Welcome to VanCampingLifestyle
Some of the places and events I’ve been to recently
Gold Dredging & Sluicing in the Idaho Mountains
Tucked deep in the rugged beauty of the mountains near Atlanta, Idaho, this gold prospecting season didn’t go quite as planned. I had the dredge in the river, primed and ready, when the Forest Service made it clear — no dredging allowed here. Instead of packing up, I shifted gears. Out came the Keene sluice box, a stack of buckets, and a whole lot of determination.
These photos capture the reality of working the riverbank — hauling dirt by hand, running it through the sluice, and watching the Gold Cube light up with fine, glittering yellow. It’s hard work, but with 1–4 pennyweight a day coming in, it’s worth every shovelful. Between the shine in the pan and the scenery all around, there’s no better “office” than this.
From the gear that didn’t get to run to the gold that still made its way home, this gallery is part adventure, part lesson in rolling with the punches. Whether you’re here for the prospecting process, the scenic Idaho backdrop, or just the thrill of seeing raw gold fresh from the river, you’ll find it all in these shots.
Cottonwood Caravan
This was one of the first Caravans I attended—and definitely not the last. It was the kind of experience that sticks with you. A safe place to camp out in the desert, surrounded by like-minded people. I could keep to myself, join a campfire, or head out on a side trip with fellow nomads. That freedom and connection all in one place? I really enjoyed it.
Boondocking Skill Camp
This Boondocking Skills Camp was a truly memorable experience! The weather kept us guessing—mid-70s one day, snow on the ground the next, then back to sunny skies. The camp was totally geared toward nomads who are new to life on the road, and the classes that were held couldn’t have been more spot-on. I’m sure the participants went home with a whole lot of knowledge they didn’t have before—and hopefully feeling just a little more capable out there on their own. Can’t wait for the next one!
