Step into the passenger seat of "Dragon's Dream," a 1971 GMC C10 van with shag carpet floors, fur-lined walls, and a mythical dragon painted boldly on its side. This isn't a modern #VanLife Instagram post—it's Heather's actual childhood, cruising the East Coast highways with her parents and dog as part of the "Midnight Riders" van club in the 1970s.
Before tiny house mobile luxury was a trend, there was the raw, authentic van movement of the 70s—a true counterculture response to conventional living. As we explore Heather's extraordinary upbringing, we uncover a world where CB radios connected travelers (her dad's handle was "Keebler"), music blasted from cassette decks (Pink Floyd, Eagles, and Steve Miller Band provided the soundtrack), and weekend gatherings called "Vanans" brought together hippies for frisbee competitions, bonfires, and community.
The stories range from hilarious to shocking—sleeping on the floor with dogs while adults partied, getting burned on side pipes with no medical care until the next day, being the only child among adults who called her "Rugrat," and learning CB lingo before playground games. It's a fascinating glimpse into how this unconventional childhood shaped Heather into someone who values independence, simplicity, and adaptability—qualities many modern van lifers aspire to but often miss beneath their curated Instagram posts and high-tech conversions.
Whether you're nostalgic for the 70s, curious about authentic van culture before it was commercialized, or simply love a good story about unconventional upbringings, this episode reveals how sometimes the most formative experiences are the ones society might raise eyebrows at. Connect with us on social media @LikeWhateverPod to see actual photos of Dragon's Dream and share your own unconventional childhood memories!
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