Off the Beaten Track: Our First Van Adventure to Tomales Bay, Ca
Tomales HipCamp | August 2023
Embarking on our first van adventure was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, especially since our van wasn't fully decked out yet. For this three-night trip, we decided to head to the beautiful Tomales Bay, a place that's always had a special place in our hearts. We felt this was the perfect way to start our adventures. Living n the SF Bay, we’re rewarded with amazing places like Tomales that is approx 1 hour from our house. Follow along and I lay out how we did it.
The Maiden Voyage:
Our van, though still a work in progress, was ready for its maiden voyage. Lacking running water but equipped with essentials like power, our diesel heater, and a fridge, we were eager to test out our new home-on-wheels. These three nights were not just a trip; they were the start of what we hoped would be many more van adventures. We love HipCamp for its flexibility and uniquness. Plus we found a spot that also had the option to buy produce, meat and eggs from their farm stand. You can’t beat that.
Embracing the Basics:
Without running water, we got back to basics, which was both challenging and surprisingly liberating. It was a test of our adaptability and a chance to focus on the simpler aspects of van life, like enjoying the great outdoors and appreciating the comfort of our van. The biggest piece for us was preparation. That will be a theme you’ll see in most of our post as we talk about how we prepared for our trips. Everything from our menus, food prep, van prep, cloths and activities. While we can’t plan for it all, Crystal and I work as a pretty amazing team. I chalk it up to the years we worked in restaurants prior to moving into our tech jobs that have allowed us to be so oranized and prepared.
The Charm of Tomales Bay
Nestled along the coast of Northern California, Tomales Bay is a hidden gem that beckons with its serene beauty and unique character. This slender inlet, known for its pristine waters and tranquil landscapes, offered us a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
As we explored the area, the distinctive features of Tomales Bay unfolded before us. The bay is a haven for wildlife, with its shores often frequented by seals, migratory birds, and an abundance of marine life. The sight of these creatures in their natural habitat added an authentic touch to our van-life experience.
One of the most captivating aspects of Tomales Bay is its rich maritime history. The bay's waters are dotted with oyster farms, reflecting a long-standing tradition of shellfish cultivation. This connection to the sea is palpable, whether it's in the fresh seafood available at local eateries or in the stories told by the bay's seasoned fishermen.
The surrounding landscapes of Tomales Bay are just as enchanting. Rolling hills, dotted with dairy farms and lush vegetation, frame the bay, creating picturesque vistas that are a photographer's dream. These pastoral scenes provided a stark but beautiful contrast to the deep blue of the bay's waters.
Our journey through Tomales Bay was more than just a scenic detour; it was an immersion into a world where nature's rhythms dictate the pace of life. Whether we were kayaking on the gentle waters of the bay, hiking along its rugged coastline, or simply enjoying the tranquility from our campsite, the charm of Tomales Bay was ever-present, making our van adventure truly unforgettable.
Off-Roading to Seclusion
One of the highlights of our trip was navigating off-road to reach our secluded hipcamp spot. The journey there was an adventure in itself, taking us through less-traveled paths that tested our van's capabilities and our own driving skills.
The Warmth of a Fire:
Given the frequent wildfires in Northern California, we were grateful for the opportunity to have a fire safely. Sitting around the fire, under the starlit sky, was a moment of peace and a chance to truly disconnect and immerse ourselves in the wilderness. Plus there really isn’t anything better than cooking on an open fire. Tonight, we had burgers. A favorite and classic in our house.
A Taste of the Local Life:
A delightful surprise was the chance to purchase fresh Wagyu meat from our host. This wasn’t just any meat; it was raised right there, offering us a taste of local, sustainably-raised produce. Cooking and enjoying this high-quality meat was not just a culinary experience but also a way to connect with the local culture and practices. One piece that has really served us well when we camp is our prep. We will talk more about that in coming post but for now, just know that all our lettuce, onions, jalepenos, effectively everything we needed was washed, cut and stored for easy access.
We must not forget a solid appetizer either. This trip we went with a classic local cheese from Marin French Cheese.
When it comes to a burger, given the fact that I worked for In N Out Burger for over 13 years, you can say that cooking a juicy and tasteful burger is sort of second nature for me. I like to add a few elements to my meet like chopped red onion and jalepenos. An egg can also be added to help bind it but isn’t fully necessary. PepperJack cheese, mustard, ketchup and a thin whole wheat bun.
You’ll see in the photo above that I used our classic cast-iron skillet and of course added in some fried mustard. Adding mustard to the meat and cooking on it adds an imense depth of flavor plus it helps keep the meat moist.
In Closing
As we packed up to head back, we reflected on our trip: the simplicity of van life, the beauty of Northern California, and the joy of small discoveries like a secluded campsite or locally-sourced food. This trip was a reminder of why we chose this lifestyle – every journey has its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. We returned home with a deeper connection to the land, our van, and each other, eagerly anticipating our next adventure. Here are some of our big take-aways and reminders for anyone who wants to camp in Tomales.
Weather is very unpredictable so pack properly. Have an extra jacket and beanie
Don’t bring every piece of food with you - buy local from farm stands or local markets. Most take venmo and our self-serviced.
Be ok unplugging for a few days. While you’ll have a few bars (on Verizon) at this specific site, its ok to unplug and just live in the moment.
Stop in downtown Tomales on your way out and get some fresh baked bread from Route One Bakery & Kitchen. They have some amazing, daily cooked, sourdough loafs.
Have fun!!!!
