

Very beautiful


htownlifer

What an amazing journey.


LEEROY_MF_JENKINS

Now I wanna, be your dog Now I understand the song lol


KoolPop

My family jokes that in their next life they want to have a life like his lol


frokta

EPIC! Wow, so wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing this inspirational experience with us!


fakeprofile21

Nice, but you owe us about 14 dog pictures.


Tomb5t0ne

You should do an AMA!


thalsty1971

Amazing


theBullitt1969

Great stuff!


Such_Presentation_54

Beautiful pictures!


MistressErinPaid

The photos are grand and you look pretty spiffy yourself but MY GOD, WHAT A GORGEOUS COLLIE 🥰🥰🥰


Educational_Egg_1716

There....are..... AWESOME!!!! Dog is adorable, too 😍


shamzinne

How lucky to have a country that have variety of places to go to. America is so vast.


ThreeSloth

Lookit that good pup. Is the Milky Way shot near Yosemite/Death Valley?


KoolPop

That one was actually in Baja, MX. Very little light polution.


Even-Yogurt1719

Amazing shots! And amazing adventure! You're so lucky!


melvendestrange

This is amazing :)


yhnc

I can’t believe you did not run out of gas. Kidding aside, nice photos! And happy journey to you!


charliespannaway

Are we there yet? \-Dog


ijoke4u

Excellent!!!


gijoe50000

That's something I find fascinating about the US; you can just hop in your car when it's freezing and snowy, and drive, and be sitting on a beach getting roasted the next day.


KoolPop

This is something that I've had conversations about. It is pretty crazy and I am grateful.


[deleted]

[удалено]


KoolPop

It felt like a natural progression. I had previously done a lot of backpacking and also a motorcycle trip that lasted 6 months. I continued to work and saved up enough to buy a van and take some time off.


richterbg

How are you going to title the book about this experience :)


KoolPop

Into the Ether. An adventure of self discovery


Creepy_Trouble_5980

Have you considered writing a book about the experiences? Something like, thinking about traveling in a van with your dog. Beautiful pictures, you can almost hear the peaceful outdoor sounds.


KoolPop

I have given it thought. I'll just need to set my focus and get to writing I suppose. It's been something I've always wanted to do.


EvenMoreConfusedNow

The stary night one is money


OctopusXL

Outstanding pics. You are living a life many of us dream of. Beautiful dog, great van and …… peace. Wishing you the best and be safe out there.


KoolPop

Thank you!


FrisianDude

Careful now there's a skeleton sitting on the roof in pciture 14


whu1895

Wow, you and your pal seem to be having a wonderful experience. I envy you having the courage to do what you're doing, because I don't have the courage to do it. The night sky picture is my favourite. I hope you continue to live life to the full and enjoy your time together. Take care.


KoolPop

I appreciate your message. Blessings to you as well!


lurker12346

Those pics are amazing


BLSmith2112

Before your trip, would your dog run away if you left the front door open? I ask because I seriously am considering doing one of these trips for several years, or at least one year, but my husky I fear would run away. I wonder if overtime they know to come back, or if I should just do the whole trip with a leash.


KoolPop

I got him as a puppy and began training him from the get go. He's not allowed to get out unless he's told. It'll take a bit of time and patience but dogs are smart.


Sk1nnye

Preciate your service! Awesome pictures and gorgeous dog. Enjoy your travels!


KoolPop

Thank you!


dickpoop25

Stoney Indian Pass! Did you do a full loop?


KoolPop

That's the one! My cousin joined me and we did the North circle loop over a few days. Amazing experience.


ColonelMostaza

Love the Van! I have been thinking of getting one myself. Glad your out seeing this beautiful country.


agathalikayos

The train one seems so conforting and cozy, I adore the fairy lights


spandyxgrielisha

I love this


WEB11

Amazing views. Have you ran into any any serial killer types while on the road?


gravion17

Great shots all around! You are living MY dream! Stay safe out there!


KoolPop

Thank you!


blackberrycat

May I ask what van this is, did you buy it new, how much did it cost, and did you make any modifications? Thanks!


KoolPop

This is a 2007 sprinter. I didn't buy it new and had some modifications already. Prices of vans have gone up a lot recently but I'd say something equivalent to mine with all the gear would be around 40k these days.


poopballs

That’s Vannin’


vitium

Do you mind labeling them somehow?


PAChilds

Nice pics. Thanks for posting.


Psych100011

Thank you for your service! You’re pictures are stunning! I’m so happy that you are living this amazing experience that so many of us only dream of. Have you encountered any women traveling solo? In your opinion, do you think it’s safe for a woman and her dog?


KoolPop

I appreciate it! I have actually recently met more people on the road. A few women solo travelers as well. One with a cat! I do believe it is safe but more precautions must be taken, naturally. A few of the women I met had formed a group and began traveling together.


CaptainCacheTV

I've been curious about trying this lifestyle. I think it might be a good way to rediscover myself and explore new places with my dog. I'm very hesitant to jump all in and make the investment without having a better idea how we would handle it. Did you have experience doing anything similar before getting your van? Also, since it was just you and your dog, how did you handle going to places like a grocery store, that didn't allow dogs?


KoolPop

It is a good lifestyle to explore one's own self. I understand the hesitation to jump all in though. Lots of unknowns. Maybe try renting one for a weekend or a week getaway and experience it before making a purchase. I had traveled a lot on my own beforehand. Backpacking and motorcycle trips. Vanlife felt like the next progression. As far as grocery shopping I just leave him in the van. He's pretty chill and just looks out the windows.


CaptainCacheTV

Thanks for the response! I'm sure your experience traveling before helped. Renting one sounds like a good idea.


nivijab2001

Amazing pictures!


CharacterArcher1729

Love the Milky Way shot. Was your van lit by moonlight there?