Nothing says a great road trip like the ultimate van rescue operation. A great road trip is all about the unexpected adventures and memorable experiences encountered on the way. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Sons of Beaches, our van was not swept into the Pacific Ocean.
Sons of Beaches are the Saviors in the Sand During this Van Rescue
Yes, without Sons of Beaches, the van would have likely spent the rest of its days on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. They truly are “saviors in the sand” as a recent article on the off-road club put it.
So how did this all happen? We had a fantastic day at Lewis and Clark National Park, and we were camping at one of our favorite Oregon State Parks, Fort Stevens. It was a quick trip, so we had a pit stop at Dismal Nitch and thought it would be fun to end the adventure with a beach sunset.
Lessons Learned When it Comes to Beaches and Vans
The lessons learned were pretty simple. Do not drive a 4×4 van on onto loose sand, coupled with steep terrain. We were near the beautiful port city of Astoria, Oregon and mistook the deep sand hilly beach terrain for the easy, flat packed terrain on other areas of the Oregon coast. Plus we saw a ton of vehicles that did not look like they belonged out on the sand in the sand that evening. They were rocking the steep one-way beach entry and exit at Fort Stevens State Beach. Without question we way overestimated the van.
Big, huge, lesson learned: really, really look at the terrain before going out on the sand. Just like if you were walking on a cliff edge. Investigation first. By the time we could change our minds, we were already in deep. There was no turn around, no other way out. If it weren’t for Sons of Beaches that fated day, our Sprinter would have certainly been claimed by one of the most powerful forces on planet earth: the ocean.
The Technicals of the Rescue Operation
The van rescue operation was a true feat of strength and determination, requiring the efforts of several tow vehicles, winches, safety chains, and a group of incredibly badass guys. It was no easy task, but they refused to give up until the van was finally brought to safety.
As a gesture of our appreciation for their heroic efforts, we donated to the Sons of Beaches. The repair of the power steering line hose, which happened to be located near the front axle that the rescuers used to winch up the van, cost us $1,000. Despite the costly sunset, we felt that it was worth every penny to have our van back in working order and to express our gratitude to those who came to our aid.
We got back to our campsite at Fort Stevens State Park around 11 pm after hours of intensity. I’ll let you decide if it was worth it, we are too prejudiced (and exhausted) to call it.
Mostly we are just immensely grateful the van didn’t get sucked out to sea. Thank you, again, Sons of Beaches, for being everyday heroes!
