When home exists in two places separated by thousands of miles of ocean, you need a vehicle that can handle both and everything in between.
For Tonie and Shawn, their Geotrek van has become the perfect companion for a unique lifestyle split between Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska and the Big Island of Hawaii. In just over a year, they’ve proven that van life isn’t just for the Lower 48.
10,000 Miles Across Islands and Continents
When Tonie and Shawn picked up their Geotrek in Boulder, Colorado in September 2024, they then headed to Bellingham, Washington, loaded it onto a ferry bound for Southeast Alaska, where they live part-time on Prince of Wales Island.
Since then, they’ve logged over 10,000 miles. That number doesn’t even capture the full story. Ferry crossings, remote logging roads, and rugged island terrain have put the van through its paces in ways most camper vans never see.
Built for Remote Island Living
Prince of Wales Island isn’t your typical van life destination. It’s remote, rugged, and covered in logging roads that demand capability over comfort. But that’s exactly where their Geotrek van shines.
The van’s design handles the rough island roads with ease, and its compact footprint makes it practical for exploring areas where larger RVs would never venture. For Tonie and Shawn, it’s become an essential tool for accessing the kind of wild, off-grid camping that defines Alaska’s appeal.
A Boater’s Perspective on Van Design
Coming from a background of living on boats, Tonie and Shawn have high standards for small-space living. They appreciate simplicity, durability, and designs that don’t create unnecessary complications.
“Geotrek’s designs are simple, but they’re elegant,” Shawn explains. “What I like is simplicity. There’s not a lot of things to break.”
That philosophy, borrowed from decades of boating, makes the Geotrek a natural fit. It’s thoughtfully designed without unnecessary complexity. And when you’re living remotely between two islands, that reliability matters.
When Your Van Doubles as a Music Studio
For over 50 years, Tonie has been a harpist. As any musician knows, instruments can be demanding travel companions. Harps are particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, which makes storing one in a vehicle a risky proposition.
But the Geotrek’s insulation proved itself in an unexpected way. Tonie’s harp spent an entire Alaska winter stored in the van and didn’t lose a single string. It even stayed relatively in tune.
This is because the bamboo interior absorbs moisture, helping to regulate humidity even in extreme conditions.
“That’s another testament to the quality of this van and its insulation,” Tonie notes. It’s the kind of real-world test that most van owners never run, but it speaks to the craftsmanship and all-season capability that Geotrek builds into every vehicle.
Building Community, Even from Remote Islands
Despite living in one of the farthest corners of the United States, Tonie and Shawn have connected with other Geotrek owners and prospective buyers. They’ve found themselves answering questions and sharing experiences, even though they’re relatively new to van ownership themselves.
“It’s really neat to connect with other Geotrek owners,” Tonie says. “I feel like I’m a new person at it, and yet I’m able to answer a whole bunch of questions because our experience has been so great.”
That sense of community, built around a shared appreciation for quality design and adventurous living, extends far beyond any single location.
The Best Advice for New Van Travelers
For anyone just starting their van life journey, Tonie offers simple wisdom: don’t be in a hurry.
“You’re sitting up higher than in a car, so you really get to enjoy the scenery. Really take the time and enjoy it.”
It’s advice that captures the spirit of what makes van travel special: not just the destinations, but the journey itself. And with a Geotrek, you can take that journey anywhere, from Alaska’s logging roads to Hawaii’s volcanic coastlines.
Built for Unconventional Lives
Tonie and Shawn’s story proves that Geotrek vans aren’t just for weekend warriors or full-time nomads following the typical circuit. They’re for people living unconventional lives in challenging environments, people who need a vehicle that works as hard as they do.
Whether you’re splitting time between islands, exploring remote terrain, or simply want a vehicle that can handle whatever you throw at it, Geotrek Vans are built to meet you where you are. Premium craftsmanship, thoughtful simplicity, and proven all-season performance mean your van is ready for the life you’re actually living.
