So there it is. The 1 year mile stone has been hit. It has officially been 12 months since me and my Dad, Boris, picked up the tools and started on this SACANTICS van life project - turning a 29 year old VW LT 35 into a camper for some SACANTICAL living and nomadic adventures. And as expected the journey so far has been full a lot of peaks and a lot of troughs. In between the van build we’ve had to endure lengthy unplanned stints in garages as we paid for some well needed mechanical TLC, awaited for a new working prop-shaft from Cheshire and prayed for its MOT. We also took a break for 2-3 months as Boris rested and repaired after his eye operation. And of course we had to delay play numerous times thanks to the unreliable British weather. But this is what it’s all about. Life doesn’t go to plan, and it never will.
We look back and ask ourselves, are we where we wanted or thought we’d be 12 months on? No. However, have we made immense progress, learnt plentiful skills, and spent some priceless time with my Dad - Yes. And that’s all that matters - the positives. I’ve learnt it’s about enjoying the moment, the process, and taking each problem and present day as it comes. But don’t get me wrong, this hasn’t always been the case. To be honest the last 9 months or so have been tough personally away from the van, consisting of a lot of negativity and anxiety. Countless times I questioned am I doing the right thing? Should I focus my attention elsewhere? Am I wasting my time with this brand? Should I quit and sell the van because simply I don’t have the money to do this? But 12 months on I am so happy and grateful I didn’t let these thoughts prevail and the van life project is still going. Because things change. The bad days come and go. And if you keep turning up, eventually things can and will get better. I’m sure of it. It may take a new day, new week, months, or even years. But things will align and you’ll get clarity. It’s hard man. Life can be hard. For all of us. But surround yourself with good people when you can who care about you, get out in nature, stick to your gut and intuition, and I’m confident it will all work out.
We have some big ideas with the van for the next 12 months, and I’m pretty certain they won’t all go to plan or come into existence, but that doesn’t matter. It’s about giving it a go, trying your best, having fun, and appreciating the small things in life. I’m immensely grateful for the situation I’m currently able to be in, and the support my family has provided me throughout the last year. And for me, as long as the people I love are happy and healthy, that’s all that matters in this world. Here’s to the next 12 months, and more SACANTICAL thinking ✌️
VAN PROJECT MILESTONES
Rust treated
Van insulated
Ceiling, side panels sanded, painted and screwed
Electric extractor fan installed
Bench/Bed, 90% complete
Wardrobe completed
Kitchen, 50% complete
5/5 CAD draws made
Made a start on bathroom door
Spare wheel carrier, 75% complete
12v Electric Fridge purchased
BLUETTI AC180 Portable Power Station purchased
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