Van life with a dog: Explore the Columbia River Gorge with Bucky the Irish Setter mix - PNW dog photo shoot
“The journey of life is sweeter when traveled with a dog.”
And what better way to travel, than van life?
On my solo trip testing out van life back in May, I met up with Robin and Bucky, two full-time van lifers for a hike in Oregon’s beautiful and iconic Columbia River Gorge area. Our session was full of wonderful views, wild, wild weather, and lots of adventure.
Did I mention Bucky is a pup? A 100% stunning and loveable Irish Setter/Golden Retriever with swoon-worthy amber eyes.
We met up near Cascade Locks and explored the area before heading to hike at Horsetail Falls. Our hike was cut short by a torrential hail storm — we ended the day soaking wet with smiles all around.
I interviewed both Robin and Bucky (yes, I speak dog, these are his words) for this blog post about their relationship and road trip adventures.
This is their story:
Hi, I’m Bucky, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever/Irish Setter boy who met my mom when a nice Mennonite family handed me over in a feed store parking lot in Eastern Oregon. I had never ridden in a car before, and little did I know that I would soon LIVE in a van!
My favorite things in the world are being around my mom, my aunties, and all my dog friends. But if I can’t have them, I need to be feral with my mom. We love getting dirty together and then finishing off the days with snuggles.
My perfect day would be waking up and jumping out of the van to run around in the desert right away. Bonus points for fetch with the ball! Then momma and I go on a big long hike together, just the two of us. After that she would give me her WHOLE lunch. And then we would go to the park! And then: we cuddle. Triple bonus points if there is snow and/or water!!”
I helped my momma become so much braver since she met me. She realized there were so many things she wanted to do, but was just waiting for me to join her to do them. My mom is a lot less nervous around people when I’m around, but also gets extra sad when I am not there.
Is she a little codependent? Yeah, but I like her so I let it happen.
Want to learn a little about van life with a dog? Read what Robin has to say about living on the road with her best friend.
How does Bucky enjoy van life?
Bucky LOVES van life. Seriously. He tries to go into any white van that pulls up. He moved into the van full-time at 10 months old, and I think that helped a ton.
What is a normal day for you two?
For the last two months, I haven’t been working, so a month was bouncing around Canada, then some weeks in Oregon deciding our next move, and now we are back on the road heading to our new home of Denver!
While on the road, we start out with a walk together while I have my first cup of coffee. Then I attempt to stretch, but it turns into Bucky snuggling me (my favorite part of the day).
After the second cup of coffee, dishes, cleaning, and a baby wipe bath, I take us wherever we are going next. Usually, there is a hike or dog park along the way. I try to stop for a walk every 2-3 hours.
Bucky enjoys the ride while I listen to hours and hours of true crime podcasts. We like to typically find a free campsite where Bucky can be off-leash, and camp out there before it gets dark. Lots of Chuckit before bed, and then we tuck in for cuddles!
What do you love the most about van life (with and without Bucky?)
The ability to change my story and my reality so easily. I had been wanting to leave Oregon and branch out more, and after my boyfriend suddenly left me, I was incredibly lost.
However, I rapidly realized I have a life that allows me the ability to change and live exactly what I think is best for myself and Bucky. Within 2 weeks of an event that I thought was going to destroy me, I had a job and furnished apartment in another state. (And no, just because I have an apartment for a few months while I settle in doesn’t mean I’ll be quitting this life.)
What does van life afford you and Bucky that you don't think you'd get living in a traditional home?
I think Bucky and I are so much closer because we are together constantly. I know his mannerisms and can keep track of his daily health so much better just because we are always together.
Bucky makes me brave too. I have done so many more things and gone so many more places because I have him with me always. That doesn’t mean I live recklessly at all, because I do have my sweet boy to watch for as well. Because we don’t have rent or a mortgage to worry about, there are a lot more travels I am able to do, and I am able to take more time off work to do so. I know Bucky and I will both have to adjust to me going back to work next week!
Since living in the van, where is your favorite place you've explored together?
Oh gosh, can I just list favorite places from all the states and provinces we’ve been?!
Saskatchewan: Candle Lake
Alberta: Lake Louise
BC: Cultus Lake
Washington:
Oregon: Smith Rock and Alvord Desert
California: Fort Funston Dog Park
Nevada: Red Rocks Conservation Area
Idaho: Anywhere along the Snake River
Utah: Goblin Valley and anywhere in Moab
Colorado: TBD
What advice would you give to someone just getting into van life?
Where do I even start?
Download RoadTripper and iOverlander.
Be respectful of all the public lands we have in this world.
If you’re traveling with your pet, know them so well and know their limits; what temperatures are comfortable for Bucky are not the same that are comfortable for his friends.
Write your own story. What you see on social media is not necessarily what your experience in van life will be like.
And mostly, ask for help when you need it. This can be mental health help from isolation due to the lifestyle, getting a hotel to escape the heat for a day or two, or asking camp neighbors for help getting your van unstuck. You don’t have to do it all on your own.
“I didn’t know how much I needed to be okay with being with myself and not relying on other people. Since I got Bucky, I now spend weeks “alone” because I have Bucky to be my right hand dude. I feel I am able to work through problems with less codependency on other humans, and I feel genuinely more brave with being my authentic self.”
Bucky’s Mom
I knew the PNW came with some rainstorms, but I wasn’t expecting the hail. Even still, this was hands down one of the best sessions i’ve had the pleasure of photographing.
Exploring the Pacific Northwest is where I belong. . . Lucky for us both, I’ll be returning Summer 2023.
Want to explore the PNW with me? I’ll be heading back to Oregon, Washington, (and maybe even Idaho) in Summer 2023.