Blog Entry 12 * 5-12-22
On my journey north, I stopped at another grove of redwood trees and camped in my van near the top of a mountain. The forest was incredibly still and majestic, but that night was anything but calm. Powerful winds—at least 50 miles per hour—slammed against the side of the van through the dark hours, and the temperature dropped to a chilling 37 degrees.
Visiting this grove of redwood trees was truly amazing. At one point, as I wandered through the grove, I could hear the redwoods themselves "singing." The sound was remarkably similar to monks chanting om, with subtle, layered tones rising and falling through the wind. It felt as though they must be meditating on God too, their deep-rooted presence echoing a silent devotion to the Divine. That thought lingered with me as I roamed this vast and spiritually vibrant place.
There was a sense of magic in the air—like the grove was alive with unseen life. I could feel fairies and other ethereal beings moving through the space, enjoying the peace and presence of this remote redwood sanctuary. It was a moment of sacred stillness and wonder, where nature itself seemed to be engaged in spiritual practice.
There’s a kind of purification that comes through nature’s intensity. As someone walking a spiritual path, I often find that these raw, uncomfortable moments help strip away the excess and leave me face-to-face with the present. There's no distraction when you're bundled in the quiet cold of a mountain night, rocked by wind and sky, wrapped in the breath of the redwoods.
For anyone considering van camping, especially in colder conditions, here’s a practical piece of advice: invest in a high-quality sleeping bag rated for extreme temperatures. It can make all the difference between a sleepless night and a peaceful one. I didn’t get mine right away, but eventually, I picked up a -30 degree bag, and it’s been one of the best purchases I’ve made while living and traveling on the road. The beauty is that it gives you flexibility—to sleep inside or outside the van, depending on the weather.
If you're on a budget, consider buying one used. A professional dry cleaner can clean and sanitize it for around $20–$30, and it’ll serve you for years. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about learning how to live in harmony with the environment while continuing the journey inward, no matter the external conditions.
*Blog Videos at my youtube channel: BhaktiYogaMonk