Hey everyone, I’m Liz Bryant, and this is my Mercedes Sprinter called Wild because I love adventure. In 2015, I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a long trail that goes from Mexico to the Washington border.
It took me about five months to complete. After the hike, I returned to my job as a reporter at NBC San Diego, appearing on the 5 and 6 o’clock news.
Six months after returning, I started questioning my routine life. I had experienced real adventure and life in nature on the trail. So, I began exploring van life on Instagram. I researched it every day for a year and a half.
Finally, I decided to stop just researching and start doing. I bought a brand new Mercedes Sprinter in 2016 and told myself I could always have a backup plan. I went for it and have never looked back.
Meet Wild, my 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 144 wheelbase van. It’s a two-wheel drive, not four-wheel, even though it might look rugged because of my BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and black rhino rims.
I chose a monochromatic black color for everything, and I made sure it was matte black wherever possible.
If you’re thinking about making a big change in your life, set a deadline for yourself and stick to a schedule. That’s what I did when I made my first big move. I gave myself four or five months, with a checklist for each month.
I planned things like ending my apartment lease, taking a safety course, and researching gear. This helped me feel less pressured and more prepared. If you’re wondering about work, it’s something you’ll need to figure out for yourself.
I was lucky to have a career at NBC News for seven years, which helped me start my own video production company. Part of your journey is finding what you’re passionate about and figuring out how to do that remotely.
Follow my journey on Instagram: @wildbythemile.
