Episode Date: September 12, 2025
Location: Opende, Groningen, Netherlands
Morning at OB Ende
Starting the day at OB Ende, the van roof vent installed yesterday was discovered to be not fully watertight due to overnight rain. The first task was to return to JWG Camping NL and address the issue, which we successfully resolved after one additional adjustment.
Installing the French Chair
The main project of the day was fitting a “French chair” into the van—a seat from a Renault obtained through a contact in Didam. This would allow two passengers to travel safely with seatbelts. The process required cutting and adjusting boards in the back of the van. With persistence and help from Wiebe, we made significant progress, though the installation wasn’t fully finished and will require another day to complete.
Dutch Work Rhythm
One notable aspect of working in the Netherlands is the structured break schedule: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Following this rhythm felt familiar and productive, and it was enjoyable to participate in these consistent work habits.
Evening at the Campsite
Returning to the campsite after a provisioning stop, I found the restaurant closed as the site prepares for seasonal closure on September 14th. Despite this, the campsite is very well maintained, offering a pleasant environment for van life projects.
Takeaways
- DIY van modifications can be challenging and require persistence.
- Local contacts and proper equipment make projects much easier.
- Embracing local work rhythms and habits can be productive and enjoyable.
- Seasonal campsites can still provide a great environment even when services are limited.
Thanks for joining me on this van life adventure in Groningen. See you tomorrow for more!
