Q&A with Wayfarer Wanderer – Bill Estes

Wayfarer Vans –
Where do you call home base Bill?

Bill Estes –
Home base is Ventura California.

WV- 
Since owning your Wayfarer Van, where has been your favorite place you’ve taken it?

Bill- 
Olympic National Park, the lush green and incredibly thick forest of ONP was so beautiful and soothing.

Each night I was able to stay safe and warm in my Wayfarer Van, sleeping right next to a lake without anyone around for miles, then waking up and cooking breakfast to the views has been really hard to beat.  Each day was a similar story but a different location,  I would explore around, find a beautiful camp spot, set up, etc.  I love the mobility of my Wayfarer!  I also found lots of what excites me and the main reason I love to travel… HIKING!!

WV- 
What was the first thing you learned when you took your Wayfarer Van out for its maiden voyage?

Bill-
I brought too many unnecessary items, I overthought the things I needed, especially kitchen items.  I keep finding ways to simplify, less is more with Van Life…  I’m pretty dialed in now and have more than enough room in my boxes.

I’ve also learned people are very interested in the van and have lots of questions. So sometimes I’ll get tied up at the trail head showing people my around my van.

WV- 
What has been the biggest challenge traveling in your Wayfarer Van and how have you overcome it?

Bill- 
Initially I went to a few places that got really cold at night, so I needed something to keep the van warm.  I ended up purchasing a Mr. Buddy heater, the ‘little buddy’ model.  It’s small and keeps the van plenty warm when the temperature drops.  It’s really given me piece of mind while traveling and I don’t worry so much about staying warm.

WV-  
Is there an essential travel item that you never leave behind, if so why?

Bill-
Yeah… my hiking boots!!

WV-
Do you have a big trip planned with your Wayfarer Van?

Bill-
I haven’t seriously began to plan it yet but I want to take it down to Baja, Ca.  I get excited thinking about spending a couple days along the rustic, secluded beaches they have there. However most of my adventures are planned lightly, maybe a day or two before I leave.  I love how having this van allows me to be very impulsive and just go!!  So Baja might be more impulsive rather than planned.

WV- 
What has been the most memorable experience or pleasant surprise while traveling in your Wayfarer Van?

Bill-
I love waking up in the morning and starting my day without having to break down a tent.

WV-
What is it that you love most about your Wayfarer Van?

Bill-
I love leaving it loaded up with all my gear, so whenever I get the itch I can just take off… and I itch a lot!!

WV-
Why did you choose a Wayfarer Van and what advice would you give to others?

Bill-
I loved the idea of a small camper van but the old VW’s are too expensive and unreliable; it’s so cool to have a practically brand new camper van for an affordable price.  I found a great deal on my Promaster City and was in my van and camper kit for about $20,000.

WV-
We’re amazed at all the places Bill has taken his Wayfarer Van.  It seems like every time we turn around he’s gone and come back from some great adventure. We dare anyone to say they travel and explore as much as Bill in their van, even us.

If you’d like to follow Bill or ask him about all the places he’s gone, we’re sure he’d love to share some of the wonderful camp spots he’s found, you can find him on the Wayfarer Vans Facebook page – he’s a frequent guest post.