277 Cops Redux! An interview with former ticket writer, Hal Bidlack.

WE'RE BACK! In this episode, we explain what happened, and what it means for YOU. We'll also review a strange backup alarm, visit a surreal landscape, get a surprising greeting at a door, and plan for the 2024 eclipse.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) Mystery stalks Manitoba... A Place to Visit Poetry Pillars - Winnipeg, Manitoba http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/britishamericancementplant.shtml Resource Recommendation April 8, 2024 Eclipse Planning https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/where-when/ Product Review White Noise Backup Alarm with Light Effective and less annoying! https://amzn.to/3mwuE8z Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

12 Apr 202331min

This week, we spend a lot of time talking about how to sell your van when that sad/happy day comes. We'll also recommend the IKEA tool kit, visit the SS Meteor, and explain how CarFax can help you.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) I wonder where she is now... A Place to Visit SS Meteor in Duluth, MN - a unique vessel https://ci.superior.wi.us/60/SS-Meteor Resource Recommendation CarFax - a good service if you're buying or selling a vehicle (Price has gone up. :( ) https://www.carfax.com/vehicle-history-reports/ Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

8 Mars 202330min

Want to ship your van to Europe? Here's how to get started. We'll also test a 20w solar panel, explain a new way to look at power usage, visit A MAJOR AWARD, and collect some rainwater.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) Is your van on there? Shipping Your Van A good site for the basics https://www.schumachercargo.com/car-shipping/vehicle-shipping-to-europe-from-us.html A representative video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtJkDZ0fCMs A Place to Visit - Lady Leg Lamp https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/71756 Product Review - 20W Solar Panel Not great for your bulk battery storage, but can come in handy for some other things.  https://amzn.to/3EAXtpZ Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

1 Mars 202330min

I attended the Project Vanlife Summit last week and have a full report. We'll also play with some Coroplast, visit a dead man's skull, fly on a very old plane, try out a 12v heated blanket, and talk about Hip Camp.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) Our DC-3, built in 1942. Project Van Life Summit I have mixed feelings about this event, but have a look for yourself https://projectvanlife.com/vanlife-summit/ A Place to Visit - Harvey Morgan's Head https://fremontcountymuseums.com/the-lander-museum/ https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/79641 Product Review - iHealthComfort 12v Electric Blanket Seems to be a good one! https://amzn.to/3EECqmN Tech Talk - Coroplast This corrugated plastic product is great for building things and covering windows. https://www.instructables.com/Corrugated-Plastic-Collection-Coroplast-and-Correx/ Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

25 Feb 202332min

Completing ones bucket list requires something: understanding what's on it. And that's not always easy. We'll also take a look at a pet monitoring solution, find creative uses for Washer Fluid, visit an odd structure, and play a bit Galaga! FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) What's up, maps? Waggle Pet Monitor I haven't tried this, but it might be the right thing for someone. Only $99 on sale - https://amzn.to/3XA1r9f A Place to Visit - Portland Observatory Looks like a lighthouse, but it isn't. It's just as interesting, though. https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/observatory/ Product Review - My Arcade Galaga A really authentic bit of retro fun.   https://amzn.to/3XA1r9f Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

15 Feb 202332min

How about a few YouTube channels to check out? And after that, why not visit some dinosaur footprints while keeping your battery warm enough to charge. And then you can use your compass app find your bumper step.  For information on the Panama Canal cruise, please follow this link!  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) Beneath this dome lie the ages... YouTube Channels: TABI-IE-Quietnight https://www.youtube.com/@tabi-ie-quietnight- No words, just watch a Japanese man in his converted box truck. Peaceful and immersive.  David McLuckie https://www.youtube.com/@DavidMcLuckie THE man for Chinese Diesel Heaters. Very Scottish.  Rainman Ray https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lANwRQ0vJGE A quirky master mechanic shows you how he fixes just about everything Matt's Off Road Recovery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KR3uwo1b4w Matt's hugely popular channel shows his adventures rescuing people who strayed a bit too far into the Utah wilderness. Greg Virgoe https://www.youtube.com/@GregVirgoe Greg's channel is often held up as the best source of information on how to build out a van.  Catlady Van https://www.youtube.com/@ThecatladyVAN She travels Canada in a van with her cat, and let's us go with her. Eric Enjoys Earth https://www.youtube.com/@ericenjoysearth2756 Eric does things differently, and that's good for us. A Place to Visit - Dinosaur State Park YES! You can find dinosaurs in New England http://dinosaurstatepark.org/ Product Review - Receiver Hitch Bumper Step This thing is strong, tough, and fairly affordable.   https://amzn.to/3JV9Xws Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

8 Feb 202330min

It doesn't have to cost a lot to outfit your van. We'll talk about ways to get the stuff you need for cheap. We'll also discuss the importance of E-brakes, visit the "center of the United States," play with Alfred Cam, and recommend a great vanlife book.  For information on the Panama Canal cruise, please follow this link!  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) Photo from Alfred Cam alerting me that my flamingo lights had turned on Stanley Cook Products I use: Stanley Adventure All-in-One 2 Bowl Cook Set https://amzn.to/3HQShAF Stanley 24oz Kettle with Mugs https://amzn.to/3XN8jAZ A Place to Visit - Center of US The trick is to define WHICH center you want... Read the first paragraph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_geographic_centers_of_the_United_States Resource Recommendation - Alfred Cam A great way to find new use for old phones and to add some security to your van. https://alfred.camera/ Product Review - Daydream to Dream Life: Quit your 9-5 job to live in a van down by the river A great introduction to Vanlife by the folks at FnA Vanlife https://amzn.to/3jnIfxs Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

1 Feb 202328min

Frankie and Alex left NYC and hit the road. Now, they find themselves in Costa Rica, and they took some time out from traveling to tell us about their journey, relationship, and what it's like to travel with Paco, their adorable dog.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.) From the Big Apple to the Big ProMaster!   FnA Vanlife Their website, full of content for folks wanting to follow their journey or learn to start their own https://www.fnavanlife.com/ FnA Vanlife YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FnAVanLife Stuck on a Baja Beach Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIdYsLk9utM Van Life Book Daydream to Dream Life: Quit your 9-5 job to live in a van down by the river A GREAT introduction and guide for vanlife by Alex and Frankie. I've read it - this is well-written with very practical advice and realities for those looking to hit the road.  https://amzn.to/3wCk7tV Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

28 Jan 202348min